The Power of Kind Words: Positive Noticing Day

21 Nov

St Lawrence School recently took part in something truly special: Positive Noticing Day, an inspiring event created by Paul Dix and the team behind When the Adults Change. It was a day designed to do something powerful yet simple, to slow down and notice the good in each other. And what followed was one of the most uplifting days our school community has experienced.

From the very start, the atmosphere felt different. There was a warmth in the air, a sense of excitement, and a real intention from everyone to focus on kindness, gratitude and the small moments that often go unnoticed in the busyness of everyday school life. It reminded us all that positivity is not just something we feel, it is something we can actively create.

Throughout the day, children were encouraged to look carefully at the people around them and think about what makes them special. They were given tags to write messages on, and these tags quickly became little pieces of magic. Children wrote kind words and thoughtful observations, then handed them to classmates and friends, making sure their message reached the person it was meant for.

What made the experience so powerful was the honesty and sincerity behind the words.

Children noticed the most wonderful things. They pointed out who always makes others smile. They noticed the child who quietly offers help without being asked. They thanked people for being kind, for being funny, for being supportive, for being a good friend. Some messages were full of appreciation, others were full of love, and many were full of encouragement. It was a reminder that children often see far more than we realise, and when they are given the chance to express it, they can be incredibly thoughtful and emotionally wise.

It was also brilliant to see the grown-ups getting involved. Teachers, support staff and adults across the school community joined in, sharing positive messages and showing that noticing others is something we can all practise. The result was a day where everyone felt valued. Everyone felt seen. Everyone felt part of something bigger.

Positive Noticing Day perfectly reflects the spirit of Agents of Change. It shows that creating change does not always require big campaigns or loud voices. Sometimes, change begins with a sentence written on a small tag. Sometimes it starts with the courage to tell someone, “I notice you, and you matter.”

By the end of the day, the school was filled with smiles, meaningful conversations and a renewed sense of connection. Children had found the words they needed to say the most wonderful things, and those words had the power to lift others up in ways that will last far beyond the day itself.

St Lawrence should feel incredibly proud. This day proved that kindness is not just something we teach, it is something children can lead. It reminded us that gratitude strengthens communities, and that when we make time to notice the best in others, we help create the kind of world we all want to live in.

Positive Noticing Day was a celebration of everything that is good about childhood, about community, and about the power of small actions to create lasting impact. It was truly inspiring.

Check out the video of the day here: POSITIVE NOTICING DAY 2023