The Friday Everything Changed
Eng10
Ms Cross
1. Why was Ms. Ralston not respected when she first starting teaching? How did Ms. Ralston earn her student’s respect?
2. Why did all the girls rush to defend Alma from the boys on the school yard? Do you think that this was realistic? Have you experienced a moment or witnessed a moment like this? Explain how you reacted or how you would have reacted.
3. What makes the person who carries the water so important? (to themselves and to their school mates) Can you think of a moment in your life when something meant that much to you? Explain.
4. Why don’t the boys want to share their water runs? What strategies do the boys use to pressure the girls to not want to do it? Explain the girl’s reactions.
5. What is the social order amongst the kids in this story? Explain the order in the school/school yard. What is the order in your current school experience?
6. Why does Ms. Ralston do what she does at the end of the story (when she hits the home run)? Why not just announce her decision?
7. Do you feel that the boy’s prides were hurt when the girls were allowed to get the water? Give proof from the story supporting or denying. Which side do you relate to the most?
8. Why do you think that no one protested when Ms. Ralston announces that Alma and Joyce will go for water next week? What was your reaction? Would you have protested? Do you agree with the change?
9. What details/techniques had the author included in order to create suspense in this story? Give at least two examples and explain how that section creates suspense.
10. Although this story is set in the past, the theme is still quite relevant. Examine the ways that boys and girls are treated differently in schools today. Don’t limit your answer to just high school, but think also of your experiences in junior high and elementary. You can discuss your own experiences, or of others you know – but don’t use names!