Amara and the Open Spot

Full text

Read in full Amara and the Open Spot

15 pages, approximately 5 minutes while listening. Enter the child’s name in the reader above so the narrator can call the child’s name correctly.

1. 1

   Amara saw a cardboard city growing on the library floor. Bridges, towers, and roads filled the rug.

2. 2

   Amara wanted to join. Her hands held the straps of her overalls while she watched.

3. 3

   “Can I play too?” Amara asked. The builders looked at their half-finished bridge.

4. 4

   “We need to finish this part,” said Kai. “You can watch for now.” It was not-yet, not never.

5. 5

   Amara felt disappointed. She took one step back and thought: What job could help?

6. 6

   “I could make road signs,” Amara offered. “Would that help your city?”

7. 7

   The builders looked up. “Yes! We need signs for the bridge and the park.”

8. 8

   Amara drew arrows and trees. Her road signs made the city easier to explore.

9. 9

   When the bridge was ready, the group made room beside them. Amara brought the next idea.

10. 10

    Joining can start with a question, a kind offer, and patience.

11. 11

    The following week, Amara saw a new group building a paper garden. She remembered how it felt to watch.

12. 12

    “Would you like to watch or help?” Amara asked. The child pointed to the green paper.

13. 13

    Amara made space for the leaves. The new builder chose where each one would grow.

14. 14

    The garden became bigger than one person's idea. Everyone brought something useful.

15. 15

    A good way into play can become a good way to welcome someone else.