Vikings kicker Blair Walsh took a lot of heat after missing a 27-yard field goal in Sunday's wild-card loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but one Minnesota teacher decided to turn his error into a lesson on empathy for her first-grade class.

"I knew that Mr. Walsh probably felt horrible about it," Judie Offerdahl, a teacher at Northpoint Elementary in Blaine, told Vineeta Sawkar of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "I also knew it would be a good teachable moment for the kids."

So Offerdahl had each of her students write heartfelt letters to Walsh and read it to the class Tuesday.

"Dear Blair Walsh," wrote one girl. "I know that it can be hard to get through things that are sad. but you have to try and try again. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. One time I made a mistake when I was doing a cartwheel. I felt embarrassed. You can still help the Vikings win the Super Bowl next year. Your fan, Sophia Doffin."

Jacob DePoint also empathized with Walsh. "One time I had the same problem as you and we lost the divisional playoffs," he wrote. "You rock."

William Ofori took a bit of a different approach, complimenting Walsh's looks. "You are handsome. … Don't worry. It's just a game."

Tasha Lee included an adorable drawing of two puppies with her letter. "For Blair Walsh. Keep on trying. Puppys are cute."