Understanding 'Fourth Grade Rats' Themes

Mrs. B reads a story about fourth graders, focusing on the protagonist's experiences on the first day of school. The story includes incidents at recess, interactions with classmates, and a lunchroom debate about growing up. The protagonist also encounters a former teacher and deals with a bullying incident.

What is the main theme introduced at the beginning of the story?

• The importance of friendship

• The concept of 'Fourth Grade Rats'

• The joy of summer vacation

• The challenges of schoolwork

Why does Joey feel proud about being a 'rat'?

• Because he likes rats

• Because he waited three years for it

• Because he dislikes third graders

• Because he wants to be different

What happens to the narrator on the monkey bars?

• He meets a new friend

• He climbs to the top successfully

• He slips and hurts his thumb

• He gets into a fight

How does the narrator feel about Judy Billings?

• He dislikes her

• He is indifferent towards her

• He loves her

• He is afraid of her

What causes the narrator to jump on his desk during silent reading?

• A teacher's instruction

• A prank by a classmate

• A spider landing in his lap

• A loud noise

What does Joey say about being scared of spiders?

• Everyone is scared of spiders

• Spiders are harmless

• Rats don't get scared of spiders

• Spiders are fascinating creatures

Why does Joey tease the narrator about his lunchbox?

• Because it is broken

• Because it has flying elephants on it

• Because it is too small

• Because it is new

What does Joey suggest about growing up?

• You should never eat meat

• You should eat only sweets

• You should eat things you don't like

• You should always eat what you like

What does Mrs. Simms remind the narrator about being an 'angel'?

• He should focus on his studies

• He should try to be a rat

• He should forget about being an angel

• He will always be an angel to her

What happens to the narrator's lunchbox when he encounters Gerald Willis?

• It falls and everything spills out

• It gets stolen

• It is returned to him

• It is ignored by everyone