Introduction
Compliments are a simple way to make others feel good, build positive relationships, and create a supportive environment. Teaching students the importance of responding to compliments is a crucial aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. This blog post will discuss an easy, no-prep activity for educators to help elementary students understand the value of saying “thank you” when receiving compliments and the effect it has on others. Additionally, we will provide discussion questions and related skills to further enhance the learning experience.
No-Prep Activity
This activity, called “Compliment Circle,” requires no preparation or materials. It’s a fun and engaging way to teach students how to respond to compliments.
- Ask students to form a circle and stand facing each other.
- Explain that each student will give a compliment to the person on their right, and then receive a compliment from the person on their left.
- Start by giving a compliment to the student on your right. Make sure to model the appropriate response by saying “thank you.”
- Encourage the students to take turns giving and receiving compliments, making sure they say “thank you” after each compliment.
- After everyone has had a turn, ask the students to share how they felt when they received a compliment and when they said “thank you.”
This activity helps students practice giving and receiving compliments while reinforcing the importance of acknowledging compliments with a “thank you.”
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to say “thank you” when someone gives you a compliment?
- How did you feel when you received a compliment? How did it feel to say “thank you” in response?
- Can you think of a time when someone didn’t respond to your compliment? How did that make you feel?
- What are some situations where giving a compliment back might be appropriate?
- How can giving and receiving compliments help build positive relationships with others?
Related Skills
Teaching students how to respond to compliments is just one aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. Other related skills that contribute to their overall development include:
- Active listening: Paying attention to others when they speak, showing empathy, and understanding their feelings.
- Expressing gratitude: Recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of life and expressing thankfulness to others.
- Building positive relationships: Developing and maintaining healthy relationships with peers, teachers, and family members based on trust, respect, and communication.
- Conflict resolution: Identifying and resolving disagreements in a respectful and constructive manner.
Next Steps
Ready to explore more Social-Emotional Learning materials? Sign up for free samples of the discussed skill and others at Every Day Speech. These resources will help you create an engaging and supportive learning environment for your students, promoting their emotional well-being and fostering meaningful connections.
