3 Valentine’s Day Books and Activities for The Elementary Library
Bringing the Story to Life in the Library
During a recent library lesson with second graders, we read The Invisible String together and discussed the invisible connections we share with family, friends, and even pets. Of course, students were eager to share their own experiences—talking about family and friends who live far away, parents who travel frequently, and even the bonds they feel with pets.
After reading, we created our own “Invisible String” to visualize these connections. Each student wrote the name of someone they feel connected to on a paper heart (I hole punched the heart ahead of time), and together we used a long piece of yarn to connect all the hearts.
Why This Lesson Matters
This activity wasn’t just fun; it was meaningful. At its core, this lesson addressed a vital social-emotional learning skill—helping children recognize that love and relationships are not bound by physical space.
By incorporating books like The Invisible String into our library curriculum, we help children develop resilience, emotional awareness, and the understanding that love can stretch across any distance.
There’s something magical about a story that inspires young readers to be kind, thoughtful, and creative. That’s exactly why The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond is a perfect read-aloud for the library or classroom—especially leading up to Valentine’s Day!
This sweet story follows Cornelia Augusta, a girl who catches hearts raining from the sky and turns them into unique valentines for her friends. Her thoughtfulness and creativity spark wonderful discussions about how small acts of kindness can have a big impact.
A Lesson in Thoughtfulness
When I read this book with my second graders, I love to ask:
- Why do you think Cornelia made each card special?
- How do small acts of kindness make a difference?
- Who would you create a kindness card for, and why?
It’s always heartwarming to hear their responses. Many students share personal experiences of giving or receiving kindness, and it helps them connect deeply with the story.
Bringing the Story to Life
After reading, we extend the lesson with a hands-on activity—creating Each student cuts out a paper heart and decorates it with drawings, messages, and stickers. They then choose someone special to give their card to, whether it’s a classmate, family member, or teacher.
Not only does this activity reinforce the book’s themes, but it also allows students to practice empathy and creative expression. Seeing their excitement as they craft heartfelt messages is truly rewarding!
The Power of Small Acts
One of my favorite things about this lesson is watching students realize that kindness doesn’t have to be grand—it can be as simple as a thoughtful note, a kind word, or a handmade card. Just like Cornelia Augusta, they learn that small gestures can make others feel loved and appreciated.
If you’re looking for a meaningful and engaging way to celebrate kindness with young readers, The Day It Rained Hearts is the perfect book to share. Pair it with a creative activity, and you’ll have a lesson that warms hearts and inspires generosity!
For your kindness heart cards download click here!
