Do you feel that? I sure do—love is in the air! Love shows up in so many forms: the love we have for our family, friends, and pets, as well as the love we feel for the things we’re passionate about, like our work and hobbies. For example, my daughter would happily tell you she loves ponies, while I would say I love coffee and a good book.
That is one of the special things about love: you can love so much and so many, and your heart makes room.
Because of that, it’s no surprise that each year we set aside a special day to celebrate love: Valentine’s Day. But what exactly is Valentine’s Day, and how can we help children understand its meaning? That’s where these Valentine’s Day activities for students come in—they’re designed to spark curiosity, ignite interest, and help answer that very question.
Let’s count down to February 14th together with Valentine’s Day School!
What is a Family Unit Study?
But first… what exactly is a Family Unit Study?
Like our ever-growing library of unit studies, Valentine’s Day School takes one big topic and breaks it down into ten manageable, bite-sized learning topics. This format gives you the freedom to dive into learning at a pace that works for your family.
Each of the ten topics includes:
- An interesting fact and discussion question,
- Informative readings at your fingertips,
- A curated YouTube video,
- A recommended book to complement the topic,
- A math or literacy enrichment question (with three difficulty levels),
- AND an ultimate hands-on activity with materials you already have at home!
Dive in and watch the sparks of wonder ignite. Watch the child-led learning take off. Watch what happens when children are engaged in what they are learning!
Valentine’s Day Activities for Students
Let’s take a closer look at the topics you will explore in Valentine’s Day School:
Topic 1: What is Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and affection in all forms—romantic, friendship, and family! It’s a time for giving cards and flowers, as well as sharing kindness with friends and family while celebrating the joy of love. What are some popular ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day? In this topic, we will learn more about what Valentine’s Day is and what inspired this holiday.
Topic 2: Valentine’s Day Cards
My kids love to make and give out Valentine’s Day cards to friends and family. Valentine’s Day cards are colorful and heartfelt messages that people give out to show care and kindness. They are extra special when handmade and fun to give out with a small treat or sticker inside. In this topic, we will get to learn who first invented Valentine’s Day cards.
Topic 3: Flowers
Flowers, especially roses, are commonly given on Valentine’s Day. People give these beautiful blooms to express their feelings and make the day extra special. Learn about how the different colors of roses represent different emotions. Then, learn how to make your own flowers using materials at home for decorations or gifts.
Topic 4: Love Knots
Love knots have a rich history dating back centuries. Some traditions say they represent a couple’s unbreakable bond. Today, love knots are used in jewelry, gifts, and even some marriage ceremonies. Celtic Heart Knots can also be created into a fun and unique craft to enjoy with your little ones. I recently made a few with my kids and found it to be a rewarding activity! Take a look at our Celtic Heart Knots right here.
Topic 5: The Heart & Symbolism
The heart is not just a pump in our bodies, but also a special shape representing love and kindness. The heart has been a symbol of love throughout human history—and is currently one of the most widely used emojis! ❤️
Topic 6: The Neuroscience of Love
Our brain has special chemicals called neurotransmitters that help send messages between nerve cells. Oxytocin and dopamine are neurotransmitters that affect our emotions. Oxytocin makes us feel warm and connected, like when we hug someone we care about. Dopamine is the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter, known for boosting happiness, excitement, and motivation. In this topic, we will learn how our brain helps us to ‘feel’ love.
Topic 7: Around the World
Did you know Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many different ways around the world? Instead of roses and chocolates, you may find people exchanging pig-themed gifts in Germany or pressed snowdrop flowers in Denmark. Some countries, like Finland and Mexico, celebrate Friendship Day on February 14th instead of Valentine’s Day.
Topic 8: Sweet Treats
This might be my favorite part! Valentine’s Day is often sweetened by the delightful exchange of chocolate and candy. From heart-shaped boxes filled with decadent truffles to vibrant arrays of colorful confections, these sugary treats symbolize the sweetness shared between loved ones. Enjoy a science experiment with your child to learn what else can eat sugar.
Topic 9: Friendship & Kindness
Valentine’s Day is also a great time to celebrate our friendships, express our appreciation for our friends, and spread some kindness in the world. In this topic, we will get to make a very special gift to give to a friend and learn how to spread kindness around the world.
Topic 10: Celebrating Valentine’s Day
There are many ways to show love and appreciation for someone. You might give them a hug, help them with a difficult task, spend time playing a favorite game together, draw a special picture for them, or simply say ‘I love you!’ These actions align with the five love languages: physical touch, acts of service, quality time, gift-giving, and words of affirmation. Let’s learn how else we can show our love on Valentine’s Day!
And there you have it! The 10 exciting topics and Valentine’s Day activities for students that make up Valentine’s Day School. Give your child the opportunity to dive deep into learning with hands-on activities, games, related books to enjoy, and extra math and literacy enrichment.
Valentine’s Day Activities for Students
A perfect way to count down to February 14th and celebrate this Season of Love is with Valentine’s Day School! Get your copy today:
https://shop.howweelearn.com/products/valentines-day-school
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Thank you so much for reading, my friend,
xo Sarah
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