Free Printable Valentine Crafts, Lessons for Preschoolers

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, my email box is full of nifty craft, treat and card ideas to celebrate. Alas, many are also costly. As a penny-pinching teacher and homeschool mom of four, I don't spend big. Here are free printable preschool valentine crafts, lesson plans, learning activities and games, for my fellow fru-gals and guys.

Recently, I came across a blog managed by two moms called Over the Big Moon. The gals have created a 31-page printable packet of Valentine's Day activities for children. The kit is perfect for little ones ages 30 months to six. The activities are mostly for pre-readers and emergent readers. All the activities have a valentine flavor.

To practice literacy and writing skills, there are letter tracing sheets (focusing on the letter "V"), vocabulary cards, phonics activities, word and sound matching and shadow letter tracing activities. For early math skills reinforcement, there are valentine-themed counting worksheets, sorting activities, pattern extensions and sequencing games. There are several activities to develop a child's visual acuity and eye hand coordination, including spot-the-difference games, coloring pages and four-piece puzzles. There are also several pages of cutting lines in different patterns to help children practice their scissor skills.

The packet is free to print from the Over the Big Moon website. Directions are available, as well. The valentine graphics on the worksheets are quite nice and could be reused and made into DIY valentines. Simply have children cut out the pictures and glue on small pieces of construction paper.

For preschool classroom use, put some of these activities in the fine motor center. Teachers and parents might also print and use for valentine exchanges. I suggest putting printed pages in a pretty folder Remember when folders were cheap last fall and you bought dozens? Now is a good time to use them. You could also print the pages, roll them up and place them in a recycled paper towel tube. Add a cute valentine pencil, a few crayons, scissors and glue stick. Wrap in recycled paper that children have decorated, tie the ends and you'll have a cheap, useful, creative party favor or gift. Senior citizens may enjoy these activities too.