Monster has a difficult time keeping his voice at in indoor level.  The kids around him don't like to have him in their group because he's too loud.  The teacher teaches monster that there are times when a big voice can be used, like on the playground, but there are times when an indoor level 2 voice should be used, like during group work and classtime.  Monster works hard at keeping his voice low but he has a tough time until the third try when finally he learns to keep his voice an indoor voice.  

Monster's Big Voice

Murray in a classroom, looking embarrassed as objects around him shake from his loud voice

In a town, not far, lived Murray so grand, / A monster, not scary, with a voice that would stand. / His roar shook the trees, made the windows all rattle, / But in class, such a noise was a troublesome battle.

A Loud Beginning

Maddy covering her ears, with Murray in the background looking apologetic

Maddy, with hair brown, and eyes shining bright, / Found Murray's loud voice a bit of a fright. / 'It's hard to play games, or chat with you near, / Your voice, dear Murray, is too loud to hear!'

Maddy's Concern

The teacher smiling at Murray, with a finger on her chin, thinking of a solution

The teacher then said, with a smile so wide, / 'Murray, let's find a way to decide, / When to be loud, and when to be soft, / So your friends stay near, and don't run off.'

A Teacher's Advice

Murray trying to speak softly, but ending up with a red face from the effort

Murray tried once, to lower his tone, / But once he started, his volume just grown. / 'I'm sorry!' he said, with a face turning red, / 'I'll try once again,' determined, he pled.

First Try

Murray looking downcast and thoughtful, surrounded by friends

The second try came, with a bit more hope, / But Murray's loud voice just couldn't elope. / 'It's harder than I thought,' Murray confessed, / But he wasn't ready to give up the quest.

Second Attempt

The teacher explaining to Murray with hand gestures, indicating 'loud' and 'soft'

'There's a time and a place,' the teacher explained, / 'For loud and for soft, neither should be restrained. / In the playground, be free, let your big voice soar, / But inside, let's keep it level two or below for sure.'

Understanding Voices

Murray practicing his voice control with Maddy listening carefully

So Murray practiced, again and again, / To control his voice, he was determined to win. / With Maddy's support, and a teacher so kind, / Murray was sure, a solution he'd find.

Practice Makes Perfect

Murray excitedly sharing his success in a moderate voice with classmates cheering

Then came the day, oh so bright, / When Murray got his indoor voice right. / 'I've done it!' he cheered, but not too loud, / Maddy and friends were so very proud.

A Quiet Success

A small party scene with Murray speaking at a perfect volume

They threw a small party, with cake and with song, / Murray's voice perfect, nothing was wrong. / 'Thank you,' he said, 'for helping me see, / The right time and place, to be loud or to be.'

Celebration Time

Murray surrounded by friends, all happy and comfortable with his voice level

Now Murray, the monster, with friends all around, / Has learned when to whisper, and when to resound. / His voice just right, neither too soft nor too grand, / Murray's happy, with his voice in command.

A New Day

The teacher giving a thumbs-up to Murray, who looks proud and accomplished

The teacher smiled, seeing the change, / 'Murray, you've done it, your voice you've arranged. / Remember this lesson, in all that you do, / The power of voice, is a gift true.'

Lessons Learned

Murray speaking to a group of friends, who are all listening happily

So ends our tale, of a monster so bright, / Who learned to speak softly, and when to be light. / With friends by his side, and a voice just so clear, / Murray's big voice, is now pleasant to hear.