The fourth-graders in Mrs. Kessler's classroom at McCullough Elementary School learned that gifts are not only things that are purchased at the store, but gifts can also be their words.
During a pre-holiday activity, each student wrote a letter to a class member which highlighted some of their positive character traits. The students each read their letter aloud to the class and then presented the note to the classmate about whom it was written.
“As students shared their writings with the class, smiles lit up the entire classroom!” commented Kessler. “These smiles were from both the students receiving the compliments as well as from the students who were giving the compliments!”
About the letter that she received, Elizabeth shared, "I like how Jackson said that I am a fun friend to be around." Kaylin explained, "Whenever you see someone, you can bring them joy just with your words." Cayson summed it all up by pointing out, "It feels good to make someone happy."
The children experienced that words can be gifts because giving and receiving kind words spreads joy.
Alyssa Boss presents a letter to Rowyn Lewis
Elizabeth Urso, Sofia Martinelli, and Noah Higgins hold up some letters
Hannah Cass reads her letter to the class
Nygel Swartz and Noah Higgins select a classmate’s name
Rowyn Lewis, Claude Ankney, and Cayson Haley display some letters
Rylee Wroblewski, Neva Denn, and Jackson Krier