Fun ideas to celebrate Valentine's Day in schools
Love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is a reminder to celebrate all things love and it’s a tradition that is here to stay. Despite your own feelings on cherubs and chocolates, we can all agree love is something all children should be taught. Valentine’s Day offers a fun opportunity to teach children about love and giving.
“But isn’t Valentine’s Day just about romantic love?” you may ask. Not at all! In fact, the first handmade Valentine’s Day cards in the 1880’s were shared between friends, relatives, and lovers. In Finland, on February 14th people celebrate Ystavanpaiva, or Friend’s Day. In Mexico it is the day of love and friendship. With that in mind, here are some super fun ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day at your school.
“But isn’t Valentine’s Day just about romantic love?” you may ask. Not at all! In fact, the first handmade Valentine’s Day cards in the 1880’s were shared between friends, relatives, and lovers. In Finland, on February 14th people celebrate Ystavanpaiva, or Friend’s Day. In Mexico it is the day of love and friendship. With that in mind, here are some super fun ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day at your school.
Look beyond chalky candy hearts
When teaching children about love and giving, we are also inadvertently teaching them about taking. Taking love, taking gifts. With this in mind, although there’s nothing like receiving a gift, it is important to teach kids about the many, and often non-material, forms of giving.
Teach kids about giving time by encouraging a craft session instead of giving chocolates. Kids will love the opportunity to exercise their creativity over a bunch of construction paper and hearts as well!
Add a charity element in the mix to teach them about giving even when there is nothing to gain for themselves. Perhaps create cards thanking your local nurses at the hospital? Or encourage every kid to bring and wrap an old toy to donate.
Teach kids about giving time by encouraging a craft session instead of giving chocolates. Kids will love the opportunity to exercise their creativity over a bunch of construction paper and hearts as well!
Add a charity element in the mix to teach them about giving even when there is nothing to gain for themselves. Perhaps create cards thanking your local nurses at the hospital? Or encourage every kid to bring and wrap an old toy to donate.
Laugh and be inspired with Origami Fortune Cookies
For children old and patient enough to do some origami, these Origami Fortune Cookiesare a fun and creative way to share some Valentine’s Day love. Print out some inspiring quotes, kind words and jokes and let the kids choose whatever one they like. You could even pack some small lollies in the middle.
Encourage the children to give these to a parent, friend, or just someone who they think needs some appreciation.
Valentine's Day is a celebration of love in all forms, and an opportunity to show the special people in our lives and communities gratitude.
Encourage the children to give these to a parent, friend, or just someone who they think needs some appreciation.
Valentine's Day is a celebration of love in all forms, and an opportunity to show the special people in our lives and communities gratitude.
