Father-Son Relationships and Growing Up

The transcript narrates a story from 'Fourth Grade Rats' by Jerry Spinelli, focusing on a boy's experiences in fourth grade. His mother tries to lighten his mood with humor, but he is frustrated by being called a 'rat' at school. His father shares insights on manhood, and the boy reflects on family dynamics, including sibling pranks.

What is the main character's initial reaction to being called a rat?

• He finds it amusing.

• He feels proud.

• He is indifferent.

• He is upset and frustrated.

What does the main character's mom suggest about the school kids' rhyme?

• It will pass over in a day or two.

• It will last forever.

• It is a serious issue.

• It is a compliment.

How does Joey feel about being called a rat?

• He is indifferent.

• He is angry.

• He is embarrassed.

• He loves it and sees it as a step to manhood.

What humorous suggestion does the mom make about the main character's schooling?

• To send him to a different school.

• To hire a tutor to teach him in the bathtub.

• To let him skip school.

• To make him study all day.

What task does the mom assign to the main character to help him become a man?

• To wash the dishes.

• To sweep the sidewalk.

• To clean his room.

• To do his homework.

What does the father say about lifting weights?

• It made him a man.

• It helped him look like a man.

• It was a waste of time.

• It was too difficult.

What does the main character ask his father to do with his muscles?

• To make them bounce.

• To ignore them.

• To flex them.

• To hide them.

What kind of lunchbox did the father have in fourth grade?

• A metal one with superheroes.

• A plain black one.

• A colorful one with animals.

• A plastic one with cartoons.

What prank does the main character play on his sister?

• He puts a mouse trap on her pillow.

• He hides her toys.

• He spills water on her bed.

• He locks her out of the room.