Four Broken Crayons and What They Teach Us

As I’ve shared A Broken Crayon with students, educators, parents, and counselors, one thing has become clear: kids immediately recognize themselves in the story.

Over time, I began talking about different “types” of broken crayons—not as labels, but as shared experiences. These crayons represent the emotional states many children (and adults) find themselves in at different points in life. Naming them gives students language for what they’re feeling and opens the door to meaningful conversation.

Here are the four broken crayons we focus on when using the book in educational settings.

1. The Tired Crayon

This crayon has been coloring nonstop. It’s trying hard, pushing through, and doing its best to keep up—but it’s worn down.

In the classroom, this might look like:

• A student who is disengaged or irritable
• A child who “checks out” or shuts down
• A high achiever who feels pressure to always perform

Teaching takeaway:
Students need permission to rest, reset, and ask for help. Being tired doesn’t mean they’re failing—it means they’re human.

2. The Pretending Crayon

This crayon looks fine on the outside, but something isn’t right underneath. It smiles, follows the rules, and avoids drawing attention—but it’s hiding how it really feels.

In the classroom, this might look like:

• A student who never causes problems but never shares either
• A child who avoids vulnerability or real conversation
• A student who feels pressure to appear “okay” all the time

Teaching takeaway:
This crayon reminds us how important it is to create safe spaces where honesty is welcomed and emotions are allowed.

3. The Hurt Crayon

Some crayons are broken because of experiences beyond their control—loss, trauma, instability, or major life changes. These crayons didn’t break because they were careless; they broke because life was heavy.

In the classroom, this might look like:

• Big emotional reactions to small situations
• Difficulty trusting adults or peers
• Withdrawal, frustration, or anger

Teaching takeaway:
Behavior often tells a story. This crayon helps students (and educators) practice empathy and patience, recognizing that unseen experiences shape how kids show up.

4. The Honest Crayon

This is the turning point. The honest crayon finally admits, “I’m broken.” And instead of being thrown away, it’s picked up and used in a new way.

In the classroom, this might look like:

• A student naming how they feel
• A child asking for help
• A moment of self-awareness or growth

Teaching takeaway:
Honesty isn’t weakness—it’s a skill. When students can name their feelings, they’re better equipped to manage them and move forward.

Why This Matters in the Classroom

These four crayons give educators a shared vocabulary for social-emotional learning. Instead of asking students to explain complex emotions, we can ask simple, accessible questions:

• Which crayon do you feel like today?
• What helps a tired crayon?
• How can we support a hurt crayon?

That’s why A Broken Crayon includes discussion questions and reflective activities. The goal isn’t to “fix” students—but to help them feel seen, understood, and capable.

The core message is one every child needs to hear:
Feeling broken doesn’t mean you’re done. It means you’re still in the story.