Emmy in the Rice Paddy: Valentine's Day Fun

Valentine’s Day fell on a Tuesday this year, which was perfect because I teach 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th grade on Tuesdays. I think that Valentine's Day is an especially magical day for children. Believe it or not, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Thailand, but not to the big-business extent that it is in the United States (at least not yet). I have always loved Valentine’s Day, and I have very happy memories of making hand-made Valentine’s with my Mom at home, and bringing them in for every student in my class when I was in elementary school. I forgot to bring doilies from home, but my friend who I bartended with in college, Colette, came to visit a few weeks ago and she saved the day by bringing me several packs of doilies. Then my Dad and Step Mom, Cynde, sent me construction paper, and I purchased scissors and glue. Our lesson on “Love and Valentine’s Day in America” could begin!

None of my students had ever made Valentine’s Day cards, and they had never seen a doily (which is surprising because I think that Thai people would eat them up!) My 3^rd graders, the first class of the day, oohed and ahhed when I pulled out a stack of doilies, and ripped two of them apart. That was fun for me to see. Then I was able to teach every class how to fold their paper in half, draw an outline of half of a heart, cut the heart, and then open it up to have a symmetrical heart! Again, they oohed and ahhed. Students could choose who to give their valentine to: a boyfriend or girlfriend (in one class, every student excitedly raised their hands when I asked them if they had a bf/ gf already), or a dear friend, or Mom and Dad. On their Valentine, they had to write, “Happy Valentine’s Day!” or “I love you!” We listened to music about love while we worked, and we learned some easy Valentine’s Day vocab: “Heart,” “Cupid,” “Roses,” “Chocolate,” “Doves,” and “Love.” It was just a really fun, special day. Even the boys got into their valentines! Here are a few pictures Kruu Emily took during class…I hope that you enjoy them!

Oh, and of course, I wore a bright red dress to class!