Annie arrives at the Keller home to find a child who has never been disciplined. While her ultimate goal is to teach Helen to communicate, she quickly realizes she has far more work to do before she can begin to teach Helen the intricacies of language. She must first teach Helen the word “no.”

Helen kicks, stabs, pinches, and slaps Annie numerous times, but Annie never gives up. She continues to reinforce each rule or lesson, never letting Helen act inappropriately without consequence. Annie believes that with enough practice, Helen will be able to figure out that their “hand game” is much more than a game. She offers Helen space and time to learn.

Annie’s tenacity and patience produce powerful results, but Helen isn’t the only person who’s in need of a lesson. Consistency and grace are qualities the Kellers lack, as they give in to every want Helen expresses. When Annie arrives and begins teaching Helen, the Kellers give up every time Helen has an outburst. They become angry when Annie is locked in her room, they threaten to send her home after their first meal, and even after Annie makes tremendous progress in the garden house, the Kellers are ready to return to the way they’ve always done things during their homecoming meal with Helen.

Annie knows time and consistency are key to the learning process, and she refuses to give up, no matter the odds stacked against her. She doesn’t know if or when Helen will realize signing is communicating, but she perseveres nonetheless. By sticking to her principles, Annie not only helps Helen succeed, but she teaches the family a lesson in consistency. Annie reveals that with patience and perseverance, anything is possible.