Progressive 26
The Dreamer
Emma had always been known as the girl who loved to sleep. While her classmates rode bikes or played games, Emma often curled up in her bed, dreaming away. She said her love for sleeping wasn’t laziness.
“Dreaming is where all the fun happens,” she’d say. “You can go anywhere, do anything, and be anyone you want.”
Her teacher, Mrs. Hayes, smiled every time Emma dozed off during quiet reading. “Emma, one day you’ll sleep through something important,” she warned.
That important day came when the class prepared for the school play, The Garden Parade. Everyone was excited as Mrs. Hayes announced the roles. The star was the sunflower, the centerpiece of the garden. To everyone’s surprise, Mrs. Hayes gave the role to Emma.
“Me? The sunflower?” Emma asked, blinking sleepily.
“Yes, you,” Mrs. Hayes said with a wink. “You’re calm and peaceful. You’ll make the sunflower shine.”
Emma nodded, yawning. “Okay, as long as I can nap between rehearsals.”
The class laughed, but Emma was serious. She practiced her lines and tried to stay awake during rehearsals. Whenever there was a break, she found a cozy corner and slept.
On the day of the performance, the school gym buzzed with parents and teachers. Backstage, students wore costumes and adjusted props. Everyone was ready—except Emma, who was nowhere to be found.
“Where’s Emma?” Mrs. Hayes asked, looking around.
“I saw her near the art supplies earlier,” said Jonah, who played the gardener.
The search began. Behind the curtains? No Emma. By the costume rack? Still no sign. Finally, Mia, the class butterfly, spotted sunflower petals behind a stack of paint cans.
“Found her!” Mia called.
Sure enough, Emma was curled up on old blankets, fast asleep in her sunflower costume. Mrs. Hayes sighed but smiled. “Emma!” she said, gently shaking her shoulder.
Emma sat up, yawning. “Is it time?”
“Time? Emma, we’ve been looking everywhere! The play is about to start!” Mrs. Hayes said.
Emma blinked. “Oh no! I didn’t mean to fall asleep! I was dreaming about being the perfect sunflower.”
“Well, now’s your chance to make that dream real,” Mrs. Hayes said, handing her the sunflower headpiece.
Emma hurried to her spot as the curtain rose. At first, the bright lights made her nervous. Then she remembered her dream. She stood tall, smiled, and delivered her lines perfectly. The audience clapped and cheered. Emma realized she didn’t need to dream to feel proud—she could do it while awake.
After the play, Mrs. Hayes patted Emma’s shoulder. “You were wonderful, Emma. Maybe now you’ll spend a little more time awake?”
Emma grinned. “Maybe. But don’t count on it. Dreaming is still my favorite thing.”
Mrs. Hayes laughed. “Just promise me you won’t fall asleep on stage again.”
“Deal,” Emma said with a wink. As the class celebrated, Emma yawned, already planning her next nap.
Comprehension Questions
Why does Emma love sleeping so much?
What role did Emma get in the school play?
Where was Emma found before the play started?
How did Emma perform on stage?
What lesson did Emma learn about dreaming and being awake?
Your Thoughts
Do you prefer dreaming or doing things in real life? Why?
How can someone like Emma use her calm nature to help in other situations?
Why is it important to be ready even if you love daydreaming or sleeping?
