STRATEGY #1:

Theme Your Current Lessons

Use Valentine’s Day as a theme for the content you're already teaching. Whether it’s math, reading, or writing, adding a holiday twist keeps the content rigorous and the students engaged.

Tip: Don’t go overboard. Keep it aligned with your learning goals — the theme is just to keep your students interested.

STRATEGY #2:

Use Valentine’s as a Review Tool

Valentine’s week is perfect for review. You don’t need to throw in brand new content (the entire time) when you can use this time to reinforce what they’ve already learned.

You can set up review centers, stations, or partner games with a Valentine’s twist. Students rotate between centers to review skills they’ve already mastered, but the Valentine’s theme keeps it fun.

Tip: The rigor stays high because you’re reviewing key concepts — the fun factor just makes it feel less like work.

STRATEGY #3:

Sneak the Valentine’s Fun into Early Finishers, Homework, or Positive Reinforcement

We’ve all been there — you find a fun Valentine’s activity, but you just can’t justify spending class time on it because of your pacing guide and everything you still need to teach.

 Well, I’ve got some good news for you: You CAN do it! Here’s how to make it work without losing focus.

Take those light, engaging Valentine’s-themed activities and use them for early finishers, as fun homework, or as a little extra reward for positive behavior. The key is using these activities strategically, so you’re not using your valuable instruction time.