Paper Plate of Positive Traits

Posted byKathy SimmonsPosted inArt, Children, friendship, Life, Nostalgia, School DaysTags:, , , ,

As the end of the school year draws near, I am reminded of a lovely moment on the last day of my son’s kindergarten class, now twenty years ago, I am re-sharing.

 

The instructions were simple, even for a kindergartner…

circle

Write something positive about your classmate on the paper plate, then pass it on to your neighbor, to do the same.

The plates were created then given to the children on their last day of class. A keepsake and memento of year end and their first foray in the serious business of kindergarten. 

This simple but lovely exercise always touched me. Heartfelt and honest words, scrawled with earnest sentiment in the hands of a child.

One phrase, that appeared on my son Owen’s paper plate several times, was the phrase, “You are always so nice to me!”  I loved that compliment. Being kind to others. So easy to do and forever remembered. 

Yesterday, I found Owen’s paper plate, tucked atop a closet. Taking it down gingerly, I re-read the words of the children, some long gone from our lives, others who still remain.  A bittersweet moment; a reminder of the fleeting passage of time. Yet the words on his plate remain true to life. Owen is still a kind soul.

Today, I am going to take a page from that very fine kindergarten teacher, who shared this wonderful keepsake with her students, so many years ago. I will tell someone I care about, something I find positive about them – a virtual paper plate of positive traits.

And who knows? just maybe, they will return the gesture to a special someone in their lives.

Full circle.

 

 

 

 

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.

43 thoughts on “Paper Plate of Positive Traits”

  2. 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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  5. 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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      1. 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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  16. This is a thoughtful and poignant reflection on the enduring impact of simple, sincere gestures. The story serves as a powerful reminder that kindness, expressed even in the smallest ways, can leave a lasting legacy. Thank you for sharing this meaningful moment—it’s an inspiring call to recognize and uplift others in both our personal and professional lives.🤝🙏🌷

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  20. Children love to observe their gifts to parents in their childhood are kept and appreciated too. I treasure the drawings the kids made of me with them when they were quite young. The drawings are hardly flattering but it is a precious keepsake. I have a warm muffler my youngest made for me when she learned to knit. It contains many mistakes and is the worse for wear and unusable after 45 years of being packed and unpacked as we changed countries to live during my working years several times but that is more precious to me than money.

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