Come to think of
it, conversation hearts were the beginning of text talk. According to a little research on the
web, “Sweetheart” candies have been around since 1901. In the past decade the sayings have
been updated with phrases such as “Fax Me” and “LOL.” Although over 100 years old, it’s good to see these little
candies alive and well. Here are
some adaptations for using them as a springboard for learning.
Conversation
Hearts – Conversation hearts are good to sort, count, read, and eat!
*Estimate how
many will be in a bag. Count. Graph the ones that are the same.
Note! Remind children that the hearts you use
for games in the classroom are NOT to eat because they will have lots of
germs. They will get some special
ones they can eat at the Valentine party.
*Make a game by
cutting paper hearts out of construction paper. Write like phrases found on candy hearts (such as “Kiss Me,
“Cool One,” “WOW!” “Cutie Pie”) on two of the hearts. Glue one to a file folder and then have
children match and read the ones that go together.
*Give children
blank hearts and challenge them to think of their own phrases they would put on
the candies.
*Let children
make their own paper hearts, hole punch them, and then string them to make a
necklace. (WOW! Trace, write, hole punch, and string -
lots of small motor skills!)
(Tune: “Baby Bumblebee”)
I’m bringing home
a valentine for you, (Cup
hands and move them to
One that says, “I
love you.” the
beat in front of your body.)
I’m bringing home
a valentine for you
With a great big
hug, and a (kiss) (kiss), too! (Hug self and then kiss
in the air.)
Softer….hum
*Download this book to go with the song at drjean.org/February, 2007.
Valentine for
Parents - Let each child take off one shoe and trace around her foot on
white paper. Cut it out. Give each child 5 small pieces of red
tissue paper to wad up and glue at the end of each toe for toenails. Write “I love you from my head down to
my toes” on the foot.
Mouse Bookmark
– Cut a heart about the size of a child’s hand from red construction
paper. Fold in half. Open. Tape a 6” piece of string in the middle. Glue closed. Draw a nose, whiskers, and ears on the heart as shown to
make it look like a mouse. Use for
a bookmark.
