https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJSiUm6jvI0 - Why do we love?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEo74O-JNVY - History of Valentine (23 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaYsrU9Acgo - Story of Valentine BBC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC5T2wvzKc0 - Story of Valentine
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/8237634-i-love-you-more-than-applesauce-than-peaches-and-a
I love you more than apple sauce
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS5_W4yAXIQ - St Valentine's Games
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNeI8uDOB-I - St Valentine idioms
https://www.pictureboxblue.com/vintage-valentine-cards-and-postcards/ - St Valentine vintage cards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAra1Lu4N7c - Valentine's Day in the UK and the US
https://www.enchantedlearning.com/wordlist/duos.shtml - famous duos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqY6jxx2SoI how to draw a teddy bear with a heart
Find Someone Who…
- is very kind.
- was born on Valentine’s Day or in February.
- writes Valentine’s Day cards.
- loves the colour pink.
- gave someone a hug.
- enjoys watching romantic films.
- reads romantic novels.
- prefers spending time with people rather than being alone.
- has bought themselves a Valentine’s gift.
- has a secret crush.
- is a hopeless romantic.
- has been on a blind date.
- has a dating app on their phone.
- has never celebrated Valentine’s Day.
- watches reality dating shows.
2. Finishing Lines
This simple speaking exercise requires no preparation, but can be an excellent conversation starter that ties in perfectly with Valentine’s Day. Put your students in small groups and give them incomplete sentences to finish in a way that’s true for them.
Here’s where it gets interesting: the other students must ask follow up questions to keep the conversation going. This activity is also a great way for promoting conversations on topics like self-love and self-worth.
Here are some prompts to get you started!
- The word ‘love’ means… (to me.)
- People fall in love because…
- Something I love about myself is…
- A quality I like in other people is…
- My first ever crush was…
- For me, the best Valentine’s gift would be…
- One way I show myself love is…
- A couple that I admire is…
- A time when I felt completely loved was…
- Someone I really appreciate is…
- I can be kinder to myself by…
- On Valentine’s Day next year, I’d like…
3. Love-Themed Idioms and Expressions
As with all special holidays, it’s always a good idea to teach new vocabulary related to the topic. Now, English might not be considered the most romantic language, but we do have plenty of expressions about love! Challenge your older ESL students to discuss the meanings of these idioms and then turn it into a Valentine’s game like pictionary or charades!
- head over heels
- take (someone’s) breath away
- be the apple of (someone’s) eye
- to get hitched
- kiss and make up
- love rat
- get serious
- on the rocks
- a love triangle
- lovey-dovey
- a match made in heaven
- double date
- puppy love
4. The Perfect Valentine’s Day
This interactive group activity allows students to be creative while discussing what’s important to them. This activity is particularly interesting for older teenagers, who often appreciate being able to share their thoughts and opinions.
Steer students in a particular direction by giving them thought-provoking questions. Why not ask questions like:
- ‘Would you rather have a home-cooked meal or dine in a nice restaurant?’
- ‘Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities for a date?’
- ‘What’s more important: gifts or quality time?’
You can also turn it into a debate by having different groups present their ideas and vote on which Valentine’s Day plan sounds the best.