STREAM Activity: “I Love You” Valentine’s Day Card
Create a special card for a loved one this Valentine's Day!
Activity best for children ages 4 and up
Embrace creativity and communication as you make your very own “I Love You” American sign language card. Through this activity, children will learn to express affection using ASL and understand inclusivity and diverse forms of communication. In this craft, kids will grasp sign language, a visual means of communication using hand gestures, expressiveness- conveying emotions or feelings and inclusivity- recognizing and respecting different ways people communicate and express love. Now, grab your art materials, and start crafting your “I Love You” card for a loved one.
Materials:
Glue
Scissors (optional: decorative edge scissors)
Construction paper (optional colors: red, pink, white, and tan)
Pencil
Crayons
Guiding Questions:
What other signs do you know?
How does sign language show emotion and feelings?
Directions
Step 1
Start by gathering the materials for your card.
Step 2
Now, grab three different colored pieces of paper and cut one smaller to fit on top of the bottom paper and an even smaller one to fit on that page. You can use decorative edge scissors for a fun edge design or use regular scissors for a clean look!
Step 3
Next, trace your hand on a new piece of paper and cut it out. This hand shape will be used to create the ASL sign for “I love you” on your card.
Step 4
Let’s learn how to sign “I love you”. The sign for “I love you” consists of the letters I, L, and Y in sign language. This is what you will fold your paper hand to look like.
Step 5
Once you have folded your paper hand, you will glue the hand to your paper frame. You can cut out hearts and decorate your Valentine’s Day card with any extra paper.
Step 6
Finish off your card with a special note, and it’s ready to give to your loved one!
Grown Ups- Are you looking for more ways to extend your child’s learning? Check out these extension activities to build upon today’s STREAM activity!
Reading Connections
Max Learns Sign Language by Adria F Klein
This book offers valuable reading connections by introducing children to the world of sign language through the story.
Share your Valentine’s Day card with us on Instagram by tagging @sdcdm320!
Questions about this activity? Email education@sdcdm.org