It’s about that time of the year, when elementary students begin asking about Valentine’s Day parties and older students start whispering about their latest Valentine loves. Have you heard it yet? Sure, exchanging cards and small gifts (and of course candy) is fun, but this year why not opt for a less tangible and more meaningful show of love in your classroom?
Who needs calorie-laden chocolate or sticky candy when you can show students how much you care—and how to show it themselves—in quality learning activities. And really, they may not even know they’re learning! Here are some ideas for you to get started:
Educational Game Day
What kid doesn’t love to play games? Take a break from the monotony of teaching and host an educational game day. Students can choose from a variety of math or reading games that you already have in your classroom, or bring their own. Some excellent—and even unexpected—educational choices include Monopoly, Life, Jenga, Sequence, Scrabble, Blokus, Battleship, and so many more!
The Language of Love
What better way to show love than a sonnet or poem? Teach the basics, then have your students write poems to one another. Don’t worry so much about rules and perfection; simply getting their ideas down on paper is enough for a quick writing activity.
History of Love
Yes, love does have a role in history. Research the role of marriage in society, from cultural perspectives to modern rituals and traditions to arranged marriages. How might have history been altered if Marie Antoinette wasn’t forced to marry a man she never met, the future King Louis XVI? Discussions are likely to raise questions and offer more opportunity for research, and give students insights into how times have changed over the years.
How Does the Heart Work?
Forget about love and embark on a discussion about how the heart—literally. How does our circulatory system work? What is the biology behind the body? Use the thematic tie-in but take it in a totally different direction.
Chemistry of Cooking
If you have access to a kitchen in your school, give a lesson on chemistry—the chemistry of cooking. Simple cooking lessons allow you to teach the properties of matter and chemical reactions, and your class will have a nice Valentine’s Day treat when you’re done.
The Cost of Dating
Do you teach older students who are potentially looking to take someone on a date? Do they know the cost of a date? Do some real-life math with functional text such as menus, art center programs, etc. Have students plan their ideal Valentine’s date and calculate the real cost, including tax, tip, and incidentals.
As a teacher, Valentine’s Day always seems like a wasted day. Too much time spent on love notes and silly crafts (not to mention the sugar-laced treats that are sure to fill up the classroom!) can really put a damper on learning opportunities. Show your students some love this Valentine’s Day and find new ways to celebrate the holiday. What are some ways you’ve found to incorporate learning into your holiday?
The links I’ve provided here are just a small sampling of the thousands of learning opportunities found on the Internet. Spend some time exploring ideas, and please share what you find!
