Kid Friendly
Valentines Day Ideas

When I was growing up, Valentines Day was fun for every child in school and at home.
At home, we each awoke to a small box of candy conversation hearts sitting with our breakfast. Our dessert that evening would be a frosted heart shaped cake. It wasn't expensive, wasn't fancy, it was pure love.

In school we decorated boxes to hold Valentine cards that were handed out at a small party. The teacher sent home a paper listing each childs' name so that we could spell their names correctly. I can remember going through the list and crossing off the names one by one when their cards were completed. There was never a thought not to give a card to someone. Everyone was included. Times have changed, classes are getting larger, cards are getting more expensive and kids are getting left out. Here are some solutions to keep everyone involved:

Valentines Day Parties at School

Send notes home to the parents explaining that Valentine Cards won't be exchanged but that you will still be having a class party. Ask for volunteers to bring in goodies to be shared by the class. These can be in the form of cookies and cupcakes but also books and supplies for the classroom.

Children love to glue and paste things, and making cards is so much fun. Have each child create a card for their parents. Instead of making cards for each other, have them make a batch of cards to send to a childrens' hospital ward.

Making Valentine Cards

Supplies Needed:
Construction paper: red, white and pink
Glue
Scissors
Stickers

For younger kids, pre-cut heart shapes out of the construction paper. For older kids let them cut out heart shaped cards.

Decorate the cards with stickers and smaller contrasting colors of construction paper hearts.

They don't need to be fancy or perfect, they just need to be built with love!

Valentines Day Snacks

Bake cookies using heart shaped cookie cutters. Let the children decorate the cookies. This is a great at home activity, but can also be adopted to in school use.

For healthier snacks you can use fresh fruit: Strawberries can be sliced into small pieces and displayed on a plate in the shape of a heart.You can place sliced bananas inside the heart outline.

If Cards are Part of the Party

If your school does have a Valentines Day party and cards are expected, please make sure your child gives each classmate a card. Use the list that the teacher hands out and make sure not to skip anyone.

There are going to be children in the class that your child likes more than others. Use this as an opportunity to teach your child that even though they have favorites, everyone deserves to be treated nicely.

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