Mikhael, a lively 7-year-old boy with black, straight hair and a vivid imagination, sat quietly in his classroom, but today he felt a strong frustration boiling inside him. His friends were laughing and talking around him, but he just couldn’t join in. A small comment from a classmate tipped him over. 'I don’t want to play this game!' he shouted, his face red and fists clenched, as he ran out of the classroom.

Outside, he found a quiet corner, breathing fast. He felt embarrassed, angry, and all mixed up inside. Why couldn’t he just tell them how he felt?From the doorway, Ms. Harper watched him with a caring eye. She had noticed his clenched fists and sad eyes. Gently, she walked over and knelt beside him. 'It’s okay to feel big feelings, Mikhael,' she said softly. 'Would you like to come with me to our calming corner?'

Ms. Harper led him to a special place in the classroom with soft pillows, gentle colors, and a fluffy bear that breathed in a slow, soothing rhythm when hugged. Mikhael sat down and hugged the bear, breathing slowly with it. His body started to feel less tense. Ms. Harper handed him a box of crayons and a big sheet of paper. 'Sometimes colors can help us show our feelings. What color do you feel like right now?' she asked.

Mikhael picked up a red crayon and scribbled furiously. Then black. Then gray. Finally, as he kept drawing, he found himself reaching for blue and green, calming colors. He looked a t his picture and pointed, saying, 'I felt like this before. Now, I feel like this.' Ms. Harper smiled, gently patting his shoulder. 'That’s wonderful, Mikhael. Colors are one way to share what’s inside. And remember, it’s okay to feel anything. You’re learning how to understand your heart.'"