Handprint Valentine and Holder How-to

Do you need an easy, low-cost Valentine project for kids? Both the Handprint Valentine and Holder are quick, easy, and fun to make! This project also provides some linear measurement experience and is a great project for home, school, and Sunday school! Parents love it!


Motivation: Have the kids to reach out their arms for, "I love you this much!"

Use a yard stick to measure how far their arms extend. Explain they will be making a valentine that will show how much they love someone.

Materials:
Construction paper (9" x 12")
white school glue
scissors
ruler (optional)
stickers (optional)


Directions:

Cut 3 strips of yellow construction paper 12" x 1-1/2".
Glue the ends of 2 strips together, and glue the remaining strip to the end of one of those strips, creating a long strip almost 36" long. Set aside until dry.

Optional: Tape the ends together instead of gluing for exactly 36".

Math Tip: Have the students measure the length of the paper strips and total the length. Discuss inch, foot, and yard.

Have students choose a sheet of construction paper and trace around both hands with a pencil or crayon.

Tip: For very young children, you will probably have to trace for them. Older children can "pair with a partner" or possibly do their own tracing.

Carefully cut out the handprints. Again, assist as needed depending on the age and ability of the child.

When the yellow strip is dry, messages can be added.

Math Tip: Older children can also add marks for inches and feet to mimic a measuring tape.

Glue the handprints on the ends of the yellow strip. 

When dry, accordion-pleat the yellow strip at approximately 4" intervals with the hands on the ends.

Completed Hand-print Valentine

For the Valentine Holder, fold one end up 4-1/2", creating a pocket that is 4-1/2" x 9".

Unfold and apply glue to the sides of the 4-1/2" folded piece. Do not glue the top!

Press the pocket down. Wipe up any glue that is pressed out.

Use hearts and/or stickers, markers, etc., to decorate the holder.

When the holder is dry, place the Handprint Valentine inside the holder.

I love you this much!!

Happy Valentine's Day!