A Smile
What’s inside...
In this heartwarming tale, follow the journey of a young black boy who discovers the transformative power of a smile. Through various experiences in his life, he learns how a simple smile can bring joy and positivity to any situation. This story emphasizes the importance of spreading kindness and positivity and how our presence and demeanor can impact the people and environments we interact with. Join the young protagonist in his journey of self-discovery and learn how a small act of kindness can have a significant impact on those around you.
Discussion points
How did the character's smile change the way others felt around them? Can you think of a time when your smile affected someone else?
Why do you think smiling is important in the story? What does it tell us about how we connect with others?
What are some other ways the characters in the book show kindness to each other?
How did you feel when the character was happy/sad? What do you do when you feel the same way?
Can you think of a way to share a smile with someone today? What would you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the questions, maintain eye contact and show genuine interest in your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking.
Use the book's illustrations to guide the conversation, pointing out expressions and actions that emphasize the story's themes.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their personal experiences, which will help them connect more with the book’s message.
Be patient and give your child time to think about their answers. This reinforces their confidence in expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Celebrate all responses to show that their perspective is valued, which will encourage ongoing communication.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'A Smile', the protagonist practices understanding and sharing the feelings of others which helps in resolving conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children can use empathy to better understand their friends' emotions and develop stronger, more supportive friendships.
Example Lesson: Sharing
Explanation: The story demonstrates the joy and communal bond formed when the protagonist shares his belongings.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to share their own toys and belongings, fostering a sense of generosity and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges but learns to overcome them with a positive attitude, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges at school or in social settings with a positive and persistent attitude.
Example Lesson: Importance of Smiling
Explanation: The book shows how the simple act of smiling can have a profound effect on others, spreading happiness.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this in their daily interactions to improve mood and relationships, simply by smiling more.
Example Lesson: Kindness
Explanation: Throughout the book, acts of kindness lead to positive outcomes, highlighting the power of being kind.
Real-World Application: Children learn to practice kindness daily, understanding that their actions can positively impact others around them.