Hello Darlings!

With February in full swing, have you had a moment to think or plan for Valentine’s Day?

I’ll be honest…it’s not one of my favorite holidays, but I try to make it fun and unique for myself and my students. Yes, I include the traditional Valentine’s Day activities such as writing Valentine’s Day cards, Valentine’s Day math with candy hearts, Valentine’s Day reading activities, and more…

BUT, my favorite way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in my third grade classroom?

Spiders.

Yep. The long-legged, oh-so-fuzzy, creepy-crawly SPIDERS.

Okay. Okay. Don’t check out on me just yet! Hear me out!

This Valentine’s Day activity includes a fun, engaging read aloud and a low-prep, hands-on research project.

The first thing we do is read I’m Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton. In this amazing book, the main character is really trying to find fun, interesting facts to fall in love with spiders. Even though she thinks spiders are creepy and gross, she works hard to find these facts in order to convince herself that spiders aren’t so bad.

Once we are done reading, as a class, we discuss different insects or animals we aren’t so crazy about. Then, each student chooses one insect or animal to research. In the past, students have chosen ticks, mosquitos, etc.

As a Valentine’s Day research project, I have my students research interesting facts about their chosen insect or animal. Then, as a Valentine’s Day writing activity, they write about the information they have discovered. The Valentine’s Day writing prompt that I include with this research project is “I’m trying to love…”

Each student gets the opportunity to present their Valentine’s Day research project and discuss why their chosen insect or animal isn’t so bad and how they are trying to “love” it.

Now, doesn’t that sound so unique and fun?

I’ll skip the roses any day to hear why gnats aren’t so bad…wouldn’t you?

Okay, maybe I took that a little too far, but I absolutely adore this activity! It’s a fun break from the traditional Valentine’s Day activities and it’s one my kiddos remember all year long!

What are some of the unique Valentine’s Day activities you like to do in your elementary classroom? DM me @thatteachingspark on Instagram or tag me in a picture of your favorite Valentine’s Day activities! I love connecting with fellow educators!