Many traditional Irish symbols have mathematical elements. On St. Patrick’s Day, kids will enjoy creating one of these symbols called the “Celtic five fold symbol” using a pencil and compass. A compass is a drafting tool used to draw arcs and circles and there are many choices of kid-friendly compasses in office supply stores.
The five circles in the Irish symbol can signify several different things, but traditionally the four circles around the edges signify the four basic elements of fire, earth, air, and water. The circle in the center represents a more esoteric fifth element. The four outer circles can also represent the four directions (north, east, south, and west) or the four seasons (summer, fall, winter, and spring).
Kids’ St. Patrick’s Day Activity Using Celtic Symbol
Give the child an example of the Celtic five fold symbol to copy.
For younger children, a five fold symbol can be created by an adult or parent, or online in a paint program, and then the child can be asked to count how many circles she finds in the picture (shape recognition, counting skills).
After the symbol has been drawn or observed, kids can color the circles and make interesting patterns with crayons, colored pencils, or markers. Alternatively, youngsters can choose what they want their circles to represent, and draw pictures of these items within the circles. For example, a child can draw fire in one circle, water in the next, and so on. This St. Patrick’s Day activity will be a great educational as well as artistic idea for children at home or in a math workstation in the classroom.
Tags: Kids St. Patrick's Day Activity Celtic Symbol, Math Activity Irish Symbol, St. Patrick's Day Math Craft
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