When I was a kid, I really loved Valentine’s Day. Two of my favorite things are craft projects and giving gifts, so I loved making and exchanging homemade Valentine’s Day cards.
If you’re looking for a great Valentine’s Day movie to watch with young children, check out the newest Elmo DVD- Sesame Street: Elmo Loves You!
Elmo is making a “super special surprise card” when a gust of wind blows it away. His friends Rosita and Grover join him to search for the card. Along the way, they learn about different emotions, how to show someone you love them, and how to give compliments.
There’s a music video which shows kids how to sign “I Love You” as well as songs by Elmo, Rosita, Cookie Monster, Trisha Yearwood, John Legend and REM. My personal favorites were Cookie Monster singing the old classic “You Make Me Love You (I didn’t want to do it)” to a cookie and Rosita singing “Tu Me Gustas” (I like you) to Elmo.
The DVD comes with suggestions for parents including making a Valentine’s Day card with your child and playing the Emotions Game. (“With a friend, take turns making different facial expressions and try to guess what emotion the other person is feeling. What does it look like when you are feeling happy, sad, angry, silly or surprised?”
Educators often talk about the importance of developing pro-social skills. Children often act out when they lack the ability to verbally express their emotions. But when children have the skills to identify and understand how they are feeling (angry, sad, happy, etc) and the vocabulary to share their feelings, they are less likely to throw a tantrum or to hit a playmate.
Sesame Street: Elmo Loves You!
Win It:
For a chance to win, leave a comment on this post by 11:59pm EST on January 30, 2009 telling us your favorite Valentine’s Day tradition or how you’ll be celebrating with your kids this Valentine’s Day. (Sorry..all contests are U.S. only unless otherwise specified.)
