Once upon a time there was a lazy boy named Akash. Akash was eight years old and loved to do just one thing- nothing.
He didn't want to get out of the bed in the morning.
He didn’t want to brush his teeth.
He didn’t want to pack his schoolbag.
And homework? Oh no! He avoided it like all kids avoid green vegetables!
If his mother tells him to do any chore he says, “I will do it in 5 minutes mom!” but he never ends up doing anything. He was late to school everyday. He was always sleepy in the class and never took the notes or raised his hand to answer any question or ask any doubt.
His teacher Miss Sakshi was very worried for him. One day she called him to her room and asked him, “Akash, why don’t you try to participate more in class?”
Akash shrugged. “I don’t like working hard. It’s boring.”
Miss Sakshi smiled and said, “Even the video game creators have to work hard to get where they are. Do you like video games?”
Akash’s eyes lit up. “I LOVE video games!”
Video game designers work for months, sometimes years writing code, drawing characters, testing levels... all that takes hard work.”
Akash looked surprised. “Really?”
That evening, Miss Sakshi called Akash’s mother. Together, they came up with a plan. The next morning, Akash found a small chart on the wall with his name on top. It was a Hard Work Challenge.
For every task Akash completed- waking up on time, brushing teeth, finishing homework, helping around the house he’d earn a star. After thirty stars, he’d get to pick a reward: an extra 30 minutes of screen time or a special treat or his favourite chocolate ice cream.
He gave it a try. One morning, he brushed his teeth on time- one star!
The next day, he packed his bag without being told- two stars!
By the end of the week, he had TEN stars.
Soon, Akash began to feel good about himself. He started raising his hand in class. He did his homework on time. His grades improved, and so did his smile.
Miss Sakshi and his mother cheered him on. “See, Akash? Hard work brings big rewards not just stars or ice cream, but also confidence and pride!” Even his principal was very proud of him and rewarded him by making him the class monitor!
The End