Young and Old Celebrate Valentine's Day (Early) with Hand-Made Cards

An announcement from Simsbury Public Schools:

When it comes to saying “Happy Valentine’s Day!” a mass-produced greeting card or a post on social media just doesn’t compare to a hand-drawn card from a child. On Feb. 13 more than 200 residents throughout McLean received valentines made by Simsbury’s schoolchildren, with carefully lettered messages of friendship and cheer.

McLean Marketing Communications Coordinator Ellen Meuser noted that last year’s Valentine project with local schools was such a success, “we decided to expand it this year and invite more schools to participate. Everyone enjoys getting a card on Valentine’s Day. Our residents love to read the heart-felt messages of friendship and appreciate the students’ hard work.”

Participating classes were Central School kindergarteners, Squadron Line fifth graders, Latimer Lane first graders, Cobb School students, and a local CCD class. While reaching out to various schools around Simsbury, Meuser was thrilled with the response.

“Everyone was very receptive and enthusiastic to participate. Teachers I contacted spread the word and enlisted the whole grade they are a part of. We all recognize the importance of building a meaningful connection between the two generations within our community.”

All three kindergarten classes at Central School were involved in making cards for the McLean residents. But before children in Georgia Austin’s class settled in to work on their valentines, their teacher made sure they understood exactly why they were making them. Austin introduced the activity by asking, “What is compassion?”

The students’ answers reflected their developing understanding of the concept, ranging from “helping someone who needs help” to “playing with someone who does not have a friend,” however, conveying a compassionate message in writing was more of a challenge.

When a kindergartner suggested that he write, “I hope you don’t feel sad” in his card, Austin suggested, “Why don’t we turn that around a little and say ‘I hope you have a happy Valentine’s Day’ instead?”

Once the children settled on their messages, it was time to decorate the cards with flowers and butterflies, gumdrops and Hershey kisses, and other images that the children hoped would bring a smile to the face of the recipient.

In Austin’s class, Irianna stacked the odds that her valentine would elicit the desired reaction, writing the word “smile” over every inch of her paper. Classmate Xavier expanded on the strategy, writing on his card, “Smile BIG!”

On Feb. 13, smiles were plentiful, thanks to young children who had learned from their teachers that Valentine’s Day is not about candy but compassion—even for people they have never met.

McLean is a not-for-profit senior living community in Simsbury, CT offering a continuum of services including independent living, assisted living, and memory care assisted living; an adult day program, short- and long-term skilled nursing, outpatient rehabilitation and wellness; post-acute care, home care and hospice.