MINNEAPOLIS — While many Minnesota Vikings fans ripped kicker Blair Walsh for missing a 27-yard field goal that could have could have given the team a win in Sunday’s playoff game, some first-graders in Blaine used it as a lesson in empathy.

Northpoint Elementary teacher Judie Offerdahl thought the missed kick would be a great teachable moment for her first-graders. So, the students grabbed their magic markers and started drawing and writing.

“Dear Blair Walsh,” one youngster wrote. “I know it can be hard to get through things that are sad, but you have to try and try again. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes.”

Offerdahl will send the letters to Walsh through the team. Vikings spokesman Jeff Anderson said the team will make sure Walsh receives them.