How do I have a successful Valentine’s Day class party in elementary school?
Call me a sucker for Hallmark goodness, but I love all things Valentine’s Day. When you package all of that goodness into a third grade class party - it’s magic. Bring on the Valentine boxes, sweet little folded valentines, and adorable crafts and snacks.
However, Valentine’s Day parties can have the ability to also turn disastrous. (Ok, maybe not disastrous, but definitely a mess!) Struggling readers trying to pass out valentines with swirly letters, forgotten boxes, hurt feelings, and more.
In this blog, I’m going to give you some hot tips to try to avoid as many potential issues as possible so you can fall in love with Valentine’s Day parties, too.
Valentine’s Day Party Parent Communication
Valentine’s Day Party Sample Schedule
Valentine’s Day Party Rotations - Snacks, Crafts, Games, and (of course) Valentines!
What information do I need to send home before the Valentine’s Day class party?
One of the biggest tips for a successful Valentines Day party is to make sure you communicate with grown ups and students effectively and early.
Two weeks before the Valentine’s Day class party, plan to send a note to let families know the details of the party.
Valentine’s Day Party Parent Communication:
Valentine Boxes:
Are students allowed to bring boxes to collect their valentines? If so, are there any specifications on size? I prefer that boxes are small enough to fit on student desks and light enough that students are able to carry the box on their own. However, I know other teachers who have had competitions for Biggest Box, Most Creative Box, etc. so you can specify as needed!
Valentines:
Make sure to include how many valentines students need to bring. If it is allowed in your district, sometimes it is helpful to send a class list of names (first name only!) so families can help their students address valentines. Other teachers ask that students only write their name in the “From” section and leave the “To” section blank for easier passing out - this is especially helpful for primary grades. Even if you choose to go that route, make sure to include how many students are in your class!
Treats:
Be sure to include any specifics about snacks for the party. (This goes for the Valentine’s treats too!) Some teachers use Google Forms or Sign Up Genius for parents to sign up to bring snacks for the party. Make sure to include any rules about how the food is prepared/stored (ie store bought, individually wrapped, etc.)
Volunteers:
As with the other parties during the year, make sure to let families know ahead of time if they are allowed to come to the party, and if they need to sign up somewhere. If they are allowed to join, be very clear with the time they should arrive and how they will need to sign out their child at the end of the party if taking him or her with them.
Support Options:
I like to have extra Valentines and Box supplies available if needed and I like to include that information in this note home. I always leave my contact info in case caregivers want more info or need me to send any supplies home. I also let students know about this option and keep it very discreet if people choose to take it. (The Dollar store always has some very cute options and I like to get a variety so students can still pick what they like and it isn’t as obvious that it came from my stash). Even if no one tells me they need these supplies, I always have enough for if at least 1/4 of my class in case someone forgets supplies or needs something. I collect empty tissue boxes throughout the year and keep stickers, brown lunch bags, and markers at the ready for box creation.
Timeline:
Finally, let parents know when students can bring boxes, valentine’s, and treats to class. Some years, I let students bring in everything any time the week of the party and other years, only on the day of the party. While I prefer having supplies and counts a day or two early so I can purchase whatever supplies I need, it isn’t always very accurate.
On the morning of the party, check in privately with each student to make sure they each have a box and valentines to hand out. I like to have a coloring or craft activity early in the day on the party so any students who may have forgotten their supplies have time to address valentines and decorate a box.
What is a good Valentine’s Day class party schedule?
While I love the fun of Valentine’s Day, I can’t handle the chaos of everyone passing out valentines at once, no matter how adorable it is. Solution: rotations.
Depending on the class size, I usually set up 4 different rotations: game, craft, snacks, and passing out valentines. My preference is for students to leave their valentine boxes on their desks. This way, it’s easier for “passer-outers” to figure out whose box is whose by looking at name tags (and knowing where other students sit in class). The other stations are usually around the room to prevent snoopy snackers from peaking in their box or having too many opinions about the valentines they receive and from whom.
Example Class Valentine’s Party Schedule
If I have an hour allotted for the party, I usually do 8 minute rotations, so the schedule looks something like this:
10 minutes
Students retrieve their own valentines and boxes and set them up on their desks. Then I explain the schedule for the party as well as the stations and expectations. Finally I assign students to stations and help get settled and started.
40 minutes
Rotations (8 minutes per rotation // 2 minutes to rotate to next station)
10 minutes
Get cleaned up and packed up. Sometimes I let students pick one piece of candy from their valentine box or give them a chance to look at their valentines if I’m feeling generous. :)
If I have parent volunteers, I try to have at least one parent at each station so I am either a floater or can heavily help in the valentine passing out station. (Parents often have a hard time finding desks and reading the handwriting.)
What are some fun and easy rotation ideas for the Valentine’s Day class party?
Keeping in mind that you want each rotation to be able to be completed in about 8 minutes, here are some of my favorite Valentines Day party ideas!
*All images are linked to original post if you’d like more information.
Valentine’s Day Class Party Snacks
Often districts require prepackaged treats, so think about how you can dress those up to make them themed and fun like these cute applesauce cups! Fruit is always a great, healthy option and you know I love kabobs for easy prep and distribution. Finally, a trail mix is always a crowd pleaser - especially if you let students pick the ingredients to add onto their plates.
Valentine’s Day Party Crafts
These cupcakes are so cute and could have so many fun options with glitter, pompoms, tissue paper and more! Along those lines, I also love these love bugs made out of toilet paper rolls that leave lots of room for creativity (and way to use up those random craft supplies you probably have laying around). Finally, you can’t go wrong with an adorable handprint craft. (Just make sure to have an escape plan for students to clean their hands afterward! Wipes are a great option or a bowl of water to avoid the mass exodus to the bathroom.)
Valentine’s Day Party Games
Conversation hearts all the wayyyy for this holiday. You can do a STEM option where students try to build the tallest (or sturdiest) tower using hearts and popsicle sticks, use dice to race to fill a cup, or get out those tweezers to practice fine motor skills with filling a bottle or stacking the hearts for the older grades.
Valentines Distribution
For this rotation, I have students walk around and place the valentines they brought into student boxes. It’s helpful for the teacher to be at this rotation to help read names and maneuver boxes. I also like to bring some valentines for my students, so here are some cute (and cheap!) ideas for teacher valentines for your students!
If you want to see more ideas like these, check out my Valentine’s Day Pinterest board:
I hope that you now feel ready and prepared to have a lovely Valentines Day party! Have questions or other ideas? Leave a comment below!
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