UNION COUNTY, N.C. -- Every week, fourth grade students at Rea View Elementary in Union County are given the name of a classmate who they are told to keep a close eye on.

By the end of the week, they find something specific to compliment the student on. The sentiments are scribbled on paper leaves to create the so-called "Love Strong Compliment Tree."

Candace Purcell helped plant the roots. She's taught at Rea View for five years. Her philosophy on teaching goes beyond the books.

What Purcell has found is that students like giving them just as much as receiving them.

Mrs. Purcell is the first teacher to use the compliment tree. The parent who started the idea is already spreading it to other classrooms.

But based on the joy these students get from just saying a compliment, those outside of the classroom may also be able to learn something.

 

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