Asked And Answered

Child Coloring with Baby Blue Color Crayon
Originally uploaded by Pink Sherbet

I was volunteering at Kindergarten when the principal and two 5th graders — one African American, one Caucasian — made an unannounced visit. The principal explained they were there to "give back to the community," by reading a story called The Crayon Box That Talked. He said it was a simple story with an important lesson the children should try to notice. The two boys — clearly there due to some race-related scuffle — read haltingly but doggedly. The different colored crayons started out not liking each other, but ultimately got along when a girl showed them they could make a beautiful picture. The principal interjected throughout: "Oh, they don't like each other." "Hmm, look what they can all do together!" Finally, he turned to the class.

Principal: Okay boys and girls, who can tell me the lesson of the story?

My child: "Be nice to your friends."

Principal: Yes, yes, that's certainly part of it.

Classmate: "Don't judge people by how they look."

Principal (delighted): Yes, exactly! Anyone else?

Another classmate: "Don't buy talking crayons!"

(If you can keep from whooping with laughter when this sort of thing happens, you're a far stronger human than I.)