1. A bad tempered boy Read the whole story >>>

2. Excuses Read the whole story >>>

3. Football Story Read the whole story >>>

4. I'm Late For School Read the whole story >>>

5. I need a book Read the whole story >>>

6. Just Because Read the whole story >>>

7. Just Lost! Read the whole story >>>

8. The cracked pot Read the whole story >>>

9. The Dishes are Done Read the whole story >>>

10. The gingerbread man Read the whole story >>>

11. The giving tree Read the whole story >>>

12. What is this? Read the whole story >>>

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1. A bad tempered boy

 

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.

The first day, the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily was less and less. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now, should pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry. The wound is still there."

So…this story tells us: A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.

 

2. Excuses

 

Teacher :         Late again, Peter?  What’s the excuse this time?

Student :          Not my fault sir. 

Teacher:          Whose fault is it then?

Student :          Grandma’s , sir.

Teacher:          Grandma’s??? What did she do?

Student :          She died, sir!

Teacher:          DIED??

Student:           She’s seriously dead all right, sir!

Teacher:          That makes four grandmothers this term, Peter!! And all on P.E.                    days!!

Student:           I know…....It’s very upsetting, sir.

Teacher:          How many grandmothers have you got, Peter?

Student:           Grandmothers, sir? None, sir!

Teacher:          You said you had four!!

Student:           All dead, sir…

Teacher:          And what about yesterday, Peter?

Student:           What about yesterday, sir?

Teacher:          You were absent yesterday!!!

Student:           That was the dentist, sir.

Teacher:          Did the dentist die??? ( IRONICALLY)

Student:           No, sir!   My teeth, sir…

Teacher:          You missed the Maths test, Peter!

Student:           I have been looking forward to it, sir!

Teacher:          Right…Line up for P.E.!

Student:           I can’t sir!

Teacher:          There is no such word as “can’t” Peter!

Student:           No uniform, sir!!

Teacher:          Where is it?

Student:           Home, sir…..

Teacher:          What is it doing at home? (ANGRILY)

Student:           Not ironed, sir…

Teacher:          Couldn’t you iron it?

Student:           I couldn’t, sir!

Teacher:          WHY NOT?

Student:           Bad hand, sir.

Teacher:          Who usually does it?

Student:           Grandma, sir.

Teacher:          Why couldn’t she do it?

Student:           Dead, sir!!

 

3. Football Story

 

This is the foot.
This is the foot that kicked the ball.
This is the foot that kicked the ball that scored the goal.
This is the foot that kicked the ball that scored the goal that won the cup.
This is the foot that kicked the ball that scored the goal that won the cup the day that the final was played in our yard.

This is the ball.
This is the ball that was kicked by the foot that scored the goal that won the cup the day that the final was played in our yard.
This is the ball that flew over the fence when kicked by the foot that scored the goal that won the cup the day that the final was played in our yard.
This is the ball that flew over the fence and smashed the window of next-door’s kitchen when kicked by the foot that scored the goal that won the cup the day that the final was played in our yard.

This is the boy.
This is the boy who ran away.

This is the boy who ran away to hide in the shed when he heard the crash made by the ball that flew over the fence and smashed the window of next-door’s kitchen when kicked by the foot that scored the goal that won the cup the day that the final was played in our yard.

This is the father.
This is the father who found the boy who ran away to hide in the shed when he heard the crash made by the ball that flew over the fence and smashed the window of next-door’s kitchen when kicked by the foot that scored the goal that won the cup the day that the final was played in our yard.

This is the father who dragged home the boy who ran away when he heard the crash made by the ball that flew over the fence and smashed the window of next-door’s kitchen when kicked by the foot that scored the goal that won the cup the day that the final was played in our yard.

This is the hand.

This is the hand of the father who dragged home the boy who ran away when he heard the crash made by the ball that flew over the fence and smashed the window of next-door’s kitchen when kicked by the foot that scored the goal that won the cup the day that the final was played in our yard.

This is the hand of the father who spanked the boy who ran away when he heard the crash made by the ball that flew over the fence and smashed the window of next-door’s kitchen when kicked by the foot that scored the goal that won the cup the day that the final was played in our yard.

And this is the boy
Who can’t sit down!

John Foster

 

4. I'm Late For School

 

I got up late for school today,
And nearly missed the bus!
I hurried down the stairs,
Wolfed my toast, and caused a fuss!

I quickly threw books in my bag,
my pens, my lunch and shorts,
grabbed my coat from the cupboard,
took my bat and ball for sports,

and put on socks and shoes.

I slid across the kitchen floor
and hopped around the cat!
I jumped back up and grabbed my hat!

I got out the front door,
spun round and swung it shut,
and saw the bus waiting for me.

I climbed aboard and then froze still.
I knew that things weren't right!
My friends fell down in fits of laughter
and pointed at me!

My face went red. I couldn't breathe!
In my haste I'd forgotten to wear

my trousers, my jumper and my shirt.

 

5. I need a book

 

Character 1:

I need a book; I really do: I want to hold and cuddle those paper pages anew.

I want to flip through form page one to page 902.

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I need a book; I really do: I want to check information.

The thought of no book is giving me vexation.

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I need a book; I really do: I don’t care if the print is small, too.

I’ll adjust; I always do.

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I need a book; I really do: Pages may be yellow and brittle to the touch.

But I need a book; I really do:

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Of course it weights much more than digital devices; oh, what a sin.

But it is always there and never needs to be plugged in.

I need a book; I really do:

Character 2:

Books get lost, you say. But tell me, has anyone really retrieved lost text form the cloud, anyway?

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I need a book; I really do: With pencil in hand I scribble notes all over the pages.

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I need a book; I really do: One I can share with my grandchild too.

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If you are a grandmother who has retired, try telling stories and you’ll get tired.

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I need a book; I really do: They make a great booster seat. And under a projector, they are neat.

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I need a book; I really do: My bookshelves are empty, gathering dust. Who will say, with so many books, be an intellectual she must?

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I need a book; I really do: When the electricity is out, worthless are my Kindle, I-Pad, and Nook.

just give me a candle and a book.

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I need a book; I really do: As a famous writer (ha-ha) my books will still be a around for many views.

Long after today’s digital devices go the way of yesterday’s news.

 

In need a book; I really do: One or two, that I can pass on to you!

 

6. Just Because

 

Just because I'm not a fighter, doesn't mean I'm weak.

Just because I am not a party girl, doesn't mean I can't hang.

Just because I get good grades, doesn't mean I'm a nerd.

Just because teachers like me, doesn't mean I am teachers’ pet.

Just because I am not a rebel, doesn't mean I'm scared.

Just because I am quiet, doesn't mean I don't speak up for what I believe in.

Just because I have morals, doesn't make me a goody two shoes.

Just because I walk away from trouble, doesn't make me a pushover.

Just because I think before I act, doesn't make me a loser.

 

I am who I am and this is who I shall forever be.

I do not care what others think of me.

Like me or not that is your choice. Accept me for who I am.

 

7. Just Lost!

 

Mom took us shopping at the mall. There were so many people there. I wanted to push my brother’s stroller, but the mall was just too crowded. Mom pushed him instead. There was such a big crowd that I could barely see anything. Mom said, “Stay close by me so you won’t’ get lost.”

When we were right in the middle of the crowd, I noticed that my shoe was untied. I tied it so I wouldn’t’ trip. When I stood up, I couldn’t find Mom. I climbed up on a bench to look around. I yelled, “MOM!”  But it was so noisy, no one could hear me.

My mom was lost at the mall!

I wanted to cry, but I didn’t. I was brave instead. I didn’t know what to do, so I went to the toy store. The store clerk said, “May I help you?” I said, “My mom is lost!” she said, “Don’t worry, we’ll find her for you.”

She called a security guard on the store phone.

The clerk let me play with some toys while we waited for the security guard to arrive. The security guard was wearing a uniform. He looked like a policeman. “You can come to my office until we find your mom,” he said. I felt really cool walking through the mall with the security guard.

The security office was a small room. There were lots of TV sets showing everything at the mall. I saw a critter crying. I guess she didn’t want to leave the toy store. I saw people reading in the bookstore. I saw people eating in the restaurant. But none of them could see me. It was like being a real spy. The security guard made an announcement over the loudspeaker: “Little Critter’s mom, please come to the security office to pick him up.”

Then he gave me doughnut and some juice. He let me look through the Lost and Found box. All of the sudden I saw my mom on one of the TV screens. She was walking through the mall with another security guard. I said, “There she is – that’s my mom!”

The office door opened. Mom and my brother and sister came in. Mom looked worried. I guess she’s just not as brave as me. She said, “I was so worried.” I said, “I was really brave. I didn’t’ even cry.” Then Mom smiled and said, “I’m very proud of you, Little Critter.” I knew she was glad. I found them.

The next time we go to the mall I’m going to be really careful. Mom just hates getting lost at the mall.

 

8. THE CRACKED POT

 

Narrator : In India, there was a water bearer.

His job was to carry water. He carried water in  two large pots. Each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots however , had a crack in it. The other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house. The cracked pot  arrived at the end of the long walk only half full.

For  two years this happened every day. The  water bearer delivered  only one and a half pots full of water in his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.

But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of itself. It was miserable for its own imperfection. It was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it thought to be a bitter failure, it spoke to its master,  the water bearer.

The pot:   “Master, I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.”

The water bearer: “Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?”

The pot: “I have been able to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my crack, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts.”

Narrator: The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and  said compassionately.

The water bearer:  “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to specially notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”

Narrator: Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot noticed the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path. But at the end of the path, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load. Again the pot apologized to the bearer for its failure. The bearer asked the pot.

The water bearer: “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have taken advantage of your flaw . I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. If you were not  the way you are we would not have this beauty to grace the house. It is your difference that makes you unique and beautiful.  Trust yourself. Don’t  underestimate yourself”

 

9. The Dishes are Done

 

Well, the dishes are done,
There's nothing in the sink.
So I think I'll sit,
And pour myself a drink.
But just as I sit,
I hear her voice.
And I've got to get up,
Because I've got no choice.

You see, I've got this woman,
Who says she's my wife.
And says I promised to love her,
For the rest of my life.
She's awfully bossy,
And overbearing too.
And she loves to tell me,
What to do!

She says," Ronald, are the dishes done?
Did you wash and dry each one?
Ronald, did you put them away,
Don't you listen to what I say?"

And I say,
"Yes, Dear, the dishes are done,
I washed and dried each one.
Yes, Dear, I put them away,
Because I always do whatever you say."

But I don't know why,
I let her treat me this way.
And I swear to God,
I'm going to leave her some day.
I'm going to walk out,
And I'm going to have some fun.
But until that day,
The dishes will be done.

 

10. The  Gingerbread Man

 

Once upon a time a little old woman and a little old man lived in a cottage. One day the little old woman made a gingerbread man. She gave him currants for eyes and cherries for buttons. She put him in the oven to bake.

 

The little old woman and little old man were very hungry and wanted to eat the gingerbread man. As soon as he was cooked, the little old woman opened the oven door. The gingerbread man jumped out of the tin and ran out of the open window shouting, ‘Don’t eat me!’

 

The little old woman and little old man ran after the gingerbread man. ‘Stop! Stop!’ they yelled. The gingerbread man did not look back. He ran on saying, ‘Run, run as fast as you can! You can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbread man!’

 

 Down the lane he sped when he came to a pig. ‘Stop! Stop! I would like to eat you,’ shouted the pig. The gingerbread man was too fast. He ran on saying, ‘Run, run as fast as you can. You can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbrad man.’

 

 A little further on he met a cow. Stop! Stop! Little man,’ called the hungry cow. ‘I want to eat you.’ Again the gingerbread man was too fast. He sped on down the road saying, ‘Run, run as fast as you can. You can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbrad man.’

 

 The cow began to chase the gingerbread man along with the pig, and the little old woman. But the gingerbread man was too fast for them. It was not long before the gingerbread man came to a horse. ‘Stop! Stop!’ shouted the horse. ‘I want to eat you, little man.’ But the gingerbread man did not stop. He said, ‘Run, run as fast as you can. You can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbrad man.’

 

 The horse joined in the chase. The gingerbread man laughed and laughed, until he came to a river. ‘Oh, no!’ he cried, ‘They will catch me. How can I cross the river?

 

 A sly fox came out from behind a tree. ‘I can help you cross the river,’ said the fox. ‘Jump on to my tail and I will swim across.’ ‘You won’t eat me, will you?’ said the gingerbread man. ‘Of course not,’ said the fox. ‘I just want to help.’

 

The gingerbread man climbed on the fox’s tail. Soon the gingerbread man began to get wet. ‘Climb onto my back,’ said the fox. So the gingerbread man did. As he swam the fox said, ‘You are too heavy. I am tired. Jump onto my nose.’ So gingerbread man did as he was told.

 

No sooner had they reached the other side, than the fox tossed the gingerbread man up in the air. He opened his mouth and SNAP! That was the end of the gingerbread man!

 

11. THE GIVING TREE

 

Once there was a tree…and she loved a little boy. Every day the boy would come and he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play king of the forest. He would climb up her trunk and swing from her branches, eat apples and play hide-and-go-seek. And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade. The boy loved the tree a lot and the tree was happy.

But time went by, and the boy grew older. The tree was often alone. One day, the boy came to the tree and the tree said:

TREE: Come, boy! Come and climb up my trunk and swing from my branches. Eat apples, play in my shade and be happy!

BOY: I am too big to climb and play! I want to buy things and have fun. I want some money. Can you give me some money?

TREE: I’m sorry, I have no money…I have only leaves and apples. Take my apples, boy and sell them in the city. Then you will have money and you will be happy.

So the boy climbed up the tree and gathered her apples and carried them away and the tree was happy.

But the boy stayed away for a long time..and the tree was sad.

Then, one day the boy came back and the tree shook with joy.

TREE: Come, boy! Come and climb up my trunk and swing from my branches. Eat apples, play in my shade and be happy!

BOY: I am too busy to climb trees. I want a house to keep me warm. Can you give me a house?

TREE: I have no house. The forest is my house. But you may cut my branches and built a house. Then you will be happy.

So the boy cut off her branches and carried them away to build his house. And the tree was happy.

But the boy stayed away for a long time and the tree was sad.

When he came back, the tree was so happy she could hardly speak.

TREE: Come, boy! Come and play!

BOY: I’m too old and sad to play. I want a boat that will take me away from here. Can you give me a boat?

TREE: Cut down my trunk and make a boat. Then you can sail away and be happy.

So the boy cut down her trunk, made a boat and sailed away. And the tree was happy.

After a long time the boy came back again.

TREE: I am sorry, boy. I have nothing left to give you. My apples are gone…

BOY: My teeth are too weak for apples.

TREE: My branches are gone. You cannot swing on them.

BOY: I’m too old to swing from branches.

TREE: My trunk has gone. You cannot climb.

BOY: I’m too tired to climb.

TREE: I am sorry. I wish I could give you something…but I have nothing left. I am sorry.

BOY: I don’t need very much now. Just a quiet place to sit and rest…I am really tired.

TREE: Well, an old tree is good for sitting and resting. Come, boy! Sit down and rest!

And the boy sat down and rested. And the tree was happy.

 

12. What is this?

 

An 80 year old man was sitting  on the sofa in his house along with his 45 years old highly educated son.

Suddenly a crow perched on their window.

The father asked his son, “What is this?” The son replied “ It is a crow”.                                                                   After a few minutes, the Father asked his Son the 2nd time, “What is this?”                                                             The son said “father, I have just now told you “It’s a crow”. After a little while, the old father again asked his son the 3rd time. What is this? Son got irritated and in angry tone he said to his Father abruptly. “It’s a crow, a crow”. A little after, the Father again asked his Son the 4th time, “What is this?

This time the Son shouted at his Father , “Why do you keep asking me the same question again and again, although I have told you so many times “ IT IS A CROW”. Have you gone mad?”

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A little later the Father went to his room and came back with an old diary, which he had maintained since his Son was born. On opening a page, he asked his Son to read that page. The Son read the following words.

“Today my little son aged three was sitting on the sofa, when a crow was sitting on the window. My son asked me 23 times what it was, and I replied to him all 23 times that it was a Crow. I hugged him lovingly each time he asked me the same question again and again for 23 times. I did not at all feel irritated. I rather felt affection for my little child.”