Are you stressed because you’re low on time (and cash)? I bet you don’t even want to spend another moment planning an elaborate event. Psst, I don’t blame you. That’s why I created this list of classroom Valentine’s ideas!
I get you! February is the month when burnout starts to sink in. Your personal life becomes non-existent (if it’s not been there already), and you live on coffee without sleep.
But not for you! That’s why you’re here. You’re ready to take back control and find the joy in teaching.
Here are five easy classroom Valentine’s ideas for elementary!
I promise you’ll feel empowered knowing you’re in control. Your kids will remain engaged in learning. The best part- there won’t be any tears from you or your students.
Idea #1: DIY Goodie Bags
Learn more about these editable gift bags and cards by clicking this link.
I love doing these Valentine’s Day bags every year! Students only need the printables, scissors, glue, and a lunch bag (substitute with a gallon plastic bag).
First, these labels are editable. I type my students’ names on the label. Then, I print the template on colored paper. After that, students select which color they want. Finally, they assemble their pieces and create their goodie bag.
Check out this blog post to learn more about these Valentine’s Bags.
I love using these bags for several different reasons. First, all my students’ names are clearly displayed so students can quickly deliver their cards without guessing whose bag is whose?
Also, I know you can cut the heart shape by folding the paper, but sometimes it doesn’t come out right (especially with little ones). Have you ever seen a seven-year-old throw a fit because their heart looks like an ice cream cone? I have!
Idea #2: Class Coupons
If I can avoid a public supermarket, I will. The thing I dread most is going to buy commercial Valentine’s Day cards because not all my students find them valuable. The melted crayon is a cute idea too, but I’d rather not make a mess in my kitchen.
So, my favorite gift idea is to give students a coupon for a classroom incentive. These coupons are editable so that you can create a coupon for any incentive. All you need to do is type the incentive, and it populates into all the other cards.
I love these Valentine’s Day coupons because they are valuable to my students, I can edit them from the comfort of my own home, and I don’t have to make a mess!
Idea #3: Math Games
I love a good game. My favorite games are the murder mystery games, but since we can’t play those in school, I like math games instead. These are fun because we use them during our Valentine’s Day celebration. They both make a great center for students to play.
The first math game is a digital math game. To start, students work to solve the math facts. Then, they press a button to answer each problem. If students guess incorrectly, they have to go back to the slide to try again. Similarly, if they guess correct, they get to help the monster grow a kind heart.
These games are highly interactive. They include animations and audio to keep students engaged. These games are sold in bundles or individually. Check them out here in my TPT shop.
Perhaps you don’t have the technology for these games, or you want a paper version too! I created these math games for students too. These are some of my favorites because I mix these game cards with the nonseasonal game cards we’re working on.
So, let’s say we’re working on time and money, I mix these math facts in with the time and money deck. Then, we use the game boards and STEM task cards to make them relevant to our celebration. It’s a win-win!
Idea #4: Valentine’s STEAM Card
If you’re looking for something artistic, this Valentine’s STEAM activity is perfect. Students exercise their creativity, small motor skills, and problem-solving skills thus becoming extraordinarily smart!
All students need are paper, crayons, scissors, and glue.
I’ve included instructions for teachers on how to do this, but it’s really quite simple. Students create and cut out a heart using rotational symmetry. Then, they trace it in a circle to create a flower on a card. My students created these during our STEM Club and took them home to their special adults.
I’ve included reading passages about the history of Valentine’s Day and writing pages for planning and reflection. The reading is geared for students in 2 – 3, but you can read the passage to younger students.
Idea #5: Valentine’s Day Compliment Corner
Looking for a heartfelt way to bring your class together this Valentine’s Day? Let me walk you through the ‘Compliment Corner’ activity that turned my classroom into a kindness-filled community. Here’s how I did it and how you can too, complete with a ready-to-use Google Form!
❤️ Create a Google Form: I set up a simple form with a list of all the students’ names. For each name, there’s a space where classmates can record a compliment. This way, your students can privately and anonymously share what’s on their hearts.
❤️ Spread the Word: I explained the activity to my students, emphasizing the power of kind words and how this was our chance to uplift each other. We read “Words and Your Heart” by Kate Jane Neal.
This book is a beautiful exploration of how words can affect our hearts and the hearts of those around us. It’s a sweet reminder to use our words to build up, not break down.
❤️ Recording Time: Using a classroom device, each student took turns recording their compliments using the form. Since I wanted them to exercise spreading kindness, I didn’t want them stressing over spelling or handwriting. Doing this made it so easy for them!
❤️ Compile the Kindness: Once everyone had contributed, I exported the form responses into a document for each student. I folded these and placed them inside their Valentine’s Day Bag.
❤️ Instructions for Setting Up Your Google Form:
And because sharing is caring, here’s a header and instructions you can use to create your own Google Form. Just plug in your students’ names, and you’re all set to spread some love and kindness in your classroom. ⤵️
[Use the microphone to share a kind message with each classmate. Consider the following:
- Why you’re grateful for that classmate?
- What makes them unique?
- What gifts or talents do they have that you admire?
Remember, treat others the way you want to be treated. It may feel funny at first, but your heart will thank you.]
Next, add your students’ names, mark the question “required”, and create a paragraph response.
❤️ Instructions for Printing Responses:
- Collect Responses: Go to the Google Forms where you’ve collected responses.
- Click on “Responses”: At the top of the form, click on the “Responses” tab.
- Access Google Sheets: From the “Responses” tab, select “View responses in Sheets” or “Link to Sheets,” depending on the option you have.
- Set Up Google Sheet: A new Google Sheet will open with your responses.
- Select Student Column: Click on the column containing the student names or identifiers to highlight the entire column.
- Copy Responses: Right-click on the selected column and choose “Copy” from the context menu. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac).
- Paste into a Document: Open a document where you want to paste the responses (e.g., Google Docs or Microsoft Word). Right-click in the document and choose “Paste” from the context menu. Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac).
- Print: Once you have the responses pasted into your document, you can now proceed to print the document with all the responses.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s go beyond the cards and candies. Let’s create lasting memories and strengthen our classroom community with words that uplift and encourage.
These classroom Valentine’s ideas are perfect for teachers who are short on prep time and don’t want to waste planning surfing the web trying to piece it all together. Which of these activities will you be trying this Valentine’s Day?
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