Now, more than ever, emphasizing kindness, compassion, and tolerance are essential character lessons in the classroom.Ā This year, make a point of stressing the importanceĀ of those traits in your holiday decor.Ā Decorate your classroom for Valentineās Day with one of the ideas below that is sure to inspire kindness in your classroom.
3 Ideas for Decorating the Classroom for Valentineās Day
Acts of Kindness Chains
When someone does an act of kindness for someone else, it can set off a chain reaction of kind acts.Ā Record random acts of kindness completed by students on 1-inch strips of red and white construction paper.Ā Loop the strips together to form paper chains. Challenge students to do a certain number of acts and decorate the classroom with the paper chains.
Heart Attacks
Form an army of hearts that march around the classroom bringing love, compassion, kindness, and tolerance.Ā Each large construction paper heart āpersonā can be labeled with a character trait that you would like to stress in the classroom and beyond.Ā Complete the decor with a sign above the main bulletin board that says āWe Stand Up For Kindness.ā
Butterfly Bonanza
Butterflies are primarily thought of as spring decor, but with their unique shape and the wonderful teaching lessons they bring, butterflies are perfect for Valentineās Day decor.Ā Have students create large butterflies out of construction paper and hang them around the room.Ā Discuss how butterflies start off as caterpillars, but get another chance to change who they are and become even more beautiful and unique.Ā Explain to students that bad choices need not define them if they make the decision to strive to make better choices.Ā Emphasize that each child is unique, just as the butterflies are, and that without each childās special presence in the classroom, the class would not be as colorful, beautiful, or as bright.
What are some of your favorite ways to decorate the classroom for Valentineās Day?Ā Share with us below!