From Greek mythology to candy hearts and boxes of chocolate, Valentine's Day has had many traditions and customs over the years. It originated as a pagan fertility festival but was taken over by the Catholic church, dedicated to Saint Valentine on February 14th, and commemorated with feasts. Not until the Middle Ages was this day even regarded as romantic, but since then we have fallen in love with the celebration of love.
Every year we give out valentine's cards, buy flowers, chocolates, and show each other love in sweet ways. In honor of this holiday a great deal of movies have been made, some goofy romantic comedy types, other iconic films, and even some geared for classroom learning.
Here are 25 of our favorite educational video recommendations to watch with your class to learn more about the holiday's history, culture, and traditions.
1. Beginning Until Now
This informational video explains the historical context behind how Valentine's Day started, and what we do to celebrate it now. You can use this in history class for an educational question and answer a quiz to see what your students can remember about the origins.
Learn more: ESL Kids World
2. Fun Facts
This video teaches some interesting facts about Valentine's Day. For example, those teachers receive the most Valentine's Day cards out of anyone! I didn't know that! Guess you can expect lots of heart-shaped cards and candies on your desk this year.
Learn more: Homeschool Pop
3. The Legend of Saint Valentine
This kid-friendly video uses a puppet to help explain the tale of Saint Valentine and the story of how he went against the Emperor's orders saying no one could get married. Saint Valentine would help officiate lovers' wedding ceremonies so they could live together and have families. Find out what happens next by watching the video with your kids!
Learn more: Mr. Mike TV
4. Valentine's Skit
This short and sweet video demonstrates how kids can celebrate Valentine's Day in class with their classmates and friends. What types of gifts they can give, and what things they can write in their notes to show they care.
Learn more: Little Fox - Kids Songs and Stories
5. Question Game Video
This video is meant to be shown in an ESL classroom, but the games are also applicable to young learners. The Valentine's Day theme is all hearts and roses while improving students counting and speaking skills.
Learn more: Games 4 ESL
6. Lupercalia Festival
This historical video for kids tells how the Roman festival Lupercalia was transformed into Valentine's Day we know and love today. It shares how the holiday is celebrated all around the world on February 14th and what we can give and say.
Learn more: Twinkl Teaching Resources - USA - Education Videos
7. Valentine's History and Media Today
This Valentine's Day lesson teaches kids what signs and advertisements signify the holiday is coming up. What items do you think they sell on TV during the beginning of February, and why? Watch to find out!
Learn more: Study.com
8. Sing-Along and Dance Party
This Boom Chicka Boom sing and dance along video will get your little love birds up and moving this Valentine's Day. The dance moves are also actions you can do to show you care for someone, like waving your hand, shaking their hand, and giving hugs!
Learn more: The Learning Station - Kids Songs and Nursery Rhymes
9. Hearts and Hands
This sweet song in avideo shows how Valentine's Day can celebrate the love between family and not only friends and lovers! It explains how a mother loves her baby and how she shows her love with hugs, kisses, and taking care.
Learn more: The Learning Station - Kids Songs and Nursery Rhymes
10. The Giving Song
Giving and sharing are a huge part of Valentine's Day, and this lesson can be taught to kids at a young age. Not only giving during the holidays but every day!
Learn more: The LearningStation - Kids Songs and Nursery Rhymes
11. I Love You No Matter What
This is an adorable song that shows your students or children that you care. To love someone unconditionally is a great lesson to teach kids so they learn what it means to be dependable and not afraid of losing love from their family or friends.
Learn more: Jack Hartmann Kids Music Channel
12. Grandma and Grandpa Action Song
This follow-along video can be shown to your kids to dance to, or watch and learn what it means to do activities together. Many people in love like to do the same things as each other, especially older couples!
Learn more: Jack Hartmann Kids Music Channel
13. Kids Teaching Kids
We can thank these two smart sisters for this educational video about the history of Valentine's Day and the images we see associated with the holiday. From little cupid to chocolates, and jewelry, your kids will learn tons of fun facts!
Learn more: Hey! Guess What
14. Charlie Brown Valentine's
Snoopy and the gang celebrate Valentine's Day in school with this short clip from their special. It explains how we can write and give Valentine's cards to classmates using the classic characters we all know and love.
Learn more: Snoopy
15. How Did Valentine's Day Start?
Baby Cupid tells us the story of Valentine's Day with this visual and educational account of Saint Valentine, Charles Duke of Orleans, and Ester Howland, important figures in this holiday's history.
Learn more: Colossal Cranium
16. Valentine's Vocabulary
Time to learn and practice some love-themed words all kids should know! This basic video lets students hear and repeat words they will hear on and around Valentine's Day.
Learn more: Doodle English
17. Valentine's Culture and Card Shopping
Cards, chocolates, flowers, and more! Follow along as this family goes shopping for Valentine's gifts and chooses the best options for their secret admirers. Learn who you can give presents to and what is appropriate for each receiver.
Learn more: Little Fox - Kids Songs and Stories
18. Valentine Crafts
Follow Crafty Carol as she teaches us how to make an adorable DIY party popper you can make in class with your students and pop to celebrate the holiday together!
Learn more: Arts and Crafts with Crafty Carol
19. 5 Little Hearts
This song is a great one to show how love and affection can be shared between friends. Your students will feel comforted to know they don't need to have a crush on someone to give them a valentine's card.
Learn more: The Kiboomers - Kids Music Channel
20. Baby Shark Valentine's Day
Our students LOVE the "baby shark" song, so here is a Valentine's Day version packed full of all their shark friends in holiday style.
Learn more: The Learning Station - Kids Songs and Nursery Rhymes
21. Valentine's Day Patterns
This educational video helps students notice patterns and work on their math skills in a fun and love-themed way. Kids can count teddy bears, balloons, hearts, and roses and make patterns.
Learn more: K5 Hidden Peak Education
22. The Littlest Valentine
This is a read-aloud of the children's book called "The Littlest Valentine". It's a great video to watch if you don't have the book in your class, and it can help your students improve their listening and reading skills in a visual way.
Learn more: The Joyful Bookshelf
23. Baby's First School Valentine's Day
How old were you when you first celebrated Valentine's Day? In preschool, the holiday can be celebrated by sharing handmade cards and candies with each other. This cute song and video show the joy of giving and receiving gifts from your classmates for the first time.
Learn more: Cocomelon - Nursery Rhymes
24. How to Draw a Valentine
This step-by-step video shows how to draw a Valentine's Day card that's easy enough for all of your students to try. The video shows the teacher's and students' drawings next to each other for comparison and encouragement.
Learn more: Art for Kids Hub
25. Valentine's Day Trivia
Now that your kiddos know all about Valentine's Day, it's time to test their knowledge with this fun and interactive trivia video! What can they remember about this love-centered holiday?
Learn more: Storytime with Annie & Rocco
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