The History of St. Patrick’s Day

Theresa Dash   Theresa I March 13, 2025
Category
General English, Speaking Lessons
Topic
Culture, Holidays
Media
Video
Level
B2 Upper-Intermediate, C1 Advanced
Grammar
Mixed Grammar
Focus
Speaking, Vocabulary, Listening
Lesson ID
B2C1-28
Lesson Time
30 minutes
UNLOCK THE LESSON
The image features wooden Scrabble-style letter tiles arranged to spell out "HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY." Surrounding the text are multiple green shamrocks in different shades and sizes, some with a glittery outline. The background is a neutral, light-colore

Lesson Overview

Luck of the Irish! In this lesson, students will learn about St. Patrick’s Day by watching a video, talking about traditions, and taking part in fun activities. They will practice important words and idioms related to the holiday while improving their listening and speaking skills. Students will share their ideas, compare traditions, and discuss what makes the holiday special. Engaging conversations and interactive tasks will help them feel more confident using English in a natural way.


Lesson Objectives



  • Listening: Students will watch a short video that explores the history, traditions, and cultural significance of St. Patrick’s Day. This activity will strengthen their ability to follow detailed explanations, recognize key vocabulary, and understand cultural references. They will also answer comprehension questions to ensure they grasp the main ideas and finer details.




  • Speaking: The conversation activities will encourage students to express their thoughts on St. Patrick’s Day and compare it to holidays in their own culture. They will discuss how different countries celebrate the occasion and share personal experiences or perceptions of Irish traditions. These discussions will help students practice using new vocabulary and idioms in a natural, meaningful way.




  • Vocabulary: Key terms and expressions, such as shamrock, leprechaun, pot of gold, folklore, and superstition will be introduced and reinforced through interactive exercises. Students will see these words in context and use them in their own sentences to build confidence in applying them during conversations.




  • Cultural Awareness: Beyond just learning about the holiday, students will explore deeper themes, such as how folklore influences traditions, why certain symbols are associated with St. Patrick’s Day, and how modern celebrations have evolved. They will also reflect on how cultural events like this one shape national identity and global traditions.




  • Homework: To help students absorb what they’ve learned, they’ll complete a mix of activities, like multiple-choice questions, true or false statements, and a fun writing task. They'll also get to write a short essay about their ideal St. Patrick’s Day celebration, using new vocabulary and sharing their own ideas in English.




Video

Have you ever been pinched for not wearing green? What about searching for a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow? Watch this video to learn about St. Patrick's Day, its traditions, and why we wear green.

Video Transcript

Vocabulary and Pronunciation

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