Valentine's Day Heart Crowns {A Candy Free Math Activity}

Looking for a candy free math activity for Valentine's Day? I got you! How about making some fun and festive heart crowns? I came up with this idea one year when candy was not an option for me. Just because we couldn't work with the sweet stuff didn't mean that we couldn't still do something fun.


These crowns are the perfect alternative to candy heart math. And, I'll be honest, I get pretty burned out on the whole candy heart graphing thing. This project is not only hands-on, but it can be aligned with whatever you're currently working on.  And, did I mention that it's fun and festive?


This project is so easy too! 

You will need:
  • Lots of heart cut outs (I used construction paper and cut out the hearts using the school die cut machine...lifesaver!)
  • Sentence strips (You could use construction paper to match, but honestly, it doesn't get any easier than a sentence strip.)
  • A set of math problems (this is actually optional...keep reading)
  • Valentine's Day stickers/foamies.
Here's what you need to do:
  • Create a set of problems for students to solve as shown above. Mine aren't typed out. Sometimes a Sharpie and a piece of paper is all you need to make a quick master.* 
  • Make a copy of your hand-made page for each student.
  • Place a set of materials at each table group: construction paper hearts, heart stickers and/or heart foamies (foam stickers). I like to use art trays so the materials are somewhat contained.
  • Give your students a set of 9 problems, like the ones pictured above. These don't need to be typed out. Sometimes a Sharpie and a piece of paper is all you need to make a quick master.
  • As students solve their problems, walk from desk to desk and size the sentence strips to fit each student's head. This way, they can start gluing the hearts to their hats as soon as they are ready. 

    Here's what the students need to do:
    • Students choose 6 problems to solve.*
    • They will write and solve these 6 problems on the provided heart cut outs. I usually have my students write in pencil and then trace with marker so their work can be seen. As the students do these things, you will go from student to student sizing their crowns.
    • Students will glue their completed hearts to their crowns. 
    • To finish the hat, the students will add a bit more flair to their crowns by using the provided stickers/foamies.

    *If your students are proficient with the skill you want them to work on, then let them write their own problems and skip the entire hand written master.

    And, that's it!  Not only is this a fun project, it's also an easy one.  That's the best kind of project, am I right?

    This idea could be used with lots of different math skills, so pick one that you want your students to review, but make it fun by turning it into a project they can wear.  They'll love it!

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    6 comments:

    1. Wow Aimee! Several of my favorite things combined! A craft, hearts, and math!!! Awesome Idea (as usual!) :)

      Casey
      Second Grade Math Maniac
      Bear in Mind Blog Design

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      Replies
      1. Awww, thanks Casey!! I'm glad you like the idea!!

        Aimee

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    2. Your ideas are adorable! I love this one! Your kids will feel more special than all the other kids with their candy hearts:)
      -Jaime
      Bright Concepts 4 Teachers

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    3. Such a cute idea! My kids always love making hats, crowns, etc... Thanks for sharing!

      Kelly @I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher

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    4. Too cute!!! I'd be so sad in a room without candy, but these heart crowns would certainly help!

      Halle
      Across the Hall in 2nd Grade

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      Replies
      1. Thanks Ladies! I'm glad you like the candy alternative! Save the idea in case you ever find yourself in my shoes. Have a good one!

        Aimee

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    I'd love to hear what you have to say!