Elizabeth Rubio, a first-grade teacher in California, always wants to make Valentine’s Day memorable for her students. “It's such an exciting time for the kids,” says Rubio. “And of course, it will be different this year since we are on distance learning.” 

Despite celebrating Valentine’s Day with her students solely online, Rubio has come up with a few creative ideas to make the holiday just as memorable for her students. Here are her top ideas for Valentine's Day activities for kids — plus ways you can make the holiday’s celebrations special for your class, too. 

1. Reflect On What Makes Good Friend

For Rubio, Valentine’s Day is all about love and friendship. She wants to encourage her students to reflect on their own friendships, even if they can’t connect with their classmates at school. 

“I plan on giving them time to talk about what a good friend does for you, even in a virtual setting,” Rubio says. “Honestly, for me, it really is a time to show the kids how much I care about them and make them feel special.”

Ask your students questions or encourage journal prompts such as: 

• What’s the nicest thing a friend has ever done for you? 
  
• What does it mean to be friends with someone? 
  
• How do you show your friends you care about them?
  
• What do you think are qualities of a good friend?
  

You can also supplement your Valentine’s Day lesson plans with books about family and friends for virtual read-alouds. 

2. Have a Virtual Lunch With Students

Though Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, Rubio plans on organizing a special virtual event with her students on Friday to kick off the holiday weekend. 

“I plan on hosting a virtual lunch on Friday, February 12th, where the kids can have fun with each other in a more relaxed setting with music,” she says.

Use this time to play games together, like Zoom charades, freeze dance (everyone freezes when the music stops!), or virtual I Spy (in which students point out objects in each others’ backgrounds). It’s a great opportunity for students to connect with you and each other.

3. Celebrate Love With Virtual Valentine's Day Read-Alouds

Rubio also plans on devoting the whole week leading up to the holiday to fun Valentine's Day read-alouds like Splat the Cat: Love, Splat and A Crankenstein Valentine.

 “These stories all hook the readers and tie it to the theme of love and friendship,” Rubio says. “At the end of the week, we will also do a directed drawing of their own Crankenstein character.”

Shop top Valentine’s read-alouds below to enhance your Valentine’s Day activities for kids! You can find all books and activities at The Teacher Store.