This is a powerful activity to use in the classroom at any time a student is in need of some extra love and care or as a focus activity during International Day of Friendship. It’s one we’ve included in the Ripple Kindness Project for Schools primary and elementary curriculum as it can have such an incredibly positive impact on children who are being acknowledged and complimented.
The activity can be exceptionally moving for children who have trouble connecting with others or suffer from low self-esteem as it helps them discover a sense of community. It can also help to nurture more positive relationships as it encourages children to think about and highlight the endearing qualities of their peers.
You will need
•  a large piece of card or butcher’s paper for each child
•  several different coloured markers
•  a class list or roll call sheet
Instructions
- Explain to children that they’re going to each have a turn sitting in the ‘hotseat’. It helps to have a class list to make sure that everyone has a turn over a period of time.
- Put a piece of card or butcher’s paper on an easel or adhere it to the whiteboard. Place a chair in front of it with its back to the paper.
- Select a child from the roll and ask them to sit in the chair. Tell the remaining children they’re going to take turns to write something nice about the person in the chair on the paper behind them. They’re to think about that person’s positive qualities and compliment them on things they like about them but they’re not to focus on appearances.
Examples
•  You’re such a great friend.
•  I love that you smile so much. It makes me happy.
•  You are so kind and helpful.
•  I love having you in our grade.
•  You’re really good at drawing.
- When everyone’s had a go, ask the focus child to stand up and turn around to read the compliments on the sheet. You may like to take a photo or short video of their reaction or of them standing beside the sheet.
- Leave their compliments sheet displayed until the end of the day and ask the child to take a photo of it on their device so they can look at it whenever they’re feeling sad or self-critical. Present them with the paper to take home to show their family or hang in their bedroom.
Have you had success connecting and uplifting children in your classroom? We’d love you to share your ideas and photos HERE.
