Club Activities for Homeschool Students:

Valentine Party

Club Activities for Homeschool Students: St. Valentine's Day lends itself perfectly to a festive holiday party...decorations...games...card exchange...lots of candy...everything that delights a child (and teen).

So, whether with one of your homeschool support groups, church, neighbors or your family, plan a gay get-together. Early planning is best...but it's never too late to plan a party that brings such joy to all the participants.

Club Activities for Homeschool Students: Valentine's Day Party

• Copy and use the free holiday checklist.

• Choose games.

• Prepare a brief summary or activity centering on the origins of the celebration and St. Valentine. This is a great project for the teens.

• Plan the valentine exchange, a favorite among the many club activities for homeschool students. The exchange is actually very simple, but I have found that it can be confusing for new Moms. It sounds more complicated than it is. So please set them at ease by carefully explaining it.

  The Cards

  • Ask for an RSVP when you send the e-mail notice or party announcement.

  • Each child brings that number (the number of children attending) of valentines plus about ten extras.

  • At least a week before the party, inform everyone of the number. It takes awhile for a seven-year-old to sign his name on, say, 70 valentines!

  • The child signs his name only on each card, then inserts them into the envelopes and seals them. He needs to finish the same number of cards as children attending the party. In case others who didn't RSVP come unexpectedly, bring ten or so additional ones.

    Note: You can buy several boxes of those little cheap valentines. Children are enchanted and there are some on the market that are not offensive.

    Of course, you could make valentines in art class. Be sure to begin well ahead of time. (This is an ideal that I never achieved.)

  • Each youngster brings his valentines to the party in a plastic Zip-loc or other easy-to-carry bag.

    The Mailbox

  • Each child also has his own hand-decorated mailbox (an art project). We always used old shoeboxes. But any container with a slit large enough for the valentines will work. Cereal boxes, oatmeal cylinders, baskets and sacks are all possibilities. To decorate, use construction and tissue papers, scrap material, markers, stickers, stencils, ribbon, lace, stamps...the sky's the limit.

  • The child's name should be printed clearly on his mailbox.

  • So, each excited attendee arrives with signed valentines. As the highlight and focus of the celebration, the exchange is usually the last activity before refreshments are served.

    The Exchange

  • At the appointed time, children are instructed to line up their mailboxes in a straight line. (Another excellent opportunity for the older youth to jump in and help the little ones.)

  • Before the event begins, ask that the mail be opened at home. This prevents lost cards and tears. In addition, at home a youngster can enjoy each little note without distraction.

  • With teens still in attendance, children collect their valentines and are divided into two groups. (Separating into two prevents a jam and flustering and hurrying the little ones. They should be allowed plenty of time to savor the delight of delivering their mail.) Because of this, you might consider letting the older children go first. This also demonstrates the procedure to the younger ones.

  • One set begins on one side of the long line of boxes. The other group starts on the opposite side and end.

  • At each mailbox, the child deposits one valentine.

  • Each youngster takes home a box of love and good wishes.

• For refreshments, serve the platters of goodies that the families brought with pink fruit punch. (Powdered is inexpensive and delicious.)

• As with all club activities for homeschool students, take pictures. This is another area in which teens excel.

  (Remember, you need pictures for yearbook!) yearbook!)

When planning club activities for homeschool students, always put the St. Valentine's Day party on the calendar. It is the perfect opportunity to make warm and wonderful memories.

Checklist: Party Planning for Your Support Group

Make a Valentine Mailbox

Valentine Quiz for Teens/Older Children

Valentine Quiz Answers

Return Home from Club Activities for Homeschool Students