Compliment Sticks- A Touch of Positivity in Your Classroom

I love to engage my students in positive activities that promote kindness, and they love it, too!  One of our favorite activities is Compliment Sticks.  This is super simple to do, and it’s very likely that you already have what you need to start.  All you need is an equitable manner of selecting students in your class, such as popsicle sticks with their names on them or even a technology tool that randomly selects names. Oh, and make sure your name is included in the mix, as well! J

It’s always nice for the teacher to start this activity, so choose a stick with a student name on it.  It is your time to stand up and give that student one compliment. Your compliment could include something positive you saw that student do, something he/she does that you appreciate, a personality trait that you like, an improvement they have made in behavior or academics, or even something physical such as their smile, new haircut, or their sense of style.  Now, it’s time for the student who received a compliment to give a compliment.  They may choose a name stick, stand up, and give that student a compliment.

So what if they choose their own stick?  That’s easy…they must compliment themselves!  Yes, if a student picks their own name, then they must think about something they appreciate about himself/herself.  This tends to be difficult for many students, so encourage them to think of a positive and give them some time to do so.  Next, that student will choose another stick and give that student a compliment.  The compliments will continue to be dealt out until you are ready to wrap it up.

Here are some quick tips when engaging in Compliment Sticks:

·        Use Compliment Sticks as a brain break activity.

·        Use this activity at the beginning of class to start students on a positive note.

·        Ensure that all students are listening and respecting the speaker and the recipient of the compliment- This is their time to shine!

·        Always participate with your students, as they love receiving compliments from their teacher and giving them to you, as well.

·        Encourage students to be thoughtful with their compliments.

·        If students choose peers they don’t know very well, you may prompt them with cues, such as “Think about ***’s actions and/or attitude in class, at recess, or in specials.”

·        Tell students to avoid “and”, as they need to save additional compliments for the next time they may choose that student.

I hope that you and your students enjoy Compliment Sticks as much as my class and I do!  What’s not to love about spreading kindness?  J