Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! While this holiday often brings to mind heart-shaped chocolates, bouquets of flowers, and romantic cards, for kids, it’s something a little different. Valentine’s Day is about sharing kindness, celebrating friendships, and, of course, enjoying lots of candy! One of the best ways to mark the occasion is through poetry. Whether it’s writing a silly poem for a best friend, crafting a heartfelt verse for a family member, or reading some laugh-out-loud rhymes, poetry is a perfect fit for Valentine’s Day.
The History of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day has been celebrated for centuries, but it hasn’t always been about candy hearts and colorful cards. The holiday is named after Saint Valentine, but—did you know?—historians aren’t exactly sure which Valentine the holiday honors. There were actually a few different saints named Valentine! The most popular legend tells the story of a priest who performed secret marriages after an emperor had banned them. Over time, Valentine’s Day became associated with love and affection. By the 18th century, people started exchanging handwritten notes, and eventually, the tradition of giving valentines and writing poetry for loved ones became a staple of the holiday.
Poetry: A Valentine’s Day Tradition
Poetry and Valentine’s Day go hand in hand. Some of the earliest valentines were actually poems! People have long used poetry to express feelings—whether serious, sentimental, or silly. In fact, the famous poem “Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue” goes all the way back to 1784!
For kids, Valentine’s Day poems are a chance to be creative and have fun with words. A funny poem can bring a smile to a friend’s face, and a heartfelt one can make a family member feel special.
Valentine’s Day Poetry Books for Kids
One of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day is by reading poetry. Luckily, there are some wonderful poetry books that capture the spirit of the holiday in a way that’s fun for kids.
It’s Valentine’s Day by Jack Prelutsky
Jack Prelutsky, one of the greatest children’s poets, brings Valentine’s Day to life in this delightful collection of poems. With his signature humor and playful rhymes, Prelutsky explores all kinds of Valentine’s Day moments—both sweet and silly. The poems in this book capture the excitement of giving and receiving valentines, the mystery of a secret admirer, and the chaos that can sometimes come with classroom celebrations. If you love poetry that makes you giggle, this is a perfect book to check out.
Valentine’s Day Is… by Gail Gibbons
Gail Gibbons’ Valentine’s Day Is… is a great book for kids who want to learn about the history and traditions of Valentine’s Day. It explains why people celebrate the holiday and how customs have changed over time. The book shares fun facts, like where the idea of giving valentines came from, and how different cultures celebrate, making it a great book to read alone or with friends and family to get into the Valentine’s Day spirit.
Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane deGroat
Another great read is Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane deGroat, a funny, lighthearted book that tells a story about friendship, forgiveness, and poetry on Valentine’s Day.
My Valentine’s Day Poems
If you’re looking for funny Valentine’s Day poems, you might want to check out some of mine! Here are a few that I think you’ll enjoy:
- “Today I Got a Valentine” – This poem takes a hilarious twist on the idea of receiving (or not receiving) a valentine.
- “Oh My Darling, Valentine” – A playful parody of the song “Oh My Darling, Clementine,” this poem is not only funny, it’s fun to sing!
- “A Valentine for Mom” – And this one explains my crazy reason for giving my mom a greenish-brown Valentine card instead of a red or pink one.
Members of Poetrykids can even see all of my Valentine’s Day poems in one place. Every one of these poems is perfect for sharing a laugh with friends or even finding inspiration to write your own wacky Valentine’s Day verses.
Writing Your Own Valentine’s Day Poem
But Valentine’s Day isn’t just about reading poems. You might also want to try your hand at writing a Valentine’s Day poem of your own. Here are some fun ideas to get started:
- Silly Love Letters – Instead of writing a serious love poem, try writing one that’s completely ridiculous. What would a valentine poem from a dog to its favorite chew toy sound like? What if a pineapple wrote a love poem to a slice of pizza saying how they belonged together?
- Acrostic Valentine – Pick a word like FRIEND, LOVE, or CANDY and write a poem where each line starts with a letter from the word. I’ve even written a whole poetry lesson to show you how to create acrostic poems.
- Roses Are Red… With a Twist! – The classic “Roses are red, violets are blue…” poem has been around forever, but why not put your own spin on it? Click here to learn how to write a “roses are red” Valentine’s Day poem.
- Heart-Shaped Concrete Poems – Another fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day through poetry is by creating heart-shaped poems. A shape poem (also called a “concrete poem“) is one where the words form a shape that reflects the poem’s theme. For Valentine’s Day, this could mean writing a poem in the shape of a heart! Some of my own heart-shaped poems include “Pizza, Pizza, I Love You” and “Bow Wow Wow, Meow Meow.” If you’re looking for a different way to express your Valentine’s Day feelings, try shaping your poem into a heart and watch it come to life!
Sharing Your Poems
Once you’ve written your Valentine’s Day poem, don’t keep it to yourself—share it! Here are some fun ways to spread the poetry love:
- Write a poem on a homemade Valentine’s Day card for a friend or family member.
- Perform your poem for your class or at home.
- Host a mini poetry reading with friends—everyone can write and share their own Valentine’s Day poems.
- Decorate your poem with drawings and turn it into a fun, colorful keepsake.
The Heart of Valentine’s Day Poetry
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about candy and cards—it’s about showing kindness and appreciation for the people in our lives. Writing and reading poetry is a fantastic way to do just that. Whether you’re crafting a heartfelt poem for a family member or a funny rhyme for a friend, poetry helps us express our feelings in creative and entertaining ways.
So, this Valentine’s Day, why not celebrate with a poem? Pick up a book of Valentine’s Day poetry, try writing a few verses of your own, and share the joy of poetry with the people who matter most. After all, the best valentines aren’t just made of paper—they’re made of words from the heart!
