I told a bedtime story to my four-year-old son the other day. It was about a boy named Pedro who wanted to become a builder someday. He studied diligently in school so he could learn how to read well. He would then read books about how to build so that he could become an excellent builder when he grows up.
The next day, my son came home from school and he was so eager to share with me what they did in school. He even shared with me details about the exercise they did about the words “is” and “are”. This was uncommon for him to do. He doesn’t usually share with me details about school when I ask him about it. But because of the story about Pedro, he became more excited to study in school and share with me what he learned.
Stories are powerful. More than just giving principles or instructions, stories inspire and motivate us. The story that I shared with my son inspired him to become a good learner. I could have just instructed him to study well in school and give him incentives in doing so. Or I could even punish him if he doesn’t do well in school. But one simple story made all the difference in him.
What story has inspired you lately?
Image by Nong Vang