Throwing Starfish

There is a story we told in our class:

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "I made a difference to that one!"



In our class we have a "starfish bulletin board" where the kids can "throw" starfish to one another, giving compliments. I read a few today and wanted to share them!


You were my first friend at this school. You told me everything I needed to know. That’s why I’m throwing a starfish.



You are a great friend. Good Sarcasm, good personality.


You are 100.9 percent brain. The other half is humor.


We met first at this school. You’re a funny duck.



You are my best friend in the class! You are like no one else. Keep it up!


You are a good friend and you always keep promises.



You clean like a machine!


Remember at recess when we were digging up those rocks? You are a great digger.


You are a great friend and an amazing draw-er.


You are a great friend and when I need company, you are always there for me!


We are going to be best friends forever. I’m glad I moved here.

You're a great friend! It's like you make the world spin. You have a smile that brightens the whole day. That's what makes you my best friend.

Now, doesn't that just warm your heart?