life skills emotions · Ages 6-8

The Prize I Wanted Went to Someone Else

A child feels disappointed after another child is chosen, then learns to honor the feeling and still offer real congratulations.

The whole story

1. Maya crouched at the starting line on the sunny school field. Today was the class relay race, and she wanted the golden team cup.

2. Maya had practiced her handoff all week. She held the baton tight and whispered, “Steady feet. Ready hands.”

3. The whistle blew. Maya ran, passed the baton cleanly, and heard her team shout.

4. Maya’s team won the race. But Leo was chosen for the sportsmanship prize. The golden cup went to someone else.

5. Maya sat beneath a tree and pressed her fingers into the grass. Her throat felt tight, and she did not want to clap.

6. Her teacher sat beside her. “You worked hard,” she said. “It is all right to wish the prize were yours.”

7. Maya took a slow drink of water. The disappointment was still there, but it had a little more room around it.

8. Maya walked over to Leo. “Congratulations,” she said. “You kept cheering, even when your team was behind.”

9. Leo smiled and thanked her. Maya still wished the prize were hers. She also meant every word.

Make a story like this →