Valentine's Day Cards

Painted Valentine’s Cards

Preschoolers like to create things themselves just like older children do.  Unfortunately when it comes to scissors and such they can become frustrated or even harm themselves.  One way for them to be able to make their own Valentine’s cards is by using paints.  It’s pretty easy for them and can be pretty messy too - making it even better in their eyes. 

Poster board is better for them because it’s easier to handle.  It’s easier for them to work with and the paint doesn’t cause poster board to tear as easily as construction paper.  Also be sure they cover up with an old shirt or paint smock so they don’t ruin their clothes. 

The night before you plan to create their masterpiece, cut the poster board into sizes that are easy for them to work with.  Remember these are cards and they may feel they need to be able to fold the poster board to look like an actual card.  This might be something you wish to do ahead of time as well.  It’s not necessary but can be done if you so choose.

Finger painting is a lot of fun for small children.  What child doesn’t like to paint their hands all different colors?  Help them make hearts traced with their fingers.  Help them spell out things like “I love you” or “Be mine”.  Encourage them to keep their sayings simple because it doesn’t take long for little ones to tire of a job. 

Be sure they do some creations on their own too.  Who cares if it’s just a splotch here or there as long as they have the satisfaction of doing it on their own?  Once they have the card painted, help them sign their name to the card.  Also be sure to date the card.  Parents and grandparents keep many of these types of mementos.  Someday they will want to remember at what age their little loved one made the card for them.

Most of all just let your preschooler have a good time.  It’s okay if they get messy they will wash.  Just let them make their own creation to give to the loved ones in their life that special handmade valentine.

Felt Valentine’s Day Cards

Creating things can be hard for some preschoolers.  Yet they like the idea of creating something, giving it to Mom or Dad and seeing the delight on their faces when they receive it.  Using scissors and other craft items can cause them harm or just be hard for their little hands to grasp and maneuver.  Making cards out of felt, with your help, can be an easy way for preschoolers to create the perfect card to take home to Mom and Dad on Valentine’s Day.

You will need enough feet of felt to make at least one card per child in your classroom.  The color doesn’t really matter but the children may prefer red and pink since they know those colors are connected to Valentine’s Day.  You will also need glue sticks and some small foam letters and Valentine’s Day shapes.  If you’re having trouble finding foam letters and shapes, go to your local hobby store.  They usually have sheets of foam letters you can purchase and they are normally pretty inexpensive.

Ahead of time, cut each child a piece of felt using pinking shears.  Make each piece standard card size if possible.  This will help them to understand that it is a card they are making. 

Once each child has a piece of felt they can start to decorate their card.  They will need your help in picking out the letters to make the sayings they have in mind.  Get their ideas for what they may want to say.  It will probably be pretty easy such as I love you or just Mom and Dad and a heart.  Once they have it figured out and ready they can use the glue sticks to attach the letters to their piece of felt. 

With very little trouble you preschoolers can make a Valentine’s Day card for Mom and Dad like no other.  They will be proud of themselves and feel like they gave Mom and Dad the best card ever.  Mom and Dad will think so too!

I Owe You Valentine’s Day Cards

All children like to be helpful, especially the young ones.  It makes them feel important and also teaches them that helping others is an important part of life.  Valentine’s Day is about giving to the ones we care about.  Giving to your preschoolers is a very important part of being a teacher.  They look up to you and want to help you in any way the can.  With I Owe You Valentine cards you can get the help you need and make each child feel important in their own way.

Using small pieces of construction paper make your own cards and cater them to each individual child and their abilities.  Make them colorful and happy cards with pictures, stickers and any other type of craft items you would like.  Be sure to personalize each card with the child’s name and a little something about why that child is special to you.

On the inside of the card place dates such as Friday, February 15 and so on.  Under each date list the service that child can help you with on that day.  For instance Mary can help hand out snacks on Friday February 15th.  Then on Tuesday, March 8th, she can help hand out work papers.  Do this for each child and be sure the dates run until the next holiday.  Be sure to keep a list of these so you can remember too.

Preschoolers will love this idea because not only are they set out individually in helping you but also it makes them feel special and encourages them to be a helpful and generous person.  Using this technique cannot only help you but will give your preschoolers a sense of accomplishment. 

Continue this with every holiday including holidays that don’t entail giving gifts.  Won’t those children be surprised to receive a card on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July or even Labor Day?  It will help them to recognize celebrate other holidays as well.  Giving the gift of help is one way to make your preschoolers feel special.