February is a short, yet exciting month. Between Groundhog Day, President's Day and Valentine's Day, there is A LOT to look forward to. As teachers, it means we have a lot to plan, prep and teach in a short amount of time. (I'm sure you can relate.) Let me help! Today, let's focus on the BIG holiday for primary students... Valentine's Day.
I have rounded up 10 Easy, Low Prep Activities and Resources to help you incorporate all the hearts, candy and love into your classroom in honor of Valentine's Day.
1. Valentine Read Alouds
There are many lovely Valentine books out there and even more stories about love and friendship. Below are a few of our favorites.*
Love Monster by Rachel Bright
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
Love is My Favorite Thing by Emma Chichester Clark
How to Catch a Loveosaurus by Alice Walstead
The Day it Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond
You can browse ALL of our favorites in my Amazon* storefront here.
2. Task Boxes
I LOVE task boxes for independent centers. I start by introducing them in small guided groups. Once students are familiar with the activities, I place them in centers and keep them there for a full week or two. This allows students to build independence and confidence with the skill they are focusing on. This also allows me to prep the activities ONCE, saving me loads of time.
I have used these task box activities with preschool, kindergarten and 1st grade students. I was able to use extra materials I had on hand such as c-clips, letters, and mini erasers (or candy hearts).
3.Mystery Puzzles
Match the uppercase, lowercase or beginning sounds to reveal the mystery picture. This activity is super easy to prep and very hands on. My own 3.5yo and 5yo love working on these since they are already familiar with puzzles. My 1st grader enjoys the
Sight Word Mystery Puzzles.
4. Easy Butcher Paper Activities
Need an idea FAST? Butcher Paper Activities are the ticket! Roll it out, grab some dice, stickers and/or markers and you've got an easy morning activity to welcome your students. These two ideas took me less than 5 minutes to set up.
Draw hearts on the page. Supply students with a dice and crayons. Roll the dice and color that number of hearts. Easy peasy.
Draw hearts with numbers in it. Add that number of stickers in the heart. Easily differentiate this with addition facts, too!
5. Kindness Calendar
Print and go! This is a great way to involve families this month. Students shade in the acts of kindness they complete.
6. Easy Valentine Crafts
I love incorporating crafts into what we are learning in the classroom. They are a fun and creative way for students to show what they know. Crafts also make adorable bulletin boards that showcase what students are working on at school.
This Love Bug Name Craft allows you to edit names via powerpoint and is great fine motor practice for little learners. This particular craft is geared toward Preschool and Kindergarten students.
This Math Love Bug Craft has SIX differentiation options, making this ONE craft accessible to ALL students. Student can match numbers, sums or differences for each 0-10 or 11-20. Print in color or black/white depending on how much time you have.
Teaching the writing process? This Valentine Writing Craft has students working through the entire process with differentiated templates and fun craft toppers to support their claims.
7. Valentine's Day Post Office (Dramatic Play)
This has been a well loved center with my own kids for YEARS! There is something for everyone. Engage in dramatic play by delivering mail to the correct mailbox (letter/beginning sound match) Work on number matching and coloring, too.
8. All About Me Craft
This SEL craft is a fun way to get to know your students, practice listening and following direction skills and assemble a personal bulletin board all in one activity. Students answer the questions to determine how to build their love monster. Extend the activity with creative writing prompts, too!
9. Positive Behavior Chart
IMO, this is a must have for any classroom that does not yet have an effective positive behavior management system in place. Simply print the chart and pieces, set goals and celebrations and add the pieces to the chart as students work toward their goal. This is a great visual for students to monitor their own progress and is still festive with the season.
10. Valentine's Day Freebie Craft
This Bonus Craft is perfect for Valentine's Day parties and/or a last minute activity. Just add conversation hearts! Simply click the picture below to grab your freebie!
I hope these easy ideas help you plan fun and festive activities for your classroom this February! Remember, celebrating Valentine's Day doesn't have to be hard! These easy-to-implement activities are here and ready to go for you and your students!
*As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission on purchases made through links in this post at no additional cost to you.
