Valentine’s Day can be such a fun holiday to celebrate in the classroom! I still remember carefully writing out my valentines to give to each of my classmates! It’s funny how a little piece of paper can invoke so much joy, right!?e
Keep reading to discover some creative ideas to make Valentine’s Day special in your classroom!
Valentine’s Card Exchange
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without the great card exchange, right?! I love scrolling through Pinterest to find unique ideas but you also can’t beat a cute homemade card with all the embellishments!
For Luke’s preschool class last year, I used my Cricut to create these cute tic-tac-toe sacks! I used small muslin bags and filled two-colored acrylic hearts. We keep our set in the car to bring into restaurants to keep Luke busy! Adding each child’s name made it a bit more special!
I whipped up the label in Canva {which is free for teachers!} and printed using my thermal printer. I have the Rollo {for shipping all the Centers in a Snap boxes!} but this thermal printer is a great alternative that is much cheaper!
A few weeks before, make sure to send home a list with each child’s name. I know some classrooms like names to be left off {especially in Pre-K and K where it’s a challenge to read for everyone} but there’s something special about seeing your name written on a card that was created just for you! Plus, it’s great fine motor practice for your learners to write out those names!
Goody Bags!
Don’t forget – those cute cards need to go somewhere! So in the days leading up to the big day, turn that excitement into creating a darling Valentine bag!
You can get the colorful bags on Amazon {or sometimes at your local Dollar Tree} Head over to this post to read more about the different options you can make!
Valentine’s Day Science Experiments
If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em! Sprinkle in a few fun science experiments and activities. Here are a few {messy!} activities that are sure to be a hit!
Little Bins for Little Hands shares all about Candy Heart Oobleck! I know my kids would LOVE mixing and playing with this!
Or make a fizzy love potion from Science Sparks!
While you’ve got the liquids out, try making some Secret Balloon Messages from 123 Homeschool 4 Me! Kids will get a kick out of this experiment!
Find a Friend Activity
Last year I shared this freebie to add to the classroom fun! You can use it any day throughout the week {since we all know that energy levels are high the entire week of V-Day!}
Read Valentine’s Books
I’m always looking for an excuse to do a read aloud! Mix it up on Valentine’s Day by asking for students’ family members to sign up and read to the class – in person or via Zoom/Meet! Your students will be thrilled to have a family member pop in {and honestly, it’ll give your voice a break for at least a few minutes!}
Here are a few of my favorite Valentine’s Day books!
The Day It Rained Hearts is a delightful celebration of friendship. Cornelia Augusta creates the perfect valentine for each of her friends!
Love from the Crayons is part of the Duncan and his crayons series. These books are always so clever!
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch may be one of my favorite read alouds – even beyond Valentine’s Day! It has a wonderful message to share.
Who can resist a Tiny T. Rex book? This Tiny T. Rex and the Perfect Valentine is just as lovable as all the other books in this series!
Color by Code
Since the whole day can’t just be about Valentine’s Day {or can it?!} slip in a little learning with these free color by number printables! The pack has 10 activities that you can use throughout the month {Groundhog Day, Lunar New Year, and Valentine’s Day!}
Enter your info below and I’ll send the pack of color by codes to your inbox!
Remember to be inclusive and sensitive to students who may not celebrate Valentine’s Day for various reasons. Focus on themes of friendship, kindness, and caring for others to ensure that all students can participate and enjoy the festivities.
