On the Banks of Plum Creek Comprehension Questions

Pa promised to take them to see a hole.

Laura and Mary put on old patched dresses over their bare skins, and Ma tied on her sunbonnet.

Pa called it a tableland.

Tall willows stood up on the other side of the pool.

The creek ran twinkling over white gravel into a wide pool.

They passed the cattle path, the rushes, the willow valley, the plum thickets, and a steep, grassy bank.

Laura feels uncertain about the move out west and expresses her dislike for cattle to her father. She prefers sleeping outdoors. Ma, on the other hand, finds the safety of their new home reassuring and takes joy and comfort in the simple pleasures and the beauty of nature in their new surroundings.

Laura and Mary spend their mornings playing around the creek, observing the morning-glory flowers and birds, discovering blue flags and rushes growing along Plum Creek, making necklaces from the rushes, and bringing blue flags to Ma. They also enjoy playing in the creek and bringing blue flags to Ma.

The family sets a boundary for the girls not to go upstream beyond the little willow valley due to the deep, dark water.

The text provides a detailed description of the natural environment, detailing the morning-glory flowers, blue flags, rushes, and the wildlife around them.

Laura's observations and experiences reflect the sense of adventure and exploration that define her childhood. She finds joy and comfort in the simple pleasures and the beauty of nature in their new surroundings.

The family spends their evenings watching the sunset and feeling the peacefulness of their surroundings.

The dugout has a whitewashed room with a sod-built front wall, a hay ceiling, and a concealed exterior made of grass, providing warmth, stability, and camouflage. The family prepares the dugout for habitation, builds makeshift beds from willow boughs, and explores the sod-built stable housing two oxen named Bright and Pete.

The family, along with their dog Jack, arrives at the new dugout home near the creek, explores the wide open spaces, fetches water from the nearby creek, and prepares the dugout for habitation by setting up makeshift beds and a small tin stove.

The family used whitewash for the interior, grass and sod for exterior concealment, hay for the ceiling, willow poles for bedsteads, and a small tin stove with stovepipe for heating.

The text showcases the family's resourcefulness and resilience as they adapt to frontier life, capturing their daily activities and challenges faced while establishing a new home in the American frontier.

The family faced challenges such as preparing the dugout for habitation, fetching water from the nearby creek, building makeshift beds, and acclimating to frontier life and the care of oxen.

The family members, including Ma, Pa, Mary, and Laura, each contributed to the tasks of fetching water, preparing the dugout, building makeshift beds, and exploring the surroundings and stable, showcasing their collaborative efforts in adapting to frontier life.

Laura's family traded their animals and belongings for Mr. Hanson's land, crops, and oxen.

Laura found a door in the ground guarded by two dogs.

The family camped on the prairie for the night.

Pa explained to Laura that their traded animals, Pet and Patty, would be happier traveling out west.

Laura felt sad about losing their animals.

Pa reassured Ma about the upcoming move to a dugout, a temporary home in the creek bank.

No one had been in sight anywhere, but suddenly that man was there.

the little log house in Indian Territory, across Kansas, across Missouri, across Iowa, and a long way into Minnesota

a line of willow-tree tops, waving in the gentle wind

dropped down in the shade between them and rested, except his ears

“This must be the place.”

His hair was pale yellow, his round face was as red as an Indian’s, and his eyes were so pale that they looked like a mistake.

Laura enjoys picking plums and is not afraid of the hornets. She is determined and resourceful, flicking the hornets off the cracked plums and quickly popping them into her mouth.

Laura is energetic and enjoys picking plums, while Mary would rather sew or read. Mary is cross because she doesn't enjoy picking plums, while Laura is happy to be active and outdoors.

Laura understands the technique of shaking a plum tree to get the ripe plums without wasting them. This shows her adaptability and knowledge of the natural environment.

Laura's interaction with the plum trees and hornets reflects her deep connection to the natural environment near Plum Creek. She is comfortable and skilled in her interactions with the land and its inhabitants.

Ma tells them that Santa Claus is everywhere on Christmas Eve, coming down all the chimneys at the same time, and that whenever anyone is unselfish, that is Santa Claus.

Mary compares Santa Claus to angels by saying that she guesses he is like angels, and Laura could see that as well.

Ma explains to them that Santa Claus is everywhere and all the time, and that on Christmas Eve, when everybody is unselfish, Santa Claus is everywhere.

Ma explains that Christmas Eve is the time when everybody is unselfish, and on that one night, Santa Claus is everywhere because everybody, all together, stopped being selfish.

Jack rested in the shade between the wagon wheels by sinking his belly on the grass and stretching out his front legs, with his nose fitted in the furry hollow.

Pa noticed that they were half a mile up the creek from Nelson's, while Laura saw a grassy bank and a line of willow-tree tops waving in the gentle wind.

The man had pale yellow hair, a round face as red as an Indian's, and eyes so pale that they looked like a mistake.

Jack growled at the man, and Pa told him to be still.

Laura and Mary jumped up in the wagon because their legs were tired of not moving.

Pa noticed some kind of stable around the edge of the canvas wagon-cover and wondered about the location of the house.

The family's Christmas dinner includes stewed wild goose, corn dodgers, and parched corn, reflecting the tradition to remember the Pilgrims.

Laura and Mary express their desires for candy and new clothes, while Pa wishes for good horses and a buggy.

Ma suggests that if everyone wishes for horses, they might come true. This leaves Laura feeling uncertain about the practicality of horses as a Christmas gift.

The text emphasizes the challenges and dreams of pioneer life on the prairie through the family's Christmas preparations and their hopes for horses.

The narrative beautifully illustrates the family's hopes and dreams during the holiday season, highlighting the simplicity and warmth of their celebrations amidst the harsh conditions of pioneer life.

The family members express contrasting desires, with Laura and Mary wishing for candy and new clothes, while Pa wishes for horses.

The text captures the family's simple yet heartfelt Christmas traditions and desires, set against the backdrop of a challenging pioneer life.

The family's Christmas preparations and hopes for horses emphasize the challenges and dreams of pioneer life on the prairie.

Ma hints that if everyone wishes for horses, they might come, leaving Laura feeling unsure about the practicality of horses as a gift.

The text beautifully illustrates the family's hopes and dreams during the holiday season, highlighting the simplicity and warmth of their celebrations amidst the harsh conditions of pioneer life.

Laura feels uncertain about the practicality of horses as a Christmas gift amidst the family's Christmas preparations and hopes.

The central theme conveyed through the family's Christmas preparations and desires for horses is the juxtaposition of simple yet heartfelt traditions against the challenges of pioneer life.

The family's dog's name was Jack. When the wagon stopped, Jack dropped down in the shade between the wagon wheels and rested, except for his ears.

The man had pale yellow hair, a round red face, and very pale eyes.

Laura saw a grassy bank and a line of willow-tree tops beyond it, waving in the wind. She mentioned that she could not see the creek.

Jack growled, but Pa told him to be still.

The family believed they had arrived at their new home near Plum Creek. Pa noticed a grassy bank and a line of willow-tree tops near the creek.

Laura jumped inside her skin, as she was surprised by the sudden appearance of the man.

Laura

Johnny Johnson

Bright and Pete

Pa and Ma to return

The wagon

Danger

Ma and Carrie

Cow (Spot)

Handling the situation well

Presents from town

The cattle and their actions

Pa

Laura and Mary are left at home to take care of everything while Pa and Ma go to town.

Ma makes a new dress for Carrie before leaving with Pa to town.

Laura and Mary try to drive the cattle away from the hay-stacks.

Jack, the dog, helps Laura and Mary try to drive the cattle away.

Laura learns how to shake a plum tree and the different types of plums.

Laura experiences the changing weather and sings about 'Grasshopper weather.'

Ma and Carrie return from town with a new organ.

Laura and Mary are excited about the new organ and Pa plays it for them.

Laura and Mary play by the creek, and Mary wants Laura to stay in the dugout.

Laura and Mary are unable to chase the cattle away from the hay-stacks.

The family enjoys the music the organ makes.

Laura experiences the changing weather and sings about 'Grasshopper weather.'

Laura and Mary are left at home to take care of everything while Pa and Ma go to town.

Ma makes a new dress for Carrie before leaving with Pa to town.

Laura and Mary play by the creek, and Mary wants Laura to stay in the dugout.

Laura and Mary try to drive the cattle away, and Jack, the dog, helps them.

Laura learns how to shake a plum tree and the different types of plums.

Laura experiences the changing weather and sings about 'Grasshopper weather.'

Ma and Carrie return from town with a new organ.

Laura and Mary are excited about the new organ.

Pa plays the new organ for Laura and Mary.

The family enjoys the music the organ makes.

Laura and Mary are unable to chase the cattle away from the hay-stacks.

Jack, the dog, helps Laura and Mary try to drive the cattle away.

Pa and Laura set the fish-trap under the waterfall by placing it exactly under the waterfall so that the whole waterfall went into the trap. The water would rush into the trap, boil up again, and foam out through the cracks. Pa explained that the fish would come over the falls into the trap, and the little ones would go out through the cracks, but the big ones couldn't climb back up the falls.

Pa explained that the fish would come over the falls into the trap, and the little ones would go out through the cracks, but the big ones couldn't climb back up the falls. Thus, they would have to stay swimming in the box till Pa came and took them out.

Laura would never have tired of watching the waterfall. She found it fascinating and could not get enough of it.

The purpose of placing the fish-trap under the waterfall was to allow the fish to come over the falls into the trap, while also ensuring that the big ones couldn't climb back up the falls, trapping them for Pa to take out later.

The significance of the slate pencil lies in the fact that Laura and Mary needed it for school but did not have enough money. They resolved the issue by using their Christmas pennies to purchase the pencil, with Mary buying it and then owning half of Laura's penny.

Laura and Mary enjoyed going to school, finding pleasure in reading, writing, arithmetic, and spelling-down on Friday afternoons. They also cherished recess, where they picked wild flowers and played games. This reflects their growing interest in learning and their enjoyment of social interactions and outdoor activities.

Laura and Mary showed resourcefulness and adaptability by using their Christmas pennies to solve the problem of buying a slate pencil, and by embracing their school experience and making the most of their recess time by engaging in outdoor activities and enjoying nature.

The text conveys the value of education by depicting Laura and Mary's desire to have a slate pencil for school despite financial constraints. It also shows their determination to overcome obstacles, such as using their Christmas pennies to acquire the necessary supplies for their education.

They used it for writing

Teacher

Cat

Mr. Oleson's store

Nellie Oleson and her brother

A slate pencil

Being meaner

Laura and her father prepare the fish for supper. It is significant because it shows the close bond between Laura and her father and highlights their self-sufficiency in providing for the family.

Pa explains to Laura the importance of going to school and learning to read and write, emphasizing the value of education and knowledge.

Ma gives them her old school books and a lunch pail. It is significant because it symbolizes the passing down of education and the family's commitment to learning.

They encounter various wildlife and observe the vast prairie. It reflects their pioneer lifestyle by highlighting their close connection to nature and the challenges of traveling to town.

Laura and Mary argue about the sunbonnet, showing their different attitudes and personalities as they navigate the challenges of pioneer life and their first day of school.

They are excited and apprehensive about their first day of school, reflecting their anticipation and nervousness about this new experience.

Pa brings fish every morning and only takes what they need to eat, showcasing his dedication to ensuring the family's sustenance.

Laura's mother's surprise at the fish for supper reveals the family's resourcefulness and adaptability in making the most of their circumstances.

The girls wade across the creek to get to town, leaving Jack behind. It signifies their independence and resilience in navigating the pioneer lifestyle.

Pa plans to harvest wheat for future food supplies. It is important for their survival as it demonstrates their forward-thinking approach to securing food resources.

Laura and Mary discuss the importance of keeping their sunbonnets on, showing their attention to practical details and readiness for the school day.

Laura and her father catching fish for supper highlights their family's self-sufficiency and ability to provide for themselves in the pioneer setting.

Christy Kennedy

Teasing for their short dresses and long legs

Nellie Oleson

New boards with benches and shelves, and two glass windows on each side, all open

Small wooden blocks on the prairie and a big man making a bellows puff at red coals

Children's voices

The teacher, Miss Eva Beadle

Feeling ashamed and being teased for their appearance

Nellie Oleson

A blacksmith

Miss Eva Beadle

Christy Kennedy

The grasshoppers' behavior is a sign of an impending natural disaster, causing uncertainty and fear among the characters.

The text portrays the characters' ability to endure hardship and remain steadfast in the midst of uncertainty and challenges.

The grasshoppers' migration disrupts the family's routine and instills a sense of unease and apprehension, affecting their emotional well-being.

The text highlights the characters' struggle to comprehend and cope with the unknown, leading to feelings of confusion and anxiety.

Jack is the family's dog and he provides companionship and comfort to Laura and Mary during their time alone in the empty house.

The text conveys the sense of longing and emptiness through the stillness of the house, the restlessness of Jack, and Laura's outdoor exploration that ultimately leads her back to the empty house.

Laura's interaction with Jack reveals her compassion and care for the family dog as she tries to understand his distress and comfort him.

The text creates a feeling of suspense and uncertainty as Laura ventures outdoors by portraying Jack's restlessness, his reluctance to go outside, and the bitter cold that greets Laura, adding to the atmosphere of anticipation and unease.

The grasshoppers eventually take flight, creating a dark cloud that blots out the sun

After the grasshoppers leave, the land is left barren and brown

Pa leaves to work in the east, leaving the family to manage on their own

Laura and Mary continue their studies and help with the daily chores

Mr. Nelson agrees to help with the hay, providing some relief for the family

Frosty mornings indicate the arrival of fall to the family

Laura encounters trouble while driving Spot and her calf to meet the herd

The family continues to adapt and persevere, despite the challenges they face

The grasshoppers walk steadily westward for three days, causing distress

The family begins to rebuild, focusing on growing new crops and tending to their animals

Pa's departure is bittersweet, as he leaves to earn money but will return eventually

The days become warmer, but frosty mornings indicate the arrival of fall

using water, wet sacks, and a pitchfork to save their property

hurried to dig potatoes and pull turnips before they froze due to the cold weather

cooking and eating a bountiful supply of potatoes

a salve of lard and beeswax

enjoyment and additional food supply

a slate to keep track of the time until Pa's return

Mary made marks on a slate to count the days until Pa would come home.

The arrival of Pa was announced by the faint whistling of 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home'.

Pa started preparing for winter by bringing wood and setting traps for game.

The girls ended up playing 'keeping house' with Carrie.

The text highlights the daily life and routines of the Ingalls family on Plum Creek.

Jack, the dog, reacted joyfully to Mary rubbing out the marks, indicating Pa's return.

The family joyfully welcomed Pa home, and Laura and Mary excitedly shared their experiences with him.

Pa explained that he hurried back and didn't walk off the marks for the days his letter took to arrive.

Pa and Ma left Mary and Laura in charge of Carrie while they went to town.

The girls played school and teaching Carrie letters but ended up playing 'keeping house'.

The family's interactions and activities reflect their resilience and resourcefulness in the face of challenges.

The outdoors smelled good in the chilly mornings, Plum Creek was awake, and the evenings were cozy in the lamplit house.

They had hot cornmeal mush, milk, new white bread, and butter for breakfast. They dressed by the stove due to the cold upstairs.

Ma had to feed the stock and water the horses and cattle. In her absence, Mary and Laura washed and wiped the dishes, made their bed, warmed by the stove, polished it, and cleaned the woodbox and swept the floors.

Inside the house, the sugary snow covered the floor and the bedcovers, and the daylight was dim white. Frost was thick on every window pane. Outside, the storm was fiercer and wilder with furry-white frost covering the windows.

They dressed by the stove due to the cold upstairs and then washed and wiped the dishes, made their bed, warmed by the stove, polished it, and cleaned the woodbox and swept the floors.

Mary was scared and still, while Laura could not bear to be still. They worked together to maintain the house by washing and wiping the dishes, making their bed, warming by the stove, polishing it, and cleaning the woodbox and sweeping the floors.

Ma had to feed the stock, water the horses and cattle. In her absence, Mary and Laura washed and wiped the dishes, made their bed, warmed by the stove, polished it, and cleaned the woodbox and swept the floors.

Ma plays a crucial role in the family's survival during the harsh winter storm by showcasing resilience, resourcefulness, dedication, selflessness, creativity, and comfort for her children.

The text illustrates the family's perseverance and resilience during the intense storm through their endurance of the challenges, Ma's unwavering dedication to the family's survival, and the portrayal of the family's strength and unity.

The game 'Pussy-in-the-corner' serves as a means to lift the family's spirits during the winter storm, providing a temporary escape from the harsh conditions and showcasing a moment of joy and togetherness.

Ma demonstrates her commitment to education and literacy by using the slate to tell a story, encouraging Mary to write it down, and emphasizing the importance of education despite the challenging circumstances.

Ma showcases her ability to foster creativity and resourcefulness in her children by ingeniously using thimbles to create window art for Laura and Carrie, encouraging their creative expression even during the harsh winter storm.

Ma's selflessness and care for her family's well-being become evident in the text when she realizes they forgot about dinner due to their activities, displaying her dedication to ensuring her family's needs are met.

Pa brought frozen oysters for Christmas dinner and managed to save them through the blizzard by taking shelter in a snowdrift.

The family enjoyed a warm and musical Christmas Eve despite the storm, with Pa playing the fiddle for the family.

Pa predicted another blizzard and entertained the family by playing the fiddle for them.

Despite hunger and cold, Pa ate the oyster crackers and Christmas candy to survive.

Pa took shelter in a snowdrift during the blizzard and survived for three days and nights.

The family, including their dog Jack, was relieved and overjoyed at Pa's return.

Pa sang and played a rollicking tune on the fiddle, and Carrie laughed and clapped her hands while Laura's feet were dancing.

Pa began to sing about sweet Lily Dale, and Mary put the dishes on while Laura cried, asking Pa what she should do.

Mary was to set the table for supper, and Laura was to clear away afterward. They knew their tasks from the lyrics of the song Pa sang.

The dishes made small clinking sounds, and Carrie rocked herself in the rocking-chair while Ma went gently between the table and the stove.

In the middle of the table, Ma set a milk-pan full of beautiful brown baked beans. Outside, the wind was screaming fiercer and louder, and snow whirled swish-swishing against the windows.

Pa's fiddle sang in the warm, lamp-lighted house, while the wind screamed outside. The fiddle slipped into frolicking up and down with his voice.

Pa got lost and fell into a snowdrift during the blizzard. He used his buffalo coat to keep warm and walked for hours until he found shelter in a snowdrift.

Pa explains that the heavy snowfall means they will have a good wheat crop next year and no grasshoppers.

The family is relieved and happy to have Pa back home safely.

Pa was able to survive by eating the food he had with him and using his buffalo coat for warmth.

Pa noticed a beautiful silver cup near the creek.

Ma warmed Pa up with bean broth and tea when he returned home frozen and hungry.

The buffalo coat kept Pa warm and protected him from the harsh blizzard, ultimately saving his life.

Pa got lost in the blizzard, fell into a snowdrift, and experienced terrifying sounds and hallucinations, making it difficult for him to find his way home.

Pa explained that the heavy snowfall would lead to a good wheat crop next year and no grasshoppers, highlighting the positive outcomes of the blizzard.

Pa was unable to see the lamp burning in the window for him, as he was in complete darkness and unaware of the guiding light.

The family was relieved and happy to have Pa back home safely, showcasing their love and concern for one another.

Pa used the buffalo coat to walk for hours until he found shelter in a snowdrift, demonstrating the practical use of the coat in his survival.

Click clack, watch your back.

It choked on wax and sputtered from his sudden movement, but it didn’t go out.

Well, where is he then.

They listened to their retreating steps and planned to sneak back down to get him.

Click clack, watch your back.

There was a rustling behind him.

They find a dumbwaiter in their new home.

Jared discovers a secret room that is a small library with unusual books and items.

The discovery of the library, a note with a mysterious poem, and the strange items in the library.

The plot involves a family's encounter with a hidden world of faeries and magical creatures.

Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi.

Their mom's return interrupts the children's exploration.

The family is living in a rundown house with leaks and rotted floors

Jared dismisses the possibility of a ghost and attributes the noise to a squirrel

Simon fills his side of the room with glass tanks housing various animals

They find a fencing medal hidden in the wall, leading to confusion about the squirrel's behavior

The excerpt sets the stage for the mysterious and fantastical events that unfold in the series

Mallory decides to remove the items from the wall in an attempt to keep the squirrel out

The main characters are Jared, Simon, and Mallory Grace. Jared believes Simon would be a veterinarian or a lion tamer and Mallory would be either an Olympic fencer or in jail for stabbing someone with a sword, but he couldn't say what job he would grow up to have.

The Grace children find a photocopy from an old book in the attic, which tells people how to identify faeries and protect themselves. They want to share it because they believe the information could help others and the normal mail is too dangerous to send it directly.

The Grace children ask Mrs. Black and Mr. DiTerlizzi to give the book to their publisher and put a letter in the envelope and give it back to the store. They plan to find a way to send the book because the normal mail is too dangerous.

Jared believes that a lot of people don't believe in faeries, but he does and thinks that Mrs. Black and Mr. DiTerlizzi do too after reading their books.

The Grace children feel that the stuff that has happened to them could happen to anyone, so they want people to know about the book and the information it contains.

He would have said that his brother, Simon, would be either a veterinarian or a lion tamer, and his sister, Mallory, would either be an Olympic fencer or in jail for stabbing someone with a sword, but he couldn't say what job he would grow up to have.

described as a Victorian pile of shacks with faded paint and an iron fence on the roof

staying at the house

rumors about their great-aunt's mental state and potential inheritance of the house

bringing pet mice into the house

hears a strange rustling noise

potential mysteries within the house