Valentine’s Day can be a source of excitement but also anxiety for many students, especially those who worry about being left out or who may not celebrate the holiday for cultural or personal reasons. As educators, it’s important to transform this day into a celebration of kindness, friendship, and community, ensuring every student feels valued and included.
Promote Kindness and Community
Instead of focusing solely on traditional card exchanges, consider activities that highlight everyone’s strengths and contributions. For example, the “Broken Hearts” activity involves giving each student half of a paper heart and having them find their match among classmates. Once paired, students write positive messages to each other, ensuring every child receives encouragement and feels seen. This simple act fosters a sense of belonging and teaches the value of uplifting one another.
Offer Alternatives and Acknowledge Diversity
Recognize that not all students may wish to participate in Valentine’s Day for various reasons. Offer alternative activities like crafting sessions, gratitude exercises, or friendship-building games that celebrate inclusivity without centering on the holiday itself. Activities such as a “Random Act of Kindness” spinner or a collaborative snowman game can shift the focus from romantic themes to kindness and teamwork, making the day enjoyable for everyone.
Use Visual Supports and Adapt Activities
Visual schedules with Valentine’s themes can help students, especially those with special needs, anticipate and navigate the day’s activities with less anxiety. Adapt crafts and games for different abilities—use adaptive tools for students with physical challenges and break tasks into manageable steps for those with cognitive differences. Thematic learning, such as heart-shaped math counters or friendship circles, can reinforce academic and social skills in a fun, accessible way.
Incorporate Therapeutic Supports
Collaborate with occupational, physical, and speech therapists to make activities accessible. For example, handwriting Valentine’s cards can support fine motor skills, while a themed obstacle course or dance party can promote physical development and emotional expression. Use AAC devices and visual aids during story time or sharing activities to ensure all students can communicate and participate fully.
Celebrate Friendship and Self-Expression
Create opportunities for students to express appreciation for one another, such as an “I Love…” wall where everyone shares something meaningful to them5. A kindness jar, where students anonymously write positive notes to classmates, can be a powerful way to build a supportive classroom culture that lasts beyond Valentine’s Day. These activities emphasize the importance of empathy, respect, and community.
By intentionally planning inclusive, adaptable, and kindness-focused activities, educators can turn Valentine’s Day into a celebration where every student feels respected, connected, and appreciated. This approach not only supports social and emotional learning but also strengthens the foundation for an inclusive classroom all year long.
References
- https://allbelong.org/including-everyone-in-valentines-day-try-this-class-activity
- https://www.bookwidgets.com/blog/2024/01/14-fun-and-engaging-valentine-s-day-activities-for-students-of-all-ages
- https://engage-education.com/us/blog/valentines-day-inspiration-for-your-classroom/
- https://www.cultivatingexceptionalminds.com/february-valentines-day-in-special-education-classrooms/
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/inclusive-valentines-day-activities-c5efe
- https://www.novakeducation.com/blog/inclusive-valentines-day
- https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/celebrating-valentines-day/
- https://corp.publicschoolworks.com/resource/valentines-day-classroom-parties-safety-and-inclusion-tips/
- https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/celebrating-valentines-day-ells
- https://www.hmhco.com/blog/7-valentines-day-activities-for-the-classroom