St. David’s Day is celebrated annually on March 1st and is the national day of Wales. St. David, the patron saint of Wales, is known for his teachings, simplicity, and miracles. In a reception or early years setting, educators can introduce children to the St. David’s Day celebration and its significance in a fun and engaging way.
Here are some ideas for celebrating St. David’s Day in an early years education setting :
Art and Craft: Organize art and craft activities related to St. David’s Day, such as creating paper daffodils (the national flower of Wales), making Welsh flags, or drawing dragons inspired by the Welsh flag.
Welsh Language: Teach children some basic Welsh words and phrases, such as “bore da” (good morning), “prynhawn da” (good afternoon), “nos da” (good night), “diolch” (thank you), and “croeso” (welcome). Incorporate the new vocabulary into daily routines and activities to reinforce learning.
Food Tasting: Prepare or bring in traditional Welsh snacks, such as Welsh cakes or bara brith, for the children to taste. Make sure to consider any dietary restrictions or allergies among the children. Discuss the ingredients used in Welsh cuisine and the importance of food in Welsh culture.
Cultural Awareness: Discuss the geography and culture of Wales, using maps, images, or videos to give children a visual representation of the country and its customs. Talk about famous landmarks, such as Cardiff Castle, Snowdonia National Park, or the Welsh coastline.
Dress-up Day: Encourage children to come dressed in traditional Welsh clothing or colors, such as red and green, to represent the colors of the Welsh flag. Alternatively, they could wear daffodil-themed accessories or items featuring the Welsh dragon.
By incorporating St. David’s Day celebrations into your early years setting, you can introduce children to the rich cultural heritage of Wales and promote understanding and appreciation of diverse traditions.