Object: An onion.

Lesson: Crying; self-esteem; love; friendship.

"This morning I have brought something all of you will probably recognize. What is it?" I hold up a round object for all to see.

"An onion!" the children reply, some of them wrinkling their noses in disgust.

"Ah, yes ... an onion." I pause for a moment looking at it with them. "What do you suppose would happen if I were to peel this onion and cut it up?"

"Gosh! It would STINK!" exclaims one of the boys. The others nod in agreement.

"So you don't think I should do that?"

"NO!" comes their definite response.

"Okay, I won't. But what if I did? What would happen besides creating a strong smell?"

"It might make you cry?" one of the children answers tentatively.

"Yes, it might cause me to cry. You see, some of the same pa…