Today in our Preschool Two classroom, our children worked on a special Valentine’s heart craft — and while it may look like a simple art project, it was packed with meaningful learning opportunities!
During this activity, students strengthened their fine motor skills by carefully gluing, placing, pressing, and decorating their hearts. Using their fingers to peel stickers, squeeze glue bottles, and position small craft materials helps build the small muscle control they need for future writing, cutting, and everyday independence tasks.
We also focused heavily on independence skills. Each child was encouraged to follow directions step-by-step, make creative choices, and complete their project with minimal assistance. It was wonderful to see them take ownership of their work — asking for help when needed, problem-solving independently, and showing pride in their finished creations.
Engagement was strong across the classroom. Some students carefully planned where each piece would go, while others explored colors and textures more freely. No matter their approach, every child was actively involved, building confidence and persistence as they worked.
Beyond the physical skills, this activity also supported:
Listening and following multi-step directions
Patience and turn-taking
Creativity and self-expression
Social interaction as children complimented each other’s work
We love when learning feels fun, and today was a perfect example of how purposeful play builds lifelong skills. Be sure to take a moment to ask your child about their heart craft and what part they enjoyed most!
