Generally speaking where I've, 6th grade is part of middle school and in middle school I doubt teachers are creating Valentines card holders and students pass around Valentine's Cards. My 6th grade class is self-contained, part of an elementary school. The class is mostly boys. Do students at this age still pass around Valentine's cards with those candy hearts with messages? For other 5th/6th grade teachers, do you still have Valentines exchange in your classroom?
We haven't for years...but that's because we have always had the day off. We are doing something this year though because we happen to have school on Valentine's Day.
I have 12 boys and 6 girls. We are going to make valentines for family members and mailboxes to receive them; I've never NOT had kids bring them in before in fifth grade. I found some paper plane valentines, so that's what I'm giving them and we're going to do predictions and then actual measurements for the distance they fly. I also do v-day themed math centers and we're having a nacho party. They all like the opportunity to do fun stuff, we just minimize the lovey dovey cupid business.
I'd suggest a service project. Our fifth graders collect books for kindergarteners at an urban elementary and we drive over and give them the books and they read to the little kids and make cute Valentine crafts. Our fourth graders host an appreciation party for our maintenance staff. Maybe make cards for soldiers or people in a retirement home...
wrice, that is a great idea. Instead of focusing on ourselves, we can look to positively affect someone else. I am going to talk to admin. about doing this. Thanks for the idea.
Ok this is my personal opinion so I am not critizing what any other teacher may or may not do. I believe very much "to each his/her own". However, I believe having the kids give Valentine's to each other is inappropriate at this age. As a mother of a 5th grade girl and a 6th grade boy they are already in the "boyfriend/girlfriend" mindset and very conscienous of the opposite sex. I could just see those "innocent little cards" could cause hurt feelings or other issues. Now having them create valentine's for parents/grandparents is a good idea and I think that a community service project is a FABULOUS idea. Just my 2 cents.
The problem is...if we don't let them bring valentine's, some kids will bring them in and distribute them in the hallways anyways.
well I can see that happening too. My kids' school does the valentine exchange to 4th grade. Neither my 5th grader or my 6th grader has a valentine party/exchange.They do a couple of fun valentine--y activities, but no exchange.
We have never done an exchange either! We will do something for the kids...but I just don't want to see them passing them out in the hallways and making other kids feel left out.
I love this! Where did you find the paper planes and themed centers? I'll bet they love the nachos, great idea!
I teach 5th grade and in the past taught 5th/6th grade class. The lower grades do the Valentines Day party gig we do not. I usually tell the kids we will spend the last 45 minutes of the day doing something special instead of a "party" and to NOT bring V-Day cards. I haven't had any complaints in the 3 years I have done this. One year we baked cookies and I turned it into a math lesson to convert units and measure things. Another year we watched a movie and had some sweet treats. This also worked very well because I had some practicing Jahovahs Witness families and they were able to participate because it wasn't a party.
I let the kids plan a party and we write appreciatin/ affirmations to each other. They have to write one for every class member. It's a fun day.
My students asked if they could bring cards for everyone, and they asked if we could make holders to hang on their desks so people could drop cards off. Looks like we're celebrating Valentine's day!
