Nellie Bennett students pay it forward

What two words have the power to render a speech therapist speechless? Or cause a bus driver to stop in their tracks? Or even bring a tear to the eye of the bravest police officer?

It’s as simple as "thank you".

These two small words were the focus of a unique self-esteem building lesson in Mrs. Stephanie Smith's third grade class at Nellie F. Bennett Elementary School.

"The lesson included various activities designed to help students recognize their unique gifts," said Student Teacher Mrs. Janet Magley who developed the lesson with Mrs. Smith.

"Beginning with an in-class reading of Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell's "I'm Gonna Like Me" students explored the idea of self-assuredness in any circumstance," continued Mrs. Magley.

Mrs. Magley said the book promotes a message of acceptance by approaching a boy and girl's daily experiences as opportunities to help build self-esteem.

"Whether they know all the letters like the back of their hand or they think their ruler is ten inches long, the book encourages the reader to accept and love themselves," continued Mrs. Magley referring to instances in the book. "By embracing both their own and their peers' strengths as well as their foibles, the students learn acceptance for themselves and others."

Following the reading of the book, the students named some of their own positive traits, which were recorded on the board. Next, the students wrote in their journals about the topic of self-esteem as well as their perceived strengths.

"Because sometimes we cannot recognize our own strengths, the students shared the assignment with their parents," said Mrs. Smith. "The parents also wrote something special about their children."

The paying it forward approach was sustained as the class went on to write something positive about up to four of their classmates. These special qualities were then transcribed to colorful pictures of sneakers and hung on the bulletin board under the caption "Put Spring in Someone's Step".

Mrs. Smith said this exercise helped to illustrate the correlation between good feelings with both giving and receiving compliments.

The final exercise included writing a letter to share an expression of gratitude for an unsung hero in their lives.

Nine-year-old Caitlyn McGullam wrote a letter to her bus driver, Mr. Rich.

"Thank you for taking me to school and back home," she wrote.

Another student presented a card to Nellie Bennett's Speech Teacher Karen Ficarra.

"You are helpful because you helped me with my speech," the student wrote. "I appreciate what you do. Thank you for helping me."

Stunned by the kind gesture, Ms. Ficarra expressed her gratitude, in turn, for the recognition.

"This makes me feel wonderful," said Ms Ficarra. "Moments like these are why I do what I do."

Student Aidan McLaughlin thanked Police Officer Mike Colwell for "keeping crime off his street".

Additional letters were presented to cafeteria workers and crossing guards, as well as the town's local police force and fire department.

"These wonderful gestures will go a long way in helping our school community realize how much they are appreciated while our students benefit from the good feelings generated by sharing kindness with others," said Mrs. Smith.

Principal Jim Karaba also expressed his thoughts on the lesson.

"Positive self-esteem is an important component of character education," said Principal Karaba. "When students show respect for themselves and others, it helps to foster a positive school climate and because this lesson extended beyond the classroom, the entire community stands to benefit," he continued. "I'd like to commend both Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Magley for helping instill a culture of compassion in our students."