When holidays roll around, they come with class parties. Activities, treats, energy surge through the classroom. If your school doesn't have the policy to require anyone that bring Valentines to bring one for everyone, it can be heartbreaking to see some kids receive less than others or nothing at all.
It can leave us wondering: should we celebrate Valentine's Day in the classroom? Is it worth the possible heartache?
I actually believe that we can and should allow Valentine's Day celebrations if we do it right. Here's why.
1. Students can't learn empathy if we eliminate all their opportunities to do so.
We can push anti-bullying programs and education, but we must also provide students with the ability to show kindness and inclusivity at normal school functions! It might be tempting to look at things like class parties and gift-giving holidays and say, "no more! Too many kids are being left out!" instead of using them as opportunities to teach the kids HOW to include their classmates.
Teaching them HOW includes teaching them the power of words, and that a student doesn't need disposable cash to make another student feel valued, but that a kind word and a timely note means so much!
2. Encourage students to reach out to someone lonely.
Children tend to be self-focused by nature. I had a teacher who used to say "walk slowly through the crowd." What he meant was to slow down, look around, and see who is by themselves. Who is isolated? Who has been left out? And beyond that, how can I step up and make them feel important?
1. Students can't learn empathy if we eliminate all their opportunities to do so.
We can push anti-bullying programs and education, but we must also provide students with the ability to show kindness and inclusivity at normal school functions! It might be tempting to look at things like class parties and gift-giving holidays and say, "no more! Too many kids are being left out!" instead of using them as opportunities to teach the kids HOW to include their classmates.
Teaching them HOW includes teaching them the power of words, and that a student doesn't need disposable cash to make another student feel valued, but that a kind word and a timely note means so much!
2. Encourage students to reach out to someone lonely.
Children tend to be self-focused by nature. I had a teacher who used to say "walk slowly through the crowd." What he meant was to slow down, look around, and see who is by themselves. Who is isolated? Who has been left out? And beyond that, how can I step up and make them feel important?
Encourage them to use Valentine's Day as an opportunity to make a new friend as well.
3. Take this chance to remind every student of the potential you see in them.
3. Take this chance to remind every student of the potential you see in them.
You as the teacher can use this as a springboard of encouragement as well. Tell the students how much you care about them and how proud of them you are.
Remind them that you believe they can make anyone and everyone feel included by the choices they make! Did you bring something for everyone? Did you know you have the ability to make someone's day by the words that you choose? I know and believe you can!
In my opinion, it comes down to this: if we eliminate all opportunities for students to include each other, they'll never learn how to do it!
What do you think? Should we celebrate Valentine's Day in the classroom? Tell me in the comments below!
In my opinion, it comes down to this: if we eliminate all opportunities for students to include each other, they'll never learn how to do it!
What do you think? Should we celebrate Valentine's Day in the classroom? Tell me in the comments below!
Do you want to have this same discussion with your students? Check out my Valentine's Day Debate Activity!
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