Living Montessori Now

Montessori Inspiration for Parents and Teachers

Homeschool Valentine’s Day

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When we homeschooled, I didn’t want my kids to miss out on the fun I experienced exchanging valentines at school. So, when my son was almost 7 and my daughter was almost 2, I developed a tradition that made our homeschool Valentine’s Day extra special.

Homeschool Valentine's Day

Here’s what we did each year for as long as my kids wanted:

As preschoolers, my children always had Montessori-inspired Valentine’s Day activities available for about two weeks before the holiday. (Similar to activities in my Montessori-Inspired Valentine’s Day Activities post.)

When Will was little, my husband, Terry, and I gave Will a valentine and special gift at breakfast on Valentine’s Day.

Will, almost 8, reading valentine cards to Christina, almost 3 - Valentine's Day 1993

Will, almost 8, reading valentine cards to Christina, almost 3 – Valentine’s Day 1993

When we were officially homeschooling, we started our new tradition. The day before Valentine’s Day, Will and Christina each prepared a valentine holder, often one using two construction-paper hearts that they laced together with yarn and decorated with stickers and drawings.

They also had fun secretly putting together valentines for each other, Terry, and me. They often used materials similar to the tray I show in Montessori-Inspired Kindness.

I lined up Will’s and Christina’s stuffed animals on the sofa the night before Valentine’s Day. (Will and Christina often helped me choose which stuffed animals – and dolls for Christina – to use.) That night, I prepared a card and gift from Terry and me, a Valentine’s Day card from their teacher (me), and small valentines from each of the stuffed animals. Valentine’s Day morning started with the big Valentine’s Day card exchange.

Christina, almost 5, reading her valentine cards - Valentine's Day 1995

Christina, almost 5, reading her valentine cards – Valentine’s Day 1995

This was an activity the kids especially loved and wanted to continue for longer than I would have expected. It was both fun and a great reading activity as they enjoyed reading each of their valentine cards.

Later in the day, we typically had a little Valentine’s Day party at home as well.

I love that my kids truly enjoyed each Valentine’s Day and never felt they missed out on a fun experience at school.

How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day in your home?

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. silvana says

    Thanks for sharing. I was looking for more ideas to make Valentine’s day extra special. My daughter’s name is Valentina! I think she will love the whole stuffed animal and dolls card exchange.

    • Deb says

      I just found this, Silvana … thanks so much! What a lovely name your daughter has (and perfect for Valentine’s Day)! 🙂

  2. Beth says

    I bet that was a fun stroll down memory lane! Valentine’s Day at our house is extra busy & special cause it’s Daddy’s birthday! So we have a day off =-)

    Thanks for linking up to TGIF! I hope to see you again tomorrow!
    Beth =-)

  3. daphne says

    since my oldest was born on valentine’s day, we tend to celebrate v-day a little differently. but this would be a great idea to do the day before

    • Deb says

      Thanks, Daphne! A Valentine’s Day birthday would definitely take priority. But this could easily be done before or after Valentine’s Day. 🙂

    • Deb says

      Thanks your kind comment, Kirstylee! My family really has great memories from our Valentine’s Day tradition. 🙂

  5. chelle says

    That’s such a sweet way for the kiddos to enjoying making and giving valentines. We’ve been giving multiples to family and friends, which Nanny and Granny LOVE! The rest of the family might not be as excited :-)…this would be a great idea for us to try. I’ve also been considering making Valentines and just handing them out to random people at the park or super market.

    Thanks for sharing at Sharing Saturday!