Valentine's Day, February 14th
Valentine's Day is a day designated solely for people to express their love for one another. Have students create cards, crafts, and other gifts to give to those that they hold close to their heart. Remind them that it's not just on Valentine's Day that it's important to remind those that you care about how you feel about them, but every day!
President's Day Observed, February 15th
President's Day was originally created to celebrate George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's birthdays', however, it's important to commemorate all of those who have lead our country. Have students select a President to research and give a short class presentation to. Play some President's Day games! Read a few facts about a President and have students guess which one you're talking about! It's important to know the history of our country and this day is a great way to incorporate that into the classroom!
Black History Month
February is the month to acknowledge and pay tribute to the prominent members of the African-America communities. People such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Sojourner Truth have made sacrifices and contributions in the name of racial equity. It's important for students to recognize the struggles of the African-American community and its place in American history. Have students profile historic African-Americans and their accomplishments and present their findings to the class!
National Time Management Month
Time management is something everyone can benefit from. Let students get into groups and brainstorm creative ways for them to become more organized. Have them create schedules and prioritize the tasks that they are to complete on a daily basis. It's important for students (and adults alike!) to learn how to balance their time effectively.
National Youth Leadership Month
February is the time to empower students to take on leadership roles and to recognize those who have already done so. Encourage students to group together to organize and implement community activity or fundraiser. After, have them write a reflective essay on how the experience made them feel to share with the class. They may surprise themselves at how great it feels to be part of something good!
National Parent Leadership Month
Parent involvement is an integral part of a child's life. Recognize parents who have taken on leadership roles within the classroom by hosting a Parent's appreciation day! Have students bring in their parents or guardians and share how they've taken on a role of leadership. Encourage parents to become more active in participating in their children's lives and education. Create a newsletter for parents updating them on classroom activities and how they can become more involved, if they haven't already.
Winter Olympics
The 2010 Winter Olympics begin Friday, February 12th. The Olympics are a great way to incorporate various educational activities in the classroom. Instructors can use the Olympics as a basis to create an Olympic history lesson, a creative Olympic math lesson, even leadership lessons based on prominent Olympic leaders! Encourage students to watch and report on various events. Keep track of the Gold Medal races! There are hundreds of ways you can get creative with an Olympic theme!
