Barrio Boy:
Who is the narrator of “Barrio Boy”
First person point of view of the author Ernesto Galarazza
Who is the narrator of “A Day’s Wait?”
First person point of view from the father of Schatz
If you were to offer a summary of “Barrio Boy” what important details would you need to include?
That Ernesto Galarraza is the author writing about his first time going to school and learning English in a new school even though he is afraid to.
How does the behavior of Miss Ryan make Ernesto feel more comfortable? Use your books
Miss Ryan understands that the children feel worried and uncertain and therefore makes an extra effort to help them feel more comfortable.
Memoirs are defined as a “an autobiography or a written account of one's memory of certain events or people.” Why might Ernesto Galarazza have chosen this memory to write about? What lesson might he have learned? Use RACES to explain your answer.
Ernesto might have chosen to write about this memory because he realized that he does not have to abandon his native country in order to be an American. Galarazza learned that an American is not defined by an ability to fit in, rather Galarazza was able to embrace his heritage and learn about other cultures while he learns English. The idea that he can be afraid of the unknown, but still should try new things.
Using your books: What is the central idea of the first page of “Barrio Boy”
The school in America is very different from the school Ernesto is used to in Mazatlan
Describe the father in “A Day’s Wait” support your description with evidence from the text
The father is caring and feels bad that Schatz is sick, but he is oblivious of his inner battle
Why did the author choose to include the image of the stagecoach on page 85?
To reinforce that some people may not know what a stagecoach looks like and to help readers conjure a picture in their mind's eye.
Describe how the father feels throughout the story “A Day’s Wait.” How do you know? Provide evidence
The father is unconcerned. He knows the boy is not actually dying. “You aren't going to die what is the matter with you?”
Find a quote that supports that Ernesto’s school was an accepting environment AND explain it!
Various answers are acceptable, but no explanation gets no points!
Find a quote that proves the boy feels scared
Various acceptable answers, but remember you don’t necessarily need dialogue to be the support. The lines could be a description of the boy’s strange behavior.
What important piece of background information is integral to a reader's understanding of the events in “A Day’s Wait?”
That Farenheit and Celcius use different numbers for measuring temperature.
Find a quote that proves how Schatz feels about being sick and explain it.
Various answers depending on the point of the story are acceptable (The explanation will matter).
Using your books find a supporting piece of evidence for the following statement:
Ernesto Galarazza is nervous for school in America.
Various answers acceptable:
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“I shrank- the better to survey her.”
“I maneuvered my mother between myself and Miss Hopely”
Use RACES What is the meaning of the phrase “covey” as used on page 88? Yes you can use your books.
Actual Definition: A family or small flock of birds, especially partridge or quail
As a child in a new country what are some of the ways Ernesto relies on adults to help him interpret his experience?
If no one had told him the principal was going to be a woman he might not have understood that Ms. Hopely was the principal. Miss Hopely’s expression tells him he is welcomed.
How and why does Ernesto change throughout the beginning, middle, and end of the story?
Ernesto is nervous and uneasy in the beginning of the story because he is going to go to a new school and he does not speak English, in the middle Ernesto feels scared and shy in his new environment, but Miss ryan soon changes that. By the end of the story Ernesto feels happy and proud that he tried a new experience and had extreme success. He can now pronounce words like Butterfly and has plenty of friends on the playground.
What is a potential theme for “Barrio Boy?”
DAILY DOUBLE! Using your book: Find a quote that supports your claim within the time limit!
Things that are different can seem scary at first, but can turn out to be great if given a chance.
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Quotes will vary and must directly support the chosen theme.
What does the last paragraph of a day’s wait contribute to the short story?
This passage demonstrates that Schatz feelings have now changed and he feels relieved
Describe how lack of communication leads to miscommunication can be a possible theme of “A Day’s Wait” use RACES
The two main characters have not expressly discussed the boys illness and that leads to the two having a miscommunication regarding the severity of the boys temperature.
How and why does Schatz change throughout the beginning, middle, and end of the story?
Schatz begins the story as a sick and miserable boy and says “I’m all right” when he is clearly unwell. He quickly becomes scared when he believes he is dying. Schatz tries to stay strong and brave by telling his father he would rather stay awake and that he is okay. This is further evidenced by his determination to keep others out, “you must not catch what I have.” Finally the boy is relieved when he finally realizes that he is not going to die.