Kids these days often have modern technology to try and keep themselves occupied and busy. Arguably the use of traditional children’s activities such as art and crafts has gone down. However, it can be argued that completing creative projects can be very beneficial for children and even aid their development. These projects don’t have to be limited to the one demonstrated below but could involve learning how to quilt from free quilting patterns, or it could be something as simple ask baking and decorating cupcakes. These small but manageable projects are a great way for children to learn vital life skills and get their creativity flowing, whilst also getting them away from that phone screen. Use these cute valentine crafts in a center or as a station during your Valentine’s Day party. They make adorable bulletin boards and great parent gifts. I used colorful card stock from Michael’s craft store. The packages come in single solid colors or in a variety of colors. There are 50 pages per packet at $2 (regular price)! I love affordable materials for teachers!!!

I Love You When…Mouse Craft

This craft includes all the patterns and a small writing booklet that you can attach on the tummy of the mouse. I use LARGE google eyes but you can use the eye patterns that are included in the file.

I Love You More Than…Cupcake Craft

I love this cupcake craft. It includes the I Love You More Than… label. This is a phrase that we have played around with over the years with our three children. It was the sweetest game when they were younger and learning how to talk. This would make a great parent gift. You can also add a student picture inside the heart!

Be Mine Bear Craft

This is another cute valentine’s day craft that your students will love. I like the color combinations and how the red hearts stand out. It includes the Be Mine label. Isn’t it cute?

Emoji Valentine Bags

How about using these emoji Valentine bags? They are super cute and your students would have so much fun choosing a face and creating them!

What you need:

1. Small yellow bags from Michael’s craft store

2. Construction paper

3. Glue

4. Scissors

Directions

1. Select the emoji faces that you want to provide

2. Cut all those pieces out from colored construction paper

3. Sort all the pieces so that students may have easy acces to their emoji selection

4. Glue the pieces on the bag

5. Allow to  dry

6. Use the emoji party bags to collect Valentine cards

Emoji Photo Booth

Wouldn’t  your students love an emoji photo booth on Valentine’s Day?

All you need is:

1. Paper or fabric background ( I used a twin size sheet)

2. Small emoji party plates ( I used clothespins to attach them to a string)

3. Emoji pillows from Wal-Mart

4. Props on a stick

That’s it. Have fun!

How to make a stained glass heart

1.  Fold construction paper in half. Trace half a heart with a half inch border and cut.

2. Open your heart cut-out.

3. Find your favorite color of tissue paper and cut them into small squares.

4. Cut a square of clear laminate. You need just enough to cover the heart shape.

5. Place heart on top of the sticky side of the laminate. Start sticking the colored tissue paper inside the shape.

6. When you finish decorating your valentine heart, cut around the shape. A good tip to remember is to cut a little bit outside the edge, just enough to keep your scissors moving. If you would like a sturdier craft, you could add laminate to the opposite side of the heart before you start cutting.

7. Tape your valentine heart craft to a window and enjoy the sunlight shining through those beautiful pieces of colored paper.

Materials Needed:

• Colored Construction Paper
• Pencil to draw half heart
• Scissors
• Clear laminate
• Colored Tissue Paper