When a Pittsburgh area nursing home shared that their residents were hoping to receive some valentines, first graders were eager to help! Students in Mrs. Rettura’s first-grade class spread love this Valentine’s Day by writing personalized letters and crafting valentines for local senior citizens.

Nursing home residents posted their names and some things that they liked on social media, allowing students to put a face with a name and get to know a bit about their special senior. Each student was then paired up with a senior that shared their interests!

Through this activity, students learned letter writing for the first time in an authentic way, and wrote heartwarming, personalized letters to their seniors. They also learned the importance of giving back to their community, and that even as a young person, they could make a difference in the lives of others!  The seniors were beyond thrilled to receive their special valentines.