Crafts and process art are a great opportunity to integrate fine motor practice in preschool classes. And what better time to create and practice those fine motor skills than the weeks leading up to Valentine’s? So many friends and family to craft for, which is why I’m sharing with you over 30 fun and crafty Valentine’s fine motor activities!
Ok. I admit it. I like Valentine’s Day.
I know many people think it is just a holiday that is made up by card companies, and maybe it is, but I like it anyway. And, I absolutely love doing Valentine activities with my preschoolers.
Here’s why:
The Valentine season is the perfect time to teach kids about kindness and love for others. It’s great for teaching about friendship and compassion.
Now, in full disclosure, I’m drawn in the all the pink, white and purple. The hearts and the glitter. But it always seems like around late January and into February children need gentle reminders about the importance of being kind and friendly. About how to see things from someone else’s perspective. You might think it is a tall order for a preschooler, but I feel it is important, so I teach it.
With crafty fine motor activities.
The preschoolers are drawn to art and crafts and small, tiny things in fine motor activities…and they have all the love in the world enveloped in their hearts.
And hopefully, some new friendships will bud and the old friendships will flourish.
Valentine’s Fine Motor Activities
Valentine’s fine motor activities come in so many shapes and sizes. These are my favorites.
Hand Strengthening Activities for Valentine’s Day
Hearts Fine Motor Practice by Simple Fun for Kids
Broken Hearts by School Time Snippets
A Valentine’s Snack that Develops Fine Motor Skills by Stay at Home Educator
Pincher Grasp Activities for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Hearts Fine Motor Activity by And Next Comes L
Counting Heart Cake Toppers by Adventures of Adam
Heart-themed Fine Motor Activity by Buggy and Buddy
Plant Heart Garden by Best Toys 4 Toddlers
Counting Roses by Best Toys 4 Toddlers
Want Some Printable Valentine’s activities?
Then check out my Valentine’s Printable Activity Pack, and since St. Patrick’s Day will be here before you know it, you should take a look at that one, too! 😉
Click on the images below for more details.
MORE Pincher Grasp Activities for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day Fine Motor Play by Little Bins for Little Hands
Heart Counting Game and Threading Activity by Mom Inspired Life
Valentine Hearts for Kids to Sew by Mama Smiles
Beaded Name Hearts by Preschool Powel Packets
Threading Love Hearts Busy Bag by Adventures of Adam
Valentine Button Snake by School Time Snippets
Hand Sewing for Kids by Danya Banya
Montessori Inspired Valentine’s Fine Motor Activities by Stay At Home Educator
Sensory Activities for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Writing Tray on the Light Table by And Next Comes L
Valentine Fine Motor Sensory Bin by Adventures of Adam
Rose Scented No Cook Play Dough by Danya Banya
Valentine’s Day Cloud Dough by Play and Learn Everyday
Valentine’s Day Fine Motor Crafts
Foil Valentine’s Hearts by Teaching 2 and 3-Year-Olds
You Warm my Heart Valentine’s Craft by Little Words
Pipette Drip Painting Hearts by Kid’s Craft Room
Q-Tip Heart Tracing by 3 Dinosaurs
Valentine’s Suncatchers by Stay at Home Educator
Frozen Hearts Valentine’s Activity by Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds
Q-Tip Painted Hearts by Simple Fun for Kids
Valentine’s Day Q-Tip Painting Printables by Totschooling
Confetti Hearts Valentine Craft by Stay at Home Educator
Simple Heart Matching Puzzle by 3 Dinosaurs
Coffee Filter Hearts by Simple Fun for Kids
Broken Hearts Puzzle by Adventures of Adam
Layered Hearts Valentine’s Craft by Stay at Home Educator
Amid the Hearts and Glitter
So, when your kitchen table gets speckled in glitter and you find yourself picking dried glue stick off the preschool chairs, remember what you kids have learned this Valentine season. Have they felt a little more kindness? Perhaps they sought out someone who was sitting alone and joined them? Perhaps they shared their snack or favorite colored crayon with someone new? Maybe a confrontation was dissolved and a new understanding came about, creating a budding and fresh friendship.
I know. Valentine’s Day can be kitschy and lame, (or not), but I think it is a really important holiday to celebrate in preschool. With over 30 Valentine’s fine motor activities, something great is bound to happen in preschool.
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I am Sarah, an educator turned stay-at-home mama of five! I am the owner and creator of Stay At Home Educator, a website about intentional teaching and purposeful learning in the early childhood years. I’ve taught range of levels, including preschool and college, and a little bit of just about everything in between. Right now, my focus is teaching my children and running a preschool from my home. Credentials include: Bachelors in Art, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction
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