This isn't exactly a SMILE sighting... but I still felt the need to share.
I walked into lunch and took off all my winter gear. I look over and see a little boy (a 2nd grader) sitting all by himself. I make it a point to talk to these kids... make sure everything is cool. Some prefer to sit alone, and others will open up about a fight they had with a friend that day.
This kid started SOBBING before he could get a word out. His whole face turned red as he explained what had happened. He was sitting with a group of girls that were now behind him. He said they were all talking when he said, "Hey! You guys are all friends and you all have brown skin!"
One of the girls had told on him and he was sent to eat by himself. While I don't believe this was the appropriate course of action, I tried to explain to him what had just happened. He said he didn't mean to be mean, he was just making an observation (in 2nd grade language). I told him that sometimes, things you say might hurt somebody's feelings, even if you don't think it will.
I reminded him that they weren't any different than he was. He said, "I know! I just thought it was cool!" Poor guy had a foot in mouth moment. He was confused about why he was in trouble and why that verbal observation was bad. I tried to explain, but I would hope that a teacher or parent will follow up!
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