If you are looking for an easy St. Patrick’s Day classroom game, this activity is always a hit.
Don’t Eat Pete is a classic game that kids absolutely love. I have been playing it for years. When I would babysit as a teenager, I often brought this game along, and the kids always begged to play it again and again.
Now I love playing it with my own kids and in the classroom too.
This St. Patrick’s Day themed version of Don’t Eat Pete is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day classroom parties, small groups, or a quick brain break during the holiday week..
If you are planning a St Patrick’s Day classroom party, this game is an easy activity to include. It requires almost no prep, and students love the suspense of trying not to choose the square hiding Pete.
The best part is how easy it is to prepare.
Just print the game board, grab a handful of small treats, and you are ready to play.
How to Play Don’t Eat Pete
Here is an example of the St. Patrick’s Day Don’t Eat Pete game board students use during the activity.
This St. Patrick’s Day classroom game is simple enough for younger students but still fun for older kids too.
Here is how it works:
- Place one small treat on each square of the game board. Candy, cereal, or goldfish crackers all work great.
- Send one student out of the room.
- The remaining students secretly choose which square will be Pete.
- Invite the student back into the room.
- The student begins picking up the treats one at a time.
- As soon as the student tries to take the treat that is on Pete, everyone shouts: “DON’T EAT PETE!”
The student’s turn is over and the round ends.
Reset the board and the next player gets a turn.
Students love the suspense of wondering when the class will suddenly yell.
Why Teachers Love This St Patrick’s Day Classroom Game
Teachers are always looking for an easy St Patrick’s Day classroom game, especially during party days when energy levels are high.
Don’t Eat Pete works well because it is:
- simple to explain
- quick to set up
- perfect for small groups
- great for classroom parties
- fun for a wide range of ages
You can play it as a whole class activity or set it up as a party station during your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Students are always eager for their turn and will happily play multiple rounds.
Tips for Playing in the Classroom
Over the years I have learned a few tricks that help this St. Patrick’s Day classroom game run smoothly.
Use small groups.
Groups of three to five students work best so everyone stays engaged.
Use cereal instead of candy if needed.
Cheerios or Goldfish crackers work perfectly and are often easier for school settings.
Keep the rounds quick.
Once Pete is chosen and someone picks that square, the round is over right away. Reset and start again.
Short rounds keep the excitement high and give more students a chance to play.
What’s Included in the Free Download
Inside this download you will find several versions of the classic Don’t Eat Pete game that are perfect for classroom parties and small group activities.
Inside this free printable you will find:
- Editable sight word boards so you can add the words your students are currently learning
- A classic version of the game that can be used any time of year
- Holiday themed boards, including St. Patrick’s Day and Valentine’s Day versions
- Simple print-and-play directions
Simply print the board, add small treats, and you are ready to play a quick round of Don’t Eat Pete with your class.
Ways to Use This St. Patrick’s Day Classroom Game
This Don’t Eat Pete game works great for:
- St. Patrick’s Day classroom parties
- small group activities
- indoor recess
- quick brain breaks during March
- a fun reward or good behavior incentive
If you’d like to use this activity for literacy practice, there is also an editable sight word version of the Don’t Eat Pete game that can be used for centers or small group review.
You can read more about the editable sight word Don’t Eat Pete game here.
Looking for Another St Patrick’s Day Activity?
If you are planning activities for the week of St. Patrick’s Day, you might also like my Worth More Than Gold writing activity.
Students complete the sentence:
“_____ is worth more to me than gold because…”
The responses are always sweet, honest, and sometimes unintentionally funny. It also makes a beautiful March bulletin board display.
You can learn more about the Worth More Than Gold writing activity here.
