February rolls around so quickly every year. New years ends and the shelves stock up on pretty cards and sweets. This year, my little ones are big enough to start making their own Montessori valentines day cards for family and for friends. One thing I love about Montessori learning is that you can incorporate it’s elements into almost ANY activity if you’re open minded about it. This blog posts talks about making Montessori Valentines Day cards, by cutting heart shaped cards, writing their name & the word love, all while creating something to share with someone else, teaching them about giving and receiving in a socially acceptable manner. I’ve included a free printable to make this project even easier!
Montessori Skills Covered
- Practical Life – Cutting and folding paper
- Language Arts- Tracing letters and writing their own name
- Social Skills- Learning about giving and receiving, learning about love
- Culture – Learning the meaning of Valentines day
Shopping List
- Pink or red Cardstock
- The Printable listed below
- Scissors (child safe)
- Glitter, pom poms, stickers, you name it!
- Glue, both stick and Elmer’s glue
- Scotch tape
- Markers, crayons, colored pencils, stencils, etc.
If you haven’t already, check out my post about Montessori arts and crafts. While Montessori teaching traditionally did not have a subject for arts and crafts (they really did include it in many subjects), I have found that the tips mentioned in that tutorial have allowed my child to have freedom within boundaries when it comes to their creativity and art.
Total Time: 1 hour
Gather Materials
Gather all the craft items you would like to use on your Valentines, as well as all of the tools. Make them accessible to the children via paper plates or baskets on the table in front of them.
Print out the FREE Printable
Use the free printable posted above as a template for your valentine.
Fold the Printable in half
Have the child fold the printable in half along the vertical dotted line. Keep in mind that this is their valentine, it does not need to be perfect. Assist them in aligning the edges and pressing in the center fold.
Show the child where to cut along the dotted line
Using safety scissors, show the child where to cut along the dotted line of the heart on one side while the page ( while it is still folded).
Let your child decorate the valentine heart
Remove the excess border paper and let your child decorate their heart valentine using the arts and crafts items you have chosen! Try not to intervene. It is supposed to be a work of art, and every child’s valentine will look different. Some children may spend 20 mintues decorating while others are done in 10 seconds.
Add some words for the valentine
If the child can write, have them trace the TO: and FROM: portion of the valentine on the back of the card. If they can write their name, encourage them to do so even if it isn’t perfect! Help them when they are requesting guidance on how to spell a name in the From section.
Deliver the Valentine to a Friend or Family Member!
Have your child deliver a beautiful handmade valentine to a family member or friend. Our favorites are Mom, Dad, Grandmother, Grandfather, Sister, Brother, Cousin, and even Neighbor. They will be so happy to see the smiles the cards will give their loved ones when they tell them, “HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!”
Estimated Cost: 1.00 USD
Supply:
- Pink, Purple, White, or Red Cardstock
- The FREE Printable Listed Above
- Glitter, Pom-Poms, Sequins, you name it!
- Stencils
- Crayons, Colored Pencils, Markers, etc.
Tools:
- Child Safe Scissors
- Glue Stick
- Elmers Glue
Materials: Paper and Craft Items
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