Boost your St. Patrick's Day theme with this fun math play for preschoolers. A kid-made puzzle with shamrock cutouts combines art and math in a simple activity to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

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Top o' the morn' to you! This activity for St. Patrick's Day is a fun way to start your day.

The activity starts out as an art activity, then ends up as a math activity with the swipe of a paint brush.

It combines two or more principles of S.T.E.A.M learning - art and math - without the need for special materials or instructions.

After some basic preparation, this project can proceed as a child-led activity. Set out paint, canvas, and cardboard cutouts, then let the fun and learning begin.

Can you spot the four leaf clover?

Shamrock puzzle craft

The technique used in this painting project is often referred to as relief. The raised cutouts create a unique canvas that is part flat and part raised.

Supplies for shamrock puzzle

Cardboard canvas

Green paint

Shamrock cutouts

Download this free green shamrock printable. The printable includes a four leaf clover to add a bit more interest and challenge to your puzzle.

Instructions for shamrock painting activity

Trace shamrock templates onto cardboard. Cut out the cardboard shamrock puzzle pieces. 

• Use different shamrock sizes, or just one size, for the puzzle pieces.

Roll a piece of tape over, then apply to the underside of each cardboard cutout.

• You can also use craft putty for attaching the cutouts to the canvas.

Place cutouts randomly on the cardboard canvas.

Paint over shamrock cutouts and canvas entirely.

Remove the cutouts when the paint is dry.

Your finished art work will be a unique design of shamrocks, with one or more four leaf clovers.

Match the cardboard puzzle pieces to the shamrocks on the puzzle mat.

Some paint may bleed under the cutouts as you paint the canvas. The amount will vary depending on the thickness of the paint and how much is applied. It will not affect the overall function of the completed puzzle.

If preferred, outline the shape of each shamrock on the canvas with a black or green marker when the paint is dry.

This will help kids match the puzzle pieces to the outlines on the puzzle mat.

You can also make puzzle pieces by cutting shamrocks from craft foam, using the cardboard cutouts as templates.

• Craft foam is brightly colored and durable, and provides a different sensory experience than the cardboard puzzle pieces.

This puzzle activity is ready for top of the morning play!

Enjoy your morning coffee while kids have fun with a St. Patrick's Day puzzle.