✦An original story about asking before helping
Helping the Blind Man
When Anya meets Mr Sen on a changed garden path, she learns that useful help begins with a question and the other person’s directions.
A story to read together
Helping the Blind Man
Take your time. Let the story unfold.
Anya knew Mr Sen from the neighbourhood music group. He played the drum, remembered everyone’s favourite song, and often arrived before she did. Mr Sen was blind and used a white cane when walking. One morning, Anya and Grandma met him near the shared garden. The usual entrance was closed for repairs. A new sign pointed towards another gate, but the words were far above the path.
A hand held back
“I will take you!” Anya said, stepping forward. Grandma gently reminded her to ask first. Anya stopped before touching Mr Sen’s arm. “Would you like help finding the other gate?” she asked. “Yes, please describe what has changed,” he replied. Anya explained the closed entrance and the temporary path. Mr Sen asked which side the other gate was on and whether the path was clear. He already knew the garden well. What he needed was information about the change, not someone deciding his whole journey.
His way of walking
Grandma asked whether he would like to walk with them. “I would like to take your elbow on this unfamiliar part,” Mr Sen said. Grandma offered her arm and let him choose his hold. They walked at a pace he found comfortable. Anya stayed alongside and described the low turn near the flowerpots. She did not pull his cane or rush ahead. At the turn, Mr Sen asked another question. Anya looked carefully before answering. Saying what she could actually see was more useful than guessing.
A better message
At the gate, Mr Sen thanked them. “The changed route needs a clearer message,” he said. Anya asked the garden keeper whether they could help. Mr Sen suggested giving advance notice to regular visitors and keeping the temporary walkway clear. The keeper listened and arranged a clearer entrance notice and a way for visitors to ask for directions. Anya helped move an empty pot that had narrowed the path. There were many ways to make a place easier to use, and Mr Sen had ideas about them.
The next song
At music group that evening, Anya could not remember the opening beat of their new song. Mr Sen tapped it slowly, then waited while she tried. She got it wrong twice. On the third try, her hands found the rhythm. Afterwards, she told Grandma that helping had felt different that morning. She had not needed to know everything. She had needed to ask and listen. Across the room, Mr Sen began another tune. “Ready?” he called. This time, Anya knew exactly how she wanted to join in.
The end
After the final page
There is no single right answer. Invite young readers to notice, wonder and imagine.
What information did Mr Sen ask for?
Why did Anya wait before touching his arm?
How did Mr Sen help the group later?
Make something: With a partner, practise asking “Would you like help?” and accepting “No, thank you” as well as “Yes.” Do not use blindfolds or pretend to know another person’s experience.
