Anyone else feel like Valentine’s Day just sneaks right up on you? Right when teachers really get rolling and back in the groove after winter break—Valentine’s Day is here! I have had years where I have been so focused on teaching and the inevitable test prep that I almost forgot Valentine’s Day. Luckily, there is an easy way you can prepare a fun Valentine for students in advance, or even the day of!

Valentine’s Day Coupon Book

Between card exchanges, parties, and gifts the excitement of Valentine’s Day is big. Unfortunately, so is the sugar rush. However, there are options to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a healthier, more thoughtful way. These non-candy coupon cards for teachers will fill your students’ hearts with joy while avoiding the sugar rush.

Plus, teachers can personalize each gift with 20 exciting coupons and an editable template to show how much you care. A coupon book is a thoughtful way to recognize and thank students for their daily effort in class. This EDITABLE Valentine’s Day Coupon Book from the Teacher is filled with coupons students can use during the remainder of the month or year.

Additionally, Valentine’s Day makes a wonderful teaching opportunity for students as well. Teaching the character trait of responsibility while using the coupon book works well. Students must learn to keep track of their coupons and follow the redemption procedures.

Setting up the Valentine for Students

February is a busy month. Thankfully, this resource includes everything you need to create your customized Valentine’s Day student coupon book. Twenty pre-made coupons and an editable version for creating your own are included.

Here are just a few of the pre-made coupons:

• Wear a hat in the classroom
• 2 pieces of candy
• No homework for one night
• Show and tell one item
• Work from a comfy place
• Be the first one in line

Every classroom is different. While some of the coupons will work wonders in one classroom, others may work best in another classroom. Start by choosing 5-10 coupons you know your students will enjoy. Next, simply print and copy the pages for the coupons you want to use. After cutting out the coupons, stack them together with the cover and staple them along the side. You can also punch a hole and place them on a binder ring!

Add each student’s name to the front cover, and voila—a Valentine for students that keeps on giving! I mean, who doesn’t love a No Homework Pass? Honestly, you could probably fill the book with just that coupon and have really happy students!

How to Redeem the Valentine for Students

These coupons aim to provide a fun treat for your students—not to add extra work for the teacher. To ensure a smooth redemption process, here are some basic rules teachers should share with students.

Coupon Rules

1. Students are responsible for keeping track of their own coupons. Encourage students to keep the coupons in a safe place so they don’t lose them. If they lose the coupons, they lose the right to redeem them.
2. If the coupon is for an activity like lunch in the classroom, show and tell, or something similar, it should be scheduled with the teacher at least one day in advance. The teacher has the final say on whether an activity can happen on a specific day.
3. If the coupon is for an in-class activity (sit by a friend, use the teacher’s chair, or wear a hat), the coupon must be redeemed at the beginning of the day before teaching time begins.
4. If the coupon is for an assignment (no homework, 5 points added, write with a pen, etc.), the coupon must be stapled to the paper and turned in with the assignment.
5. Questions about coupons and redeeming coupons should not happen during teaching time! It’s not okay to interrupt the teaching of a lesson or small group instruction to ask about a coupon or redeem a coupon. If a student does this, they must forfeit the use of the coupon and turn it over to the teacher.

Make sure to go over all the rules with your students from the beginning so they know exactly what to expect and how they can use their coupons. After that, the coupon system will just run itself!

Structure the Valentine for Your Classroom

The key to these well-loved student Valentine gifts is to create a system that works for your classroom. For example, if teachers prefer a classroom with more structure, try keeping a chart along with the coupons. Teachers can check off used coupons as students redeem them.

Don’t want anyone to miss out? Allowing students to redeem coupons even if they cannot find or don’t have the physical coupon, will ensure everyone is happy.

Too much choice? Have a set day when different coupons can be redeemed. Anyone wanting lunch in the classroom can only do it on a Friday. Anyone wanting to trade seats can only do it on the 10th of the month. Luckily, this Valentine for students allows the teacher to set parameters that work for their specific upper elementary classroom.

Save For Later!

Valentine’s Day comes around every year. So even if you don’t need the perfect student Valentine this year, you might next year! Just pin this to your favorite classroom Pinterest board so you can come back.

FREE Valentine’s Day Math Mazes for Students

Do your students need to practice finding equivalent fractions and simplifying fractions? Grab these FREE Valentine’s Day-themed math mazes! Enter your name and email address below, and I’ll send them straight to your inbox!