There are different origin stories and legends that have arisen surrounding the man Valentine and the genesis of Valentine’s Day. As with many other holidays celebrated over great time and distances, facts get skewed, political or religious groups stress certain aspects, practices change, beginnings are forgotten, and new traditions are forged. While facts and myths have been woven together about the origin or purpose of the holiday, we can still celebrate the message of love and friendship with our students.
Use a storyboard to retell the story of Saint Valentine or another story for the holiday. For younger students, read a story and have the students create an illustrated summary with six parts, or with a Beginning, Middle, and End structure. Older students can research different versions of Saint Valentine or historical accounts, and let them create a short narrative of their findings.
Here is an example of what a short historical narrative might look like.
Emperor Claudius II of Rome wanted to grow his army, but many men did not want to volunteer and leave their wives and children. So, he passed a law prohibiting marriage.
Many young lovers thought this law was unjust! Valentine, a Christian priest in Rome, believed marriage was a holy commitment above any human law.
Valentine continued to perform wedding rituals in secret.
Alas! Valentine was discovered. Roman guards arrested him for breaking the emperor's law. He was condemned to death and sent to prison.
People sent him messages saying that they agreed with him. While in prison, the jailer's daughter talked with him and learned from him. They became friends.
Before he was beheaded on February 14th, he had signed a message for his friend saying, "From your Valentine". Today, we send similar messages and tokens of love to our friends and loved ones on Valentine's Day.
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Student Instructions
Engage students by making handmade kindness cards that celebrate friendship and caring. This activity fosters a positive classroom environment and connects directly to the holiday’s message of love.
Collect materials such as colored paper, markers, stickers, scissors, and glue. Having everything prepared ahead of time ensures a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience for all students.
Show students how to fold paper, decorate the front, and write a thoughtful, positive message inside. Modeling this step helps students understand how to express appreciation and friendship in their own words.
Invite students to choose recipients, such as classmates, teachers, or other school staff. Sharing their cards builds community and highlights the spirit of kindness that St. Valentine’s Day represents.
Facilitate a brief class discussion about how it felt to give and receive kindness cards. Reflection reinforces empathy and helps students make meaningful connections to the holiday’s origins.
The story of Saint Valentine centers on a Christian priest in ancient Rome who secretly performed weddings after Emperor Claudius II banned marriage for soldiers. Valentine was eventually arrested and executed on February 14th. The holiday now celebrates love and friendship, inspired by his acts of kindness and courage.
Use a simple storyboard activity: read the story of Saint Valentine aloud, then have students create a six-part illustrated summary or divide it into Beginning, Middle, and End. This helps young learners understand the holiday's origins through art and sequencing.
Try story retelling with illustrations, writing historical narratives, making Valentine's cards, or discussing messages of kindness and friendship. These activities engage students of different ages and reinforce the meaning behind the day.
Exchanging cards and messages comes from the legend that Saint Valentine sent a note to his friend before his execution, signed "From your Valentine." Today, this tradition continues as a way to share love and appreciation with friends and loved ones.
Older students can research various legends and historical accounts of Saint Valentine, then write short narratives or compare different stories. This approach encourages critical thinking about how holidays evolve and the blending of fact and myth.