Candy Hearts

What You Need:

• Paper
• Pencil
• Craft foam sheets in red, pink or white
• Scissors
• Permanent markers
• Glue and glitter, or glitter glue (optional) 
• Ribbon
• Painter's tape 

What You Do:

1. Make a heart stencil using the paper for your child to trace onto the craft foam. 
2. Next, help your child trace the pattern with a pencil and cut out the heart.
3. Is your child confident when it comes to writing her name? If not, help her practice on a piece of paper first. If your child still lacks confidence, use a pencil to lightly write her name on the heart.
4. Help your child write or trace her name on the heart with permanent markers.She could also use glitter glue. Paint pens, especially metallic colors, may separate as you mark on the craft foam. 
5. Now that your kid has practiced her writing skills, it’s time to get creative. She can decorate her foam heart using markers or glitter glue or by adding additional small hearts, rhinestones, and whatever else her heart desires.
6. Once the heart is decorated and the glue has dried, tape or glue the heart to a piece of wide ribbon and hang it up for everyone to enjoy.

Make one of these ahead of time for Grandma and Grandpa or an aunt, uncle or babysitter. You can also expand on this activity by including hearts with Valentine’s Day messages such as “Be Mine” or “Hugs” to get even more writing practice in.