Exploring Charles by Shirley Jackson

The story follows Lori's transition to kindergarten and the tales of a mischievous classmate named Charles. Lori's parents become concerned about Charles' influence on Lori, as Charles frequently misbehaves. Despite a brief period of improvement, Charles returns to his disruptive ways. At a PTA meeting, Lori's mother discovers that there is no Charles in the class, suggesting that Lori may have fabricated the stories.

What significant change does Laurie make on his first day of kindergarten?

• He cuts his hair short.

• He starts wearing a uniform.

• He begins wearing blue jeans with a belt.

• He starts carrying a backpack.

How does Laurie describe Charles' behavior on the second day of school?

• Charles hit the teacher.

• Charles was very helpful.

• Charles was absent.

• Charles shared his crayons.

What does Charles do to a little girl on the third day of school?

• He bounces a seesaw onto her head.

• He gives her a toy.

• He helps her with her homework.

• He shares his lunch with her.

What is Laurie's father's concern about kindergarten?

• Charles is a bad influence.

• The school is too far away.

• The teachers are too strict.

• Laurie is not learning enough.

What does Charles do during the third week that surprises everyone?

• He apologizes to the teacher.

• He runs away from school.

• He gets expelled from school.

• He becomes the teacher's helper.

What does Laurie report Charles did to a little girl that got her mouth washed out with soap?

• He told her to say a bad word.

• He pushed her.

• He stole her lunch.

• He broke her toy.

What does Laurie say Charles did on Monday morning after the weekend?

• He helped the teacher.

• He stayed home.

• He said the evil word himself.

• He apologized to the class.

Why does Laurie's mother not attend the first PTA meeting?

• She is afraid to meet Charles' mother.

• She is too busy with work.

• The baby has a cold.

• She forgets about it.

What does Laurie's mother discover at the PTA meeting?

• Charles has been expelled.

• Charles' mother is very apologetic.

• There is no Charles in the kindergarten.

• Charles is the teacher's favorite student.

How does the teacher describe Laurie's adjustment to kindergarten?

• He is struggling a lot.

• He is very quiet and shy.

• He is a fine little helper with occasional lapses.

• He is always misbehaving.