When Ms. Jane Gilman, fourth grade teacher at the Stewart School, purchased a jar opener marketed by "OXO" in New York City, she noted a problem with the product's directions - the directions read: turn the jar opener in a counter-clockwise direction, but the arrows on the label pointed in a clockwise direction. Since her students were studying universal signs in math, as well as learning how to write a business letter, this dilemma presented a perfect opportunity for Ms. Gilman's students. The class "sprang into action and wrote business letters alerting the company to the error," commented Ms. Gilman. The company responded a short while later with a letter of their own: "You are quite correct in pointing out that although the written directions say to 'twist the Jar Opener handle counter-clockwise,' the arrows on the label are pointing clockwise. Our entire office was wowed by your brilliant observation. All of the impressive business letters that your class wrote were reviewed by our product development team. We are now evaluating the packaging of the Jar Opener because of your letters. OXO is so happy to have students like you who will point out mistakes, ...as a token of our appreciation we are sending your class OXO Mini Pour & Store Watering Cans."

In addition to the watering cans, each child also received a personal letter from the company President. "The class is now studying plants and flowers, and the watering cans are a perfect gift," stated Ms. Gilman. "We will water with care and then we will patiently wait. In our class, new ideas sprout into something great!"