If we're being honest here, I must confess that I am not a huge fan of Valentine's Day.
It's not that I'm not a romantic person (although, the argument might be made that I am not, you'll have to check in with Bubba about that...) it's just that I would rather show the people I love that I love them on a daily basis. Not by supporting the chocolate, floral or greeting card industries, but by expressing my love through respect and everyday thoughtfulness and courtesy. Or so I hope...
Anyhow, I have been encouraging the parents of my preschool class that instead of going to Target and buying a box of Buzz LightYear Valentines, or whatever, and then writing their child's name on them for the child, that they should sit down with their child and help him/her to create a drawing or token for each of their friends. It will mean so much more to the kids - both on the giving and receiving end.* 
Of course, today I realized that I couldn't very well hand out any of Schecky's leftover Valentines to the kids in my class.** Not after those instructions.
So I grabbed my Sharpies, and these are what I came up with. Thanks to Lynn at Molly Chicken for the inspiration - her wonderful sketches make me so happy, and the "You're Tweet" card owes her a huge debt of gratitude. Ever since I saw her terrific Gocco prints, I can not stop doodling little chicks everywhere!
Anyway, whether you are lukewarm on Valentine's Day, or if it's your favorite holiday of the year - however you choose to spend today, I hope that it is happy...
* And before you think that I am some masochistic teacher handing out a mammoth assignment - there are only 5 children in my preschool class, aged 18-24 months. Also, I gave them a week's notice. And the way I worded it was "if you wish for your child to exchange Valentines in school, I ask that you bring a Valentine for each child in the class. Also, at this age it is so much more meaningful to your child...blah blah blah...."
**For the record, Scheck chose Madagascar Valentines. From Target. Seems that it is not cool to make your own Valentines in second grade.
4 comments:
They are cute, what a lovely idea,
much nicer than anything you could buy : )
so cute! what a great idea for your pre-schoolers. We made red/pink playdough for Piper's friends instead of giving candy.
these are soooo cute! I love to make original cards and it's really hard when they get older to persuade them NOT to buy store bought. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks, y'all!
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