This is a short story about procrastination which will teach kids about the value of time. This is a short story about Billy who likes to procrastinate all his work by saying his one-liner” in 5 minutes”.
Once upon a time not too long ago there was a boy named Billy. Now, there were two things that Billy loved the most, they were sleeping and playing. Anything else, like doing his homework or doing his chores did not interest him as much.
Whenever his mom would say, “Billy sweetie, can you help me in the kitchen”, Billy would reply, “In 5 minutes!” and then would forget about it completely. Or when his dad would say, “Can you give me a hand in the mowing son”, Voice 1Billy would say Voice 3“In 5 minutes!” or even when an old person would ask Billy for help, Billy would reply Voice 3 “ in 5 minutes!!” Voice 1 and then he would engage in his own little activity completely sidelining the old person’s request.
And so Billy would always lag behind in his homework letting it pile up and then fretting in the last moment when he is not able to finish it but when everything was said and done, Billy would return to his old ways.
Although Billy did not like school much but on that particular day he could not wait to attend Mr. Anderson’s class who happened to be his class teacher. The reason Billy was so excited was the much-awaited announcement of the school trip to the zoo. Billy could not wait to know the day he could visit the zoo and see the exotic animals which also would give him a day off from the boring school work.
Mr. Anderson said, “Okay, class, now I know here is the announcement that you all have been waiting for. Next Monday, we are going to the zoo for the school excursion event, and I expect all of you to reach school by 6 a.m. The bus will leave at 6:30 A.M., so all of you must make it to the school by 6:30 A.M. Alright, class! I hope it is understood.”
It was like music to Billy’s ears, and he could not stop thinking about the amazing scenery he would see in the zoo on Monday. But this is when Mr. Anderson added to his announcement the words that soured Billy’s excitement.
“But class you should know that the day after when you return to my class after our trip, I will be submitting this term’s assignment so I suggest you buckle up and finish it before time so that you can enjoy your time in the zoo!”
“Finish it before time!,what’s the point of that” Billy thought
And so came Sunday, Billy started preparing for his trip making his backpack and adding essentials like a camera for clicking pictures of the zoo animals.
That night Billy went to his sweet sleep where he dreamt about the lion, the tiger and the big elephant, Billy slept so well that when his mother came to wake him up and said,“ Billy, sweetie you need to get up for your school trip”
But Billy still in his dream yelled, “In 5 minutes!” and when his mother came again “You need to get up Billy, the bus will leave at 6:30” Billy replied, “Yeah just give me 5 minutes!”, and so Billy slept and slept.
Now Billy had made it to school many times minutes before the final school bell but he could not quite repeat the same performance on this particular day and when he finally reached school the bus had left.
“Oh no, how could they leave without me”? Billy said and started crying.
His mother kept her hand on Billy’s head and said “ Billy, time is precious and once it’s gone it does not return therefore it is important for you to understand how to make the most of it. Also, I am sure they must have waited for some time before they had to leave. You need to be considerate of others, sweetheart”.
Understanding this Billy nodded and said “ You are right, Mom”
Although Billy was heartbroken because of his trip he thought of taking his mother’s advice and making the most of his time at home.
And so Billy started to finish his assignment and unlike before really put effort into doing it.
So when Billy went to school on next Wednesday and when everyone was still talking about their trip to the zoo, Billy although still sad submitted his assignment on time to Mr. Anderson’s surprise. Also that day Billy learnt to not put away work for another time and to always be more considerate towards others”.
And so Billy became a thoughtful and disciplined child ever since and they lived happily ever after!
