larry the leprechaun
I'm not usually one to perpetuate my kids beliefs in imaginary creatures, but my children are fascinated by leprechauns. It started last year, which was C's first year in school.. apparently they talk about leprechauns a lot in kindergarten. He decided to build a trap to try and catch a leprechaun, but alas, no luck. All he got was a note from Larry the Leprechaun wishing him better luck next year. (We knew Larry had gone into the trap and looked around because we could see his green footsteps.)
The kids finished their new traps this afternoon, complete with welcome sign, and a nice note on the door that says "Come in!" and a little trail of gold. If only leprechauns were so easily fooled!
Part of the problem might be that we just finished reading The Borrowers by Mary Norton, about a family of tiny people living underfoot, borrowing things from the human beings they live with. I remember loving this book when I was a kid, but I think I jumped the gun a bit on this one.. though they loved the idea of tiny people running around, the language was a little tough for my kids. I think it's better suited for kids 8-11.
Tonight the kids asked if they could sleep downstairs and leave the front door open, just to make sure the leprechauns could get in okay... but I insisted they sleep up in their beds. I'm sure they will be awake before we are, checking their traps and collecting their goodies. Maybe Larry will leave another note.
03.16.2011
Reader Comments (31)
Oh my gosh that is the cutest thing I've ever seen. I LOVE how kids think. How fun! Thanks for sharing =)
- Sarah
Too cute! And good luck! If ever you were going to catch this mythical creature- tonight is the night!
The little leprechaun house looks so cozy and friendly... if I were Larry I would definitely love to stop and stay for a while! I had to smile when you talked about the Borrowers. I jumped the gun on that one as well. Just started reading Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski which I grabbed out of the "obsolete" pile at our school library (don't get me started on that one...). Did you ever read it as a girl? I remember loving it, and I'm loving remembering it!
The Borrowers is a fantastic book! You're right, however, it is for older children. We would assign as independent reading in Fourth Grade.
Utterly adorable! My son loved the tiny green footprints on the floor when he walked into school on St. Patrick's Day in Preschool.
Oh - what a fabulous idea. I'll have to remember it for next year for my boy who was sure he wasn't wearing enough green clothes this morning for preschool - green t-shirt, green striped sweater and green socks.
That is such a cute craft idea! xxx
Absolutely adorable! Love the "come in" sign on the door:)
This is one of the cutest things I have ever seen. It looks like the kiddos take after the creativity of their Mom! I think I need a leprechaun house in my apartment.
I don't remember St. Patrick's Day being more than wearing green and not getting pinched, but my first and second graders are convinced that leprechauns exist. Their teachers go above and beyond to make them believe. Apparently the little green men caused some shenanigans in everyone's classroom, tipping over bookshelves, leaving green footprints and stealing all the "treasure" from the leprechaun traps the children had made. It's fascinating to see the kids believe with such wonder at ages 7 & 8. I guess I kind of love the innocence.
My daughter, age 11 and in 5th grade, planned her leprechaun trap for weeks this year. It involved popsicle sticks, a cardboard box, lots of scotch tape, and a paper bag trap to capture the leprechaun in the box. We at home have not perpetuated this belief, I think it came from school a few years back, and it lives on!! Larry the Leprechaun did leave a note this year saying he was waaayy too big to fit in that tiny box. The note was taken to school and passed around as evidence. So, beware, Larry the Leprechaun can live for quite a while, and guard your tape, lest it get used up in pursuit of Leprechauns!!
I was surprised that St. Patrick's Day was as big of a deal as it was for my kindergartener. I always feel conflicted about imaginary creatures from holidays (Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, etc.) but I love how their imagination can take over.
Also, there was an amazing story about The Borrowers on This American Life. It's definitely worth a listen!
http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/106/fathers-day-98
I just wanted to pop in and let you know how much I enjoy your blog. I've been reading for a year or so now. . . and don't think I've ever commented. I've used so many of your ideas (I think those little valentine matchboxes will be a tradition!) and followed so many of your links (I'm now enjoying your father's blog as well) and enjoyed every post I've read here.
I appreciate how you share your wonderful ideas without advertising yourself or other services and give little peeks into your life with children.
Thank you!
I also want to thank you for the book ideas! Recently: A Sick Day for Amos McGee is perfect for my daughter - our resident nurse!
This is just about the most adorable thing I've read. My older sister always claimed she could see the Tooth Fairy when we were little. She'd leave little notes and knit little tiny fairy pillows for the fairy, should she need to rest her head after visiting so many houses!
I LOVE this post! We had Larry the Leprechaun when I was in Kindergarten 25 years ago! We searched for him for weeks and never found him but he left shamrock "clues" all over the school and then we in the end when we found his "pot of gold" there was green milk and cookies for all of us! I am so glad the tradition continues!
I always enjoy reading your posts! I teach Kindergarten here in California, and we had a great time looking for leprechauns, too. They bring a little excitement to the beginning of Spring. Larry left us a map showing where he left his gold on the playground. I think I'll steal Gretchen's green milk and cookies-idea for next year. Thanks!
so so so cute. my nephew came home asking all sorts of questions about leprechauns. he was convinced that they had made a mess around the house and even dyed our apple sauce green (my mom's handy work). it was so fun! hope you enjoyed the holiday as well.
I just finished reading "The Borrowers" to Nina a couple weeks ago...she loved it! It helps to read it in an English accent...or as close to one as an American can approximate. ;)
soo adorable.