Tis a Big Day for the Wee Folk!

I carry an Irish gene that cannot be denied. I like red hair and an Irish jig, a good argument and an imaginative yarn, and potatoes…any kind of potatoes. I had a favorite uncle I was sure was a leprechaun but I never had the chance to ask him. I have a gift of blarney and hope someday to improve it by kissing the blarney stone. Until then, I will make do with what I possess.

We celebrated St. Patrick’s Day this week. Mr. Pinkfish, who is quite unpredictable and wanted to be called Mr. O’ Pinkfish, arrived sporting a lovely leprechaun hat he made himself. He is unpredictable but quite talented. We read a couple of sweet St. Patrick’s Day stories and learned two new songs. My favorite part of the day was when I pointed out to the children that the dog in the story was singing with the family.

“What do you think it sounds like when the dog sings? I think I know,” I said.

I then proceeded to howl a long, loud Irish dog yowl and encouraged the children to join in. They did. I can only imagine what the patrons downstairs thought.

Stories and Songs:

The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day by N. Wing

Hurray for St. Patrick’s Day by Joan Holub

An Eensy, Weensy Leprechaun (Eensy Weensy Spider)  

An eensy, weensy leprechaun came out St. Patricks day (two fingers about 3 inches apart)
To look for the gold that was hidden far away. (shade eyes: look left, look right)
Over the rainbow was where he was told (use your arm to draw a big rainbow)
So with the wink of his green eyes, (wink)
He ran for the gold. (pretend to run)

I’m a Little Leprechaun ( I’m a Little Tea Pot)                                                       

I’m a little leprechaun (hands on hips)
Dressed in green, (point to shirt)
The tiniest man (hold thumb and index finger about an inch apart)
That you’ve ever seen. (point to the other people)
If you ever catch me, so it's told, (make a motion like you're grabbing at a leprechaun)
I'll give you my pot of gold. (make a motion like you're giving something away)

Leprechaun Stew                                                                                                           

Leprechaun stew, Leprechaun stew, (rub tummy like you're thinking about something yummy)

If I don't get some, (clap hands to both sides of your face in an 'Oh No!' action)

 I don't know what I'll do. (keep hands by the sides of your face and shake your head in a No motion)

Give away my pot of gold (Hold out your right hand like you're giving something away)

Give away my shoe. (Hold out your left hand like you're giving a second thing away)

But don't give away my Leprechaun Stew. (shake finger and shake head in a NO motion, a little louder)