If you are planning for Valentine’s Day, my Valentine’s Day unit study will make things much easier. I have gathered up several resources, activities, printables, and book suggestions. Combining these materials together is enough to put together a fun and engaging Valentine’s Day unit study.
History of Valentine’s Day
There are several roots to Valentine’s Day with the two most popular being the ancient Roman ritual of Lupercalia that welcomed spring and the card-giving customs of Victorian England. When it comes to St. Valentine, there are actually three men who could have been the face behind the romantic history. According to HIstoryChannel.com–
“One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, deified Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.”
When it comes to the pagan festival celebrated by the Romans –
“Others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the ides of February, or February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.”
Regardless of how true these historical accounts are, they can make for some interesting history of Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day Activities
Hands-on activities are usually a big hit with kids. Below is a list of activities that you can do with kids of various ages:
- Valentine’s Coding
- Blooming Hearts Activity
- Valentine’s Sensory Tub
- Valentine’s Play Dough Activities
- Friendship Rocks
- Cotton Ball Heart Painting
- Fingerprint Heart Tree
- Falling Hearts Glitter Jars
- DIY Valentine Slime
- Valentine’s Day Card Crafts
Kid-Friendly Valentine’s Day Foods
Getting in the kitchen and cooking with your kids can make for even more fun learning. There are many skills that can be taught that will follow your kids into adulthood, but while they’re still young, here are some kid-friendly recipes to try this Valentine’s Day:
- Valentine’s Day Popcorn
- Snack Craft Ideas
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Valentine Muddy Buddies
- Valentine Heart Brownies
Books to Read for Valentine’s Day
A good unit study will always have books! I have rounded up several for you to add to your Valentine’s Day unit study:
The first day of Valentine’s starts with ONE warm, fuzzy hug. On the second day, the crafts begin with TWO cups of sparkles. On the third day, let’s make our cards with THREE pink pens! Each of the 12 busy days lead up to Valentine’s Day.
One day it rains hearts, and Cornelia Augusta catches them. She realizes that the hearts are perfect for making valentines. Each heart is special in its own way, and Cornelia Augusta knows exactly who to send them to: her animal friends.
Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Using a range of images from the World of Eric Carle, and featuring the Very Hungry Caterpillar, this special gift book gives all the reasons why someone special makes the world a better and brighter place.
This adorable children’s book is perfect for a new baby, toddler, or preschool kid (ages 0-5). This is one of those baby books that will be treasured by your family for the way it says “I love you” to your little one.
In Good Dog Carl’s Valentine Carl and family are getting ready for Valentine’s Day. After making a Valentine for her Mother, Madeline sits down to a well earned snack. Unbeknownst to her, or anyone else in the family, Carl gets into the homemade Valentine supplies. As usual the results of Carl’s secret activities are sweet, funny and this time around especially loving – appropriately enough for the Valentine’s season.
How to Plan a Valentine’s Day Unit Study
Now that you have several resources to choose from, it will be super easy to plan your Valentine’s Day unit study. Since this holiday falls just one day a year, you can choose to do it the week of Valentine’s Day or schedule it the week before leading up to the day. Use the variety of resources and ideas above to plan a few activities to do each day. Keep it fun and exciting by switching things up. Don’t forget to incorporate your kids’ ideas. You may be surprised what they come up with!
I would love to hear from you! How do you and your family celebrate Valentine’s Day? Let me know in the comments below!