Looking for a Valentine’s Day art lesson that is inclusive, fun, meaningful, and not candy-focused? Want a Valentine art project that celebrates friendship, kindness, and connection, while also covering art, reading, writing, and reflection—all without extra planning?

This Valentine’s Day PB & J Art Project is a complete, print-and-teach elementary art resource designed for classroom teachers, art teachers, and homeschool families. Students create an adorable Peanut Butter & Jelly friends artwork using wax crayon and paint techniques, then extend their learning with reading comprehension, writing activities, art reflections, and critical thinking discussions.

This is the kind of Valentine’s lesson that feels joyful and purposeful—perfect for February when you want engagement without overstimulation.

WHY TEACHERS LOVE THIS VALENTINE ART RESOURCE

Let’s be real—Valentine’s week can be tricky.

Do you want a lesson that:

• Doesn’t revolve around candy or sugar?
• Works for all students, not just couples?
• Feels meaningful instead of rushed?
• Keeps students calm, focused, and proud of their work?
• Integrates literacy so art time still “counts”?

This resource does exactly that.

The PB & J theme is playful, familiar, and developmentally appropriate, while the focus on friendship and kindness makes this lesson inclusive and easy to manage in real classrooms. Every step is clearly modeled, so students know what to do and teachers don’t need to reteach constantly.

WHAT THIS RESOURCE INCLUDES

This 40-page Valentine’s Day PB & J Art Lesson includes everything you need to teach with confidence:

Lesson Planning & Teacher Support

• Complete lesson plan with:
  
  • Materials list
  • Lesson overview and objectives
  • Participation strategies
  • Assessment and reflection guidance

• Critical thinking questions to guide class discussion
• Standards and curricular connections

Art Instruction

• Directed drawing page: How to Draw PB & J Bread Slices
• Step-by-step visual and text-based art tutorial showing:
  
  • Drawing bread slices
  • Adding facial expressions
  • Creating peanut butter and jelly textures
  • Using wax crayon resist
  • Painting backgrounds and Valentine symbols

• Finished artwork example
• Student-friendly art rubric
• Bulletin board–ready artwork design

Lesson Hooks & Thinking Tools

• Valentine-themed warm-up art challenge
• KWL chart about Valentine’s Day

Reading Comprehension

• Nonfiction reading: History of Valentine’s Day (friendship-focused)
• Fiction reading: Peanut Butter & Jelly Best Friends
• Reading comprehension questions
• Complete answer key

Writing & Literacy Extensions

• Creative writing prompt: food-themed Valentine story
• Kindness and empathy writing reflection
• Narrative writing pages

Art Reflection & Assessment

• Creative process “Art World Magazine Cover” reflection
• Message and meaning reflection
• Questions & wonders page
• Materials, techniques, and elements reflection
• Learning goals reflection
• Peer feedback page
• 3 Stars & a Wish self-reflection
• Artist statement pages
• Artwork postcard activity

Everything is non-editable to protect layout, visuals, and instructional clarity.

HOW CAN YOU USE THIS RESOURCE?

• Valentine’s Day art lesson
• February art + literacy integration
• Inclusive friendship-focused Valentine activity
• Sub plans during holiday weeks
• Homeschool Valentine’s unit
• Bulletin board or hallway display

This is not a one-and-done craft—it’s a multi-day Valentine’s learning experience you can reuse every year.

ASK YOURSELF…

• Do I want a Valentine’s lesson that’s inclusive and low-stress?
• Do I want art, reading, and writing handled in one resource?
• Do I want students engaged without chaos?
• Do I want clear steps so students can work independently?
• Do I want artwork that parents and admin will smile at?

If yes—this is the resource.