Phase 9 It's cool to be kind
The adve ntures of Ben, Lebo and Hanna
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Reg. No.: 2011/011959/07
The adv e ntures of SAMPLE
Dr Nalize Scheepers
Illustrations: Johann Strauss
Compiler: Dr Nalize Scheepers
Design: Romandi Wagenaar
Editor: Anrica Mills
Illustrations: Johann Strauss
First edition 2018
Owned and published by Optimi, a division of Optimi Central Services (Pty) Ltd. 7 Impala Avenue, Doringkloof, Centurion, 0157 info@optimi.co.za www.optimi.co.za
© Optimi
SAMPLE
It's cool to be kind SAMPLE
“You need pens, pencils, erasers, and new lunchboxes,” says Mom. She is making a list of the stationery the children need for school next week. “We’re going to the shops in a little while, get your things ready in the meantime.”
Ben is in Grade 3 this year, and he looks forward to seeing all his friends at school after the holidays. Carin is going to playschool for the ±rst time. She can’t wait to make new friends.
Mom drives to the shopping centre. There are cars everywhere, and people looking for parking.
Mom drives around a few times, but she can’t ±nd a spot. “I see one!” shouts Carin. “Over there!” The parking spot is at the entrance.
Mom drives closer and sees that it is a parking bay for people with disabilities. “We are not allowed to park there, Carin,” says Ben. “Do you see that yellow sign painted on the road?
That means this parking is for wheelchair users.”
“That’s not fair!” Carin is cross. “Why do we have to park such a long way from the shop? It’s hot and I don’t want to walk that far.” Mom ±nds parking somewhere else. They walk along the pavement to the shopping centre. Carin is in a bad mood and sulks.
Before they reach the entrance, a white van turns into the reserved parking. A lady gets out and takes a wheelchair from the back of the van. She puts it on the ground. She opens the passenger door and helps a boy into the wheelchair. He wheels himself to the pavement.
He sees Ben and Carin and waves. “Oh, it’s Andrew,” says Ben. “He goes to my school.” Ben waves at Andrew. “See you at school next week!” he calls.
Carin feels ashamed. She was cross because she had to walk far. Now she understands why this parking spot is at the entrance. It makes it easier for wheelchair users. It is bigger than the other parking bays because a wheelchair needs more space to move around.
Mom pushes the trolley through the aisles. “You may each choose a new lunchbox and water bottle for school,” she says. “May I have the blue lunchbox and bottle, please?” Ben asks. Carin chooses a pink lunchbox and a yellow water bottle.
Andrew also wants to choose a new lunchbox, but the shelf is too high and he can’t reach. Ben sees that Andrew may need help and walks over to him. “Would you like me to get one down for you?” he asks. “That would be great, thanks, Ben,” Andrew smiles.
Carin watches and feels bad about what she said earlier. I am very lucky to be able to do the things I do, she thinks. I will try to never be unkind again.
“I think we have everything we need,” says Mom.
“Let’s go pay.” At the cashier, Ben unpacks the trolley and puts everything on the counter. He sees Andrew helping his mom pack their groceries into plastic bags.
The children help Mom to carry the shopping to the car. “You don’t seem to mind the long walk back, Carin,” says Mom smiling. “No, Mom,” says Carin rather embarrassed. “I will never complain again when I have to help you or Dad.
And I will never be cross when I have to walk far. I’m sorry for what I said earlier.” Ben smiles to himself. He knows Carin learnt a lesson today.
