Friday, February 14, 2014

How do you deal with Valentine's Day in the classroom??

I waited specifically to blog on today because of the date. Valentines day is filled with love, gift, homemade cards from your students, and broken hearts if your not careful. As future educators valentines day is something you must know how to deal with within your classroom, because a great day like this could turn bad in a blink of an eye. Sometimes students can be mean to each other by excluding one another while passing out their valentine's day candy or cards.

 As the teacher you should have already discussed the topic with the students, and sent a letter home to parents discussing your concerns on this particular day. Enclosed in the letter you should address to the parents that in order to keep the classroom a friendly environment, that if students want to bring valentine's day cards and candy for their friends they must bring enough for the entire class. If they do not have enough for the entire class then they will be unable to pass out their valentine celebration gifts.

You as the instructor have witnessed how a lack of attention to something as small as this can turn into something bigger. When we were students in elementary our feelings were easier to be hurt by things that are not considered so serious now. Growing up students gave valentine day cards and candy to their "friends" and then there were students that were left out. At this age students don't fully understand how that could hurt someone's feelings by not receiving something on the one day that everyone should feel loved and cared for.

So take this opportunity to really think at some more creative ways to deal with this situation within the classroom.

Go check out this link for some valentine's day activities for a ESL classroom. http://bit.ly/1duEriZ
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2 comments:

  1. JSimmonsFebruary 17, 2014 at 6:26 PM

    Danielle I think this was a great blog. I do agree that children should be fair when it comes to their classmates and passing out gifts. Not only on Valentine's day but their birthday as well and Christmas party.

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  2. S WakefieldFebruary 20, 2014 at 6:49 PM

    For my last three kids, the procedure has been pretty standard. Send cards for every student in the class; each must be addressed to "my friend" rather than specific names. No candy with nuts. The teacher puts cards in every mailbox or bag. For my youngest, there isn't a party--just a bag of cards and treats that come home.

    For birthdays, nothing can be sent at all. The birthday child gets his/her name read on the morning announcements, and often there's a special crown that the teacher has made, but that's it. I think they don't want anyone to feel left out if the family can't afford to send 23 gourmet cupcakes.

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