Characters in the Story
What was the name of Teddy's teacher?
Her name was Mrs. Thompson.
Did Teddy play well with the other children at the beginning?
No, he didn't.
What holiday did the children celebrate when they gave Mrs. Thompson presents?
They celebrated Christmas.
Was Mrs. Thompson still Teddy's favorite teacher a year later?
Yes, she was.
How did Mrs. Thompson feel after reading Teddy's school records?
She felt ashamed.
What grade was Teddy in when Mrs. Thompson first taught him?
He was in the fifth grade.
What did Mrs. Thompson often write at the top of Teddy's papers?
She wrote a big F.
How was Teddy's present wrapped?
It was wrapped in heavy brown paper from a grocery bag.
How well did Teddy do in his high school class?
He finished third in his class.
What did Teddy say Mrs. Thompson made him feel?
She made him feel important.
What was Teddy's full name at the end of the story?
His name was Theodore F. Stoddard.
What did Teddy sometimes do during class in fourth grade?
He slept in class.
What two things did Teddy give Mrs. Thompson?
A rhinestone bracelet and a bottle of perfume.
What honour did Teddy receive when he graduated from college?
He expected to graduate with the highest honours.
Why did Teddy remember his mother's perfume?
It reminded him of his mother and their last Christmas together.
What was Teddy's job after he finished his education?
He became a doctor.
How did Teddy's school performance change after Mrs. Thompson encouraged him?
He became one of the smartest children in the class.
Why did some children laugh when Mrs. Thompson opened Teddy's present?
The bracelet was missing some stones, and the perfume bottle was only one-quarter full.
What does “M.D.” after Teddy's name mean?
It means "Doctor of Medicine".
What did Mrs. Thompson learn from Teddy?
She learned that she could make a difference in a child's life.
Who asked Mrs. Thompson to sit in the place usually reserved for the mother of the groom?
Teddy, also known as Dr. Stoddard.
Why did Teddy's behavior and schoolwork become worse over the years?
His mother became seriously ill and died, and his father showed little interest in him.
Why did Mrs. Thompson put on the bracelet and use the perfume?
She wanted to show Teddy that she valued his present and cared about him.
What did happen as Mrs. Thompson worked with Teddy and encouraged him in his fifth grade?
His mind seemed to come alive and he responded faster.
What is the main message of the story?
Kindness, encouragement, and understanding can change someone's life.