Step 1- Give the kids their own small box of conversation hearts and gently break the news to them… They must not, cannot, will not eat the candy! Oh, the horror on their faces…  How could you! (I’m sure little Johnny in the back is thinking about sneaking one when you aren’t looking…)

Step 2- Tell the students they have to think of a way to use ALL of their candy hearts, no matter what message is stated. “Let’s kiss” was the most disgusting one ever. Who on earth would put a candy with that saying in there!?!?! I was mildly amused. It’s so funny how they change in just a few short years, huh?

Step 3- Students can write in any format they wish — a diary entry, a letter to their mama and papa, a poem, a very strongly worded letter to the manufacturer of these candies!

Step 4-  After students draft their pieces, the teacher must read and approve them.

Step 5- Glue. Glue those candies right to the paper and let them dry. Oh this project is just so torturous! No matter how much glue is sticking to the other side of that candy, it still looks so scrumptious… especially when your stomach is growling for lunch.

Step 6- Enjoy! My kiddos were incredibly creative. While I had a few that absolutely demanded that they get to flip them over and write their own sayings on it because some of them were just so barbaric, others jumped to the challenge and created humorous pieces.

 I can only say that I just LOVE third graders! Let me know below if your kiddos LOVED this activity as much as mine!

Happy Valentine’s Day!