Leprechaun Legends

Leprechaun Legends lesson plan

Leprechauns, shamrocks, and wee folk are popular elements of Ireland's delightful legends. Celebrate Irish literature with a stand-up Leprechaun!

  • 1.

    Research Irish legends and symbols. Look for leprechauns, wee folk, shamrocks, shillelaghs, and other traditional symbols of Ireland in books, poetry, and music. Read folk tales about leprechauns. Note the ways different artists show these fascinating characters.

  • 2.

    What do you think leprechauns look like? On a large piece of construction paper, use your imagination to draw a detailed leprechaun using Crayola® Colored Pencils. Color his clothing and features with Crayola Crayons. Add Crayola Glitter Glue to make your leprechaun's eyes and other elements sparkle. Dry.

  • 3.

    Cut out your leprechaun with Crayola Scissors. Trace around his outline on cardboard. Cut it out. Attach the cardboard to the back of your drawing with Crayola No-Run School Glue for support.

  • 4.

    On more cardboard, draw a second pair of feet for your leprechaun. Color both sides. Cut a slit between the leprechaun's feet and slide the second pair of feet into the slit so he can stand upright.

  • 5.

    On construction paper create a large shamrock. Cut it out and glue it to the front of your leprechaun.

Benefits

  • Students research the folk tales, symbols, and characters found in Ireland's traditional stories, poetry, and music.
  • Students identify imaginary Irish creatures and symbols such as leprechauns, wee folks, shamrocks, and shillelaghs in Irish folk tales and literature.
  • Students create a large, stand-up leprechaun to illustrate their knowledge about this legendary Irish character.

Adaptations

  • Students with special needs may prefer to use pictures for reference when drawing. Provide assistive devises or offer help to cut cardboard.
  • Research other Irish symbols such as the claddagh. What do they mean? Create replicas of these images in suitable media.
  • Research Ireland to find information on its people, geography, culture, industry, and daily life.