MONDAY- Rising Above Negativity

By Rick Allen

Lucy eagerly awaited feedback on her latest project during her art class, but her excitement diminished when a classmate harshly criticized her work. 

Rather than retaliate or withdraw, Lucy chose a different path. She thanked him for his viewpoint and asked for detailed suggestions to improve. 

This response shifted the class dynamic; her classmate, caught off guard by her graciousness, paused and then provided constructive advice. 

Lucy’s approach not only enriched her project but also transformed the classroom atmosphere. 

Her peers learned an invaluable lesson: embracing criticism with gratitude and respect can foster a more collaborative and supportive learning environmentt.

TUESDAY - A Tale of Appreciation

By Rick Allen

Friday night shines with a special glow in Tommy’s kitchen as the delightful aroma of his favorite spaghetti fills the air.

He watched his mom stir the sauce, her hands skilled from years of perfecting the recipe just for him. ‘Thanks, Mom, for making this. I love it so much!’ he exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with gratitude.

His mom’s face lit up with a loving smile, touched by his appreciation. Later, Tommy eagerly helped clear the dishes, his tiny hands careful and proud.

This simple act of thanks deepened their bond, turning an ordinary dinner into a cherished family tradition.

WEDNESDAY -  The Lost Puppy

By Rick Allen

Timmy’s puppy, Buster, had vanished, and his heart was a jumble of worry and fear. 

After his mom helped him make a ‘Lost Puppy’ poster, they set out to plaster the neighborhood. 

Seeing his distress, his neighbor, old Mr. Jenkins, joined the search despite his usual inclusiveness. 

Hours later, when Buster was found in a nearby park, Timmy’s relief was immense. But instead of running home, he first hugged Mr. Jenkins, saying, “Thank you for helping me.” Grateful tears twinkled in Mr. Jenkins’ eyes. 

That evening, Timmy learned gratitude could warm hearts and bridge gaps between the loneliest of neighbors.

THURSDAY - The Value Of Sharing

By Rick Allen

In a small town, there was a little boy named Leo who loved to collect things. He was talking to his father and asked if he could start a new collection. He told his dad his idea for a Kindness Jar. He would put a little note in the jar whenever he did something kind. 

Soon, the jar was filled with kind words and happy moments. Leo soon realized that the more he gave kindness to others, the better he felt about himself and his life. As his large jar overflowed, so did his love for others and his happiness.

FRIDAY - Sara's Kindness Wins

By Rick Allen

Sara had been watching the new girl. Ana sits alone during lunch. 

Remembering her own first lonely week at school, Sara felt a stir of empathy. 

Gathering her courage, she grabbed an extra juice box and approached Ana. “Hi, I’m Sara. Want some juice?” she offered. Ana’s face lit up, and she nodded, sharing her homemade cookies in return. 

They spent the lunchtime laughing and chatting about their favorite books. 

Sara learned that reaching out with a simple act of kindness could turn a meal into a feast of friendship and make school a little less daunting for someone new.

SATURDAY - Respect At School

By Rick Allen

As the schoolyard laughter echoed, Ethan spotted a circle of classmates taunting the new boy, Oliver, for his accent. Ethan felt a familiar unease — memories of his own first day flooding back. 

With a resolved breath, he approached the group, his presence interrupting their jeers. Introducing himself to Oliver with a friendly smile, he asked about Oliver’s favorite soccer teams. 

The bullies’ interest died without an audience. They lost importance, and they slowly dispersed. 

By sharing stories of famous soccer matches, Ethan provided Oliver with a safe harbor and imparted a crucial lesson on inclusivity and kindness to his classmates.

SUNDAY - Pirates And Adventures At Home

By Rick Allen

Nestled on the sofa with a pirate book between them, Joey’s excitement was palpable. ‘Can we read the pirate book!’ he exclaimed, his fingers tracing the vibrant illustrations. 

Joey’s dad’s voice brought the swashbuckling adventures to life. Joey imagined himself in the rigging, steering the ship through tumultuous seas and discovering hidden treasures. 

Reading transformed their rainy day into a thrilling escapade. 

Each story enriched Joey’s vocabulary and expanded his world, turning a simple evening into an extraordinary journey of imagination and bonding.

"It's always been true, stories create moments, moments make memories."