Happy St. David’s Day, everyone! Today is the day to celebrate the patron saint of Wales, Saint David. According to legend, he lived in the 6th century and was known for his wisdom, kindness, and miracles.
If you’re a foster parent looking for ways to help your child learn about and celebrate this special day, cooking is a great activity to start with. Why not try making some traditional Welsh dishes like Cawl, Welsh rarebit or Bara Brith? As you cook, you can talk about the history and significance of St. David’s Day and why it’s an important part of Welsh culture.
Here’s a simple recipe for Welsh rarebit that children can easily prepare with adult supervision:
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread
- 15 g butter
- 15 g flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 100 ml milk
- 15 g grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 175°C.
- Toast the bread slices lightly and place them on a baking sheet.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the flour and mustard powder, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth paste.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, grated cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the toast, making sure to spread it evenly.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Welsh rarebit! 😋
You could also encourage your child to make some St. David’s Day crafts, like daffodil decorations or a traditional Welsh love spoon. Learning about different cultures and traditions is a great way to help your child develop empathy and understanding for others. Here are some ideas that children can try:
Make a Welsh flag 🏴 – The Welsh flag features a red dragon on a green and white background. Children can use construction paper, markers, and other craft supplies to make their own version of the Welsh flag.
Create a daffodil craft – The daffodil is the national flower of Wales and is often associated with St David’s Day. Children can make a daffodil craft using yellow and green construction paper, scissors, and glue.
Make a leek craft – The leek is another symbol of Wales and is said to have been worn by Welsh soldiers in battle. Children can make a leek craft using green construction paper, scissors, and glue.
Decorate a Welsh love spoon – The Welsh love spoon is a traditional wooden spoon that is often carved with intricate designs and given as a gift. Children can decorate a wooden spoon with paint, markers, or other craft supplies.
Create a dragon craft – The dragon is an important symbol of Wales and features prominently on the Welsh flag. Children can make a dragon craft using paper plates, construction paper, and other craft supplies.
These are just a few ideas for arts and crafts that children can try to celebrate St David’s Day. Encourage them to get creative and have fun!
After all that fun, how about settling down together for a movie suitable for children featuring Welsh culture and traditions, which can be watched to celebrate the occasion. Here are some options:
“The Magic Sword: Quest for Camelot” (1998) – This animated movie features a brave young girl named Kayley who sets out on a quest to save Camelot. Along the way, she meets a Welsh hermit named Garrett, who teaches her about Welsh culture and introduces her to traditional Welsh music.
“Pete’s Dragon” (1977) – This classic Disney movie tells the story of a young orphan boy named Pete, who befriends a dragon named Elliott. The movie is set in the fictional town of Passamaquoddy, which is said to be located in Maine, but is actually inspired by Welsh towns and culture.
“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (2005) – This epic fantasy movie is based on the book by C.S. Lewis and features a group of siblings who enter a magical world called Narnia. The character of the White Witch is played by Welsh actress Tilda Swinton, and there are several nods to Welsh culture and mythology throughout the movie.
“How Green Was My Valley” (1941) – This classic movie is set in a Welsh mining village in the late 19th century and tells the story of a family struggling to cope with the changing times. The movie won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and features several Welsh actors and traditional Welsh music.
🏴 Let’s celebrate St. David’s Day together and embrace the diversity of our world! 🏴
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