Bobbing for Shamrocks Preschool Game

By Charlene Haukom

Bobbing for Shamrocks Preschool Game puts a fun twist on an old theme. Why not bring the seasonal Fall fun of bobbing for apples into Spring by bobbing for shamrock-covered rubber ducks! Add a blind-fold for even more fun! Or try Scoop the Shamrock Preschool Game – a variation that involves scooping the duck with a cup rather than bobbing.

What You Will Need

Shamrock-covered Rubber Ducks (1 per preschooler)
Tub or Basin
Blindfold
Timer

How to Play

1. Fill the tub or basin with water. Plastic storage bins would also work.

2. Place the shamrock-covered rubber ducks into the water.

3. Have your preschoolers form a line. Blindfold the first preschooler in line.

4. Set the timer for 10 seconds.

5. The blindfolded preschooler now “bobs” for a shamrock-covered duck by trying to catch a duck between his/her teeth – without using hands.

*Be sure the preschoolers start off slowly in this step so they don’t put their faces in the water, and always keep a close eye on them for safety.

6. If the preschooler catches a duck before the timer goes off, s/he gets to keep it as a party favor.

7. Repeat Steps 4-6 with the remaining preschoolers.

Scoop the Shamrock Preschool Game

A variation of Bobbing for Shamrocks Preschool Game is Scoop the Shamrock Preschool Game. Instead of bobbing for shamrocks, use a shamrock-themed cup to scoop the rubber ducks out of the water. You’ll still want to use blindfolds and a timer for added fun. If preschoolers scoop more than one duck in a single scoop, let them choose their favorite and put the other(s) back into the tub.

Make Bobbing for Shamrocks More Educational

Turn this Seasonal Preschool Game into and Educational Preschool Game by adding a short lesson on shamrocks, St. Patrick’s Day, or Ireland. S is for Shamrock: An Ireland Alphabet and Shamrocks, Harps, and Shillelaghs: The Story of the St. Patrick's Day Symbols are great sources of information.

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