Nancy Stewart

St. Patrick’s Day is a fun day to celebrate with children, and a great way to learn about Ireland! To make the most of this simple passing game, do the following:

Assemble items in the song, and place them in a green box or bag (see prop and facts after the lyrics). Show the children a map of the world, and point out Ireland. As you take each item out of the bag or box, give a short explanation of its relevance to St Patrick’s Day. Following are simple things you can say, along with a link to a website with more information if you would like to learn more!

After talking about the items, put them back in the box or bag and tell the children you are going to sing a song where you will pass the items around the circle. Take a minute to make sure they know which way to pass! Sing the first verse, passing the potato. As you sing the long “Oh----,” STOP passing the potato, and take out the next item and begin passing it (resume passing the potato). Every time you get to the “Oh----,” take out and begin passing another item, stopping all passing while singing the “Oh---.” Keep passing all of the items until all have been passed, and the song ends. Children will have to pay attention, as items will be passed to them often! When singing with younger children, you can pass fewer items.