“It was not any grace in me, but God that put this earnest care into my heart, that I should be one of the hunters or fishers whom long ago God foreshowed would come in the last days.”
— Saint Patrick
We make literature based learning the center of our homeschool because learning academic basics is easy, but hope takes a little more effort to cultivate.
When we read about the struggles of Saint Patrick as he served Ireland we are given hope that our actions matter, that while hard times have always been a part of life, people have overcome and created joy in the midst of the struggle.
So keep picking up those books and reading to your children, keep memorizing poetry together, keep reading hopeful scripture. We can overcome and empower our children to overcome as well.
Some books to read about St. Patrick:
Stories of the Saints by Carey Wallace
St. Patrick by Voice of the Martyrs
St. Patrick's Day by Gail Gibbons
Fiona's Lace by Patricia Polacco
Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie DePeola
Saint Patrick (Christian Readers Series) by Jonathan Rogers
Our children will remember these stories as they walk through difficult times in their lives, and we can help them to recall these heroes and heroines during the sometimes arduous journey of life.
If you’re looking for a beautiful homeschool resource that introduces children to the inspiring lives of saints, check out The Precious People: Saint Guide. This four week elementary resource explores world history through engaging stories, activities, and reflections, while fostering faith and character in a gentle, Charlotte Mason-inspired way.
Customer review of The Precious People - ”There’s just something about this program with all the thoughtfulness put into it. It brings back a sense of feeling at ease.” - Dami
Here are a few activities you can do at home to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day:
- Go on a walk and gather green nature items. Make a shamrock shaped collage with the items you collected.
- Play "eye spy" with the color green.
- Take a virtual museum tour of The National Museum of Ireland.
- Make Irish Stew. Find the recipe in The Peaceful Press Cookbook.
- Create an artist matching game with our Saints Cards.
- Listen to traditional Irish music or explore Irish dance styles, such as step dancing. You can even try learning a basic Irish dance together.
- Look at artwork by Irish artist Jack Butler Yeats. Paint your own version.