Plot
What happens at the beginning of the story?
Cooper is introduced and we learn about his situation. He goes to Mr. Lee's store for his mother and explains that he does not like Mr. Lee.
What is one possible theme of Cooper’s lesson?
Don’t judge others before getting to know them
Kindness can change how people treat each other
People can grow and change
What perspective is this story told from?
Third person
Define: Inspect
to watch something very carefully
Give one piece of evidence that shows Cooper is nervous at the beginning of the story.
"Cooper's ears were buzzing. He realized he had never been inside without his mother. Everyone seems to belong here, he thought"
What problem does Cooper face?
Cooper believes Mr. Lee was laughing at him for not speaking Korean, so he attempts to steal a hair brush from the store.
What is one detail that best supports the theme "People can grow and change"
By the end of the story, Cooper is more understanding of Mr. Lee and the Korean culture.
How does Cooper feel at the beginning of the story?
Nervous, shy, and self-conscious.
Define: Demonstrated
teaching or showing someone how to do something
Find evidence that shows the problem.
"Why don't you speak English to me?" Cooper felt hot pricles under his skin. Suddenly, Cooper's hand reached out and grabbed the biggest brush from the rack. As though in a dream, he turned and moved toward the door.
What is one important event in the middle of the story?
Mr. Lee catches Cooper trying to steal, so he makes Cooper come back the next day to work.
What is one detail the best supports the theme, "Don't judge others before getting to know them"
Cooper assumes that Mr. Lee was laughing at him and that Mr. Lee was not a nice person. After getting to know Mr. Lee, Cooper can see that he is a good person who appreciate his culture.
How does Mr. Lee feel about Cooper’s actions?
Mr. Lee is angry with Cooper but wants to help him learn from this experience
Define: Liveliest
the most energetic
Give one piece of evidence that shows how Cooper is feeling about working at Mr. Lee's store by the END of the story
"By the end of the week, Cooper's feet no longer dragged as he walked to Mr. Lee's. He even caught himself whistling while he swept."
What happens at the end of the story?
Cooper understands Korean and is able to tell his mother the truth about what happened in Korean. Cooper has a new respect for Mr. Lee.
What is one detail that best supports the theme, "Kindness can change the way people treat each other"
As the story goes on, Mr. Lee and Cooper treat each other with kindness which helps them form a friendship.
How does Cooper’s perspective change from the beginning to the end?
At first Cooper does not feel a connection to his Korean heritage and by the end he feels great respect for being both Korean and American
Define: Expectantly
waiting for something to happen
Give one piece of evidence to show Cooper is beginning to understand Korean
"On his way home, Cooper passed a leafy oak tree. Namu. The Korean word for tree rose in his mind, surprising him, like a fish breaking the surface of a calm pond."
How does the main conflict get solved?
Mr. Lee and Cooper get to know each other and have more respect for one another.
How does Cooper’s experience help the reader understand the theme of the story?
Cooper's experience shows us that it is important to get to know someone before judging them. Acting out of anger can lead to trouble.
How would the story be different if it were told from Mr. Lee's point of view?
Mr. Lee would be able to show us more insight into his own feelings about his background and how he wants to see Cooper learn to appreciate his heritage
Define: Stammered
to stutter or repeat words
Find evidence that shows the theme.
"Sometimes I feel like I can't really say I'm Korean if I can't speak the language. But they look at me funny if I say I'm American, even though I am. Cooper glanced back at the photo album. He wondered if people looked at Mr. Lee funny for saying he was Korean and American, too.