Show:
Main Characters
Vocabulary
Point of View
Scenes from the Story
Random Questions About the Story
100
Who is Laurie?
The boy who is starting Kindergarten.
100
What does authentic mean?
Real or genuine
100

In what point of view is the story told?

The story is told in third person point of view, through Laurie's mother's eyes/ experiences.

100
How is Charles's behavior at school similar to Laurie's behavior at home?
Both are rude and need a lot of attention.
100
What physical activity did Charles not participate in at school?
Exercises (touching his toes)
200
Who is Charles?
Charles is Laurie.
200
What does simultaneoisly mean?
At the same time
200

Why are the Laurie's mother and teacher nervous to meet one another?

The mother is nervous to discuss how Charles' behavior is impacting her sweet, innocent Laurie and the teacher is nervous to discuss how naughty Laurie has been (with some improvements)

200

Why is the end of the story also the climax?

The end of the story is also the climax because it is quite shocking for Laurie's mother and the reader, perhaps, when they learn there isn't a Charles in the kindergarten class.

200

How does Laurie respond when his mother asks him about his first day of school?

He is fresh and doesn't give a direct or appropriate answer.

300
How does Laurie behave in Kindergarten?
He was fresh, hit the teacher, bounced the see-saw on a classmate's head, etc.
300
What does incredulously mean?
With doubt or disbelief
300

How would the story be different if it was told from Laurie's point of view?

The reader would learn in detail not only Laurie's bad behavior in school, but also his reasons for that behavior and his feelings about it. The reader would know Charles was invented by Laurie.

300
Who was Laurie's mother going to look for at the PTA meeting?
Charles's mother
300
Why does Charles make a change in his apparel when he starts kindergarten?
He feels more grown-up
400
Describe the change in Laurie's clothing on the day he starts school.
He stopped wearing corduroy bib overalls and began wearing blue jeans and a belt.
400
What does renounced mean?
Gave up
400
How would the story be different if it was told by the kindergarten teacher?
The reader would learn Laurie's bad behavior in detail and how the teacher feels about what Laurie does.
400
Why did Laurie tell his parents that the teacher made everyone stay after school to watch Charles?
He was making up an excuse. He was late coming home because he was the one that had to stay after school.
400
Why does Laurie misbehave in school?
He wants attention and/or he wants to be sent home from school.
500
How does Laurie's mother view Laurie before he starts kindergarten?
As a sweet- voiced nursery-school tot
500
What does insolently mean?
Boldly disrespectful in speech or behavior
500
How would the story be different if it was told by Laurie's father?
The reader would learn about the bad behavior of Laurie as the father hears it from Laurie and Laurie's mother. The reader would also know the thoughts and feelings of Laurie's father.
500

Do we know what the resolution is?

No.  Since the story ends at the climax, the resolution is left to the reader's inferencing skills and imagination.

500
How was Charles and institution in Laurie's family?
Anytime someone in the house made a mess or did something wrong, they mentioned Charles.