The 12 Days of Valentine's
#2 of 9 in The 12 Days of Series
What’s inside...
Count the 12 days leading up to Valentine's Day with this fun-filled picture book inspired by 'The 12 Days of Christmas.' Each day is celebrated with a different activity, from warm hugs to making cards with pink pens, in a cumulative rhyming storybook format. The book's vibrant illustrations and engaging text make it a perfect choice for preschool and kindergarten children, who will delight in spotting all the different ways the family prepares for Valentine's Day. Fans of Natasha Wing’s 'The Night Before' series will appreciate the similar style and format, and additional books such as 'The 12 Days of Kindergarten,' 'The 12 Days of Halloween,' and 'The 12 Days of Preschool' are also available for those who enjoy this book.
Discussion points
What do you think each of the gifts in the book represents in terms of friendship and caring?
How do you show your friends or family that you care about them?
If you were to create your own 12 days of Valentine, what gifts would you give and why?
How do you think the characters felt when they received each gift?
What are some ways we can show love and appreciation to others every day, not just on Valentine's Day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the emotions and motivations behind the characters' actions in the story.
Connect the themes of the book to your child's personal experiences by discussing similar situations they’ve been in or feelings they've had.
Facilitate a creative activity where your child can design their own Valentine gifts for friends or family, inspired by the book.
Discuss the importance of showing appreciation and kindness, drawing examples from both the book and real life to emphasize these values.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and explore deeper into why it stood out to them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: The protagonist celebrates Valentine's Day by giving special gifts to a friend, showing that giving can be as fulfilling as receiving.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of generosity and thoughtfulness by giving small gifts or doing kind acts for friends and family.
Example Lesson: Counting and numerical skills
Explanation: As the days progress from one to twelve, each day's gift introduces a new number, encouraging children to practice counting and basic arithmetic.
Real-World Application: This helps children develop their numerical skills in a fun and engaging way, which can be applied in academic settings or daily activities like counting objects.
Example Lesson: Creative expression
Explanation: The gifts given are all creatively thought out, each correlating with an element of Valentine's Day, encouraging children to think imaginatively.
Real-World Application: Children can explore their own creative ideas by crafting personalized gifts or cards, enhancing their creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding and celebrating cultural traditions
Explanation: The book frames Valentine's Day not just as a day of romance but as a celebration of friendship and giving, educating about cultural traditions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and partake in cultural festivities, understanding the importance of cultural traditions and how they can bring people together.