Let’s be real for a second: Valentine’s Day in upper elementary and middle school is a wild ride. You’re balancing the inevitable sugar crash, the heightened social dynamics, and that tricky line between “festive” and “babyish.”
If you teach 4th grade and up, you know that the cute little cartoon valentines and simple crafts we loved in primary grades just don’t hit the same way anymore. In fact, if you try to force it, you might just get an eye roll.
But that doesn’t mean we skip the holiday! It just means we have to level up our game. Over the years, I’ve found that the secret to surviving (and actually enjoying) February 14th with big kids is finding activities that are relatable, engaging, and—dare I say—a little bit cool.
Here are four of my favorite strategies for celebrating Valentine’s Day with older students, including a set of cards that will finally earn you some “cool teacher” points.
1. “Love Letter” to a Character (Literacy Activity)
We are always looking for ways to sneak in some rigorous writing practice, right? Instead of generic poetry, have students write a “Break-Up Letter” or a “Love Letter” to a character from their current novel study or independent reading book.
How it works:
- Students must use text evidence to explain why they are breaking up with the character (e.g., “I can’t be with someone who makes impulsive decisions like you did in Chapter 4…”) or why they admire them.
- It focuses on character traits and motivation but feels totally fun and festive.
2. Speak Their Language with “Brain Rot” Valentines
Okay, this is the one I am most excited to share with you this year.
If you spend any time around students aged 10-14, you know they have their own language. Words like “mid,” “no cap,” and “vibes” are flying around my classroom constantly. Usually, I just smile and nod, but this year, I decided to lean into it.
I found these Brain Rot Valentine’s Day Cards and they are an absolute game-changer.
Why I love them:
- Instant Engagement: The second students see a card that says their work is a “Certified W” or that they have “Main Character Energy,” they light up. It shows them that you’re paying attention and that you have a sense of humor.
- Zero Prep: Let’s be honest, February is exhausting. These are printable, ready to go, and come with an editable Canva link if you want to tweak them.
- Relationship Building: We talk a lot about building classroom community. Giving a student a card that speaks their specific slang is a tiny gesture that builds a massive bridge. It connects with them on their level without trying too hard.
If you want to be the teacher who passes the “vibe check” this year, grab these cards here. Trust me, they are far from “cringe.”
3. The “Compliment Bag” Challenge
This is a classic for a reason. In upper grades, we shift the focus from candy to kindness.
The Strategy:
- Give each student a plain paper bag to decorate.
- Instead of just dropping in store-bought cards, every student is assigned 3-4 classmates (to ensure everyone gets love) and must write a specific compliment for them.
- The Rule: No generic “You are nice.” It has to be specific evidence! “I appreciate how you always help me with math” or “You ask really insightful questions.”
It turns a chaotic candy exchange into a really sweet social-emotional learning moment.
4. Valentine’s Day “Math Libs”
When in doubt, make it academic but silly. I love taking standard word problems and replacing the names and scenarios with over-the-top dramatic Valentine’s tropes.
- Standard Problem: “Train A leaves the station at 4:00…”
- Valentine Twist: “Romeo is running at 4mph to buy flowers, but Juliet is walking 2mph away from the store because she’s annoyed…”
It’s a simple tweak that gets a laugh and keeps them doing the math.
How are you celebrating this year? Whether you go full academic or just take a chill day to build relationships, remember that your students just want to feel seen. And if you can do that while using the word “sigma” correctly in a sentence? Well, that’s just a bonus.
Happy Valentine’s Day, teachers!