Valentine’s Day

Celebrating Valentine’s Day

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By Kristy Justice, Library Assistant, McLure Education Library

How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day in your classroom?

Children learn about love starting at an early age, take this as a perfect opportunity to teach your class about love, kindness, and compassion.
Listed below are a few ideas handpicked by McLure Education Library staff.

Books
Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentine
Junie

Does Junie B. really have to give that meanie ol’ Jim a valentime?  Her mother informed her that she was to include everyone in the class. Does Junie B. get a Valentine’s Day surprise?  This funny, chapter book series written by Barbara Park is suggested for ages 5-8.  This book is available in our school library!
http://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=1787003

Snowy Valentine
snowy valentine

This delightful story takes place on a cold, snowy Valentine’s Day.  Jasper the bunny is desperately searching for the perfect gift to show his wife just how much he loves her.  Feeling discouraged and having no luck finding something special, a friend helps him realize that he has already created the perfect Valentine’s Day present.  Written by David Petersen, this heartwarming story is recommended for children ages 3-6.
http://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=3609986

Classroom Activities

stemmathcolorword searchheart

Valentine’s Day Stem – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/69172544255158019/                                                                                         Valentine’s Day Math Worksheets- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/69172544255152169/
Valentine’s Day Color by Number- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/69172544255157691/
Valentine’s Day Word Search- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/69172544255157816/
Pumping Heart Model is located in the Curriculum Materials section at McLure Education Library – http://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=3520948
Classroom Crafts

craftsmazeteddy

Heart Shaped Animals-https://www.pinterest.com/pin/Abzs4buSYCeL64rJfGsoG80wH2SW5PlG9iOGb3AtLk0R7gbyKSFNk1c/
Maze Printable-https://www.pinterest.com/pin/69172544255163863/
Valentine Bag Bear/Bunny- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/69172544255169053/

 

 

 

Love Is In The Air – Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a book about Love

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valentine-heart

 

Books About Love: Valentine’s Day Recommendations

Blogpost by Leslie Grant, Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library

 

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

 

With February 14 rapidly approaching, love seems to be on everyone’s mind. You can’t walk through the grocery store or turn on the TV without being assaulted by red and pink hearts. If books are your one true love, then consider checking out some of these books from the library.

eleanor & park

Eleanor & Park

PZ7.R79613 Ele 2013

“Eleanor was right. She never looked nice. She looked like art, and art wasn’t supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something.”

Rainbow Rowell’s honest story about two outsiders trying to survive high school in the eighties has taken the world of Young Adult fiction by storm. This story epitomizes the power and importance of young love. A 2014 Printz Honor book, Eleanor & Park would be a good Valentine’s read for fans of teen romance and good music.

  fault in our stars

The Fault in Our Stars

PZ7.G8233 Fau 2012

“As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.”

In this book, John Green tells the story of two teens who meet in a support group for cancer survivors. Green has quite a following, and you’ll know why after reading this witty and heartbreaking book. Plus, The Fault in Our Stars comes to the big screen this June, so why not read the book first? But don’t forget to bring tissues!

twilight

Twilight

PZ7.M57188 Tw 2005

“About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him-and I didn’t know how potent that part might be-that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.”

While Twilight receives a lot of criticism, don’t discount its popularity. The now ubiquitous love story of Bella Swan and teen vampire Edward Cullen is a perfect guilty pleasure for this holiday. To be read while eating an entire box of chocolates by yourself.

 on and only ivan

One and Only Ivan

PZ7.A6483 On 2012

“Right now I would give all the yogurt raisins in all the world for a heart made of ice.”

If friendship is more your style, then check out Katherine Applegate’s One and Only Ivan, winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal. Ivan, a gorilla on display at the mall, must learn to care for his fellow animals in order to find a way to spare their newest addition, a baby elephant, from sharing the same sad existence. Inspired by the real life story of a gorilla who lived in a mall in Tacoma, Washington for 27 years.

 

All of these books are available at the McLure Education Library, so come by to find your perfect match. Have a happy Valentine’s Day!

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