Love and Learning in February: Tips for Supporting Your Child this Month
- Alexandria Fata
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
What early elementary school parents can look forward to during the month of February.
Welcome back! Lexi here, founder of Open Door Learning. Each month, I share a simple, parent-friendly guide to help you know what to expect in school — so you can confidently support your child and feel prepared for routine shifts, learning goals, and big moments throughout the year.
February may be a shorter month, but it’s full of meaningful learning, social growth, and moments that help build confidence and community. This month often highlights kindness, inclusion, and continued academic growth as students move through the middle of the school year. Here’s what you can expect in February:
Valentine's Day in the Classroom
In early elementary classrooms, Valentine’s Day is less about candy and more about kindness, inclusion, and friendship. Teachers often use this time to help students practice thoughtful communication and caring for others.
You may see activities such as:
Exchanging Valentine cards
Valentine's Day celebration
Writing kind messages
Valentine-themed crafts
How You Can Support Your Child at Home:
If your child's class is exchanging Valentine cards, the SIMPLER, the BETTER (from a former teacher's perspective!)
Most stores have a set that is large enough for the entire class and is easy to use. If your child wants to address the Valentine's, you can have them practice writing the names of the kids in their class first, before writing it on the card to avoid any mistakes or breakdowns!
Do not feel like you need to spend a fortune on Valentine's day cards.
Some classes allow for candy or snacks to be attached to the Valentines. If you are unsure, send your child's teacher an email asking if candy or snacks are allowed.
Talk about including everyone
Most teachers require their students to make a valentine for each student, that way no one gets left out. If your child is struggling to understand this, ask your child, "How would it make you feel if you did not get a valentine from a friend in your class?"
Practice writing names or short messages
Ask: “How can you show kindness at school?”
Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to build empathy, confidence, and social skills through simple, meaningful moments.
The 100th Day of School
Many schools celebrate the 100th day of school in February as a fun way for students to reflect on their learning and growth so far.
This was one of my favorite days to celebrate in the classroom. Teachers often try to make this day extra special for students especially in PreK or Kindergarten, by decorating the classroom, planning fun activities or even dressing up. Check out one of my best teacher friends and I dressed up as if we were 100 years old!
In early elementary classrooms, the 100th day often focuses on:
Counting and number sense
Grouping and place value
Problem-solving and math conversations
Reflecting on growth since the start of the year
Students may count to 100 in different ways, create collections of 100 items, or complete simple writing or building activities.
How You Can Support Your Child at Home:
Count to 100 together in creative ways
Make a collection of 100 small items
Talk about how your child has grown this year
Ask: “What feels easier now than it did in September?”
Use this silly video to dance and sing to 100 with your kid
Some classrooms will have students bring in a collection of 100 things. Teachers should let you know if this is the case. It can be as simple or as complex as you and your student would like. Here are some ideas from my former classroom:
The 100th day is a great opportunity to celebrate effort, progress, and confidence.
Black History Month
February is also Black History Month, and classrooms often honor this by:
Reading books about Black leaders and change-makers
Learning about fairness, courage, and standing up for others
Celebrating contributions from Black individuals past and present
In early elementary, the focus is on big ideas — fairness, kindness, and using your voice — rather than detailed historical timelines.
How You Can Support Your Child at Home:
Read child-friendly books that celebrate Black history and culture
Check out my recommendations below that I often used in my kindergarten classroom!
Talk about treating everyone with respect and fairness
Encourage questions and have open, honest conversations
Highlight positive role models and everyday heroes
February SEL Tip: Practice Kindness in Real Life
February is a wonderful month to intentionally practice empathy and kindness.
What This Looks Like for Young Kids:
Noticing how others feel
Using words to solve problems
Helping classmates or family members
Feeling proud of being kind
Try This at Home - “Kindness Jar”
Materials: Jar or container, slips of paper, pens/markers, optional decorations
Decorate the Jar – Let your child personalize it with stickers, drawings, or a label.
Explain the Idea – Write down kind acts you see or do and put them in the jar.
Write Notes – Use words or drawings to capture each act of kindness.
Make It a Habit – Add notes daily or weekly. Keep the jar visible.
Celebrate at the end of the month– Read the notes together and cheer for all the kind moments.
This is a practice that you could do as a family throughout the year!
Academic Learning: Continuing to Build Skills
By February, teachers are continuing to strengthen foundational skills and check in on progress. You may see a focus on:
Reading
Building stamina
Improving accuracy and fluency
Talking about characters and events
Writing
Writing longer sentences or short paragraphs
Adding details and clarity
Using punctuation and spacing
Math
Addition and subtraction
Number relationships
Explaining thinking
How You Can Support Your Child at Home:
Read together daily, even for just 10–15 minutes
Encourage your child to explain their thinking
Celebrate effort and growth, not perfection
Need Support? I’m Here.
If you’re feeling unsure about your child’s progress, noticing challenges with friendships or confidence, or want guidance from a certified teacher, I’m here to help. Through 1:1 parent coaching and simple, custom at-home learning plans, I support busy families in feeling confident and connected to their child’s learning.
💗February is about kindness, reflection, and celebrating growth — both academic and social.
Until next time,
Lexi :)
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