Short Stories for St. Patrick’s Day
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Dec 4, 2023
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most beloved holidays in Ireland. Teachers around the world can help their students understand the culture behind this special day by introducing some classic Irish fairy tales! These short stories for St. Patrick’s Day are fun to tell, full of rich imagery and charming characters, and make for a great way to spark discussion about the holiday and its traditions. Read on for some of our favorite short stories that are perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day!
Looking for some Short Stories for St. Patrick’s Day that you can print and use right away with your learners? Check out all of my St. Patrick’s Day Short Story Units by clicking on the image or button below
For a broader exploration of literature suitable for young learners, don’t miss our collection of The Best Short Stories for Middle School Classrooms. This resource offers a diverse range of stories that are perfect for engaging upper elementary and middle school students in reading and discussion.
My Favorite St. Patrick’s Day Short Stories
Read on for some of my very favorite short stories for St. Patrick’s Day!
The Giant’s Cliff
This classic Irish fairy tale tells the story of Mahon McMahon. This evil creature is a giant who lived in the cliffs of Ireland. In the story, a brave blacksmith must enter the home of the giant in search of a lost boy.
This is a fun story that is great for discussing the concept of bravery vs. obligation. It contains classic fairy tale elements and is perfect for an in depth study of the genre.
Grab a COMPLETE unit to go along with The Giant’s Cliff” by clicking here or on the image below. It contains a full text version of this classic tale. Each page of the story has space for student annotations, making it a great way to add in some close reading practice. Also, graphic organizers and comprehension questions are included.
Fair, Brown, and Trembling
This strangely titled story is an Irish take on the classic Cinderella story. In the story, sisters Fair and Brown are spoiled with fancy dressings and exciting outings. Trembling, however, is made to stay home and work. Throw in an adventure with a cowboy and a whale, and you have a story that is sure to engage even your most reluctant learners!
Interested in using this story with your learners this St. Patrick’s Day? Grab a copy of a COMPLETE unit to go along with the story by clicking here or on the image below. Like the unit I mentioned above, this unit comes with a full text version of the story. It also comes with comprehension questions, close reading activities, graphic organizers, and more!
Jack the Cunning Thief
This is one of my very favorite short stories for St. Patrick’s Day. This Irish Fairy tale follows the adventures of Jack, a young boy who heads off to make his fortune in the world. Over the course of the story, Jack must rely on his quick thinking and cleverness to get him out of a few sticky situations.
This is a humorous story that will definitely have your students giggling at the antics of Jack. It is a longer story, but definitely engaging – it would make an excellent read aloud!
Grab a COMPLETE unit to go along with this story by clicking here or on the image below. As all my Irish Fairy Tale Units, this resource comes with a full text version of the story, comprehension questions, and close reading activities.
When it comes to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with children in your classroom or at home, nothing beats classic Irish folk tales! These stories feature amazing characters, exciting adventures, and powerful lessons about courage and friendship that will stay with kids for years to come. So grab a copy of one of these great stories and get ready to read one (or several!) of these timeless tales this St. Patrick’s Day season! You won’t regret it!
Looking for a complete set of short stories for St. Patrick’s Day?
Grab all three short stories for St. Patrick’s Day by clicking here or on the image below!
Looking for more St. Patrick’s Day Activities?
Check out these blog posts below!
Planning a St. Patrick’s Day Party
Favorite Read Alouds for St. Patrick’s Day
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