Compliment Bags!

I have a tradition in my class that takes place every February. The children make compliment bags. We don’t do a big Valentine’s Day celebration, but the kids do exchange valentines. Instead of asking parents to bring something to hold all of the treats, we decorate bags. The kids don’t use the usual hearts to decorate, they write a compliment on each bag. Leading up to the compliment bags, we have several class discussions about giving and receiving, what a genuine compliment is, and how it makes us feel. The day before the bags a made, the class and I participate in a compliment circle. We make a big circle with our legs stretched straight in front of us, feet touching. I start by selecting a student and giving them a compliment, then they cross-cross their legs and choose a classmate, it then becomes their turn to give the compliment. By the end, every child has received a meaningful compliment from a classmate. This is good practice for the bags and it brightens all of our day. They are always happier after these activities.

First grade is a pivotal point for a child’s social development. This is when children become more aware of their self and their peers’ points of view. They want to fit in with one another. It is a great time of year to have them all talk positive to each other and remember the importance of genuine kindness.