Students at Merrimac Elementary School have been getting in the holiday spirit through a collection of social and emotional learning activities as part of a 10-day countdown to spread kindness throughout the school community.

Mrs. Aue and Ms. Loffredo read “Be Kind” by Pat Zietlow Miller and built a fireplace bulletin board made with words of kindness. Each stocking hung on the fireplace will be filled with kind messages from their peers.

Ms. Gagnon’s third grade class read “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss and then held a class discussion about kindness and the true meaning of the holidays. Students wrote words of advice to the Grinch, such as how he can become a happier and kinder person, appreciate family and friends and make the most of the holiday season. Students then made ornaments to decorate the tree.

Mrs. Peters’ class read “Snowflake Bentley” by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, which emphasized that every snowflake is one of a kind. The class discussed personal strengths and what makes each individual special before students crafted snowflakes representing each student’s uniqueness.