Leprechaun Gold

[25 Minutes]

Leprechauns are mythical elves associated with St. Patrick's Day and Irish folklore. The green elves are a spirited bunch, and bestow their "pots of gold" on anyone who can catch them. Make your own "pot of gold" full of fun-filled activities.

You'll need:

• brown paper grocery bag • scissors • pencil or pen • gold paper • stapler • plastic cup

What to do:

1. If possible, print out these directions. Read them through together before you begin.
2. Together, gather everything you'll need and always remember art safety.
3. Help your child create a "pot" from a grocery bag. Let him fold the top of the paper bag down several times, then staple a paper strip to each side to represent a handle.
4. Invite your child to place the plastic cup upside down on the gold paper. Trace around it. Repeat this a few times.
5. Let him cut out the circles. The cut-out circles will be coins to fill the pot of gold.
6. Together with your child, brainstorm simple directions to write on each coin such as:

   write a poem about the color green,
   do 2 secret favors for a family member,
   draw a picture using 3 different colors of green,
   find Ireland on a map,
   do a puzzle,
   play a game,
   write a letter to a friend or relative,
   make a green lunch,
   go for a green walk,
   read a book.

7. Encourage your child to draw stick figure pictures to illustrate the direction on each coin.
8. The next time you and your child are looking for an activity, go to the pot of gold.

How to use:

You and your child can create a "pot of gold" at any time of year. Change the theme to fit an upcoming holiday your family celebrates. Together, brainstorm with your child every possible game or activity that could engage him and write them down. The next time you are searching for an activity go to the pot of gold.

Useful information:

Sometimes when my brother and I must stay inside because of bad weather, we go to our pot of gold and pick out a coin. We made an agreement that whatever we pick we must do. Each time we pick an activity, we think of a new one to replace it. (Dane, age 11)