Valentine's Day Lesson Lab for Early Elementary

Objective

Students will learn about Valentine's Day, its themes of love and friendship, and express their creativity through a related craft activity.

Materials Needed

• Book: "The Day It Rained Hearts" by Felicia Bond

• Construction paper (various colors)

• Safety scissors

• Glue sticks

• Crayons, markers, or colored pencils

• Heart-shaped templates

• Stickers and decorative items (optional)

Lesson Plan

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Greeting and Circle Time: Begin by gathering the students in a circle and greeting them warmly.

2. Discussion: Ask the students what they know about Valentine's Day. Discuss the themes of love, friendship, and kindness.

3. Objective Sharing: Explain that today they will hear a story about Valentine's Day and then create their own special craft.

Storytime (15 minutes)

1. Book Reading: Read "The Day It Rained Hearts" by Felicia Bond aloud to the class.

   • Summary: This charming story follows a young girl named Cornelia Augusta who catches hearts falling from the sky. She uses them to create unique valentines for her friends, emphasizing thoughtfulness and creativity.

2. Discussion Questions: After reading, ask the students:

   • What did you like about the story?

   • How did Cornelia show kindness to her friends?

   • Have you ever made a special card for someone?

Craft Activity: Heart-Shaped Cards (30 minutes)

1. Instructions: Explain to the students that they will be creating heart-shaped cards just like Cornelia Augusta did in the story.

2. Demonstration: Show them how to use the heart templates to trace and cut out heart shapes from the construction paper.

3. Creation:

   • Step 1: Select a piece of construction paper and trace a heart using the template.

   • Step 2: Carefully cut out the heart shape with safety scissors.

   • Step 3: Decorate the heart with crayons, markers, or layered construction paper. Encourage creativity by suggesting they add messages, draw pictures, or use stickers.

   • Step 4: Use another piece of paper to write a friendly Valentine’s message and glue it inside the heart card.

4. Assistance: Walk around to provide assistance and encouragement as needed.

Conclusion and Sharing (10 minutes)

1. Sharing: Ask students to share their heart cards with the class, explaining who they plan to give it to and why.

2. Review: Recap what they learned about Valentine's Day and how they expressed kindness through their craft.

Clean-Up (5 minutes)

• Have students help tidy up the materials and workspace.

Extension Activity

If time allows, play a simple friendship-themed game, like "Valentine's Day Freeze Dance," using love-themed music. This reinforces the day's theme with fun and movement.