Stefanie M. Secret Notes of Kindness by EasyReadStories.com – 642 words
Marla is a shy student who loves to write but prefers to stay out of the spotlight. One day, she finds an encouraging note tucked inside a library book, and it inspires her to spread kindness in her own quiet way. Marla begins leaving hand-drawn notes with uplifting messages in books, desks, and lockers, hoping to brighten someone’s day.
But when Marla starts doubting whether her notes are making a difference, something incredible happens: other students begin leaving their own kindness notes, and even a teacher creates a “Kindness Corner” in the classroom. When Marla learns that one of her notes helped a classmate on a tough day, she realizes that small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect. The story concludes with a school celebration of kindness, inspired by Marla’s brave and thoughtful actions.
Why This Story Is Great for Young Readers
- Promotes Empathy and Kindness:
The story emphasizes the power of small, thoughtful acts to make a big difference, encouraging children to be kind and considerate toward others. - Encourages Creativity:
Marla’s use of doodles and uplifting messages shows young readers that they can express themselves creatively while spreading positivity. - Relatable Protagonist:
Marla’s shyness and self-doubt resonate with many children who might feel unsure of themselves, showing them that quiet strengths can have a powerful impact. - Supports Social-Emotional Learning:
The themes of kindness, perseverance, and self-worth align with important lessons in social-emotional development for this age group. - Accessible Language:
Written at a 2nd-grade level, the story is easy to read, making it approachable and enjoyable for early readers. - Inspires Action:
The idea of leaving notes or participating in acts of kindness is a tangible, actionable takeaway for readers, empowering them to bring the story’s message to life in their own communities.
Secret Notes of Kindness
Marla loved words. She loved how they could tell stories or make people smile. But Marla was shy. She didn’t like talking in front of the class or being the center of attention.
One day, while Marla was in the library, she opened a book about cats and found something surprising. A small piece of paper slipped out. It said, “You’re one of a kind, and the world is lucky to have you!” There was a doodle of a rainbow on it. Marla smiled. The note made her feel warm inside, like sunshine on a chilly day.
“Who left this?” Marla wondered. She looked around but didn’t see anyone.
Later that night, Marla kept thinking about the note. What if I made notes like this? she thought. Maybe I could make someone else smile, too.
The First Notes
The next morning, Marla got out her markers and some colorful paper. She drew a star and wrote:
“You’re a star—don’t forget to shine!”
Then she made another:
“Mistakes are proof you’re learning—keep going!”
Marla felt excited as she carefully folded the notes. She tucked one into a library book about dinosaurs. Another went into her classmate Lily’s desk, and one slipped into her friend Daniel’s locker.
Marla didn’t tell anyone about the notes. She liked the idea of them being a secret surprise.
A Tough Day for Jack
That afternoon, Marla saw Jack sitting alone by the window. Jack usually loved to joke and laugh, but today he looked sad.
When Jack went to get a pencil from the supply shelf, he found a folded piece of paper. He opened it slowly. Inside, it said:
“You’re a star—don’t forget to shine!”
Marla saw him smile, just a little. He tucked the note into his pocket and sat up straighter in his chair. Marla felt her heart leap. It worked! she thought.
Doubts Begin
For a few weeks, Marla kept leaving her notes in library books, desks, and lockers. But after a while, she started to wonder: Do these notes even matter? What if nobody cares? What if they don’t even read them?
Marla felt like giving up. She put her markers away and stopped making notes.
The Kindness Ripple
One day, Marla noticed something strange. On her desk was a note she didn’t write. It said, “Kindness is your superpower—use it often!” There was a doodle of a superhero cape.
Marla looked around. “Who did this?” she whispered.
Then, Marla started to notice other notes popping up. There was one on the class bulletin board. Another was stuck to the whiteboard. Even the teacher found one in her lesson plan book. Soon, everyone was talking about the notes.
“Did you get a kindness note yet?” Lily asked Marla one morning.
Marla just smiled.
The Big Surprise
At the end of the month, their teacher, Mrs. Green, made an announcement. “We’ve had so many kindness notes lately,” she said. “It’s wonderful to see how these little messages are brightening our school. So, I’ve created a ‘Kindness Corner’ where we can all share notes for each other!”
The whole class cheered.
That afternoon, Jack came up to Marla. He held out the note he found weeks ago. “Did you write this?” he asked.
Marla blushed. “Maybe,” she said quietly.
Jack smiled. “I was having a bad day, but this made me feel better. Thanks, Marla.”
Marla’s heart filled with joy. Her notes did matter!
A Celebration of Kindness
At the end of the month, the school held a special event to celebrate kindness. Students shared stories of how the notes had helped them. Marla didn’t speak, but she felt proud as she listened. She had started something wonderful.
And from that day on, Marla kept writing notes, knowing that even small acts of kindness could make a big difference.
