Compliment Posters

A kind word is free, easy to give and everybody has something to offer.

Research shows that kindness and giving evokes gratitude, makes us happier, strengthens our connections with others and is contagious!

This activity gives kids a self-esteem boost while remind them of how great it feels to be kind and compliment others.

Explain that today you’re going to explore giving compliments as a way of being kind through the things we say.

To generate ideas, ask:

• What is a compliment? Saying nice things.
• What sorts of things could we compliment? To help with the activity, list a mix of answers on the board (E.g. attitude, being good at something, being funny / friendly / kind, trying hard etc).
• What's the difference between a 'deep' compliment and a 'surface' compliment? A surface compliment is something anyone could notice about the person (e.g. "You have nice hair."). A deep compliment is something you genuinely admire about the person, and could only notice if you knew them well (e.g. "I love in kapa haka that you have lots of energy and always give it your all.")
• What does it take to give a deep compliment? Something that makes that person feel special and when you say it you're 'being real' or authentic.
• How should we receive a kind compliment? Feel good! Say thank you!

Explain that today you’re going to create compliment posters where students will get the chance to give and receive compliments from a wide range of people.

On a blank sheet of paper, ask students to write their name and add a photo or drawing of themselves.

Write 3 – 4 key compliment categories on the board such as:

• Something they are good at.
• Something you like about their personality.
• Something that makes them fun, special and one-of-a-kind.

Explain that students will get the chance to write compliments on each others’ posters – in pencil.

Add a couple of examples on the board. E.g.

• You’re an awesome sprinter! From Justin
• I like your paintings. From Ariana
• You’re great at making people smile. From Sam

They could add their name, or do it anonymously, writing the compliment only.

Create a system for passing the posters around the room and moderate the compliments both during and after the exercise, ideally collecting the posters to check the comments are kind and positive.

Hand the posters back and give students time to read their messages, and discuss how the activity made them feel, before creating your Compliment wall.

When displayed in the classroom, these posters will remind tamariki to be kind and compliment others.

Play Compliment tag or try our Everyday kindness.