Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate at school. I wanted to let you know ahead of time what we do in class and some of my thoughts about the holiday.

Each students will get a bag to decorate in class for their valentines. These bags have handles on them and are much easier to carry than a shoe box or lunch bag.  

This may be a student's first experience with Valentine's Day in a school setting and you will learn that every teacher may be different. It's been my experience that all children in this age group love to participate in giving everyone in our class valentines. In order to avoid hurting feelings or create bad experiences, please give each child the same valentine. If your child wants to do something special for a best friend that extends beyond a valentine in class, please make a special time for them to get together outside of school or schedule a play date. I love to facilitate play dates among my students. AM has 23 total and PM has 18 total (includes students and teachers).

In my class, I like to focus more on the act of friendship, giving, and thanking. Our party usually consists of small academic valentine activities while small groups take turns putting their valentines in everyone's bags. At the end of the day, we will sit in a large circle and empty our bags. I ask students to try to read the names and say thank you to those who have given their token of friendship. It is my hope that everyone will get the same amount of Valentines and have an enjoyable experience. 

If you are planning to give a small food treat, they must be store bought. Your child is also welcome to make their own valentine's cards. Please keep them somewhat simple and inexpensive. Here is a website with some fun ideas https://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=valentines+for+kids if you choose to go that route. The cards from a grocery or craft store are just fine too. 

While researching how to describe Valentine's day from various parenting websites, I found this very enlightening and wanted to share it.

"Remember as parents, we transmit values to our children through our behavior. If we celebrate Valentine's Day by exchanging expensive gifts, its likely that our children will want to do the same. It's never to early to help children express love and friendship in ways that transcend materialism. Because young children are concrete thinkers, it's hard for them to understand a concept that can't be represented by objects. But by watching you give gifts of kindness, time, compassion, respect, and thoughtfulness to the people you love-- not just on holidays but throughout the year-- they will learn that "I love you" means so much more than three words inscribed on a candy heart."--- familyeducation.com 

I am so excited to celebrate Valentine's Day with your children this year. If you have any questions about Valentine's Day, please do not hesitate to email me.

Mrs. Anglesey