February Art Activities for Kids: 3 Simple Projects With Read-Aloud Pairings
February is full of meaningful moments to slow down, connect, and create with your kids, and art is one of the easiest ways to do just that! Whether youāre celebrating Valentineās Day, learning about Chinese New Year, or honoring Presidents Day, pairing simple art projects with thoughtful read-alouds helps turn everyday activities into memorable learning experiences.
In this post, Iām sharing three easy February art projects for kids, each matched with a beautiful childrenās book to spark conversation, creativity, and connection. These low-prep activities are perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and young children, no complicated supplies, no pressure for perfection, just intentional time together that supports fine motor skills, early literacy, and meaningful seasonal learning! š
Valentines Day – Heart Paper Chain
This heart paper chain is a perfect handmade decoration for any Valentine’s day celebration! Whether you are making it with a group of kiddos, or spending some quality time with just one special learner, the outcome is full of love š
- Gather your supplies: For this activity you will need 2 inch strips of construction paper (amount & color are up to you!), a writing utensil, and a stapler.
- Let’s talk about love: Ask your little learner about the things they love! You can ask guiding questions about people they love, activities they love, or even foods they love! š Write one down on each strip of paper.
*TIP* Write them to the left or right of the center line, so they will still show after folding and stapling the center. - Fold: Take each of your strips of paper and fold them in half, hamburger style. The text should be on the inside of the fold.
- Staple like crazy: Taking the two open ends of one strip of paper, twist them inwards on themselves and staple together (this should make a rough heart shape, as seen in the following pictures). Then grab your next strip of paper and line the fold up with the bottom of the previous heart, and staple together there. Pull the ends outwards and together, to make another heart shape. Repeat this process to continue the chain!
Valentines Day Read Aloud
Roses are Pink,
Your Feet Really Stink
by Diane DeGroat
Valentine’s day can be a wonderful celebration of love; Whether that be with family, friends, or your favorite snacks! Although, not everyone is good at communicating how they feel on these holidays, especially our main character Gilbert.
He writes some not-so-nice Valentines day cards to some classmates that haven’t always been the nicest to him. Through this all, he learns all about the power of his words, and the power of kindness in this charming story. Check it out here!
President’s Day – If I Were President… Free Printable!
President’s day is an awesome way to start introducing American history to your little learner. This free printable gives your child a friendly look into George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s most recognizable accomplishments, and leads them into a conversation about what they would do if they were president. My son and I talked about a few more notable presidents when doing this activity, like Teddy Roosevelt and his influence on a few of the places we love, like Yosemite!
President’s Day Read Aloud
President’s Day
by Anne Rockwell
This lighthearted informational text introduces early readers to the main points of President’s day without feeling overwhelming or boring!
Following the student’s in Mrs. Madoff’s class, this book gives readers a fun glimpse into a few notable presidents through a President’s Day play. Maybe your little learner will want to act as a president too! š It’s a perfect read for classrooms and home read alouds alike! Check it out here ā
Chinese New Year – Paper Lanterns
As a former teacher, I have always enjoyed educating little learners about the amazing celebration of Chinese New Year! The colors and traditions alone are always so captivating to them, and my toddler was no different. Making these paper lanterns is a fun and creative way to decorate for the upcoming holiday, without the hassle of finding a dragon costume š
- Gather your supplies: For this activity you will need one sheet of red construction paper, paints & a paintbrush, one 2 inch strip of paper (your choice for color), scissors, and a stapler.
- Decorate first: Have your child paint some designs on their red construction paper. We used gold paint, to mimic the light illuminating the lantern! Allow to dry before moving on.
- Fold & Cut: Fold your red construction paper hot dog style, and cut lines from the folded side towards the unfolded side, being sure not to cut all the way through (as seen in the pictures following). Leave an inch or so between each cut.
- We can handle this: Unfold the paper and roll along the short side to make a tube shape, there should be roughly an inch of overlap. Grab the strip of paper and place it on the seam of your lantern, and staple one side, securing the seam and the handle. Staple the other side accordingly. Scrunch the completed tube to allow for gaps in the lantern!
Chinese New Year Read Aloud
Ruby’s Chinese New Year
by Vickie Lee
Ruby’s Chinese New Year is a sweet tale of a young girl wanting to celebrate Chinese New Year with her grandmother.
The adventure that ensues and the friends she meets along the way are all rich with Chinese New Year traditions and history, while remaining kid friendly!
It’s a very cute story, and has lots of informational bonuses at the end, like Chinese zodiac calendar! Check it out yourself here.
Final Thoughts
February is full of unique celebrations that hopefully encourage you and your littles to celebrate in new ways. When I did these activities with my son, I wanted to make sure that they were simple, fun and encouraged great conversations. He loved learning about the Chinese zodiac, he’s the year of the rabbit! And hearing all of the things he talked about when doing the heart chain made my heart swell. š
I hope you check out one of these activities, or maybe even all three! (That would make for a jam-packed weekend, as they all fall right next to each other this year š ) If you do try them out, tag me on Instagram @ReasHomegrown and I’ll send you a digital celebratory mandarin orange š, as they do for one of the holidays above š
ā¤ļø Until next time
