The instructions were simple, even for a first grader.
“Write one nice thing about your classmate on his/her paper plate.” The plates were distributed to the children on the last day of school to take home as a memento of the year.
This simple but lovely exercise always touched me, particularly the heartfelt but honest sentiments scrawled by the children. One phrase that appears several times for my son was “You are so nice to me!”
I loved that compliment. So easy to do and clearly too so very much appreciated. After all, who doesn’t like to hear something positive about yourself?
I found this paper plate tucked away in a closet yesterday while preparing for my son’s college departure. It was bittersweet but a great reminder.
On this day professing love, find something positive in someone, even if you have to dig a little. You may receive the compliment in return. Full circle. St. Valentine would be proud❤️
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Published by Kathy Simmons
I am an ex New Yorker who still misses the vibrancy of the city. I seek out the humor in every day life and relay it through my stories in the hope others will appreciate as well. I love to write about growing up with my fantastically unique Irish mother whose memory inspires me every day. Although she is no longer with us, her antics are an endless staple for my tales. I currently live in Connecticut with my husband, two sons and toy fox terrier Anabel.
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Shangri-La 
This is such a great idea! (I might use it). A perfect circle.
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What a very clever and thoughtful entry for the challenge and a great idea for the kids. I especially like your thoughtful comment at the end “Find something positive in someone today, even if you have to dig a little. You may receive the compliment in return. Full circle.’
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This takes me back to an autograph book from my grandmother. I still have it 🙂
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I am happy for your nice memory!
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That’s a great idea for any grade’s students and kudos to your son for being so nice 🙂
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This is wonderful. I’m pleased to say that my two children (now teenagers) still remember activities like this and I’m grateful to the inspiring teachers who helped facilitate love and respect in the classroom. Our world needs more plates like this! Thanks for sharing.
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A circle of kindness – it doesn’t get much better. 🙂
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Such an uplifting take on the circle theme – and love the marker colors too
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Thank you!
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De a ads – 🌺❤️
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Supposed to be “de nada”
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That is great, and a good response to the challenge as well 🙂
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That’s perfect for the challenge. Sounds like Owen is a lovely child; peer comments like that are a good indicator. 🙂
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awesome! this reminds me of the last day of school life when we used to scribble such short messages on each others white school shirt. i still have it!
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Wow! What a great keepsake. Love that idea and glad this post evoked the memory 🙂
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it was one of those customs that every passing out batch would do. it was such fun but now it is so precious!! thnx for the post revoking such beautiful time!
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This is a wonderful idea! If my sister were still teaching I would pass it on to her, but she retired a few years ago.
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What a marvelous tradition…. this world can certainly use a bit more of that spirit these days. Thanks for sharing! 🤗
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Thanks for reading🌝
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A perfect challenge. And colorful markers.
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Again, a very touching piece of writing. Thank you for sharing!
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Art thank you! One Mor you may enjoy was in tribute to my beautiful mother…
https://nynkblog.wordpress.com/2021/03/17/love-letter-to-ireland-the-gift-of-my-mother/
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You’re very welcome, Kathy. Thank you for providing the link! I’ll read the post now. 🙂
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