Another Day of School

My first day fourth grade. It is a new school. I don't know anybody. Some kids go inside so I also go inside. Kids laugh and talk and no one sees me in the big room. Bell rings. Kids line up with adults in front. Where fourth grade kids? I scared. Where do I go? Is that fourth grade or fifth? Ask that man help me? What should I do? [[Hope that's the right line->BlendIn]] [[Ask the man for help->NiceMan1]] [[Continue to stand there->WaitAndSee]] (set: $detention to 0)

Walk to line of kids my size. Some kids look at me. I hear the words 'class' and 'excited' so I listen. One kid says excited to start class. Older kid tells of fun games. The boy next to her nods. Fourth grade sounds fun. I smile. This is fourth grade line. Is this my class? I hope. Big white man walk to us. We start to walk. [[To the classroom->Arriving at Classroom]]

Nice looking man look me in eyes. Asks if I know my class. I say no. He asks grade. I say fourth. He smiles and stands. He lead me to the line of kids. Same kids I saw earlier. A few look at me. Nice looking man left. Big white man stand front of us. We start walking. [[To the classroom->Arriving at Classroom]]

I don't move. Too scared. I stand and watch kids leave in groups. Nice looking man sees me. He walks over. I don't move. [[Talk to him->NiceMan1]]

Welcome to "Another Day at School", a Twine game. Meet Kristoff, an eight year old African-American boy living in the inner city with his mother. Kristoff and his mother have recently moved into a new neighborhood and school district following his mother's new job at a cafe downtown. Follow Kristoff through his first week of school as he struggles to overcome his difficulty reading and writing. The decisions you make set the habits needed for Kristoff to reach grade level understanding. Will Kristoff be able to join his peers in capability or will he continue the struggle of being behind reading level? Only time will tell. [[Start your journey->Day 1]]

We stop outside classroom. I see a little inside room. The door is white. Colorful posters on walls. Big white man tells us go in. Other kids smile and laugh and happy. I scared. Other kids take seats. Big white man stands in middle of room. He must be the teacher. Ask him what seat? He looks busy. Maybe I wait. [[Stay standing by the door->WaitForMsJacobs]] [[Approach the male teacher->AskMrMattson]]

I wait. After time big white man speaks. He calls class stop talking. Looking around lot of kids standing. A person walks past and scares me. A lady now stands next to big white man. She has blue hair. Why both big white man and blue hair lady in the classroom? They talk to each other. They call class be quiet. Mr Mattson is a big white man. His arm has tattoo and a piercing in his nose. Ms Jacobs skinny. Her hair on top of her head. It's blue. I stare. Other kids sit so I need sit now. Where can I sit? [[Sit in the corner->CornerSeat]] [[Sit by the door->AisleSeat]] [[Sit in the middle->MainSeat]]

I will go to big white man. I start walk over. He calls class stop talking. I stop walking. Looking around lot of kids standing. A person walks past and scares me. A lady now stands next to big white man. She has blue hair. Why both big white man and blue hair lady in the classroom? They talk to each other. They call class be quiet. Mr Mattson is a big white man. His arm has tattoo and a piercing in his nose. Ms Jacobs skinny. Her hair on top of her head. It's blue. I stare. Other kids sit so I need sit now. Where can I sit? [[Sit in the corner->CornerSeat]] [[Sit by the door->AisleSeat]] [[Sit in the middle->MainSeat]]

I walk to the corner. Some kids smiling and others not. I try not to feel scared. I look at the four kids. Two are boys. One is bigger with red sweatshirt. I smile at him. he doesn't smile. Second boy is same size as me and smiles back. He asks my name. “Kristoff” I say. The boy responds “Well, Kristoff my name is Corey. Nice to meet you dude!” Teachers talk again so I listen. Teachers say reading first. We grab reading folders and books. We are to read chapter in "How a Raindrop Turns to a Lake". Corey starts off with first page. We take turns to read. Bigger boy refused to read. My turn. Nervous, I see chance to make a joke. I could read the page and when I didn’t know the word I make a fart noise. Or just skip the word. [[Make the fart noise->Farter]] [[Skip the word->Skip]]

I choose to sit where quieter. This is by the door. Every table had at least one person. One other kids means maybe a friend. The boy about my size turns. He asks my name. “Kristoff” I say. The boy responds “Well, Kristoff my name is Corey. Nice to meet you dude!” Teachers talk again so I listen. Teachers say reading first. We grab reading folders and books. We are to read chapter in "How a Raindrop Turns to a Lake". Corey starts off with first page. We take turns to read. Bigger boy refused to read. My turn. Nervous, I see chance to make a joke. I could read the page and when I didn’t know the word I make a fart noise. Or just skip the word. [[Make the fart noise->Farter]] [[Skip the word->Skip]]

I want make new friends so I sit by loud group. A boy my size turns and looks at me quickly asking what my name is. “Kristoff” I say. “Well, Kristoff my name is Corey. Nice to meet you dude!” Teachers talk again so I listen. Teachers say reading first. We grab reading folders and books. We are to read chapter in "How a Raindrop Turns to a Lake". Corey starts off with first page. We take turns to read. Bigger boy refused to read. My turn. Nervous, I see chance to make a joke. I could read the page and when I didn’t know the word I make a fart noise. Or just skip the word. [[Make the fart noise->Farter]] [[Skip the word->Skip]]

My heart fast. Mr Mattson gives me marker. Need to spell 'turtle'. In an attempt to get rid of the nervousness inside me I write T-E-R-T-E-L. I cap the marker and go to my desk. Mr Mattson says "not quiet". Ms Jacobs fixes the word. The bigger boy angry at me. He look at me and says “Idiot.” I nervous and look away. [[Go to tutoriing->Tutoring1]]

My hearts fast. Mr Mattson gives me marker. Need to spell 'turtle'. In an attempt to get rid of the nervousness inside me I write T-U-R-L. Panic I stop. I know that wrong. I cap the marker and go to my desk. Mr Mattson says "good try". Ms Jacobs fixes the word. The bigger boy angry at me. He look at me and says “Idiot.” I nervous and look away. [[Go to tutoring->Tutoring1]]

My heart fast. Mr Mattson gives me marker. Need to spell 'turtle'. In an attempt to get rid of the nervousness inside me I write T-U-R-D. I cap the marker and go to my desk. The other kids laugh. The teachers smile. Ms Jacobs fixes word. The bigger boy angry. He look at me and says “Idiot.” I nervous and look away. [[Go to tutoring->Tutoring1]]

In class next day Ms Jacobs says hand in homework. She walks around room to get them.{(if: $hw1 is "yes")[Turn in my homework. Ms Jacobs smiles and says good job.](if: $hw1 is "no")[Sit at desk. Ms Jacob frowns. She keeps going.]} Mr Mattson says pull out notebooks. He writes 'synonym' on board. We are to write meaning and an example. I don't want to. That sounds boring. [[Get out notebook->Synonyms]] [[Goof Off->Reminder]]

Tries to do homework. [[Go to sleep->Day2]] (set: $hw1 = "yes")

I make fart noise. Everyone laughs but bigger kid glares. Mr Mattson walks up to me. "Detention after school." I stare. Mr Mattson calls us to listen. A reading questions is on sea animals. Mr Mattson asks for someone to write on the board. Two other kids go up. Mr Mattson calls on me. What should I do? [[Write something even if it's wrong->TrySomething2]] [[Write something but stop when I mess up->MessedUp2]] [[I don't know so make a joke->DeflectWithHumor2]]

Gulp. I guess the word and keep reading. No one says anything. I finish page. We almost finish reading when Mr Mattson call for us to listen. A reading questions is on sea animals. Mr Mattson asks for someone to write on the board. Two other kids go up. Mr Mattson calls on me. What should I do? [[Write something even if it's wrong->TrySomething]] [[Write something but stop when I mess up->MessedUp]] [[I don't know so make a joke->DeflectWithHumor]]

In detention. I have to clean board. Put papers in mailboxes. Hang new poster. Then run to catch bus home. Not fun. Mom not home yet. Should I do homework or play games? [[Do homework->Homework1]] [[Play games->GoofOff1]] (set: $detention to $detention + 1)

Manage catch bus home. Mom not home yet. Should I do homework or play games? [[Do homework->Homework1]] [[Play games->GoofOff1]]

Play until mom home. Eat and go to bed. Don't tell her about homework. [[Go to sleep->Day2]] (set: $detention to $detention + 1)

I pull open my notebook. I write 'synonym'. Mr Mattson walks up. He asks us what we think synonym means. [[Opposites->TryAnt]] [[Sound alike->TrySyn2]] [[Ask Ms Jacobs->PhoneFriend]]

Mr Mattson walks up. Again he says get out notebooks. Mr Mattson waits while I do. Then he asks us what we think synonym means. [[Opposites->TryAnt]] [[Sound alike->TrySyn2]] [[Ask Ms Jacobs->PhoneFriend]]

Mr Mattson says that's what an antonym is. He explains synonym is a word that means the same as another word. After a few examples Mr Mattson holds out a bucket. He says the papers inside are synonyms we have to match. He calls us up in groups. [[Take a slip of paper->StartMatching]]

Mr Mattson says that's what an homophone is. He explains synonym is a word that means the same as another word. After a few examples Mr Mattson holds out a bucket. He says the papers inside are synonyms we have to match. Each person has to find the one with the matching synonym. He calls us up in groups. [[Take a slip of paper->StartMatching]]

I get up and walk over to Ms Jacobs. She smiles when I ask what a synonym means. Mr Mattson laughs. The kids closest say that's not fair. No cheating. Ms Jacobs answers synonyms are words that mean the same as another word. After a few examples Mr Mattson holds out a bucket. He says the papers inside are synonyms we have to match. He calls us up in groups. [[Take a slip of paper->StartMatching]]

we all get a paper. Mine says 'gather'. Ms Jacobs puts a timer on the projector. Once certain everyone ready Ms Jacobs says start. [[Ask closest kid their word->AskKid]] [[Try asking Ms Jacobs for help->AskMsJacobs]] [[Call out 'gather' and hope the other kid finds me->Gather]]

The other kid has 'soar'. We sit down anyways. Mr. Mattson is walking around. He checks ours and says "Wrong, try again." [[Try asking Ms Jacobs for help->AskMsJacobs]] [[Call out 'gather' and hope the other kid finds me->Gather]]

I ask Ms Jacobs. She says to try and figure it out. She asks what I think the synonym of 'gather' is. I shrug. [[Ask closest kid their word->AskKid]] [[Call out 'gather' and hope the other kid finds me->Gather]]

I start calling out 'gather'. Other kids do the same. It gets really loud. I hear another kid call out 'collect'. We meet and sit down. Once we are all sitting the teachers check our pairs. It took about 2 minutes. Ms Jacob says "I think we can do better." Paper's go back in bucket and then we get a new one. Ms Jacob's starts timer. [[Sit with first person I can->CheatMatch]] [[Call out my word again->NextActivity]]

When the teachers check my match is wrong. They call me out. Our time doesn't count now. The other kids are upset. Ms. Jacob's says no redo. It's time for lunch. [[Head to lunch->PreLunch]] (set: $detention to $detention + 1)

We find our matches. But our time is the same. Ms. Jacob says done with activity. It's time for lunch. [[Head to lunch->PreLunch]]

Lunch goes well. As we leave see cookie left on table. Other kids already lining up. A cookie would be a good snack after school. [[Pocket the cookie, it's not stealing since someone left it out.->Taken]] [[The cookie isn't yours, the owner may come back.->DontSteal]]

I put the cookie in my hoodie pocket. I keep walking and join Corey to go back to our class. I am happy at getting to eat the cookie later. [[Busted->Busted]]

No. I don't take the cookie. It would be good, but it's not mine. I go join Corey to head back to class. [[End the day->Day3]]

Back in the classroom we head to our seats. Mr Mattson and Ms Jacobs come in. They are talking together. Ms Jacobs asks to see me and another boy. My palms sweat. Mr Mattson tells class stealing is wrong. That includes food that doesn't belong to us. In the hallway Ms Jacobs asks for the cookie. I take it out of my pocket. I wont look at her. She gives the cookie to the other boy. After a bit we go back in. Mr Mattson tells me I have detention. [[Hand over the cookie->Surrender]]

After school I head to detention. I clean the boards. The laptops need to charge. The new homework is to be stapled. This sucks. [[End the day->Day3]] (set: $detention to $detention + 1)

Next day we work on animals book report. We go to library to get book. [[Choose a book on sea creatures->Smart]] [[Choose a comic book->Comic]] (set: $book to "new")

{(set: $book to "smart") I grab a book on turtles. After some time we go back to class. Mr Mattson wants attention. I'm telling Corey a story. Mr Mattson again wants quiet. } [[Finish story->BackTalk]] [[Listen to teacher->Listen]]

{(set: $book to "comic") I grab a comic book. After some time we go back to class. Mr Mattson wants attention. I'm telling Corey a story. Mr Mattson again wants quiet. } [[Finish story->BackTalk]] [[Listen to teacher->Listen]]

I write an answer down. Babies learn by making sounds. Ms Jacobs calls on me to share. Should I? [[Share my answer->Share]] [[Say I don't know->Pretend]]

I don't know the answer. I draw on the page instead. Ms Jacobs calls on me to share. Should I share my drawing? [[Share->Share]] [[Pretend you don't have an answer->Pretend]]

I share my answer. Ms Jacobs says good start. A few more kids share. It's time for recess. [[On to recess->Recess]]

I say I don't have an answer. Ms Jacob asks me to try again. Then she asks someone else. A few more kids share. It's time for recess. [[On to recess->Recess]]

Who cares about babies? I don't. Ms Jacobs calls on me to share. What should I do? [[Make something up->Share]] [[Do nothing->Pretend]] (set: $detention to $detention + 1)

Mr Mattson asks why talking. I deny talking. I was finishing the story. Mr Mattson says that's talking. I shake my head no. Mr Mattson say detention for back talking. Ms Jacob tells the class to get out journals. [[Grab my journal->JournalTime]] (set: $detention to $detention + 1) (set: $backtalk to "true")

In class Ms Jacob says it's journal time. We are to write in our notebooks. "How do babies learn to talk?" Mr Mattson writes on the board. [[Write down an answer->WriteJournal]] [[Draw something->DrawJournal]] [[Don't write anything->Nothing]] (set: $backtalk to "false")

We have option to stay in the classroom. Those stay help Ms Jacobs. Corey wants me play with him. Ms Jacobs says can work on book project after help. Mr Mattson leads other kids to gym. What should I do? [[Go play, it's recess->Play]] [[Stay in the classroom->Work]]

"How do babies learn to talk?" Mr Mattson writes on the board. [[Write down an answer->WriteJournal]] [[Draw something->DrawJournal]] [[Don't write anything->Nothing]]

I go with Corey. We play tag in gym with other kids. It was a lot of fun. {(if: $backtalk is "true")[[[On with the day->LastDetention]]] (else:)[[[On with the day->3rdNight]]] (set: $detention to $detention +1)}

{(if: $book is "smart")[Work with Ms Jacobs on reading book. Turtles are cool. I learn a lot.] (else:)[I stay to work. But I had grabbed a comic. Go to library to get correct book. This time I pick book on tutrles.(set: $book to "smart")]} {(if: $backtalk is "true")[[[On with the day->LastDetention]]] (else:)[[[On with the day->3rdNight]]]}

At end of day I go to detention. Sort books on shelf. Sharpen pencils. File papers. All boring. [[Finally get to go home->Home]]

{Day goes on. (if: $book is "smart")[After school I work with Ms Christina. We work on my book project. Turtles are cool. I learn a lot.] (else:)[I see Ms Christina after school. She says I need correct book. I choose book on turtles.] } [[After a while time to go home->Home]]

You've reached the end of the game. {(if: $detention is < 3)[Congradulations! Kristoff made a lot of good choices while you played the game. Decisions to work instead of play may not seem like much on their own, but added up they lead to good habits and better self-esteem. That goes double for decisions that avoid time in detention. Bad choices: (print: $detention).] (else-if: $detention is > 3)[Unfortunately, Kristoff made (print: $detention) poor choices while you played. Decisions to play instead of work may not seem like much on their own, but added up they lead to bad habits and poor self-esteem. That goes double for decisions that end with time in detention.] (else:)[Bad choices: (print: $detention). Decisions to work instead of play may not seem like much on their own, but added up they lead to good habits and better self-esteem. That goes double for decisions that avoid time in detention.]} "Levels of Academic Achievement and Further Delinquency Among Detained Youth" a.k.a. how regularly getting detention affects success rates.(link: " Click to open the study in a new tab")[ (open-url: "http://swacj.org/swjcj/archives/2.1/Zamora.pdf")] [[Back to start->Opening Scene]]