This “Feed the Heart” Valentine’s alphabet and number activity is a fun and interactive way to play and learn. Keep reading to see the step by step instructions on how you can do it too!

A Heartfelt Way to Recognize Letters and Numbers on Valentine’s Day! 

This educational activity is one of our favorites during the Valentine’s season. The “Feed the Heart” alphabet and number activity provides a fantastic opportunity for children to explore the world of letter and number recognition in a fun and engaging manner.

In this Valentine’s alphabet and number activity, you can choose between strips of written letters or number symbols, and then kids can physically interact with matching manipulative symbols to “feed the heart.” This hands-on approach creates a multisensory experience, reinforcing their understanding through touch and visual engagement.

In this post, we will delve into the details of this educational resource, highlighting its benefits, what you need to do, and how it effectively fosters not only alphabet recognition but also fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities in young learners.

Watch How to Make This Valentine’s Alphabet and Number Activity!

Creating this DIY Valentine’s alphabet and number activity is easy to do, especially if you use our printable images! 

Start by preparing the necessary materials, ensuring you have our printed activity sheet, a suitable box, glue, scissors, and a craft knife. Engage your child in the creative process as they cut out the heart illustration, alphabet and number strips, and pictures of objects from the printable, fostering a hands-on approach to learning. 

Incorporating interactive activities not only makes the alphabet and number learning experience fun but also enhances fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. By infusing creativity into the learning process, you’ll not only be fostering a love for letters but also nurturing valuable skills that extend beyond the realm of academics.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

• Scissors
• Craft Knife
• Letter and Number Manipulatives

• Printable “Feed the Heart” Activity
• Box or Container
• Glue
• Scissors
• Craft Knife
• Letter and Number Manipulatives

Step 4

Cut two vertical lined slits under the heart with 1.5 inch of space between the slits. Also cut a hole on each side of the box.

Step 5

Thread the alphabet or number strips through the slits and run the ends of the strips through the holes on each side of the box. Once this is done, you or your child should be able to pull the strip to reveal one letter or number at a time that is visible underneath the heart shape. 

Step 6

Provide alphabet and number manipulative symbols for your kiddo to match to the letter or number visible and feed it to the heart. Pull the strip to view the next letter or number and repeat the process. 

Step 1

Print out our downloadable “Feed the Heart” images or create them yourself! 

Step 2

Cut out the heart shape and the alphabet and number strips, be sure to add extra white paper strips on each side of the letters and numbers strips to ensure the paper will thread fully through the box.

Step 3

Glue the heart shape to a box and use a craft knife to cut along the dotted line around the heart’s mouth to make a hole all the way through the cardboard. Make sure there is a hole in the back of the box to retrieve the manipulative symbols.

Step 4

Cut two vertical lined slits under the heart with 1.5 inch of space between the slits. Also cut a hole on each side of the box.

Step 5

Thread the alphabet or number strips through the slits and run the ends of the strips through the holes on each side of the box. Once this is done, you or your child should be able to pull the strip to reveal one letter or number at a time that is visible underneath the heart shape. 

Step 6

Provide alphabet and number manipulative symbols for your kiddo to match to the letter or number visible and feed it to the heart. Pull the strip to view the next letter or number and repeat the process. 

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Many interactive alphabet activities involve problem-solving components, such as matching letters with corresponding objects or images.

Positive Attitude Toward Learning: When children associate the alphabet with fun and interactive experiences, they are more likely to approach learning with enthusiasm. This positive mindset lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

How Interactive Activities Make Alphabet and Number Learning Easier

Interactive activities like this Valentine’s alphabet and number activity play a pivotal role in enhancing the learning experience for children by providing a dynamic and engaging approach. 

Here are several ways in which interactive activities contribute to improved alphabet learning:

Active Engagement and Participation: Interactive activities encourage active engagement, where children are directly involved in the learning process.

Memory Retention through Experience: The physical act of selecting letters, matching them, and feeding the heart creates lasting impressions in their memory.

Fine Motor Skill Development: Many interactive alphabet activities, including cutting and pasting components like in the “Feed the Heart” activity, contribute to the development of fine motor skills.

Visual and Auditory Stimulation: The combination of engaging visuals and auditory stimuli, such as verbalizing letter names during the activity, reinforces the learning experience. 

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Many interactive alphabet activities involve problem-solving components, such as matching letters with corresponding objects or images.

Positive Attitude Toward Learning: When children associate the alphabet with fun and interactive experiences, they are more likely to approach learning with enthusiasm. This positive mindset lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.