đź’• 5 Valentine-Inspired STEAM Activities for Young Children
Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to bring a little extra joy, colour, and curiosity into early learning. These five Valentine-inspired STEAM activities combine science, literacy, engineering, math, and art in ways that feel playful, hands-on, and developmentally meaningful.
Because learning doesn’t need to be quiet, seated, or worksheet-based—it can be active, joyful, and full of discovery.
đź’« 1. Valentine Love Potion (Science)
At the science table, children created a Valentine love potion by mixing red-tinted baking soda and vinegar. The fizzing and bubbling sparked instant excitement and curiosity.
As they experimented, children explored:
- Cause and effect
- Early science concepts
- Fine motor skills
All through hands-on play and natural investigation. Simple materials + big reactions = powerful learning.
đź’– 2. Valentine Literacy: Letter Heart Hunt
Literacy came to life with a letter heart hunt, where children searched for and matched letters displayed on a large sheet of paper.
This active literacy experience supported:
- Letter recognition
- Gross motor movement
- Early reading foundations
Literacy doesn’t have to happen at a table—when children move their bodies, learning sticks in a whole new way.
🧱 3. Engineering with a Valentine Twist
In the engineering area, Valentine-coloured LEGO® inspired creativity, problem-solving, and big ideas.
As children built, balanced, and redesigned their structures, they strengthened:
- Spatial awareness
- Persistence
- Early engineering and design skills
Learning happens best when children are free to create, explore, and try again.
❤️🔢 4. Valentine Math: Counting Hearts
In the math centre, children filled heart containers with pompoms—scooping, sorting, and counting as they worked.
This playful math invitation supported:
- One-to-one correspondence
- Counting and number sense
- Fine motor development
Hands-on math makes numbers feel real, approachable, and fun—exactly how young children learn best.
🎨 5. Absorbing Hearts Art Invitation
For art, children explored absorbing hearts using tissue paper, paintbrushes, and red-coloured water. As the colour spread and blended, children watched the magic unfold.
Through this process-based art experience, they practiced:
- Cause and effect observation
- Fine motor control
- Creative exploration without pressure for perfection
Simple materials. Big learning.
đź’• Final Thoughts
These Valentine-inspired STEAM activities show how meaningful learning can happen through play, curiosity, and connection. When children are engaged, moving, and exploring, learning feels joyful—and that’s when it sticks.
Want to see these activities in action? CLICK HERE for the full video!
Happy Valentine’s Day—and happy learning! 💗