Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was Ida's main challenge while driving the family's car?
What was Ida's main challenge while driving the family's car?
- Her inability to reach the floor of the car to operate the pedals (correct)
- The constant backfiring of the car
- The dust twirling out and momentarily hiding the snowcapped mountains
- The narrow and twisting dirt road in Elk Valley, Colorado
What was the condition of the family's car as described in the text?
What was the condition of the family's car as described in the text?
- Battered and hiccuping like a damp firecracker (correct)
- New and shiny
- Rusty and unreliable
- Sleek and well-maintained
What did Ida and Tom often talk about?
What did Ida and Tom often talk about?
- Their favorite books and movies
- Their dream cars and future travels
- Their school assignments and homework
- Their plans, friends, families, and what was going on in the valley (correct)
What did the dust do as the car bumped along?
What did the dust do as the car bumped along?
What does Mr. Jordan suggest as a result of the school closure?
What does Mr. Jordan suggest as a result of the school closure?
What is Ida's aspiration for her future career?
What is Ida's aspiration for her future career?
What does Tom suggest as an alternative for learning?
What does Tom suggest as an alternative for learning?
What does Mr. Jordan question the necessity of for girls?
What does Mr. Jordan question the necessity of for girls?
What does Miss Fletcher reveal about her monthly earnings?
What does Miss Fletcher reveal about her monthly earnings?
What decision does Ida make despite the uncertain future?
What decision does Ida make despite the uncertain future?
What does Ida aspire to become?
What does Ida aspire to become?
What does the story's setting in Elk Valley add to the narrative?
What does the story's setting in Elk Valley add to the narrative?
Who suggests that Ida become their teacher when Miss Fletcher leaves?
Who suggests that Ida become their teacher when Miss Fletcher leaves?
What does the text highlight about the characters' educational and career aspirations?
What does the text highlight about the characters' educational and career aspirations?
What does Ida initially do in response to Tom's suggestion?
What does Ida initially do in response to Tom's suggestion?
What is the reason for Miss Fletcher's departure?
What is the reason for Miss Fletcher's departure?
What is the impact of Miss Fletcher's departure on Ida and Tom?
What is the impact of Miss Fletcher's departure on Ida and Tom?
What does Ida demonstrate her ability to do, indicating her resourcefulness and determination?
What does Ida demonstrate her ability to do, indicating her resourcefulness and determination?
What does Tom recall about Miss Fletcher's warning?
What does Tom recall about Miss Fletcher's warning?
Where does Ida's family live?
Where does Ida's family live?
What does Ida express her desire for in the future?
What does Ida express her desire for in the future?
What is the central theme in the story?
What is the central theme in the story?
Who built the family's log cabin?
Who built the family's log cabin?
Who supports Ida and accepts her unconventional approach to handling their situation?
Who supports Ida and accepts her unconventional approach to handling their situation?
What does the story portray?
What does the story portray?
What does Miss Fletcher encourage Ida to pursue?
What does Miss Fletcher encourage Ida to pursue?
What does Ida keep a secret from her parents?
What does Ida keep a secret from her parents?
What does the story reflect about Ida?
What does the story reflect about Ida?
What is the reason for Miss Fletcher's distressed demeanor?
What is the reason for Miss Fletcher's distressed demeanor?
Who is present and going through Miss Fletcher's school account book?
Who is present and going through Miss Fletcher's school account book?
What is the age range of the children in the school?
What is the age range of the children in the school?
What is the condition of the school's library books?
What is the condition of the school's library books?
What is the predominant source of light in the schoolhouse?
What is the predominant source of light in the schoolhouse?
Where is the schoolhouse situated?
Where is the schoolhouse situated?
Who narrowly avoids crashing into Mr. Jordan's car?
Who narrowly avoids crashing into Mr. Jordan's car?
Who are the only eighth graders in the school?
Who are the only eighth graders in the school?
What is the predominant heating source in the schoolhouse?
What is the predominant heating source in the schoolhouse?
Who is the owner of the local feed and grocery store?
Who is the owner of the local feed and grocery store?
What is the setting of the story?
What is the setting of the story?
What does Miss Fletcher's unusual demeanor and Mr. Jordan's presence lead the children to do?
What does Miss Fletcher's unusual demeanor and Mr. Jordan's presence lead the children to do?
What did Ida do to gain entry into the school?
What did Ida do to gain entry into the school?
What was Ida's announcement to the children after entering the school?
What was Ida's announcement to the children after entering the school?
What was the children's reaction to Ida's announcement at the school?
What was the children's reaction to Ida's announcement at the school?
What did Ida do after the children left the school?
What did Ida do after the children left the school?
What does Ida do to regain calm and control in her classroom?
What does Ida do to regain calm and control in her classroom?
How does Ida handle the disruptive student, Herbert?
How does Ida handle the disruptive student, Herbert?
What does Ida threaten to do if Herbert doesn't comply with her instructions?
What does Ida threaten to do if Herbert doesn't comply with her instructions?
How does Herbert's demeanor change when faced with the possibility of expulsion?
How does Herbert's demeanor change when faced with the possibility of expulsion?
Who offers support and encouragement to Ida?
Who offers support and encouragement to Ida?
What does the text highlight about Ida's emotional state?
What does the text highlight about Ida's emotional state?
How do the students respond to Ida's efforts to restore order in the classroom?
How do the students respond to Ida's efforts to restore order in the classroom?
What does Ida receive from a student, reaffirming her identity and the importance of her role as a teacher?
What does Ida receive from a student, reaffirming her identity and the importance of her role as a teacher?
What is the central theme highlighted in the text?
What is the central theme highlighted in the text?
What does Tom's offer of support and encouragement to Ida signify?
What does Tom's offer of support and encouragement to Ida signify?
What does Ida refuse to use in handling the disruptive student, Herbert?
What does Ida refuse to use in handling the disruptive student, Herbert?
What does Ida's refusal to use physical discipline demonstrate about her approach to teaching?
What does Ida's refusal to use physical discipline demonstrate about her approach to teaching?
What time does Ida start her day?
What time does Ida start her day?
How does Ida feel about her new role as a teacher?
How does Ida feel about her new role as a teacher?
Who did Ida keep her new role as a teacher a secret from?
Who did Ida keep her new role as a teacher a secret from?
What does Ida's father give in response to her new position as a teacher?
What does Ida's father give in response to her new position as a teacher?
What does Ida struggle with in her new role as a teacher?
What does Ida struggle with in her new role as a teacher?
How does Ida try to assert her authority?
How does Ida try to assert her authority?
What does Ida feel uncertain and insecure about?
What does Ida feel uncertain and insecure about?
What is the demeanor of the students without their previous teacher?
What is the demeanor of the students without their previous teacher?
What does Ida do before going to school at 4:30 AM?
What does Ida do before going to school at 4:30 AM?
Who is the new teacher at the school?
Who is the new teacher at the school?
What does Ida's family learn about during dinner?
What does Ida's family learn about during dinner?
What is Ida's main challenge in her new role?
What is Ida's main challenge in her new role?
What gift does Ida's father give her to help with time management in the classroom?
What gift does Ida's father give her to help with time management in the classroom?
What subjects are included in Ida's structured daily routine in the classroom?
What subjects are included in Ida's structured daily routine in the classroom?
Who are the winners of the weekly spelling and mathematics contests in the classroom?
Who are the winners of the weekly spelling and mathematics contests in the classroom?
What does Tom surprise the class with?
What does Tom surprise the class with?
What does Herbert do to signal the end of the school day?
What does Herbert do to signal the end of the school day?
What does the text highlight about Ida's growing awareness?
What does the text highlight about Ida's growing awareness?
What is the primary focus of the text?
What is the primary focus of the text?
How does Ida handle the challenges with disruptive student Herbert?
How does Ida handle the challenges with disruptive student Herbert?
What does Ida allow her students to do, leading to an improved teaching experience?
What does Ida allow her students to do, leading to an improved teaching experience?
What does Tom explain the workings of, and the challenges of reception due to the nearby mountains?
What does Tom explain the workings of, and the challenges of reception due to the nearby mountains?
What is a key aspect of Ida's teaching journey?
What is a key aspect of Ida's teaching journey?
What does the text offer insights into?
What does the text offer insights into?
What does the crystal radio allow the children to do?
What does the crystal radio allow the children to do?
What interrupts the radio exploration during Charley's turn?
What interrupts the radio exploration during Charley's turn?
What does Miss Sedgewick advise Tom to do?
What does Miss Sedgewick advise Tom to do?
What is the impact of Miss Sedgewick's visit on the classroom atmosphere?
What is the impact of Miss Sedgewick's visit on the classroom atmosphere?
How does Miss Sedgewick react to Ida's age and teaching experience?
How does Miss Sedgewick react to Ida's age and teaching experience?
How do the children feel about their appearance compared to Miss Sedgewick's formal attire?
How do the children feel about their appearance compared to Miss Sedgewick's formal attire?
What is Miss Sedgewick's primary responsibility as mentioned in the text?
What is Miss Sedgewick's primary responsibility as mentioned in the text?
What is the children's reaction to Miss Sedgewick's departure?
What is the children's reaction to Miss Sedgewick's departure?
What does Tom express to Ida as she drives off?
What does Tom express to Ida as she drives off?
What does Ida recall as she drives home?
What does Ida recall as she drives home?
What did Ida declare she would be during recess?
What did Ida declare she would be during recess?
What game did the students urge Ida to join during recess?
What game did the students urge Ida to join during recess?
Who commended the students for their desire to be in school and addressed Ida's soaked state?
Who commended the students for their desire to be in school and addressed Ida's soaked state?
What did Ida struggle to contain during Miss Sedgewick's serious talk?
What did Ida struggle to contain during Miss Sedgewick's serious talk?
What did Miss Sedgewick encourage Ida to do despite her wet clothes?
What did Miss Sedgewick encourage Ida to do despite her wet clothes?
Where did Ida run off to during recess?
Where did Ida run off to during recess?
What was Ida's initial response to the students' urge to join a game during recess?
What was Ida's initial response to the students' urge to join a game during recess?
What did Ida feel when she decided to join the students for recess?
What did Ida feel when she decided to join the students for recess?
Who confronted Ida during Miss Sedgewick's serious talk?
Who confronted Ida during Miss Sedgewick's serious talk?
What was the outcome of Ida joining the game of 'Crack the Whip'?
What was the outcome of Ida joining the game of 'Crack the Whip'?
What did Ida do after being flung into the pond?
What did Ida do after being flung into the pond?
What did Miss Sedgewick acknowledge during her visit to the school?
What did Miss Sedgewick acknowledge during her visit to the school?
What is the reason for Ida's visit to the Bixler farm?
What is the reason for Ida's visit to the Bixler farm?
Who accompanies Ida to the Bixler farm?
Who accompanies Ida to the Bixler farm?
How does the Bixler farm compare to Ida's family farm?
How does the Bixler farm compare to Ida's family farm?
How does Ida feel about being at the Bixler farm?
How does Ida feel about being at the Bixler farm?
What does Mr. Bixler question Ida about?
What does Mr. Bixler question Ida about?
What does the encounter at the Bixler farm highlight?
What does the encounter at the Bixler farm highlight?
What does the visit to the Bixler farm underscore?
What does the visit to the Bixler farm underscore?
What does Mr. Bixler express about Herbert's schooling?
What does Mr. Bixler express about Herbert's schooling?
What does Ida try to advocate for at the Bixler farm?
What does Ida try to advocate for at the Bixler farm?
What does the interaction with Mr. Bixler raise questions about?
What does the interaction with Mr. Bixler raise questions about?
How does Ida feel during the encounter at the Bixler farm?
How does Ida feel during the encounter at the Bixler farm?
What does Mr. Bixler question Ida's authority and approval from the school board for?
What does Mr. Bixler question Ida's authority and approval from the school board for?
What does Tom show Ida during her visit to his farm?
What does Tom show Ida during her visit to his farm?
What teaching methods does Ida use to engage her students?
What teaching methods does Ida use to engage her students?
What prompts Ida to focus on her own studies?
What prompts Ida to focus on her own studies?
What does the story primarily depict?
What does the story primarily depict?
What is the central theme highlighted in the text?
What is the central theme highlighted in the text?
What does Ida feel increasingly confident about in the school?
What does Ida feel increasingly confident about in the school?
What does the text highlight about Ida's role?
What does the text highlight about Ida's role?
What is Ida's response to Tom's reassurance?
What is Ida's response to Tom's reassurance?
What is Mr. Bixler's attitude towards schooling?
What is Mr. Bixler's attitude towards schooling?
What does Ida fear will happen if she continues visiting Herbert?
What does Ida fear will happen if she continues visiting Herbert?
What does Ida struggle to balance in her life?
What does Ida struggle to balance in her life?
What does the school's progress give Ida confidence about?
What does the school's progress give Ida confidence about?
What is Ida's primary concern about her students?
What is Ida's primary concern about her students?
What adds to Ida's feeling of being overwhelmed?
What adds to Ida's feeling of being overwhelmed?
What does Ida express a desire for but worries about the financial challenges?
What does Ida express a desire for but worries about the financial challenges?
What does Ida's father remind her when she expresses her desire to go to high school?
What does Ida's father remind her when she expresses her desire to go to high school?
What does Ida feel conflicted about in her relationship with Tom?
What does Ida feel conflicted about in her relationship with Tom?
What does Ida's father remind her of after a mishap with spilled milk?
What does Ida's father remind her of after a mishap with spilled milk?
What is Ida's daily routine that adds to her feeling of being overwhelmed?
What is Ida's daily routine that adds to her feeling of being overwhelmed?
What does Ida struggle to balance?
What does Ida struggle to balance?
What does Ida express worry about when considering going to high school?
What does Ida express worry about when considering going to high school?
What does Ida's father encourage her to do after she expresses her desire to go to high school?
What does Ida's father encourage her to do after she expresses her desire to go to high school?
What does Ida feel conflicted about in her relationship with Tom?
What does Ida feel conflicted about in her relationship with Tom?
What does Ida's father remind her of after a mishap with spilled milk?
What does Ida's father remind her of after a mishap with spilled milk?
What was the smell in the Kohls' barn?
What was the smell in the Kohls' barn?
What did Tom and his father work on under the truck in the barn?
What did Tom and his father work on under the truck in the barn?
What did Ida ask Tom to print up to spread around the valley?
What did Ida ask Tom to print up to spread around the valley?
How does Mr. Kohl's voice sound?
How does Mr. Kohl's voice sound?
Who arrives late due to the rain and starts the exams?
Who arrives late due to the rain and starts the exams?
What kind of exams do the students have in subjects like geography, arithmetic, and reading?
What kind of exams do the students have in subjects like geography, arithmetic, and reading?
Who reassures the students that she is sure everyone passed and then leaves?
Who reassures the students that she is sure everyone passed and then leaves?
What does Ida ask Miss Sedgewick about after the exams?
What does Ida ask Miss Sedgewick about after the exams?
What is the primary emotion Ida feels during the exam?
What is the primary emotion Ida feels during the exam?
When does the rain stop?
When does the rain stop?
What does Miss Sedgewick provide time for the students to do after the exams?
What does Miss Sedgewick provide time for the students to do after the exams?
Where does Ida remain after everyone else leaves?
Where does Ida remain after everyone else leaves?
How will the students know if they passed the exams?
How will the students know if they passed the exams?
What is the weather like during morning recess?
What is the weather like during morning recess?
What does Miss Sedgewick reassure the students about after the exams?
What does Miss Sedgewick reassure the students about after the exams?
What does Ida feel after the exams?
What does Ida feel after the exams?
What was the structure sweet with the smell of stacked hay?
What was the structure sweet with the smell of stacked hay?
Who was under the truck that was being repaired?
Who was under the truck that was being repaired?
What did Ida ask Tom to print up?
What did Ida ask Tom to print up?
Who was described as a large man with big features and a loud voice rich with a German accent?
Who was described as a large man with big features and a loud voice rich with a German accent?
Who printed off 20 copies of the circular to announce the school meeting?
Who printed off 20 copies of the circular to announce the school meeting?
How many school board members were present at the Elk Valley School Board meeting?
How many school board members were present at the Elk Valley School Board meeting?
What did Mr. Plumstead claim to have seen, implicating the children?
What did Mr. Plumstead claim to have seen, implicating the children?
What did Ida and Tom request permission for at the school board meeting?
What did Ida and Tom request permission for at the school board meeting?
What was the outcome of the school board meeting regarding the children's request?
What was the outcome of the school board meeting regarding the children's request?
Who defended the children at the school board meeting?
Who defended the children at the school board meeting?
What did Mr. Jordan criticize Ida for at the meeting?
What did Mr. Jordan criticize Ida for at the meeting?
What did the audience point out about Ida's role at the school?
What did the audience point out about Ida's role at the school?
What did Ida recite at the school board meeting, receiving applause from the audience?
What did Ida recite at the school board meeting, receiving applause from the audience?
What did Tom do after the school board members excused themselves to confer?
What did Tom do after the school board members excused themselves to confer?
What was the conclusion of the Elk Valley School Board meeting?
What was the conclusion of the Elk Valley School Board meeting?
What did the crowd do after Mr. Jordan's announcement at the meeting?
What did the crowd do after Mr. Jordan's announcement at the meeting?
What is the primary responsibility placed on Ida by Mr. Jordan?
What is the primary responsibility placed on Ida by Mr. Jordan?
How did Ida feel during the last two weeks before the exams?
How did Ida feel during the last two weeks before the exams?
What did Ida urge Herbert to do on the day before the exams?
What did Ida urge Herbert to do on the day before the exams?
How did Ida feel on the day of the exam?
How did Ida feel on the day of the exam?
What was Ida's mother's response to her hard work and challenges?
What was Ida's mother's response to her hard work and challenges?
How did Ida and Felix set off for the exam?
How did Ida and Felix set off for the exam?
What did Mr. Jordan grant before the exams?
What did Mr. Jordan grant before the exams?
What did the families have to take responsibility for?
What did the families have to take responsibility for?
What did Ida choose to do at lunchtime despite her desire to study?
What did Ida choose to do at lunchtime despite her desire to study?
What did Ida do late into the evening before the exam?
What did Ida do late into the evening before the exam?
What did Ida feel during the last two weeks before the exams?
What did Ida feel during the last two weeks before the exams?
Who granted two more weeks for the school before the exams?
Who granted two more weeks for the school before the exams?
What was Ida's primary emotion on the day before the exams?
What was Ida's primary emotion on the day before the exams?
What did Ida urge Herbert to do on the day before the exams?
What did Ida urge Herbert to do on the day before the exams?
What did Ida choose to do on the day before the exams, causing a moment of hurt for Tom?
What did Ida choose to do on the day before the exams, causing a moment of hurt for Tom?
How did Ida feel on the evening before the exam?
How did Ida feel on the evening before the exam?
Who expressed pride in Ida's hard work and encouraged her despite the challenges?
Who expressed pride in Ida's hard work and encouraged her despite the challenges?
How did Ida feel on the day of the exam?
How did Ida feel on the day of the exam?
Who did Ida snap at in the car on the way to the exam?
Who did Ida snap at in the car on the way to the exam?
What did Mr. Jordan expect from every child in relation to the exams?
What did Mr. Jordan expect from every child in relation to the exams?
What did families have to take responsibility for in relation to the school?
What did families have to take responsibility for in relation to the school?
Who granted two more weeks for the school with Ida Bidson as the teacher for the children to take their exams?
Who granted two more weeks for the school with Ida Bidson as the teacher for the children to take their exams?
What was the atmosphere like in the last two weeks before the exams?
What was the atmosphere like in the last two weeks before the exams?
What did Ida feel during lunchtime on the day before the exams?
What did Ida feel during lunchtime on the day before the exams?
What was the main reason for the Elk Valley School Board meeting?
What was the main reason for the Elk Valley School Board meeting?
Who accuses Ida of pretending to be a teacher and the children of trespassing on township property?
Who accuses Ida of pretending to be a teacher and the children of trespassing on township property?
What did Mr. Plumstead claim to have seen, leading to the accusation of trespassing?
What did Mr. Plumstead claim to have seen, leading to the accusation of trespassing?
What was the outcome of the school board meeting?
What was the outcome of the school board meeting?
What did Ida and Tom want to finish their schooling for?
What did Ida and Tom want to finish their schooling for?
Who defended the children, emphasizing that they were just trying to continue their education and learn?
Who defended the children, emphasizing that they were just trying to continue their education and learn?
What did Mr. Jordan criticize Ida for, but the audience pointed out in her defense?
What did Mr. Jordan criticize Ida for, but the audience pointed out in her defense?
What did Ida recite and request the chance to take, receiving applause from the audience?
What did Ida recite and request the chance to take, receiving applause from the audience?
Who announced that the children would be allowed to take the exit exam?
Who announced that the children would be allowed to take the exit exam?
What was the reaction of the crowd when the school board members made the decision to allow the children to take the exam?
What was the reaction of the crowd when the school board members made the decision to allow the children to take the exam?
Who praised Ida after the school board's decision?
Who praised Ida after the school board's decision?
What did Ida and Tom follow in their decisions, as explained by Ida?
What did Ida and Tom follow in their decisions, as explained by Ida?
What is the reason for Miss Sedgewick's late arrival on exam day?
What is the reason for Miss Sedgewick's late arrival on exam day?
What subjects did the students have exams in on that day?
What subjects did the students have exams in on that day?
What did Miss Sedgewick reassure the students about before leaving?
What did Miss Sedgewick reassure the students about before leaving?
What did Ida ask Miss Sedgewick about after the exams?
What did Ida ask Miss Sedgewick about after the exams?
What did Ida do after everyone else left the schoolroom?
What did Ida do after everyone else left the schoolroom?
What did the students have time to do before Miss Sedgewick left?
What did the students have time to do before Miss Sedgewick left?
What was the primary cause of Ida's nervousness during the exam?
What was the primary cause of Ida's nervousness during the exam?
What was the weather like by morning recess?
What was the weather like by morning recess?
What caused Ida and Felix's car to skid into a ditch on the way to school?
What caused Ida and Felix's car to skid into a ditch on the way to school?
What did Tom and Mary do for Ida and Felix after their car skidded into a ditch?
What did Tom and Mary do for Ida and Felix after their car skidded into a ditch?
What did Miss Sedgewick start after her late arrival?
What did Miss Sedgewick start after her late arrival?
How will the students know if they passed the exams?
How will the students know if they passed the exams?
What is the setting for the Last Day Exercises?
What is the setting for the Last Day Exercises?
Who is offered a scholarship to stay in Steamboat Springs while attending high school?
Who is offered a scholarship to stay in Steamboat Springs while attending high school?
What does Herbert Bixler reveal to Ida about his future plans?
What does Herbert Bixler reveal to Ida about his future plans?
What does Mr. Jordan express hope for Ida's future career?
What does Mr. Jordan express hope for Ida's future career?
What is the conclusion of the Last Day Exercises ceremony?
What is the conclusion of the Last Day Exercises ceremony?
Who does Ida approach at the end of the text?
Who does Ida approach at the end of the text?
What does Miss Sedgewick inform Ida about her classmates?
What does Miss Sedgewick inform Ida about her classmates?
What recognition does Ida receive at the Last Day Exercises?
What recognition does Ida receive at the Last Day Exercises?
Who sings 'Amazing Grace' at the Last Day Exercises ceremony?
Who sings 'Amazing Grace' at the Last Day Exercises ceremony?
What does Miss Gertrude Sedgewick offer Ida?
What does Miss Gertrude Sedgewick offer Ida?
What does Ida's letter inform her about her future education?
What does Ida's letter inform her about her future education?
What is the outcome of Ida's exams?
What is the outcome of Ida's exams?
What did Miss Gertrude Sedgewick offer Ida?
What did Miss Gertrude Sedgewick offer Ida?
What was the outcome of Herbert Bixler's exam?
What was the outcome of Herbert Bixler's exam?
What was Ida specially recognized for at the Last Day Exercises?
What was Ida specially recognized for at the Last Day Exercises?
What does Mr. Jordan express hope for Ida's future?
What does Mr. Jordan express hope for Ida's future?
What does Susie do to conclude the Last Day Exercises?
What does Susie do to conclude the Last Day Exercises?
What does Ida allow her students to recite at the Last Day Exercises?
What does Ida allow her students to recite at the Last Day Exercises?
What does Tom thank Ida for?
What does Tom thank Ida for?
What does Ida refuse to use in handling disruptive student, Herbert?
What does Ida refuse to use in handling disruptive student, Herbert?
What does Herbert reveal to Ida?
What does Herbert reveal to Ida?
What is the primary emotion Ida feels during the exam?
What is the primary emotion Ida feels during the exam?
What is the primary responsibility placed on Ida by Mr. Jordan?
What is the primary responsibility placed on Ida by Mr. Jordan?
What does Ida struggle to balance in her life?
What does Ida struggle to balance in her life?
Flashcards
Ida's ambition
Ida's ambition
Ida's dream of becoming a teacher is a central theme in the story, highlighting her determination and resilience in the face of obstacles.
Ida's mother's illness
Ida's mother's illness
Ida's mother's illness threatens her ability to attend high school, forcing her to make difficult decisions.
Miss Fletcher's encouragement
Miss Fletcher's encouragement
Miss Fletcher, Ida's teacher, encourages her to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher despite the obstacles she faces.
Ida's motivation to become a teacher
Ida's motivation to become a teacher
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Tom's suggestion
Tom's suggestion
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Ida's driving skills
Ida's driving skills
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Ida's contemplation of Tom's suggestion
Ida's contemplation of Tom's suggestion
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Ida's secret struggle
Ida's secret struggle
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The log cabin's significance
The log cabin's significance
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Felix's support for Ida
Felix's support for Ida
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Elk Valley School's setting
Elk Valley School's setting
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Mr. Jordan's role
Mr. Jordan's role
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The schoolhouse's furnishings
The schoolhouse's furnishings
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Miss Fletcher's distress
Miss Fletcher's distress
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Mr. Jordan examining the account book
Mr. Jordan examining the account book
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Seating arrangements
Seating arrangements
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Tom's exam preparation
Tom's exam preparation
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The limited library
The limited library
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Miss Sedgewick's appearance
Miss Sedgewick's appearance
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Miss Sedgewick's visit
Miss Sedgewick's visit
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The crystal radio's significance
The crystal radio's significance
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Ida's concern for her students
Ida's concern for her students
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Ida's struggles
Ida's struggles
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Ida's father's support
Ida's father's support
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Ida's desire for education
Ida's desire for education
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Ida's identity question
Ida's identity question
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The car accident
The car accident
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The exit exams
The exit exams
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Ida's exam anxiety
Ida's exam anxiety
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Miss Sedgewick's reassurance
Miss Sedgewick's reassurance
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Ida's reflection
Ida's reflection
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Ida's acceptance letter
Ida's acceptance letter
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Miss Sedgewick's scholarship
Miss Sedgewick's scholarship
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Last Day Exercises
Last Day Exercises
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Mr. Jordan's acknowledgment
Mr. Jordan's acknowledgment
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Herbert's decision
Herbert's decision
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The end of the secret school
The end of the secret school
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Study Notes
Ida's Dream of Becoming a Teacher
- Ida is upset because her mother's illness may prevent her from attending high school
- Miss Fletcher, Ida's teacher, expresses regret for Ida's situation and encourages her to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher
- Ida is determined to continue her education and become a teacher to escape a life of farming
- Tom, a classmate, suggests that Ida become their teacher when Miss Fletcher leaves
- Ida initially dismisses the idea but is intrigued by the possibility
- Ida demonstrates her ability to drive the family car, indicating her resourcefulness and determination
- Ida considers Tom's suggestion seriously as she reflects on her future
- Ida returns home to her family's log cabin, determined to keep her school struggles a secret from her parents
- The cabin was built by her father during the gold rush in the surrounding mountains
- Ida's brother, Felix, supports her and accepts her unconventional approach to handling their situation
- Ida's ambition to become a teacher is a central theme in the story, reflecting her determination and resilience
- The story portrays a young girl's struggle to overcome obstacles and achieve her dreams in the face of adversity
The Arrival at Elk Valley School
- Ida and Felix arrive at Elk Valley's schoolhouse in an old car with no windows
- The schoolhouse is situated in a small valley with hills, woods, and mountains surrounding it
- Ida narrowly avoids crashing into a car parked in their spot, which is revealed to belong to Mr. Jordan, the owner of the local feed and grocery store
- The children, including Ida and Felix, enter the one-room schoolhouse and take their regular seats at their desks
- The school is furnished with old benches, desks, a wood-burning stove, kerosene lamps, and educational materials like maps and charts
- Miss Fletcher, the teacher, appears distressed and calls the children inside, hinting at grave news
- Mr. Jordan, a member of the school board, is present and going through Miss Fletcher's school account book
- The children, ranging from first to eighth graders, are seated according to their grades, with Ida and Tom being the only eighth graders
- The school has a small library with fifteen tattered books and a few old magazines
- The children notice Miss Fletcher's unusual demeanor and lack of her regular greetings
- The children speculate about the reason for Mr. Jordan's presence and Miss Fletcher's behavior
- The scene is set in a rural, early 20th-century setting, with details about the school's surroundings and the characters' appearances and actions
Crystal Radio and Miss Sedgewick's Visit
- Tom demonstrates a crystal radio he made to his classmates, allowing them to listen to different radio stations by manipulating a crystal and a pointer.
- The children hear music, jazz, and livestock prices from various radio stations across the United States through the crystal radio.
- The crystal radio excites the children, and they realize they can "go anywhere" and mark the locations on a map.
- During Charley's turn, they listen to a baseball game from Chicago, but their recess interrupts the radio exploration.
- Miss Sedgewick from the County Education Office visits the school, wearing a green felt hat and a black suit, and brings a sense of formality and inspection to the classroom.
- Miss Sedgewick recognizes Ida as the new teacher and questions her about Miss Fletcher's absence and her own teaching experience.
- Miss Sedgewick takes note of Tom as an eighth-grade student who will be taking the exit diploma examination and advises him to study hard.
- Miss Sedgewick finds Ida young and takes her name down, expressing satisfaction with the order in the classroom before leaving.
- The children are aware of their shabby appearance compared to Miss Sedgewick's formal attire, and Ida feels self-conscious about her own dress.
- The children and Miss Sedgewick observe each other in a moment of awkward silence before Miss Sedgewick questions Ida about her teaching experience and age.
- Miss Sedgewick's visit brings an air of formality to the classroom, and her interaction with the children and Ida is marked by a sense of inspection and evaluation.
- The crystal radio provides a sense of excitement and adventure for the children, allowing them to explore and listen to different radio stations, contrasting the formality and inspection of Miss Sedgewick's visit.
Challenges of Teaching and Personal Struggles
- Ida, a teacher in Elk Valley, is concerned about her students' progress, including Mary's reading, Natasha's advancement, Herbert's frequent absences, Charley's struggles, and Felix's efforts for his sister.
- Ida is also worried about her own studies and finds herself growing exhausted from her daily routine of teaching, grading, and studying.
- She feels conflicted about her evolving relationship with Tom, her student, and struggles to balance her roles as a teacher and a friend.
- Ida's daily routine includes early morning milking before dawn, and she feels overwhelmed by the demands of teaching and farm work.
- Ida's father comforts her after a mishap with spilled milk, reminding her of the challenges she has taken on and the full-time job of living in the area.
- Ida expresses her desire to go to high school but worries about the financial challenges and finding a place to board.
- Her father reminds her that choosing a hard path will be difficult and encourages her to admit to her mistakes.
- Ida is confronted with the question of how she wants to be treated, as a kid or a grown-up, by her father, leaving her startled and without an immediate answer.
Unexpected Events on Exam Day
- Ida and Felix's car skids into a ditch on the way to school due to a backfiring engine and rain.
- Tom and Mary offer to give them a lift to school.
- Miss Sedgewick, the teacher, arrives late due to the rain and starts the exams.
- The students have both written and recitation exams in subjects like geography, arithmetic, and reading.
- Ida feels nervous and panics during the exam.
- The rain stops by morning recess, but no one wants to be outside for long.
- Miss Sedgewick provides time for the students to check their work and write their post box numbers on the booklets.
- Ida asks Miss Sedgewick how they will know if they passed, and she informs them that they will be informed by mail after she grades the exams.
- Miss Sedgewick reassures the students that she is sure everyone passed and leaves.
- Ida remains in the empty schoolroom after everyone else leaves, feeling drained and reflecting on the day.
Ida's Journey to High School
- Ida receives an elegant, handwritten letter informing her that she has completed the course of study with honors and is entitled to enter the high school at Steamboat Springs, beginning September 1925
- Along with the letter, there is a note from Miss Gertrude Sedgewick County Examiner congratulating Ida on her success and informing her that all students, except Herbert Bixler, completed their exams with varying degrees of success
- Ida is overjoyed to learn that she passed, and so did most of her classmates, except Herbert Bixler
- Miss Sedgewick offers Ida a scholarship to stay in her Steamboat Springs home while attending high school, at no cost to her parents
- Last Day Exercises are held at the one-room schoolhouse, and Ida is specially recognized for graduating from eighth grade with honors and for acting as the schoolteacher
- The students, from youngest to oldest, recite poems, excerpts from famous orations, speeches from Shakespeare, and other literature, and each is handed a certificate of promotion
- Mr. Jordan, the schoolteacher, acknowledges Ida's exceptional dedication and expresses hope that she will become a real teacher and return to work at the same school in the future
- Susie sings "Amazing Grace" to conclude the ceremony, and everyone heads outside for refreshments
- Ida approaches Herbert Bixler, who admits that he failed the exam on purpose and plans to join the navy in Denver when he's old enough
- Herbert reveals to Ida that she is the only one who knows about his decision and leaves without disclosing his thoughts
- Tom thanks Ida for being their teacher and for the idea in the first place, as the secret school comes to an end
- The text ends with uncertainty about what the future holds for Ida and Herbert, as well as the closure of the secret school and its impact on the students
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