Love and integrity

Third grade has always been great at harnessing holiday magic to fuel learning. 

They have their Halloween Readathon, but also their thoughtfully constructed Valentine’s Day card making lesson.
 

Every child writes a compliment for each of their classmates, and there’s a high standard for each compliment: each must be sincere and true, each must be specific, and each must be about their character or a skill.
 

This last requirement always sparks conversation. “I love the color of your eyes” is not something the recipient can really hold close to their heart, while “I love the funny stories you tell” is a compliment that someone can treasure. 
 

It’s a writing challenge that only works in a classroom where students know each other and appreciate one another’s strengths - and a classroom where students are willing to take risks.
 

Ask a third grade teacher. They’ll tell you that this approach to Valentine’s Day turns what can be a stressful or rote ritual into something that offers each student real affirmation.