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School Valentine Party Ideas

by Ann Hudson

Most students look forward to classroom Valentine's Day parties. From sharing valentines to enjoying sweet treats, this holiday offers many opportunities for creating special memories. One of the keys to a successful classroom party is finding ideas that add to the enjoyment of the event while also presenting practical options that will work well with large groups of children. Be sure to enlist a team of volunteers to help you handle the different elements of the party, ranging from refreshment to games and decorations.

Valentine parties are a special classroom event.

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Games and Activities

In addition to the traditional valentine card exchange, party games with a Valentine's Day theme add to the enjoyment of classroom festivities. Use candy conversation hearts to test the fine motor skills of students in simple competitions. Have students compete to see who can create the highest stack of candy hearts. Another option is to have students try to pick up conversation hearts using a pair of chopsticks. Or, try playing the popular game "Simon Says" adding a Valentine's Day twist by saying "Cupid Says" instead.

Use conversation hearts in party games.

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Food

While an accomplished chef can always come up with elaborate valentine-themed party treats, it's also possible to find simple ways to create kid-pleasing refreshments. Basic brownies take on a valentine theme by decorating each brownie with with white icing and a single conversation heart. It's not necessary to own expensive cooking paraphernalia to create clever, heart-shaped cupcakes. Just place a small piece of foil between the cupcake liner and the side of the baking pan before pouring in the cupcake batter. This will create an indentation in the finished cupcake, causing it to take on the shape of a heart as it bakes.

Refreshments are an important part of a classroom party.

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Crafts

The simplest way to complete a craft project during a classroom party is to create craft kits ahead of time for each student. Be sure to select crafts that are quick and simple to keep the party rolling. Assemble the elements of this craft in a zip-close sandwich bag. One example of a simple valentine craft is a pom-pom refrigerator magnet. For this craft, have students glue a magnet to the bottom of a 1-inch craft foam heart. Glue a red, pink or white pom-pom to the other side of the foam heart, and glue a set of craft eyes to the top of the pom-pom.

Valentine-themed crafts add to the excitement.

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Decorations

Ready-made Valentine's Day decorations are an easy and relatively inexpensive option. However, creating homemade Valentine's Day party decorations can be very rewarding. Use a roll of white drawing paper and markers to create a banner that welcomes the students to the party. Glue conversation hearts to 2-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon for a simple garland. String the garland around the room, draping it from desk to desk, or drape the ribbon diagonally across the doorway for a distinctive ribbon curtain.

Party decorations set the mood.

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Favors

Kids love candy party favors, and Valentine's Day is an appropriate time to hand out these sweet treats. Fill an empty toilet paper roll with wrapped candy, and wrap the roll with white tissue paper, gathering excess wrapping paper at either end and securing it with a tied ribbon. Embellish the favor with valentine stickers. Another option is to fill a child's plastic sand shovel with candy, wrap the lower part of the shovel in cellophane and secure with a tied ribbon. Attach a label that reads, "I dig you!" to complete the favor.

A party favor provides a special rememberance of the event.

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