What Is Love If Not Kindness? Teaching Preschoolers About Kindness for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is often about hearts, candy, and cards, but at its core, it’s really about love—and what is love if not kindness? Teaching preschoolers about kindness is one of the best ways to help them understand the true meaning of Valentine’s Day.
By turning the holiday into a celebration of kindness, friendship, and giving, we can make it more meaningful and fun. Here’s how to help little ones practice Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day!
1. Start a “Kindness Countdown”
Instead of just waiting for February 14th, turn the whole week leading up to Valentine’s Day into a Kindness Countdown! Each day, preschoolers can complete a small act of kindness and add a heart to a “Kindness Wall” or “Love Chain.”
Kindness Countdown Ideas:
Day 1: Give a friend a hug or high-five.
Day 2: Share a toy with someone new.
Day 3: Help a teacher clean up.
Day 4: Say something nice to a friend.
Day 5: Make a kindness card for someone special.
Bonus Idea: Write each act on a paper heart and hang them up in the classroom. By Valentine’s Day, the room will be filled with visible reminders of love and kindness!
2. Make “Secret Valentine” Kindness Gifts
Instead of traditional Valentine’s exchanges, have each child secretly do something kind for another classmate—like a preschool version of “Secret Santa,” but with acts of kindness!
How It Works:
1. Draw Names: Each child gets assigned a classmate.
2. Do Something Kind: They can make a special card, share a sticker, or save a seat for their friend at snack time.
3. Big Reveal on Valentine’s Day: On February 14th, kids share what kind thing they did and for whom!
Bonus Idea: Turn it into a “Mystery Cupid” game where kids have to guess who their Secret Valentine was based on the kindness they received!
3. Create a “Kindness Post Office”
Set up a Kindness Post Office where kids can “mail” kind notes to their classmates, teachers, and family members.
How to Set It Up:
Decorate a shoebox or basket as a mailbox.
Provide blank cards or heart-shaped paper.
Encourage kids to draw pictures or have a teacher help them write kind messages.
Deliver the “mail” on Valentine’s Day!
Bonus Idea: Let kids decorate and wear “Mail Carrier” hats while delivering their kindness mail!
4. Read Stories About Love & Kindness
Books are a great way to teach kids how kindness and love go hand in hand. In the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, set aside time for heartwarming stories about friendship and caring for others.
Great Books About Kindness:
The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond – A sweet story about sharing love.
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller – A gentle lesson on everyday kindness.
Love Monster by Rachel Bright – A fun way to talk about love and acceptance.
Bonus Idea: After each book, ask preschoolers, “How can we be kind like the characters in the story?”
5. Teach “Kindness Catchphrases”
Sometimes, kids need a little help finding the right words to show kindness. Introduce some Kindness Catchphrases and practice using them throughout the week!
Kind Words to Teach:
“You can play with us!” (Including others)
“I like how you did that!” (Giving compliments)
“Are you okay?” (Showing concern)
“Thank you for being my friend!” (Expressing appreciation)
Bonus Idea: Make a “Kindness Jar” and add a pom-pom each time a child uses a kind phrase. When the jar is full, celebrate with a special Valentine’s treat!
6. Do a “Kindness Walk”
Instead of a regular nature walk, turn it into a Kindness Walk! As kids walk around the playground, neighborhood, or school, encourage them to find ways to be kind.
Kindness Walk Activities:
Pick up a piece of litter and throw it away.
Say “good morning” to someone new.
Smile at three people.
Hold the door open for someone.
Bonus Idea: Have kids wear paper heart necklaces, and each time they complete an act of kindness, they add a sticker!
Final Thoughts: Let’s Make Valentine’s Day About Love & Kindness!
By celebrating Random Acts of Kindness, preschoolers will learn that Valentine’s Day isn’t just about candy—it’s about showing love through kind words and actions. These simple activities will help them build habits of kindness that last all year long!
What acts of kindness will you try this Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments!
Would you like me to create printable kindness challenge sheets or activity templates for this blog? Let me know how I can help make your blog even more engaging!