By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller
Moral to the Story:
When you raise your hand, listen carefully, and show respect in class, you grow
as both a learner and a leader. Helping with school events, volunteering, or
joining after-school activities teaches teamwork and responsibility. By being
involved, you form stronger friendships and create bonds with teachers and
classmates that last. Participation builds confidence, reminding you that your voice and actions
matter in the classroom and beyond. Respecting those in authority prepares you
for life because leaders also learn how to follow wisely. Active listening
helps you understand, encourages others, and makes school a more joyful place
for everyone. The more you take part, the more you discover your gifts, talents, and
abilities to share with others. A good learning experience doesn’t just
happen—it is built when you choose to be involved and responsible.
Deep in the forest stood an old oak
tree where Grandma Owl lived with her two wide-eyed grandchildren, Oliver and Olivia.
Every evening, Grandma Owl would gather them close and share her wisdom about
life. The young owlets loved her stories, but sometimes they came with
questions that weighed on their hearts.
One breezy afternoon, Oliver came
home from school with his wings drooping. He plopped onto the mossy floor of
their treehouse.
“Grandma,” he said, “school is fine, but I just sit through the day. I listen,
but I don’t really join in. The teacher calls on other owlets, and I just…stay
quiet.”
Olivia added softly, “Sometimes I
feel shy. I don’t raise my wing to answer, even when I know the answer. What if
I’m wrong? Everyone might laugh.”
Grandma Owl blinked her big, golden
eyes and spread her wings around them both. “My dear little owlets, let me tell
you something important. School is not just about sitting quietly. It’s about
being part of the flock—helping, listening, asking questions, and even lending
a wing when others need it.”
Oliver tilted his head. “But how
does that make school better?”
Grandma smiled kindly. “Think about
the forest. If only one bird sang, would the forest sound alive? No, it’s when
all the birds join in that the song becomes beautiful. A classroom is like
that. When everyone participates, learning grows richer and stronger.”
The
Power of Raising a Wing
“Raising your wing,” Grandma
continued, “is like saying, ‘I’m ready to share my song.’ You don’t have to be
perfect. Even if you get the answer wrong, you show courage, and courage
inspires others.”
Olivia shuffled her feathers. “But
what if the teacher calls on me and I freeze?”
“Then you take a breath,” Grandma
said, “and try. Teachers don’t expect perfection—they want to see effort. Every
time you raise your wing, you grow braver. And soon, others will look to you as
an example.”
Oliver thought about it. “So when I
speak up, I’m helping the whole class learn?”
“Yes,” Grandma nodded. “When one owl
shares an idea, it sparks another. Learning spreads like fireflies lighting up
the night.”
Helping
in Small Ways
Oliver and Olivia leaned in closer.
Grandma lowered her voice, as if sharing a secret. “Being involved isn’t only
about speaking up. Sometimes it’s about helping in little ways—carrying books
for your teacher, stacking chairs, or picking up scraps after art time. Those
small acts show respect and responsibility.”
Olivia’s eyes brightened. “I can do
that! I always notice the paintbrushes left on the table.”
“Exactly,” Grandma said. “When you
help without being asked, you become someone others can rely on. Teachers
remember which owlets are willing to lend a wing.”
After-School
Adventures
“But what about after school?”
Olivia asked. “Like when the class has a play or the school has a fair?”
“Ah,” said Grandma Owl, “that’s when
you shine even more. Helping at events, cheering for others, or joining a team
teaches you how to work together. You learn patience when you wait your turn,
kindness when you encourage a friend, and courage when you try something new.
Those lessons are just as important as math or reading.”
Oliver’s eyes widened. “So if I join
the forest choir, or help set up the science fair, I’m learning too?”
“Of course,” Grandma said. “You’re
learning to be part of something bigger than yourself. You’re discovering that
your gifts—whether it’s singing, building, or simply helping—can brighten the
whole school.”
Leaders
and Followers
“So being involved makes me a
leader?” Oliver asked.
“Yes,” Grandma nodded. “But let me
tell you a secret about leadership. Leaders don’t just tell others what to do.
They listen carefully, respect authority, and take responsibility. Leadership
grows from participation. When you take part, you set an example that others
want to follow.”
Olivia thought about her teacher.
“So raising my wing, listening, and answering—even if I’m nervous—shows
respect?”
“Exactly,” said Grandma. “Active
listening means you care. Responsibility means you can be trusted. And participation
means you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”
Planting
Seeds
Grandma Owl pointed out the window
at the meadow below. “Do you see the little sprouts in the garden?”
Oliver nodded. “They’re tiny now,
but they’ll grow into flowers.”
“That’s right,” said Grandma.
“School involvement is like planting seeds. Every time you speak up, volunteer,
or help a friend, you plant a seed of wisdom, courage, and kindness. Over time,
those seeds grow into strength, confidence, and leadership.”
The owlets looked at each other with
excitement.
“I’ll raise my wing tomorrow!” said
Olivia.
“And I’ll help clean up after art class!” added Oliver.
A
New Perspective
The next morning, Oliver and Olivia
entered school with Grandma’s words echoing in their hearts. Oliver noticed his
teacher carrying a stack of heavy books. “Can I help you with those?” he asked.
The teacher’s eyes sparkled with gratitude.
Olivia, though still shy, raised her
wing during math. Her answer wasn’t perfect, but her teacher smiled and said,
“Good effort, Olivia. Thank you for trying.”
At recess, they cheered for
classmates playing kickball, and after art, they stayed to put away brushes.
Each small action made them feel lighter, prouder, and more connected.
That night, they raced home to tell
Grandma.
“I raised my wing, Grandma!” Olivia
said proudly.
“And I helped carry books!” Oliver added.
Grandma Owl wrapped her wings around
them both. “Good. Remember, school is like this great forest. When you join in,
you plant seeds of friendship, respect, and wisdom. And those seeds will grow
into a lifetime of strength and joy.”
That night, Oliver and Olivia
drifted off to sleep, dreaming of all the ways they would step forward and take
part in their school—not just for themselves, but for the whole flock.
Moral
of the Story Poem
Raise your hand and take your part,
Show respect with open heart.
Volunteer, help, and do your share,
True leaders grow because they care.
Listen close and learn each day,
Friendships bloom along the way.
School is richer when you give,
Involvement teaches how to live.
Discussion
Questions
1.
Why do you think Oliver and Olivia
were shy about getting involved at first?
2.
How did Grandma Owl explain the
importance of raising your hand, helping, and joining in?
3.
What is one way you can participate
more at school to show kindness and responsibility?
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