Express Yourself Discussion

Discussion Purpose

Today, we will explore different ways we express ourselves—through words, art, feelings, and actions—and learn to listen respectfully to each other’s ideas.

Discussion Guidelines

• Active Listening: Look at the speaker, stay quiet while they share, and think about what they say.
• Respectful Responses: Use kind words; build on others’ ideas by saying, “I agree because…” or “That makes me think…”
• Equal Voice: Everyone gets a turn. If you haven’t spoken, raise your hand or pass the talking piece.

Warm-Up (2 minutes)

1. In your small group, choose one of these prompts from the Discussion Prompt Cards and share your answer aloud.
   • Describe a time you felt proud.
   
   
   
   • What is one thing you enjoy creating or doing?
   
   
   
2. After each person shares, the group says, “Thank you for sharing!”

Main Discussion Questions (6 minutes)

1. Story Connections
   • How did Emma in The Color of Kindness express her feelings when she wanted to help a friend?
     
     
     
     
     
     
   • Follow-up: What did her drawing and her words tell us about her?
     • Try to use evidence from the story.
2. Feelings and Expression
   • Think of a feeling (happy, sad, excited, nervous). How might you show that feeling without speaking?
     
     
     
     
     
     
   • Follow-up: How do you think others might misunderstand your feeling if you don’t explain it?
3. Building Confidence
   • What could you say or do if a classmate shared something that surprised you or that you didn’t understand?
     
     
     
     
     
     
   • Follow-up: Why is it important to ask questions instead of judging?
4. Creative Ideas
   • Looking at your Self-Expression Worksheet, what medium (drawing, writing, poem, drama) do you feel most comfortable with? Why?
     
     
     
     
     
     
   • Follow-up: How might trying a new medium help you grow as a communicator?

Closing Reflection (2 minutes)

• Each group decides on one big idea about self-expression they want to share with the class.
• Use chart paper to record that idea in a sentence or drawing.
• Be prepared to explain why you chose this idea.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Great work! Remember, everyone’s voice matters. Keep practicing sharing your thoughts and listening to others.

The Color of Kindness

Emma Parker loved to draw. She carried her sketchbook everywhere, filling its pages with bright shapes, swirling patterns, and secret messages written in colorful letters. But one crisp autumn morning, Emma noticed her friend Miguel sitting alone on the school bench, frowning as he stared at the ground.

Emma’s heart tightened. Miguel was usually full of laughter and stories about his little brother. Today, his shoulders slumped, and he barely glanced back when Emma waved. Gathering her courage, Emma slipped onto the bench next to him and opened her sketchbook.

“Hey, Miguel,” Emma whispered. “Can I show you something?”

Miguel nodded without looking up. Emma flipped to a clean page and began to draw a big, bright sunflower with petals in every shade of yellow, gold, and orange. As she sketched, she hummed a soft tune. After a few moments, she handed the book to Miguel.

His eyes widened. The sunflower seemed to glow on the page.

“It’s… beautiful,” Miguel said softly.

Emma smiled. “I picked these colors because they remind me of sunshine and warm days. I made it just for you.”

Miguel traced the petals with his fingertip. “Thank you,” he said. “I felt sad this morning—my mom got sick and I was worried. But this makes me feel… better.”

Emma nodded slowly. “I’m sorry about your mom. I know you love her a lot.”

Miguel looked surprised that Emma understood. “Yeah. It’s scary when someone you love is hurting.”

Emma took a deep breath. “I can listen if you want to talk. Or we can draw together.”

Miguel’s frown softened into a small smile. “Can we draw together?”

They sat side by side, pencils scratching on paper. Emma suggested mixing blue and green to show calm waves, and Miguel added orange sparks to share hope. With each stroke, they spoke more freely about their feelings—sadness, worry, and tiny sparks of courage.

By the time the recess bell rang, Emma and Miguel had created a two-page spread called “Hope and Sunshine.” It shimmered with all the colors of kindness and friendship.

As they packed up, Miguel squeezed Emma’s hand. “Thank you for knowing how to help me. I feel like I can do anything now.”

Emma grinned. “That’s the power of color—and a good friend.”