Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th of each year. This free unit study is a great way to teach your children more about Valentine’s Day. The unit is mostly designed for elementary-aged children, but your entire family will enjoy going through this study together. The unit includes information about the history of Valentine’s Day, as well as lessons and activities covering Valentine-themed science, math, literature, writing, crafts, and more. You may choose to do all of the lessons and activities in a single day, taking the day off from your regular studies, or spread the unit study out over several days leading up to Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day History

Watch one of these videos to learn about Saint Valentine and the history of Valentine’s Day.

St. Valentine’s Day History– This is a very short animated overview of the history behind the holiday.
Story of Saint Valentine– A 22-minute long animated program about St. Valentine and the history of Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day Writing

Have your children complete one of these copywork or poetry writing assignments.

Valentine’s Day Copywork– Over 50 pages of manuscript and cursive copywork to choose from. The copywork includes scripture and famous quotes about love.
Valentine’s Day Acrostic Poem Activity– Acrostic poem writing worksheet using the word “heart.” This printable is good for lower elementary.
Valentine’s Day Poetry– Students read a Valentine’s Day poem and then write their own poem with the same rhyme scheme. This printable is good for upper elementary and middle school.

Valentine’s Day Stories

Watch and listen to a read-aloud of one (or more) of the following storybooks.

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine  by Herman Parish
Happy Valentine’s Day, Curious George by N. Di Angelo

Valentine’s Day Science

Complete a science experiment or STEM project using candy hearts.

Candy Heart Experiments– Instructions for two science experiments using candy hearts and worksheets for recording the results.
STEM Activities with Candy Hearts– Several fun building projects that use candy hearts.

Valentine’s Day Math

Do a math activity using candy hearts.

Candy Heart Math Printables– These printables use candy hearts in counting, sorting, graphing, and pattern activities. (Pre-K to 1st grade)
Candy Heart Math Graphing– These math worksheets use candy hearts to practice estimation, counting, sorting, tallies, pie graph, bar graph, and analyzing data. (2nd & 3rd grades)
Candy Heart Fraction Math– This worksheet uses candy hearts to provide practice working with fractions. (4th & 5th grades)

Valentine’s Day Crafts

Make one of these Valentine’s Day crafts with your children.

Heart Suncatcher Craft– This simple craft uses contact paper and colored tissue paper to make a suncatcher. It’s perfect for younger kids.
Heart String Art– For this craft, you’ll need string or twine, a small piece of wood, hammer, nails, and the free template provided. This craft is better for older children. Younger children could do it, too, if you hammer the nails for them.

If crafting isn’t your thing, print out some cute coloring sheets instead at Homemade Gifts Made Easy or Happiness is Homemade.

Valentine’s Day Treats

Choose one of these tasty and cute treats to make together.

Valentine’s Marshmallow Pops
Easy Valentine’s Day Cookies
Red Velvet Rice Crispy Treats
Valentine’s Day Oreo Pops
Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies

Valentine’s Cards

Make Valentine’s Cards for friends and family. Or make cards for nursing home residents and shut-ins. Some of them may not get visitors very often, and receiving a card would help them know that someone cares. Valentine’s cards are also a fun way to show appreciation to healthcare workers, police, firefighters, pastors, and others in your community.

Teddy Bear Valentine’s Day Pop Up Card
Valentine’s Cards for Preschoolers to Make
40+ Easy Valentine Cards for Kids
24 Homemade Valentines

Community Service

Valentine’s Day is a great time to show love for your community. In addition to making cards for people who may be feeling lonely or unappreciated, your family could donate to a food bank, pick up trash in a park, do yardwork for a neighbor, or put together care kits for the homeless. The possibilities are endless.

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Note: This post was originally published on January 7, 2021 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.