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 “TEXT 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.
*Glue paper hearts with phrases to 3” squares to make a memory game.
*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!)
Bringing Home a Valentine
(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.
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.