Overview
A young artist uses painting to express their feelings about moving to a new school. Through their art, they share their fears and hopes, helping others understand their experience and connect with them.
The Choice
Should Olga share her painting or keep it private?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades K-2
- Reading Level
- Level 7.2
- Word Count
- 318 words
- Published
- Jun 7, 2025
The Dilemma
Olga and Sade have been inseparable since the third grade, always pushing each other to try new things. Recently, Olga's family moved to a new town, and she had to switch schools. Feeling lonely and missing her old friends, Olga found it hard to express her feelings to her new classmates. One day, during art class, Olga decided to paint a picture of her old neighborhood, full of bright colors and happy scenes. Her teacher, noticing the detailed work, encouraged Olga to share her painting with the class. However, Olga felt nervous about revealing her emotions through her art. She worried about what her new classmates might think and feared they wouldn't understand. Sade, trying to help, suggested that Olga could either share her painting and explain her feelings or keep it private and only show it to Sade. Olga
Values in Tension
This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:
Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.
Your Options
Share her painting with the class.
Keep her painting private.
Questions for Reflection
Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers ā the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.
- 1
What would you do, and why?
- 2
How does art help people express feelings?
- 3
Why might Olga feel nervous about sharing her painting?
- 4
How might Frederick Douglass advise Olga in this situation?
- 5
Can you recall a time in your own life when you faced a somewhat similar choice or feeling? What did you do?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from Frederick Douglass
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.
