Valentine’s Day Sharks Activities for Kindergarten ESL

 This resource is included in the Sea unit for Kindergarten English Language Learners at this link: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sea-Unit-for-Kindergarten-Holistic-English-Series-29-8348964

This Valentine’s Day vocabulary resource is designed especially for kindergarten ESL learners who need visual, hands-on, and engaging activities to build language skills. The activities are simple, repetitive, and developmentally appropriate, making them easy to use during centers, small groups, or whole-class lessons.

Flashcard Jump & Learn – Valentine’s Sharks 🦈❤️

Turn learning into movement with this fun flashcard jumping game! Place the Valentine’s Sharks flashcards on the floor and invite students to jump on the card you name. This active game helps young learners practice vocabulary and improve listening skills.

Peek-a-Boo Flashcard Surprise – Valentine’s Sharks ❤️🦈

Make vocabulary practice exciting with this peek-a-boo flashcard activity! The teacher pulls a Valentine’s Sharks flashcard from an envelope and shows it slowly while students guess the word. This playful routine builds anticipation. Perfect for circle time or whole-group lessons.

Valentine’s Fishing Game 🎣❤️

Turn vocabulary practice into a hands-on game with this Valentine’s fishing activity! Place the flashcards on the floor and attach a paper clip to each one. Students take turns using a fishing rod made with a craft stick, string, and a magnet to “fish” a card. When they catch one, they say the word on the flashcard aloud. This playful activity builds vocabulary.

Valentine Envelope Pick 🎁❤️

Place the small cards inside a Valentine envelope, using the template provided in this material and invite students to take turns pulling out one card. When a student picks a card, they say the word or use the sentence frame “I see a ___.” This simple and engaging activity encourages participation during circle time activities.

Memory Match – Valentine Mini Cards 🧠❤️

Print the cards double. Lay the mini cards face down on the floor or a table. Students take turns turning over two cards and saying each word aloud. If the cards match, the student keeps the pair. This classic memory game strengthens vocabulary recognition.

Pick & Draw – Valentine Mini Cards ✏️❤️

Students choose one small card and carefully look at the picture. They then draw the same item on a paper or mini whiteboard. This calm and focused activity encourages creativity while students connect words with images in a meaningful way.

Write & Color – Valentine Vocabulary Worksheet ✏️❤️

Students sit at the table and carefully trace the Valentine vocabulary words, making sure the spelling is correct. After tracing, they color each picture to match the word. This worksheet supports early writing skills.

Look & Find – Valentine Objects 👀❤️

Students listen carefully as the teacher gives simple directions, such as “Find the heart! Color it yellow.” They look at the worksheet, identify the correct Valentine object, and color it as instructed. This activity builds listening comprehension.

Draw the Word. Prompt: “I see a ___.”

Students read (or listen) and draw the correct Valentine item.

Find the matching picture worksheet

Draw a line or color it as instructed. This activity helps kindergarten ESL learners make connections between spoken words and visual cues in an engaging, hands-on way.

Show & Say – Valentine Sentence Practice ❤️🗣️

Students draw any Valentine object on the shark, then show their completed worksheet and point to the drawing on the picture. They then say the sentence aloud, “My shark has a heart.” This activity builds speaking confidence.

Feed Me! Valentine Vocabulary Game 🦈💌

Students take turns choosing a small card from the set and saying the word aloud (heart, balloon, flower, letter, bow and arrow). They then “feed” the card into the Valentine box. This playful activity keeps kindergarten ESL learners highly engaged through hands-on learning. Print the template and glue it onto a box, open the mouth part. It can also be used as a classroom display.

Spin & Say. Print the spinners you need for you class. Students spin the spinner.

                 They say the word out loud: “Heart!” / “Balloon!”

Spin & Find. Students spin the spinner.

 They find the matching picture on any worksheet,etc. They point and say: “I see a heart.”

Visit my other blog for creative and effective materials designed for elementary English language learners! Check out new ideas, tips, and resources at eflelementaryresources.blogspot.com. Explore fun and interactive ways to bring learning to life in your classroom!