Valentine’s Day is an annual commemoration celebrating love and companionship. The day is named after Valentine, an early Christian martyr, and became associated with romantic love during the 11th-13th centuries. Today, cards called “Valentines” are traditionally sent to family, friends, and loved ones.

This Valentine’s Day, Monday, February 14, provides a great opportunity for teachers to alter their lesson plans in order to incorporate certain aspects of the holiday. Teachers can also use February 14th to educate students about the origin of a holiday. Students may be aware of the holiday, but teachers can use this time to explain the history and traditions that come with Valentine’s Day.

Here are some games, activities, and quizzes about Valentine’s Day that teachers can use in the classroom:

Valentine’s Trivia: Test your knowledge of the traditions, symbols, and myths that have become synonymous with the holiday. Teachers can print out a quiz for each student!

Valentine Candy Canes: Still have candy canes around the house from the Christmas holidays? Now you can recycle them with this fun craft activity!

Create a Special Valentine’s Day Card: Ask students to write their own poetry and design a card for their family or special someone.

Candy Conversation: A fun and delicious way to get student’s minds working. Students can create sentences out of Valentine conversation hearts.

Writing Prompts and Journal Ideas: Here are several Valentine’s Day themed prompts and story starters to actively engage students in writing and creative thinking.

Valentine’s Math: Just because it’s Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean we can forget about math! Here are some Valentine’s Day themed activities and crafts that incorporate math.

Other fun projects: These are five fun and easy student favorites.