ArjumandMushtaq
In every classroom, there are children who stand out—not because they speak the loudest or achieve the highest, but because they remain quietly withdrawn, untouched by the usual rhythms of school life. I once had a student like this. A child who didn’t interact, didn’t smile, and rarely responded to activities that thrilled others. Traditional approaches didn’t seem to reach him. He floated at the edge of the classroom, distant and disengaged.
But something beautiful happened when we introduced stories specifically, one told through a hand puppet. The puppet wasn’t just a prop; it had a name, a personality, and a gentle voice. It became the heart of the story, and for the first time, that quiet child looked up, truly looked up. His eyes softened, and without any prompt, he stood, walked over, and hugged the puppet.
It was a moment that changed everything—for him, and for me.
Over the next few weeks, he began speaking, only to the puppet at first, but soon to the teachers and even a few classmates. He smiled. He participated. The same child who once showed no interest was now the most loving, the most eager. And all it took was a story delivered with intention and warmth.
That moment reaffirmed what I’ve always believed: everything is possible when a teacher makes up her mind to reach a child. We often look for big strategies or specialized tools, but sometimes the key lies in simple, sincere connections, like those formed through storytelling.
Stories carry magic. They soften defenses, stir imagination, and invite empathy. In our school, we’ve found that stories can do what instructions cannot—they heal, they inspire, and they build bridges where none seemed possible. Whether it’s through picture books, dramatized reading, or puppet-led tales, storytelling creates a space where every child feels seen, heard, and loved.
As educators, we carry the responsibility—and the privilege of reaching children beyond academics. When we use stories intentionally, we not only teach lessons but also nurture hearts.
If there’s one thing I hope fellow teachers remember, it’s this: never underestimate the quiet child. Never assume they cannot change. Sometimes, all they need is for one teacher to try really with love, belief, and a story.
