Happy almost Valentine’s Day! As a homeschool family I like to make our holidays special by dedicating our two hour morning block to learning about the holiday together and doing an activity as a family together before my kids start their independent work. Our planned schedule is easily adapted to a co-opt or classroom environment.
History of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day traces its origins to ancient Rome, where the festival of Lupercalia was celebrated in mid-February to promote fertility. By the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced it with St. Valentine’s Day, honoring one or more Christian martyrs named Valentine. The most famous legend tells of a priest, Valentine of Rome, who secretly married couples despite a ban by Emperor Claudius II. He was executed on February 14 around 269 AD, allegedly leaving a note signed “Your Valentine” for the jailer’s daughter.
By the Middle Ages, the day became associated with romance, partly due to the belief that birds began mating in mid-February. Geoffrey Chaucer and Shakespeare helped popularize this idea. By the 18th and 19th centuries, handwritten love notes evolved into mass-produced Valentine’s cards. Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide with gifts, flowers, and expressions of love.
Valentine’s Day Reading
We will select one book to read and have the others out to read throughout the week.
National Geographic’s Celebrate Valentine’s Day – Carolyn Otto
The Story of Valentine’s Day – Clyde Robert Bulla
Valentine’s Day is – Gail Gibbons
Happy Valentine’s Day Mouse – Laura Joffe Numeroff
Parliament of Fowls – Geoffrey Chaucer
Valentine’s Day Video
I would show my kids one of these videos, if we did not have a book to read.
Saint Valentine and Animated History – Five Minded
Story of Saint Valentine – Story of Saints
Recitation of Parliament of Fowls
Valentine’s Day Art Tutorials
I select one art tutorial or activity depending on interest or availability of supplies.
Painted Pop Art – study paper, various colors of pain, paint brush, scissors
Britto Inspired Heart Valentine’s Day Art Tutorial – study paper, crayons, water colors
Warm and Cool Heart Collage – paper, scissors, Kwik Stixs (crayons or pastels should work)
Watercolor Heart – sturdy paper, black crayons, water colors
Valentine’s Day Puppy – paper and markers (crayons or colored pencils work too)
Valentine’s Day Activities
I select one art tutorial or activity depending on interest or availability of supplies.
Valentine’s Day Lacing Activity
Valentine’s Day Crystal hearts
Valentine’s Day Worksheets for Preschoolers
I will print out 2 – 3 pages of each worksheet for my preschoolers to choose from.
Valentine’s Day Prewriting Activity
Valentine’s Day Letter Tracing
Our Valentine’s Day Sample Schedule
Valentine’s Day Reading/Video (20 minutes) – I will read Gail Gibbon’s Valentine’s Is to my kids. We will discuss Valentine’s Day in the middle ages and how it is different today.
Valentine’s Day Art Tutorial or Activity (30 minutes) – I will show my kids the warm and cool heart tutorial and then my kids will be invited to make their own. Any Valentine’s Day art tutorial or activity can be subbed for this craft.
Pass Out Valentine’s (10 minutes) – We assemble our Valentine’s and Trader Joes snacks the day before and my kids will put a Valentine in our laced heart shaped Valentine’s bag
Listen to Parliament of Fowl ( 30 minutes ) – My middle schooler and I will read Parliament of Fowl while my preschoolers enjoy their Valentine snacks and will be free to work on Valentine’s Day worksheets or build with magnetic tiles and eat snacks.
I hope you enjoyed our Valentine’s Day sample schedule and it helps you plan your Valentine’s Day.
Seven Founding Hills 
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