The First Day of School

What is the first event to happen in “The First Day of school?”

• Jon talks to his mother about the day

• Jon learns that his father has been laid off from work.

• Jon hears his mother calling him from the driveway

• Jon and Audrey fight over whether she will go to school.

The First Day of School is set during …

• Christmas Vacation

• WWl

• Revolutionary War

• Civil Rights Movement

In "The First Day of School" which detail from paragraph 1-2 shows that John was reluctant (sad) for summer to end?

• "John Hawkins jabbed the bubble closest to him with his spoon..."

• "Thirteen bubbles floated in the milk."

• "She glanced meaningfully at the clock on the varnished cupboard."

• John isn't even a character in the story.

Answer explanation

By jabbing the bubbles in his milk, it is showing us that he is playing with his breakfast which shows that he is nervous or anxious.

In "The First Day of School", the main way that readers learn that today is different than other days is through what method?

• John's actions

• Audrey's dress

• dialogue between John and Audrey

• dialogue between John and his mother

Answer explanation

While ALL of the answers make sense, the one that makes the most sense is the conversation between John and his mother at the beginning of the story - where John says that he feels Audrey isn't there yet due to being nervous about school that day.

Which conflict is at the center of "The First Day of School"?

• John vs. nature

• John vs. Audrey

• John vs. his fears

• John vs. his mother

Answer explanation

The main conflict in this story is that John is scared to go to school.

Based on the synonyms, what does the use of the word "wail" suggest about John's feelings about the horns he hears? (look in paragraph 13 of “The First Day of School”)

• John is excited to hear the horns

• John is scared of the horns

• John starts crying because of the horns

• John is indifferent about the horns

Answer explanation

The horns that John is hearing are from protestors standing outside of his new school and he is worried about Audrey's safety and his own.

What is one theme present in, both, "New Kid" and "The First Day of School"?

• A student attends a brand new school

• The struggle of what to order at a restaurant for dinner

• A young person faces discrimination due to race

• Food is central to culture

Answer explanation

In "The First Day of School", John is scared to go to school due to the fact that he may encounter protestors (1950's America, newly integrating schools). In "New Kid", Jordan is a new student at his school and he is one of the few Black students where he encounters some subtle and not-so-subtle discrimination.

What is the main theme of 'The First Day of School'?

• A) Overcoming fear

• B) Friendship

• C) Adventure

• D) Family

Which character is introduced first in 'The First Day of School'?

• A) John

• B) Audrey

• C) John's mother

• D) The teacher

In 'The First Day of School', what does John do to prepare for school?

• A) Packs his lunch

• B) Polishes his shoes

• C) Brushes his hair

• D) Checks his backpack