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 Valentine’s party ideas!
I get you! February is the month where burnout starts to sink in. Your personal life becomes non-existent, and you live on coffee and no 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 Valentine’s party 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: Create Valentine’s STEM Centers
Creating centers with a Valentine’s theme is a great way to keep your students engaged in learning. The more centers you have available, the smaller each group will become.
This will also allow you to meet with students in small groups or one to one.
Some Valentine’s party ideas for STEM center include:
- Cup Stacking
- Candy Heart Experiments
- Candy Heart Towers
- Eiffel Tower STEM
- Candy Hearts Sling Shot
While it may look like your students are “playing”, they’re actually developing fine motor skills, math concepts (counting and measuring), developing oral language, social skills, and more!
Students read and write for each STEM challenge describing their thinking and results.
These STEM activities are perfect for kiddos in grades K-2.
Click here to get these Valentine’s Day STEM Activities.
Valentine’s Party Idea #2: DIY Valentine’s Card
If you’re looking for something artistic, this Valentine’s STEAM activity is perfect. Students develop their creativity, small motor skills, problem-solving, and more with this STEAM Activity.
All students need are paper, crayons, scissors, and glue.
This is rotational symmetry. I’ve included instructions for teachers on how to do this, but it’s really quite simple. Students create and cut out a heart. Then, they trace it in a circle to create a flower on a card.
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 #3: Digital Math Games
If you’re teaching virtually, STEM challenges may not be possible. Instead, another Valentine’s party idea is to play games. For this, I send out a math menu to my students and let them choose which game they want to play. They love this!
I use these Valentine’s Digital Math Games! You can even use these as a center on an interactive whiteboard or independently on tablets.
These games are interactive. They include animations and audio so they really hold young students’ attention.
Idea #4: DIY Goodie Bags
I love doing these goodie 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, the print them out. 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.
I’ve even included an editable teacher card to save time and money.
If you’re teaching virtually, you can use this craft for your writing. Potential topics could be:
- How to be kind
- A time I was kind
- Why it’s important to be kind
Learn more about these editable gift bags and cards by clicking this link.
Idea #5: Listen to music about friendship!
I like to include music with messages about friendships for our class party. I usually keep the music soft and the lights dim to not overstimulate my students.
Check out this YouTube Playlist with some of our favorite Valentine’s Class Party songs. Just loop the songs to play throughout the day.
If you’re virtual, you can play this music to chime in students when it’s time to come back from break, or you can play this music while they are building or completing a craft.
Here’s another Valentine’s party (BONUS) idea!
Once you’ve planned out your day, ask your parents for donations! Most parents are happy to send in supplies. This will save you time and money!
Use this FREE editable template.
You can also try using SignUpGenius and send the link to your parents to save on paper. You’ll be surprised by the number of parents who’ll donate.
I’d love to hear about your Classroom Valentine’s Day STEAM Party. Let me know how it went in the comments below.
Want to try doing STEM as weekly activities in February? Click HERE to learn more about how to implement weekly STEM activities.
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