About
Summary: Grant navigates his feelings of hurt after friends joke about his glasses, learning to communicate his boundaries and reaffirm friendships.
Synopsis: During a playful day of kite flying, Grant, Francis, and Rowan engage in light-hearted teasing that takes an uncomfortable turn for Grant when jokes about his glasses make him feel self-conscious. After initially deciding to avoid his friends, Grant's conversation with his dad helps him realize the importance of expressing his feelings. A candid discussion with Francis leads to mutual understanding and respect, reinforcing their friendship.
Themes: The story addresses themes of friendship, communication, sensitivity, and self-awareness. It explores the impact of seemingly harmless jokes on individuals' feelings and underscores the importance of setting personal boundaries. Additionally, it highlights the value of open communication in resolving misunderstandings and strengthening relationships.
Using The Joke in Session
Therapists can use "The Joke" to help children understand the importance of expressing when they feel hurt and how to establish personal boundaries. Role-playing can help children practice how to communicate their feelings and requests respectfully. Discussing the story can also facilitate a deeper understanding of how actions, even unintended, can affect others and the importance of empathy in friendships.
Discussion Questions:
1. How did Grant feel about the jokes about his glasses?
2. What made Grant decide to talk about his feelings with Francis?
3. How did Grant's dad help him handle his feelings?
4. Why is it important to let friends know when something bothers you?
5. How can you handle a situation if a friend's joke makes you uncomfortable?
6. What are some ways to be a supportive and understanding friend?
7. How did Grant and Francis resolve their misunderstanding?
8. What does this story teach us about the impact of our words on others?
About
Summary: Grant navigates his feelings of hurt after friends joke about his glasses, learning to communicate his boundaries and reaffirm friendships.
Synopsis: During a playful day of kite flying, Grant, Francis, and Rowan engage in light-hearted teasing that takes an uncomfortable turn for Grant when jokes about his glasses make him feel self-conscious. After initially deciding to avoid his friends, Grant's conversation with his dad helps him realize the importance of expressing his feelings. A candid discussion with Francis leads to mutual understanding and respect, reinforcing their friendship.
Themes: The story addresses themes of friendship, communication, sensitivity, and self-awareness. It explores the impact of seemingly harmless jokes on individuals' feelings and underscores the importance of setting personal boundaries. Additionally, it highlights the value of open communication in resolving misunderstandings and strengthening relationships.
Discussion Questions:
1. How did Grant feel about the jokes about his glasses?
2. What made Grant decide to talk about his feelings with Francis?
3. How did Grant's dad help him handle his feelings?
4. Why is it important to let friends know when something bothers you?
5. How can you handle a situation if a friend's joke makes you uncomfortable?
6. What are some ways to be a supportive and understanding friend?
7. How did Grant and Francis resolve their misunderstanding?
8. What does this story teach us about the impact of our words on others?