Valentine's Day Do's & Don'ts Celebrating Safely at School
Valentine's Day is coming up a great time for students and staff to spread kindness! Show how much you care by celebrating safely and following the latest health and safety protocols with these recommended Valentine's Day activities and guidelines!
Here are a list of Do's and Don'ts for students and staff in the classroom, as well as some ideas to celebrate on February 14th!
Do's:
- DO wash your hands regularly, especially before and after activities
- DO ensure each student uses their own set of supplies like glue, scissors and markers during craft time
- DO maintain personal distance whenever possible
- DO go outside whenever possible
- DO dress up. Wear Valentine-themed-clothing or have a pajama party!
- DO share paper Valentine's cards students and staff may exchange cards while being mindful not to congregate and to maintain personal space
- DO share gifts and purchased, pre-packaged and individually wrapped treats (no homemade food items permitted). Ensure a distribution plan is in place to avoid crowding
Don'ts:
- DON'T host student dances
- DON'T organize baking classes even if prepared by the teacher and students are provided with individual kits (Activities involving baking and creating edible items can only take place in food labs or teaching kitchens at secondary schools)
- DON'T have activities where students face each other unless personal distance can be maintained
- DON'T allow communal sharing of food such as donuts, chocolates and cookies only distribute purchased, pre-packaged, individually wrapped treats
- DON'T host potlucks
*A Note about Food: Pancake breakfasts may occur if done in a teaching kitchen.
There are plenty of activities to have a fun and safe Valentine's Day at school! Here are a few of our favourite recommendations:
- Be Heart Healthy: Take part in outdoor activities by organizing outdoor games and activities that minimize physical contact and maximize space
- Kindness Rocks! Have students paint rocks with messages of support and friendship that can be placed in areas where the whole school can enjoy them!
- Send Valentine Cards to a Special Place: Design cards for seniors at a care facility, or for people at a homeless shelter. Please call the site in advance to ensure they are accepting cards and follow all safety protocols outlined by organizations.
- Hunt for Valentine Clues! Have an outdoor scavenger hunt and have each student find items they love and appreciate that will help them solve a problem or riddle!
- Open Your Heart and Mind to a Good Book! There are so many great books about friendship, kindness and sharing. Ask your librarian to recommend a few and organize a Valentine's Day reading party!
Stay safe on February 14th and Happy Valentine's Day!
