Valentine's Day Rigor

The kids LOVE Valentine's Day! I think the candy-related holidays are their favorites! :) 

Here are some ways to inject some rigor into your Valentine's Day activities:

* Rules for valentines-after they pass out their cards, let the kids have a few minutes to examine them. What is always true about valentines?

*Ethics-is it right to celebrate Valentine's Day even though some people are excluded. We read the story (available read by Hector Elizondo on StoylineOnline by the way):

 

We discuss how Mr. Hatch's life was changed by receiving a valentine. How many people are lonely on this holiday? Should we still celebrate it? Sparks some good discussions.

* Trends-do you know how the tradition of valentines started? It began in the 1800's. Look at those valentines and compare to what we buy today. You can also look at conversation hearts-how has the text changed over the years? Why has it changed?

* Multiple perspectives-write from the perspective of a valentine. From the perspective of your heart. Make a valentine from the perspective of a character. What would a valentine from Willy Wonka look like? From Charlotte? From George Washington?

* Create a new symbol for Valentine's Day.

* Invent a new candy for Valentine's Day.

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