Free Conversation Questions for Valentine's Day
Originating in the UK, Valentine's Day as we know it now has spread around the world. Your students probably know at least a little about it, so it should be a good topic for a free-talk lesson.
Similar to other lessons based on holidays, however, it's important to be respectful of different cultural backgrounds. Also, keep in mind that while it's a fun and romantic day for some, Valentine's Day may be lonely for others, so it's best to be sensitive when discussing these topics by keeping things general rather than specific.
With that out of the way, on with the discussion questions!
Valentine's Day Discussion Questions
1. What comes to mind when you think of Valentine's Day?
Different cultures can celebrate the same day in a variety of ways, so what one holiday means to you may not apply to someone who sees it from another perspective.
2. Does your country celebrate any other romance-themed days?
Even if Valentine's Day isn't big in their country, it doesn't mean they don't have days similar to it. In Korea, for example, there are romance-themed celebrations on the 14th of each month!
3. If it is celebrated, is Valentine's Day a "new" holiday in your country?
Some holidays have managed to spread far beyond their country of origin. Halloween, for example, has become big in Japan in recent years.
It's possible your students have noticed something similar with Valentine's Day. Maybe they've celebrated it all their lives, or perhaps it didn't even exist in their country when they were little.
4. Is it only celebrated by couples?
It's common for Western schoolchildren to give handmade cards to their classmates on Valentine's Day. Similarly, adults may bring chocolate to work to share with colleagues.
Therefore, Valentine's Day isn't strictly a couples-only day, despite how it's marketed. What's it like in your students' countries?
5. What is the etiquette for giving and receiving gifts in your country?
In the US, it's common for couples to exchange gifts on Valentine's Day. But it's not the same everywhere.
For example, your Japanese students may mention that men and women are expected to give gifts on separate days of the year.
6. What type of gifts are typically given on Valentine's Day (or your country's equivalent)?
Things like roses and chocolate are often associated with February 14th in America. Is it the same where your students live? What do they think of these gifts?
7. Does your country have any special days for singles?
Companies make a lot of money this time of year from couples buying gifts for one another. But they've realized they can make even more money by marketing to singles too.
This has led to days like Singles' Day in China, which is on November 11th (11/11, get it?). What do your students think about a day for singles?
8. Some people feel Valentine's Day is too commercialized. What do you think?
As mentioned above, lots of money is spent for Valentine's Day, on everything from greeting cards and flowers to trips and fancy hotels.
What do your students think about this? Are there any other holidays they feel have become too focused on spending?
9. Are "public displays of affection" common in your country?
Though some people dislike it, seeing couples kiss and behave affectionately in public is a very normal thing in Western cultures.
But different countries can have very different attitudes toward "PDAs." Is this type of activity accepted in your student's country? How do your students feel personally?
10. How many English "pet names" do you know?
Here's a question for a bit of fun trivia.
Students may know common romantic nicknames like "sweetheart" or "baby," but do they also know names like "honey," "boo" or "bae"? If so, where did they first hear them?
11. What's your favorite non-national holiday?
Although popular, Valentine's Day isn't a federal holiday in America. That means everyone goes to work or school like any other day.
Bigger holidays like Christmas or new year celebrations are obviously very popular around the world, but what other "minor" holidays do your students enjoy?
Wrap-up
Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day is a topic with lots of potential for free conversation. Just be careful to discuss it with sensitivity and respect for your students' privacy.
Check out this post for even more suggestions for lessons on or around February 14th.
