Friends Are Fun and We Are Different are PERFECT primary songs to take into elementary classrooms for a Valentine’s Day class party! They emphasize kindness and being a good friend, perfect for elementary students! Use my bell charts to introduce a little music while you’re at it. So simple, kindergartners to 6th graders will enjoy this activity!
It works to have the entire class together or to break into small rotation groups (this is my preference).
Handbells
You need a set of basic 8-note handbells. I recommend Merry Bells. I have a post HERE with lots more details on purchasing handbells (along with a discount coupon code) and using handbells in general.
Once you have handbells, you just need to download my bell charts. You can access my printables at my Resource Library. Instructions for accessing my Resource Library are found at the bottom of this post.
I do recommend bringing along the music either on your phone with a speaker or CD player. You can download music to We Are Different HERE. And the music to Friends Are Fun is HERE. I recommend downloading the “Vocals and Music” option which is over on the upper right hand side of the page.
Post the Words
Then post the words (especially if you’ve got kids who can read). If the kids don’t want to sing along, no problem. But at least this way they can if they like. You can find the words to print on my Posting Words page HERE. Simply hang the words on the board, right next to your bell charts.
You will be all set to teach about kindness at a Valentine’s Day class party complete with movement, engagement and the best part…no added candy!
I have an individual lesson plan for teaching We Are Different HERE.
And another lesson plan for teaching Friends Are Fun HERE.
In the classroom, you can either use these lesson plans, then incorporate the bells, or omit them entirely and just play the bells the whole time. Just depends on how in-depth you want to be with each of the songs and how much time you have.
I personally like it when the classrooms have stations so I get small groups of about 5-10 children at a time for 15-20 minutes each. We get lots of singing and ringing in. And if they don’t sing, it doesn’t matter.
Halloween Class Party
I also like to bring in handbells during Halloween class parties. I use the song It’s Autumntime. I’ve got more details HERE if you like. The song Hinges is also another fun one for a fall class party. Find my lesson plan HERE although I don’t have a handbell chart for that one. But it’s fun nonetheless!
If you have something unique that you do for class parties (particularly something that’s musical), I’d love to hear! Leave a comment with your ideas!!
Check out this quick tutorial video for accessing the Resource Library:
These printables are filed on my Resource Library page under Song Title > Friends Are Fun and We Are Different.
2 thoughts on “Valentine’s Day Class Party Idea Using Handbells”
Thank you for the Valentine’s Activity song Suggestions with the handbells! I’m excited to try this in my grandson’s first grade class!
Hi Janet!
I’m SO excited for you! I’m predicting you’ll be the favorite grandma and they will beg you to come back again. I hope it all goes well for you!
~Camille