What do we teach our children about St. Patrick and the day that is known as St. Patrick's Day? For young children, we often tell cute stories and have fun with activities surrounding shamrocks, rainbows, and leprechauns. However, as our children grow older, how can we begin to teach them about the history behind the holiday?

There are many stories about the man known as St. Patrick but most contain the same basic information. When he was around the ages of 14 - 16, he was captured from Britain by Irish raiders and taken as a slave to Ireland, where he lived for around six years during which he turned to God. Eventually, he escaped and returned home to his family. Later in life,  he became an ordained bishop, returned to Ireland and led thousands to reject their pagan beliefs and to accept the Christian faith.

The age of your child(ren) will determine what types of assignment(s) that you give. I my article Teaching older students about St. Patrick - Ideas and resources, I've given several ideas of assignments and resources to get your child(ren) started. These ideas are for the older student, ideally for middle to high school ages, depending on your child(ren)'s abilities.

(Included are two versions of the complete St. Patrick's Breastplate Prayer)