• A copy of the story, "The Ugly Duckling"

• Print the story and practice reading it aloud.

Read or tell the story. Ask how it would have felt to be the ugly duckling, and then how it would have felt later to be a swan. Ask children and youth if they have ever had the experience of being an "ugly duckling," but do not ask them to share those stories at this time.

Then ask, "How many adults here have had the experience of being an ugly duckling, and then a swan?" Invite adults to raise hands to indicate they have had such an experience.

If there is time, invite a few people in the group to share a few words about their ugly duckling experience.