The Leprechauns Are Coming!

Did you have any idea that St. Patrick’s Day was such a big deal for pre-schoolers? Well let me tell you…it is!

Really, it makes sense. It’s like Christmas but during the school year. Teachers get the opportunity to play on the students imaginations and naivety. This is the email I received from Miss Raine’s preschool a few days ago:

The Leprechauns are coming!!!

Wednesday, March 17^th

The Fine Arts Preschoolers are extremely excited about this Wednesday’s St. Patrick’s Day with hopes that a Leprechaun will come to their house. We know that these little elf-like Wee Folk live in the hollows of the Irish countryside and this Wednesday is the only time that they will travel to other countries to celebrate the “wearing of the green!”  They are mischievous little creatures who love to tease and be tricksters.  You will know if they have visited your house if clues of their existence are found.

*   Kitchen chairs are found turned upside down!

*   Books from the bookcase are taken off the shelf and opened up!

*   Milk and/or food is turned green (food coloring)!

*   Clothes are scattered around the house!

*   Dishes are taken out of the shelves!

*   Couch cushions are scattered!

*   Green balloons

*   String maze through the yard /and or house

*   Anything that implies mischief!! (Be creative.)

The children will be keeping a close look out for those Wee Folk, for legend says that if you catch a Leprechaun and ask him to take you to his gold he must do so.  But, watch out, for if you look away, he will vanish as quick as a flash.  A Leprechaun can also grant you three wishes, but if he tricks you into wishing for a fourth wish all of your wishes will be voided.

Good luck on this adventure.  May this St. Patrick’s Day bring a bit of excitement to your week.  We will be looking forward to hearing if any Leprechauns come to visit your house.

“Cead mile failte!” (Gaelic for “A hundred thousand welcomes/Thanks!”)

Man the pressure is on. Luckily, I was already planning something for that morning…they have just helped Miss Raine anticipate it more. You can tell she doesn’t know what to think. I mean the whole thing is pretty weird…little mean men coming into your house in the middle of the night and messing things up. Hopefully she’ll be able to sleep Tuesday night.

So here is the game plan (Husband be aware) :

• We are going to make THESE Leprechaun ears, from Make and Takes, the afternoon before for her school outfit.
• She is going to wear green to bed that night. Apparently, this invites the Leprechauns into your home on St.Patrick’s day.
• While she is sleeping I plan to paint green footprints on the ground. I know this sounds sketchy but it will wash off…so don’t get worried, I’m trying not to.
• I’m really torn about messing up the house…I mean it takes a whole lot for me to get it clean in the first place. So I’ll probably just turn over some chairs and cushions.
• I’m going to hide Rollo’s (they have gold wrapping) all over the house.
• For breakfast I’m going to have her food magically turn green. The night before I’m going to put food coloring in her cup so that when I pour the milk in it will turn green on its own. I’m also planning on making her Cheerios turn green.
• Last but not least…she is going to wear a Leprechaun outfit to school.

Next week I’ll show you how it went. It may seem over the top…but you have to take these opportunities to freak your children out. It makes parenting more entertaining (although at your children’s expense). Santa, the Easter bunny, tooth fairy…they are all for us parents!

What are your plans for St.Patrick’s day? Personally I’m planning on seeing a bunch of sloshed patients in the ER!