The Little Word That Changes Everything

Opening (attention hook)

(Hold up a big card with the word IF written on it)

“Does anyone know this word?”

(Let them shout: IF!)

“This is a tiny word… but it can change what happens next.”

>> The Story

There was a little girl named Lily, and Lily loved to ask questions.

One morning her dad said,

“Lily, if you put on your shoes, we can go to the park.”

Lily didn’t move.

Dad said,

“Lily, if you put on your jacket, we can get ice cream after.”

Still nothing.

Then Dad said,

“Lily, if you’re ready in five minutes… the park closes.”

Lily looked at the clock.

She looked at her shoes.

And suddenly—

Zoom! Shoes on.

Zip! Jacket zipped.

They went to the park.

Later that day, Lily wanted help building a tower.

She said to her friend,

“If you help me, I’ll share my blocks.”

Her friend smiled.

They built together.

That night, Lily asked her mom,

“Why does everyone keep saying if?”

Mom said,

“Because if means a choice comes first… and something good comes next.”

Lily thought hard.

She whispered,

“So… if I listen… things change.”

“So… if I’m kind… things change.”

Mom nodded.

“If is the door.

What you choose decides whether it opens.”

>> Big Idea:

IF means what I do now matters.