
##4085452 Tonight is my night . The night Nana takes me on one of her midnight runs . " Where do you want to go tonight , Pumpkin Spice ? " Nana asks in her unique accent , the voice I love to hear . " Where do you want to go , Nana ? " I ask back . " How about I surprise you ! " She pulls into the parking lot of a Walgreens and we walk in . It 's November , and the warmth of the store overwhelms your body and creates the illusion that you 're still cold . The place seems so beautiful ! Almost surely the most beautiful thing I had ever seen . I was squealing with delight even before I heard Nana say , " Pick anything you like , Pumpkin Spice ! " I began running up and down the aisles looking for the perfect thing - and I stop . A small plastic doll is staring at me with bright emerald eyes . I grin and run with it to Nana . " This is what I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and down with excitement . " She 's beautiful , Pumpkin Spice , " she replies , her eyes gleaming . I can tell she likes the doll as much as I do . But then I see the price tag for the doll and blurt out , " But it 's fifteen dollars ! " That may not seem like much to you , but it was a lot to me . I was only five and had roughly , well , zero dollars in my savings . I did not know how anyone could afford that doll . " Will you remember me forever and always ? " she asks . " Oh , yes , Nana . Yes ! Yes ! " It was a fact I was sure of . Every last bit of it . " Then she 's yours ! " Nana smiled as she said this , but I felt like frowning . I am not quite sure why I felt this way ; I just did . While we drive home after our midnight run , we listen to Christmas songs and Nana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she 's looking at my doll . " What will you name her , Pumpkin Spice ? " " Let 's wait and see , " I reply . I imagine that my doll is a real person , and naturally , I 'd have to get to know her to give her a name . We drove on in that way for quite some time . Nana was looking at me and I was looking out the window , enjoying the scenery . She must n't have been paying attention to the road because the next thing I knew , another car was barreling towards the side of our car . " Nana , watch out ! " I screeched at the top of my lungs . I kept on yelling for her to stop or speed up , and she did . We stopped - but I knew that it was n't with the brakes . We had been hit . I woke up in the hospital to see my mother gazing at me with a worried expression . I discovered that I had some cuts and bruises and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me . I thought Nana probably put it there , but she was n't in the room . " Where 's Nana ? " I asked my mother . She did n't answer . " Is she dead ? " I asked in a frightened tone . My mother said nothing . " It 's OK , you can tell me , " I said , and began to cry . " Yes , " my mother said hoarsely , speaking so softly it was almost a whisper . I felt a torrent of tears begin , running down my cheeks and onto my clothes . I thought of the last thing Nana had said to me , " What will you name her ? " I wish I had responded then . Names had been important to her ; she had always named things , everything . And now I would find the perfect name . For Nana . More black bands for mourning were sold that week than I had ever seen before . Nana had been like a hero to everyone she had met , from the kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her friends at the park that has been faced with closure until she held a fundraiser . And me . I dressed for the funeral carefully in the clothes my mother had picked - a black blouse , black corduroy pants , soft black cardigan , and shiny black Mary Janes that showed my reflection . I did not feel a thing . The shirt itched and the shoes were tight , but I felt none of it . I only felt numbness in my arms and legs . This numbness was like Nana 's touch , and right now it was something I was not ready to let go of . I wanted to keep her as close to me as I could . Mom came to tell me it was time to go . We drove to the cemetery , and we all stooped out of the car together , bowing our heads , Mom , my doll , and I. My mom was holding my hand tight , squeezing tighter when she tried not to cry . I lifted my head , curious to see what was going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I needed to know . I needed to know what happened to Nana , and where she was . I wanted to see her one last time before she was buried . My eyes saw something in the distance that looked like a nose sticking out from a big wooden box . I needed to figure out what it was . My hand pulled away from Mom 's and I ran over to that box without looking back ; I just needed to know . My eyes were surprised when I looked into the box : There was Nana . Her cheeks were flushed and her skin paler than the whitest white . She looked sick and sad , but peaceful . I was overwhelmed ; so happy to see Nana , but scared to see her there , like that . Impulsively , I jumped into the casket with her , hugging her and kissing her goodbye . I felt everything now , the cold of November , the silk lining of Nana 's casket , and most of all , a cemetery filled with sorrow . I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wounded body . My arms were wrapped around her tightly , as if to keep her from going on to the next life , hoping I could pull her back . But even when I realized I could n't , I still laid there , tears overflowing , and I think my doll cried , too . I stayed there until my mom was finally able to get through the crowd of people around me . She picked me up and took me to a seat . It was in the front row , so I could still see Nana . I cried through the whole service and I kept my eye on Nana . They called up people to pay their respects to Nana , but my mom would n't let me . She told the woman next to me to watch me while she went up . She cried too , she cried over Nana , so I could n't see why I was n't allowed . When she came back , I asked if she could put my doll into the casket with Nana . My mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nana 's heart . She was safe now . We drove home and it was quiet ; there was no talking or music in the car . It was not until we were almost home that my mother even looked at me . " Why did you want me to put your doll into the box with Nana ? " she asked . " Because , Mom , the doll 's name was Nana . She was Nana 's soul , and had to be returned to her body , or she would not have been happy . " I had thought this out very carefully , and to me it seemed like a reasonable explanation . " Oh , " my mom said . " Oh , " and that was all . They were safe now . Both of them . 
##4085453 It 's September 12 , my first class with second-year strings at an elementary school named Spurges . When I walk into the sixth-grade classroom , one of many portable rooms lined up in facing rows , something feels very wrong . The room has no lights on - it seems cave-like . Stacks of paper , books , and school materials are everywhere . The overhead projector looks like a sorry camel , with a hump of workbooks , texts , and marker pens precariously balanced on its plastic hide . There are no cheery bulletin boards welcoming students back to school or promoting past presidents . No fattened fish in the " science corner " or computer stations with the newest Apple software . It 's as though I 've walked into a stale classroom of the ' 50s , ' 60s , and ' 70s combined , and any rightminded custodian decided long ago it just was n't worth it . Yet , the teacher is here and having an intense one-way conversation with a petite student . " Not at lunch , or recess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ " he is saying , just inches from the student 's face . The girl walks away and glances back at him with a look that comes with practiced malice - not so overt that it invites further confrontation , yet leaving no doubt of her feelings . I introduce myself to the teacher . " Maynard Sully , " he says , introducing himself , and in the same breath he addresses the students : " Did I give you permission to go to your lessons yet ? " A pause ensues . " Okay , band students , you may leave . Non-band , you may leave . Orchestra students from Mrs. Bracken , you may come in . " I watch the girl who has been the object of Mr. Sully 's attention . She 's standing next to a blond girl who is a foot taller , with bangs that completely cover one eye . They look at me , giggle with some unspoken shared humor , and each pick up a violin . This is among my first days of teaching in a challenging yearlong personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the university level for the last 15 years , how much I 'd lost of what it is to be a public-school teacher . Does staleness set in after a professor has been out of the field for so long ? How could I continue to help young teachers when I 'd been absent from their ranks ? Although I had n't been completely isolated from the K-1 2 profession - supervising student teachers , conducting youth orchestras , and serving as a clinician for schools - so much seemed to have changed : computer technology , cell phones , texting , the reach of the Internet , standardized testing . What had n't changed ? Even under constant budget duress , parents and school districts still want music for their children and for the arts to play a role in public education . To reacquaint myself , I had decided to take a year 's leave from my job at Texas Tech University and accepted a string/orchestra teaching position in a school district in California , the state of historic educational reform and taxpayer revolt . So I take an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County . Vacaville is a medium-sized city with a median family income near the average for the state ; I commute from another mid-sized city 26 miles away . I teach in eight schools : one middle school , one high school , and six elementary schools , traveling to five of them each day . In the majority of the elementary schools , I am in another teacher 's classroom , giving lessons to between eight and 26 students . The year before my arrival , the students ' teacher had left over Christmas break and the district had filled the remainder of the year with substitute teachers . Every afternoon , during my commute home , I record what I think is important about the day 's events . After a year , my journal is filled with accounts of struggles , accomplishments , my own discoveries , and of children learning to play their instruments . September 14 At Peachtree Elementary school , my class consists of eight beginning cellists . This is different than some of my other elementary schools , where I have large heterogeneous string @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to warrant their own class . I do n't think I could order up a more excited and interested ensemble of young cello players . As they arrive , a few students have already named their cellos . Clarence , a round-faced boy , introduces his cello to everyone : " This is Murphy , " he says . The pony-tailed and trendily dressed Annabeth chimes in , " Hello , this is Caroline . " And so it goes . We sit in a semi-circle in a carpeted hallway ( our temporary classroom ) , and learn the parts of the cello , how to unpack them , and , of course , that the cello is a very fragile thing . " Imagine your cello as a new member of your family , " I tell the beginners . " You have a new brother or sister , and they depend on you to take care of them . You would n't leave your little brother in a hot car when you get groceries , would you ? " They shake their heads slowly , seriously . " You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't want you to turn any pegs yet . See the pegs ? " They share comical glances . " You would n't put them in the middle of the hallway , where the rest of the family might trip over them ? " They waggle their heads again , although Clarence looks pensively at the ceiling , seeming to weigh this notion with a particular sibling in mind . Eagerly , they sit on the edges of their chairs with tall , noble postures as I fit a cello to each student . September 29 At Spurges Elementary , I find Mr. Sully standing outside his door , slapping a pair of yardsticks into the palm of his hand . Last week , it was a baseball bat . I have n't seen him use them in any other way . The point must be the threat . Today , again , the lights are off . After Mr. Sully leaves , I turn them on , and get looks from students as though I might be headed for in-school suspension . Mr. Sully comes back into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks up at the lights , then at me , and sits at his desk , looking off into space , past dozens of papers at geometric angles and at least three inches deep . Our lesson ends and other students return to the room . Mr. Sully keeps staring , saying nothing . October 5 At Dunagan Elementary , Kendra ( my student teacher ) and I both think we have " arrived " at teaching an effective class . The 16 students are in their places , moving from rest position to playing position in almost quasi-military style . The beginners play the pieces and exercises that we ask . They 're having fun and smiling , excited for the next thing . It 's going splendidly . I have the students get their bows to learn how to tighten the horsehair and apply rosin . Four or five of them do n't have any rosin bricks in their cases , so we are sharing rosin . Owen is sharing his with Katrina , who has none in her case . Katrina is a bright girl who has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . Owen 's rosin is a little cracked and , according to Katrina , it cut her horse hairs and tore three of them off her bow . Not only that , she explains , but " a piece of his rosin is in my horsehair ! " She 's quite distressed about this . Meanwhile , Owen is upset that his rosin is disintegrating before his eyes . This is rosin he 's never used before , and here it is decomposing into Katrina 's horsehair ( of course , the rosin , with its faded trademark on the box , has probably been in this school-owned instrument case for a decade ) . While the rosin wars are breaking out between Katrina and Owen , Timothy , a fidgety ten-year-old violinist , has his cell phone go off in his front pocket as I 'm getting his first bow hold placed correctly . Timothy 's demeanor changes immediately to a four-footer in a business suit . " Just a second , " he says , " that 's my dad . " For a moment , I find myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his cell phone is ringing , I 'll have to wait a moment , " before I come to my senses and realize this is a fifth grader answering his cell phone in the heart of our lesson . As I 'm about to react , a first-grade girl ( sister of one of our string players ) shows up early to walk home with her brother . She passes the time by sticking her tongue out at Owen , he of the crumbling rosin . Attention wanes on my attempt to show Timothy and everyone else how to hold their bows . The bell rings , and we never get to make our first bowed sounds on the instrument . After I dismiss the class , I 'm stooped over the kindergarten sink washing the remains of Owen 's rosin off my hands . Behind me , I hear Katrina say meekly , " Dr. Wood ? " I turn around . She has her instrument beautifully tucked in rest position and gives me a low , formal bow . October 31 At Dunagan Elementary , Rebecca is making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says she likes the cello a lot . Timothy , although he 's a handful , is well-coordinated , and has picture-perfect posture and positions . Suri says she 's practicing every day , and it shows : beautiful curved fingers and a nice bow hold . Owen continues to take up about a third of my time . " My bow does n't work . . . . Why is the horsehair dark down here . . . ? Can I sit down . . . ? My cousin has three dogs . . . . What would happen if I put guitar strings on my violin . . . ? " If I turn to the left , or to the right , Owen is inches from my face . Today , I 'm at the board , drawing bow lengths with chalk . Owen tucks under my raised arm and puts his face between me and the board . " Dr. Wood , another hair came off my bow ! " If I were in a swiveling tank turret , Owen would manage , always , to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him . " Owen , you must stay in your playing spot , and raise your hand when you wish to speak . " It 's as though I 've just squeezed all the life out of him . But seconds later , like a newly hydrated sponge , he 's back . " Dr. Wood , " he says enthusiastically , " when you said we would play in a circle , I was thinking that , too ! " November 14 The beginning students at Sellen Elementary are learning the " Spider Crawl . " This is a game in which the bow is held vertically , and students creep up the stick of the bow with their right hand , from frog to tip and back again , ending with their " perfect " bow hold . I tell them that the record time of all the beginners I 've ever taught is 16 seconds . In a moment of unconsidered philanthropy , I say , " Sixteen seconds is very fast . So , I 'll tell you what , any student who can do the ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under 20 seconds will get a Frosty from Wendy 's . " This prospect electrifies the room . Philip , the only boy in this class of 11 violinists , says , " That 'll be easy . " He brings his hand very close to his eyes and , as if proximity equals speed , starts practicing . Amelia , a girl who had broken a string the first week of class , holds her threefourths-sized bow up against Genevieve 's half-sized bow . " That 's not fair ! " she complains . Soon many students are practicing hard , but instead of " crawling " up and down the bow , they 're letting gravity bring the bow from frog to tip then shuttling back down . I need to set further ground rules . Francis puts both bow and instrument down , raising her hand in that **43;554;TOOLONG fashion . " Yes , Francis ? " " Can it be either vanilla or chocolate ? I 'm allergic to chocolate . " " Yes , Francis , either one . " Almost immediately , I 'm feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students will be able to perform this game in under 20 seconds . I do n't like classroom games in which there are winners and losers . I 'm teaching music , and believe fervently in the Suzuki philosophy of " Every child can . " Why am I fostering such competition ? November 20 Three lessons later , I have purchased my 11th Frosty : eight chocolates , three vanillas . Total cost : $21.53 . December 13 At Garden Middle School , we 're doing vibrato exercises each day . This morning , I notice that Elizabeth looks like she 's really getting it : the rotation of her wrist is very nice , with the first knuckle of her index finger millimeters away from the fingerboard and a neutral , relaxed wrist . " Elizabeth , " I say , " would you show everyone what you 're doing with vibrato ? " She plays an FlI on the D string . At first , the tone is straight , with a timbre that 's a combination of alto recorder and an adolescent soprano , humming . Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second finger and back , the knuckle just below the nail relaxing so that more of the tip of her finger touches the string . A gorgeous , warm sound blossoms at seven to eight oscillations per second . When she finishes , the violin 's tone suspends for a moment as the other students realize Elizabeth has broken some musical " sound barrier . " The orchestra spontaneously claps their hands and stomps their feet . I lower my voice to almost a whisper . " What you just heard , " I say . " What she 's able to do , is something I want all of you to be able to do before the end of the year . That 's why we 're practicing it each day . When you 're able to accomplish vibrato , it will be the closest thing to magic you 'll experience on your instrument . Your sound will change , just like you heard Elizabeth 's , into something rich and deep . " It 's quiet in the room . No middleschool jokes are being cracked . The students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noiselessly rolling their wrists and arms forward and back , imagining the magic . December 22 It 's Friday , the last day before the holiday break . At Peachtree Elementary , Clarence - one of my cello beginners - comes up to me at the start of class and gives me a small cake . At first glance , it looks like a Little Debbie Cake with chocolate icing . " Thank you very much , Clarence , " I say . " I 'm sure this will come in handy on my ride home . Now , would you get your cello out ? " We have our lesson , but all the while Clarence keeps looking at me and smiling a larger-than-usual smile . When we finish , and I wish all the cello players happy holidays , Clarence runs up to me , ready to burst . " Dr. Wood , are you going to eat it now ? " " Clarence , as I said , I think I might wait and . . . " Clarence jumps in : " Dr. Wood , my mom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these cool molds . Then we baked them , and dipped them in this melted chocolate from bars , you know , of chocolate , and then I got to put sprinkles on them in these cool designs . " Clarence 's face is a picture of pride . I look down at the cake again , and realize it is n't your 70 percent chemical additive store-bought cake . The edges of the frosting have started to melt . I sit down on one of the small elementary chairs , across from Clarence . The rest of the students have left . " Hmm , " I say , " let 's take a closer look . " Sprinkled on top of the chocolate in pinks and blues is the outline of a cello , a faint fingerprint near the scroll . " You like chocolate , do n't you , Clarence ? " He presses his lips together , and nods . I break a piece off , and we sit in the quiet library , and steal a few minutes to share a homemade cake and talk about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Final Report What have I discovered during my time on the frontlines ? That successful teaching and learning in public schools is not about any one thing , it 's about many things . Teacher personality , style , and expertise , school facilities , individual school cultures , family influence , administrative support , curricular schedule , and budget all play critical roles . But good learning and teaching are dependent upon multiple factors and , even within a single district , where one might assume a level playing field for children , some schools succeed and some do not . Why ? Because one or more of those crucial ingrethents is missing or damaged . I also learned a hard personal lesson : even with a great deal of experience , I am still a first-year teacher in a challenging setting . During my year back in the classroom , I would succeed , and 1 would fail . Yet those experiences and feelings , often separated by just a short commute between schools , reaffirm my belief that teaching in the arts is difficult , frustrating , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person can make with his or her life . This article is excerpted from the upcoming book Strings Attached : Journal of a Return to Public School Teaching , by Bruce Wood , Ph.D . 
##4085454 PROLOGUE Narrator A : The Civil War , the bloodiest conflict in American history , began 150 years ago this spring . Although the war had several contributing causes , slavery was at the root of them all . Narrator B : When Abraham Lincoln was elected President in November I860 , the U.S. had 33 states . Of these , 15 allowed slavery , and 18 did not . Since the birth of the nation , Americans had disagreed about slavery- not only about its morality , but also whether it should be allowed in new states joining the Union . Narrator C : The month after Lincoln- an opponent of slavery from Illinois- was elected , South Carolina seceded from the Union . In January 1861 , five other slave states did the same . SCENE 1 Narrator D : In early February 1861 , in a general store in Charleston , South Carolina . . . Ella Rae Stone : So , folks , what do you think of our new country ? Jabez Ennis : What do you mean ? Stone : Have n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida , Alabama , Georgia , and Louisiana have been meeting in Montgomery , Alabama . Ennis : What of it ? Stone : They voted to establish a new country- the Confederate States of America ! Texas just joined . Ennis : I suppose it 's a good idea . Cal Wiggins : You " suppose " ? You were mighty proud in December , when South Carolina seceded ! Ennis : Yes , because we wanted to remind the North what the Constitution says : The powers not given to the federal government belong to the states . Each state should set its own laws on slavery ! Stone : Well , the North did n't listen . Ennis : Do you think this will mean war ? Most of us in the South do n't even own slaves . Why should we risk our necks to fight the North ? Stone : Because our way of life is at stake ! Their economy is based on factories and small farms . They do n't need slaves . In the South , we rely on big plantations that grow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slave labor , the plantation system would collapse . Without the plantations , our economy would wither . Who could afford to shop in your store then ? Ennis : Gosh , I 'd be ruined ! SCENE 2 Narrator E : On February 11 , the Lincoln victory train leaves Springfield , Illinois , carrying the President-elect to his inauguration in Washington , D. C , on March 4 . Stopping in Albany , New York , Lincoln is met by the Governor and a small crowd of reporters . First reporter : Jefferson Davis has just been sworn in as President of the Confederate States of America ! Edwin D. Morgan : Mr. Lincoln is aware of that . Second reporter : What does he intend to do about it ? Morgan : Gentlemen , please ! Allow Mr. Lincoln to be inaugurated before you demand answers to such questions . First reporter : But this is a national crisis ! What if other states decide to secede ? Second reporter : Mr. Lincoln ! Does this mean war ? Abraham Lincoln : For now , James Buchanan is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak as well as I am able- for the good of both the North and the South . In the meantime , if we have patience , if we restrain ourselves not to run off in passion , I believe that the Almighty , through this great and intelligent people , will bring us through all our difficulties . SCENE 3 Narrator A : On March 6&gt; two days after taking the oath of office , Lincoln receives a dispatch from Major Robert Anderson , commander at Fort Sumter , a military base in Charleston 's harbor . Lincoln : The major reports that his food supplies are running low . He can hold out 40 more days at most . Winfield Scott : I would advise you to abandon Fort Sumter , Mr. President . It would take a large fleet and at least 25,000 troops to resupply it . Stephen A. Douglas : But if the South 's rebellion is allowed to go on , it could turn into full-scale war . Lincoln : I do n't want war . But the Union must be preserved at all costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ! SCENE 4 Narrator B : At 4:30 a.m. on April 12 , Confederate troops begin firing on Fort Sumter . Inside the fort . . . Robert Anderson : Let 's proceed with caution , men . Narratore C : Anderson 's troops fire back but inflict little damage on the rebels . John Carmody : We must fire our cannons- or we 'll be wiped out ! Miles Tyler : But they 're on the other side of the fort , where it 's undefended . It 's too dangerous . Carmody : It 's our only chancel Narrator D : Carmody dashes to the cannons and , single-handedly , fires them one by one . But without help , he ca n't reload . Then . . . Tyler : Look over there ! The relief ships President Lincoln sent are arriving ! We 're saved ! Carmody : Hallelujah ! Narrator E : But a hail of bullets and cannonballs wo n't let the ships dock . Worse , Confederate cannonballs set the fort on fire . On April 14 , Major Anderson surrenders . The Civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South 's victory at Fort Sumter prompts four more states to join the Confederacy . Outraged Northerners demand that the Union Army strike back hard and fast . Americans on both sides expect a short war . Then comes the First Battle of Bull Run in Virginia , on July 21 . The next day , in Washington , D. C. . . . Sarah Timlin : Mr. Russell ! What 's your hurry ? William Howard Russell : I 've got an article to write ! Yesterday , hordes of people went to Manassas Junction in Virginia to watch the battle . Farmers , families with picnic baskets , ladies with parasols- all expecting a good show . Timlin : But it was a disaster ! Everyone thought the Union Army would teach the rebels a lesson . But the Confederates turned things around and won the day . Narrator B : The Battle of Bull Run-also known as the Battle of Manassas- lasted only a day , but it woke the nation to the severity of the conflict . About 3,000 of the Union 's 37,000 troops- and roughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . Russell : You Americans , it seems , are in for the fight of your lives . EPILOGUE Narrator C : Indeed , the fighting continued for four years , with more than 10,000 battles , mainly in the South . By the time the South surrendered at Appomattox Court House in Virginia on April 9 , 1865 , 620,000 men from the North and South had been killed . The Civil War remains the most scarring period in U.S. history . -Kathy Wilmore &; Louis C. Adelman 
##4085459 Snow fell in wet , fat flakes as Grandpa picked me up after school . " Your mom 's running late , " he said . " How was your day ? " " Boring . " " Boring ? You do n't know boring , Austin . School is much more interesting now than it used to be . " " No way . " I set my heavy backpack down and buckled my seat belt . " When I was in fifth grade , we did n't have computers , Smart Boards , or the Internet , " Grandpa said . The windshield wipers slapped aside wet snow as we drove out of the parking lot . " I bet you did n't have as much homework . " " We had homework , " Grandpa said . " Boring homework . And day after day , we did work sheets and passed them to the person behind us to correct while we corrected the ones from the person in front of us . Now that was boring . " Grandpa stopped at a red light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beat by a mile on boring school . I 'd love to be in fifth grade now . " I stared out the window at the falling snow . Adults loved talking about how hard things used to be . " There was one thing about my school that was better , " Grandpa said . " What ? " " We got recess three times a day . " " That 's no fair . " " Yup , morning , lunch , and afternoon . But the reason we did was that school was so boring . That 's my point . " I took my gloves off and wiggled my fingers . I could n't wait to get home to play my latest favorite video game : NBA 2Kl 1 . My team was heading for the finals . " Today would be just right for one of my favorite games , " Grandpa said . " What ? " " King of the Mountain . " I looked over at Grandpa and pretended to be interested . " When they cleared the playground , they 'd pile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'd race out to the pile and try to get to the top . Everybody else had the same goal , so there was lots of pushing and pulling . I loved that game . " Poor Grandpa . Kids back in the old days got excited about a pile of snow . I was glad I lived now , in the time of awesome electronic games . The snow was falling heavier as Grandpa pulled in front of my house . " Are n't you coming in ? " I asked . " No , I need to clear some of this snow . Your mom will be back in half an hour . She said traffic was slow because of the weather . " " Do you think we 'll have a snow day tomorrow and school will be called off ? " " Snow day ? We never had those when I was a kid . You guys have it easy now . " " Thanks for the ride , Grandpa . " I rushed inside to get to my game . The next morning , light flakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ " Snow day ? " I asked Mom , who was listening to the forecast . " Yes , six inches already , " she said . " But your dad and I still have to work . I 'll drop you off at your grandparents ' . " " I 'm old enough to be by myself , " I pleaded . " I 'll stay inside the whole time . " " What would you do ? " Dad poured himself more coffee . " Play my video games . I promise to stay right here . " " Your grandparents are eager for you to come over , " Mom said . " I 'd rather stay here . Grandpa will make me go outside . " " That 's not the worst thing in the world , " Dad said . " It will be boring . " I trudged back to my room . When Mom dropped me off , I hurried into the house and took off my hat , coat , and boots . " What do you want to do with your snow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know . " I sat down in front of their old TV . I picked up the ancient remote : nothing but cooking shows and ladies talking about makeup . I switched the TV off . " I 've got a 500'piece jigsaw puzzle of the Tower of London and a 1,000-piece one of the Taj Mahal , " Grandma said . " I 'm not really into puzzles . " " You could help me mix ingrethents for chocolate chip cookies . " " Thanks , Grandma , but I 'd rather eat them . " " Let 's go out and shovel , " Grandpa said . " You can call a couple of friends and see if they 'll come over to help . Tell them they can eat as many cookies as they want afterward . " I got up from the couch . Grandpa did n't know that fifth-graders do n't do things for cookies anymore . I went to call just so he 'd think I was trying , and I was totally surprised when Caleb and Seth said they would help . I guess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us dented metal shovels . The snow was heavier than I expected . We had to scoop it up and carry it over to the side of the driveway . With all the snow , I was afraid we might be stuck shoveling all day . " This is nothing , " Grandpa said . " When I was your age , we used to get a foot of snow , and we never got school called off . " As we were working , Grandpa 's neighbor drove up in his pickup with a plow on the front . He rolled down his window , and he and Grandpa talked . " Move to the sidewalk , boys . " Grandpa waved us over in front of the house . " Jeff 's going to plow us out . " " All right ! " Caleb cheered . " We still get cookies , " Seth said . I planted my shovel in the snow just in time . My back and arms were killing me . Jeff rattled the plow along the driveway and pushed the snow into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snow , and the pile grew . When Jeff was finished , Grandma called out from the front door and handed Grandpa a container of cookies for him . Caleb went over to the pile for a closer look , and Seth and I followed . It was four times as tall as we were , and chunks of snow stuck out at odd angles to forai a mountain with different levels . Caleb started climbing , but he slipped and slid to the bottom . 1 started up , but Seth pulled me by the back of my coat . I broke out of his grip , but Caleb grabbed me from behind and we both went tumbling down . I zipped my coat tighter and saw Emma and Ella , twins from our class who lived next door . " Your Grandpa said we could play , " Ella said . " Play what ? " Seth questioned . Suddenly , I knew the answer . " King of the Mountain , " I said . " Queen , " Emma corrected . " I 'm going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . Emma grabbed one of Caleb 's boots and Ella grabbed the other . Seth and I rolled around like polar bears and ended up sprawled in the snow at the bottom . Ethan and Armando , who lived across the street , joined in , and so did Jasmine and Trina , friends of Ella and Emma 's . Caleb , Seth , Armando , Ethan , and I faced off in a multilevel all-star wrestling match . Ella seized the opportunity to scramble to the top , but her glory time was short-lived because Trina pushed her aside . Armando crawled up and sent Trina tumbling . I saw an opening when everybody was focused on pulling him down . I raced behind the hill and climbed quickly . As Armando slid down , I scrambled up . " Look ! " Seth shouted . " Get Austin ! " Caleb yelled . But it was too late . I was alone at the top , and I felt taller than I ever had in my life . I could see all the way down the street . Kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I waved to Grandpa , who gave me a thumbs-up . I was King of the Mountain . Later , when I was back home , I sat on the couch and instinctively reached for my controller . But then I set it down . I 'd already been to the top today . I closed my eyes and saw myself as King , with the wind blowing in my face and everyone looking up at me . Grandpa was right . That game was great , and I could n't wait to play again . 
##4085460 CHARACTERS Present Day *Jasmine : a 12 -year-old girl *Grandma *Matthew : Jasmine 's 10-year-old brother Ancient China Jade Emperor : the god of Heaven and Earth Jade Empress : Jade Emperor 's wife Panda : Jade Emperors chief adviser *Announcer 1 ( Quan ) * Announcer 2 ( Chang ) Tiger Rabbit Cat Horse Snake Ox Rat Dog Rooster Sheep Monkey Pig * Indicates large speaking role Scene 1 Grandma 's kitchen on Chinese New Year 's Eve Jasmine : Fm done sweeping , Grandma . Is there anything else I can do to help you ? Grandma : No , if you have swept out all the bad luck , we are ready for our guests ! Matthew : Grandma , these vegetable dumplings look great . May I have one ? Grandma : No , no ! The tradition is to eat the jiao zi at midnight . Matthew : Midnight ! ( He sighs . ) Jasmine : Grandma , why do n't we celebrate the Chinese New Year on January 1st ? Grandma : Because on the traditional Chinese calendar , the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . That 's usually in late January or early February . Jasmine : What 's a new moon ? Grandma : It 's when the moon is between the sun and the Earth . Matthew : When is everybody going to get here anyway ? I 'm ready to party ! Grandma : Soon , my impatient little snake , soon . Matthew : Why am I a snake ? Grandma : Because that is your Chinese zodiac animal . Matthew : Right , but I mean - why ? Grandma : Because of the year you were born . There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac . Each represents a different year . For example , you were born in 2001 , the Year of the Snake . So you are a snake . Jasmine was born in 1999 , the Year of the Rabbit . So she is a rabbit . Matthew : But I thought that 201 1 is the Year of the Rabbit . Grandma : It is . The cycle repeats . It 's been repeating and repeating for thousands of years . Jasmine : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knows for sure , but 1 can tell you a wonderful story about it . . . Scene 2 The Jade Palace , ancient China Jade Emperor : Noble wife , I 've been thinking that the humans need a better way to keep track of time . Jade Empress : I agree , noble husband . They are always getting confused . Emperor : Exactly . What they need are names for the years in the 12-year cycle . Perhaps I should name the years after my favorite dumplings ? Empress : The Year of the Vegetable Dumpling ? Emperor : Hmmm . Now that I hear you say it , I am not so sure . Let 's ask my chief adviser , Panda , what he thinks . Oh , Panda ! Panda ( homing ) : Oh , Great Emperor , I am unworthy to be in your presence . Emperor : Trusted Panda , I am going to name the years . What should I name them ? Panda : Perhaps , Heavenly Grandfather , you might name them after some of China 's magnificent animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's have a race ! 1 will name the years after the first 12 animals to finish . Panda : As you wish , Sire . I will instruct the wind to send an invitation to one of every kind of animal in the kingdom . Scene 3 Minutes before the race Announcer 1 : Chang , IVe never seen so many animals in one place . Announcer 2 : It 's a zoo out there , Quan . Announcer 1 : Let 's check in with the animals as they warm up . Tiger , how are you doing ? Nervous ? Tiger : Nothing scares me , man . Bring it on ! Announcer 2 : Rabbit , how about you ? Rabbit : Thank you for asking , sir ! I 'm having a great time . It 's fun to be surrounded by so many other animals ! Announcer 1 : Cat ? Any worries about the swimming portion of the race ? Cat : Yes , yes , I 'm very nervous . I am a terrible swimmer . Horse : Neigh-ver mind , Cat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . Cat : Thank you , Horse , but my fur does n't help me run fast like you . Snake ( to himself ) : S-S-s-so true . I 'll think I 'll s-S ' s-slip into Horse 's hoof and hitch a ride . Ox : Cat , would you like a ride ? I would be happy to carry you . Cat : Thank you , Ox ! You 're so dependable . Announcer 2 : I 'll tell you , Quan , there are a lot of amazing animals here . But in my book , the one to watch is Rat . You never know what plans that little guy is cooking up - right , Rat ? Rat : That 's right , buddy , ( to Ox ) Oh , Ox ! Yoo-hoo ! Can I hitch a ride too ? Ox : Sure , my back is broad enough for two . Cat : Great ! Hop on , Rat . Scene 4 The race Announcer 1 : There 's the sound of the gong . And they 're off ! Announcer 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got this race locked up . Announcer 1 : Hold on . What does Rat have in his hand ? Announcer 2 : It 's a stick ! He 's tossing it away from the racers - and there goes Dog , running after it ! Dog ( running after the stick ) : Stick ! Stick ! Announcer 1 : Too bad ! That 's really going to set Dog back . He is just so easily distracted . Announcer 2 : The contestants have now reached the swift-moving river . Rooster : Monkey , Sheep - I suggest that we work together to build a raft . Sheep : That 's not a baaa-d idea . Monkey : Sounds like fun . Let 's do it ! Announcer 1 : Ox is looking good out there in the river with Rat and Cat on his back . Announcer 2 : It looks like Rat is pointing at something in the water . Rat : Cat , do you see that delicious fish ? Cat : Where ? Rat : There ! Announcer 1 : Cat has jumped into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the race . Scene 5 The finish line Empress : Happy New Year , noble husband ! Emperor : Thank you , noble wife . This is really quite exciting ! Panda , is everything ready for the party ? Panda : Yes , O Wise and Mighty One . The lanterns are lit , and the feast is prepared . The crowd awaits our 12 worthy winners - and here they come ! Announcer 2 : Ox is about to take first place ! Announcer 1 : But wait ! What just jumped off his back ? Empress : A rat ! EEEK ! Announcer 2 : A smart move by a clever competitor ! Rat is the winner ! Rat : I 'm number one ! Emperor : I hereby declare that Rat will represent the first year of my zodiac calendar . Anyone born in this year will be clever like Rat . Announcer 1 : Ox has taken second place . Ox : We ca n't all be first . Second is fine by me . Emperor : The second year will be the Year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be easygoing and dependable . Announcer 2 : Tiger 's next , followed by Rabbit and Dragon . Announcer 1 : And here comes Horse - no , wait ! Snake just appeared out of nowhere . Snake : Yay ! I 'm S'S-sixth ! And Horse is s-s-seventh ! Panda : And here come Sheep , Monkey , Rooster , and Dog . . . and Pig . Pig : Hey , everyone . I would have been here sooner , but Rat told me about a great dumpling house not far from the river . I brought some dumplings to share . Emperor : Vegetable dumplings ! My favorite ! Empress : And they 're shaped like gold nuggets . That means we 'll all be rich . Emperor : Congratulations to the winners , and good health and happiness to all ! Scene 6 Grandma 's kitchen , present day Matthew : Wait , Rat won ? Is n't there a Chinese proverb that says cheaters never prosper ? Grandma : Well , yes . . . Jasmine : And Cat totally lost ? She did n't get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she did not . And that 's why , to this day , cats hate rats and water . Jasmine : Great story , Grandma . Grandma : We finished just in time . I hear fireworks . Jasmine : The doorbell 's ringing . I 'll get it . Matthew : I hope our relatives bring us red envelopes filled with money like they did last year . Grandma : Let the New Year 's celebration begin . Jasmine and Matthew : Gung hay fat choy ! Grandma : Yes , may you be happy and prosperous in the new year , too , my darling grandchildren . SUMMARY Our charming play explains the origin of the Chinese zodiac . MAIN SKILLS AND TEACHING OBJECTIVES This lesson will help your students : * Identify important events in the plot * Understand the genre of myth WORD NERD 'S VOCABULARY noble : outstanding or high ranking ; magnificent : great ; Sire : Sir , respectful title for a man ; contestants : participants in a contest ; proverb : wise old saying ; prosper : do well , especially with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students if they know what zodiac means . It refers to 12 signs , based on the paths of the sun , moon , and planets , that determine horoscopes in astrology . Do students know their zodiac signs ? Then ask if anyone has heard of the Chinese zodiac . Each year in a 12-year cycle is represented by a different animal . Do students know their animal ? ( For children born after Chinese New Year in 1998 - tiger ; 1999 -rabbit ; 2000 - dragon ; 2001 - snake ; 2002 - horse ) DURING READING IDENTIFYING IMPORTANT EVENTS ( 30 minutes ) Pause after Scene 1 and ask what Grandma 's story is going to explain . ( the ( mgin of the Chinese zodiac ) Then ask students to look for specific events that will explain how the zodiac was created and how animals were assigned to years . ( A skills sheet is available at Storyworks online . ) AFTER READING CRITICAL THINKING AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ( 10 minutes ) ( A skills sheet is available at Storyworks online. ) * Grandma 's story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you call this kind of story ? ( understanding genre ) It is a myth . * Scene 3 gives you clues about what several of the animals are like . What can you conclude about the various animals in the scene ? ( drawing conclusions about character ) Tiger is brave and daring ; Rabbit is polite and cares about others ; Cat is a terrible swimmer ; Snake is sneaky ; Ox is dependable ; Rat is clever . * What events occur during the race that affect the outcome ? ( identifying important events ) Rat throws a stick to distract Dog ; Rat makes Cat jump into the river ; Rat jumps off Ox 's back at the end to come in first . * Do you think Rat deserved to win ? Why or why not ? ( making judgments ) Answers will vary . * What does this story explain about cats ? ( understanding myth ) Cars hate rats and water because of how Rat fooled Cat and made him jump into the river . IDENTIFYING IMPORTANT EVENTS ( 35 minutes ) Divide students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four important events in the story ; then each group member will illustrate one of the events on a piece of white paper . Finally , give each group a 5- to 6-foot strip of roll paper and have them glue On their illustrations vertically to create Chinese scrolls . Hang the scrolls in your room for the lunar new year ! UNDERSTANDING MYTH ( 30 minutes ) Invite students to explore more Chinese myths . Take them to the school library to search for them , or guide them to find some online ; you can find links at http : //china.mrdonn. org/stories.html . WRITING PROMPTS Personal essay : Have students find out what their Chinese zodiac sign says about them and explain why it does or does not describe them well . Persuasive : Invite students to imagine they were the Emperor 's assistant at the race . Have them write to him , persuading him of the order in which they think the animals should be given years on the calendar . 
##4085461 Characters * Narrator 1 ( N1 ) * Narrator 2 ( N2 ) * Announcer * Kevin Pearce , snowboarder * Reporter David , Kevin 's brother * Mom , Kevin 's mom Luke Mitrani , Kevin 's friend Jack Mitrani , Luke 's brother Dad , Kevin 's dad Andrew , Kevin 's brother Adam , Kevin 's brother Sign up for the character you 're going to read . *Starred characters are major roles . Scene 1 N1 : It 's 2008 . The men 's half-pipe finals are in progress at an important snowboarding competition . Announcer : Champion boarder Shaun White and up-and-comer Kevin Pearce are battling it out for the top spot . N2 : Kevin is at the half-pipe , a snowboarding ramp that 's more than 17 feet high . Kevin ( to himself ) : You can do this . N1 : Kevin takes off on his snowboard . Announcer : Kevin is having an incredible run - frontside air into a McTwist , frontside 1080 , cab 1080 , and finally a frontside 900 . That 's a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ! N2 : Kevin beats Shaun White . He wins the half-pipe competition . Reporter ( to Kevin ) : How does it feel to win ? Kevin : After training so hard , it feels great . Reporter : What 's next for you , Kevin ? Kevin : I 'll start training for the 2010 Winter Olympics . Reporter : With talent like yours , you 're sure to make it ! Scene 2 N1 : Kevin goes home to Vermont . His brother David hugs him . David : Kevin ! N2 : David has Down syndrome , a condition that makes him learn more slowly than other people . Kevin : Hey , bro ! I missed you . David : So , how does it feel to win ? Kevin : I should ask you that . You 're the Special Olympics champion . David : It feels good . I do n't like to lose , though . Kevin : Me neither . That 's why I have to train hard to get into the Olympics . Mom : Kevin , I just got off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build you a half-pipe in California so you can train . Kevin : That 's so cool ! Can I invite my " Frends " ? N2 : Kevin 's friends are all snowboarders and Olympic hopefuls . They call themselves " The Frends Crew . " They spell it that way because there 's no " I " in " Frends . " Scene 3 N1 : Kevin goes to California to train on his new half-pipe . His friends Jack , Luke , Danny , and Scotty go with him . Kevin : Let 's try this thing out . N1 : The guys take turns on the half-pipe . N2 : Luke does two backflips . Luke : This half-pipe is sick ! Jack : Do n't hog it ! N1 : Jack pulls off a cab double cork - two twisting backflips with a spin . N2 : Next , Kevin lands two front flips - that 's called a double McTwist . N1 : A reporter walks up . Reporter : How did you guys get into snowboarding ? Jack : My brother Luke and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so our mom put us into this . N2 : The Frends crack up . Reporter : Only four American snowboarders can make it to the Olympics . Are you hurting your chances by practicing together ? Kevin : We 'll always support each other . And practicing together makes us better . Scene 4 N1 : It 's December 31 , 2009 . The Olympic trials have already started . One contest out of four has taken place . Kevin is training in Utah . Kevin ( to himself ) : Once I perfect my cab double cork , I 'll be ready to go for gold . N2 : Kevin tries the trick . He goes into it with a little too much power and lands the wrong way . N1 : The front edge of the board catches . Kevin 's head slams into the wall of the half-pipe . N2 : Kevin is knocked out . He is rushed to the hospital . Scene 5 N1 : In the hospital , Kevin is in a coma . He 's hooked up to a machine that helps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the room with his brothers Andrew and Adam . A news report plays on the TV . Reporter : An American snowboarder has suffered a brain injury after an accident . He is in critical condition . Mom : I ca n't listen to this . I 'm turning it off . N1 : Kevin 's dad comes in . Dad : The doctor says it 's too soon to tell how bad it is . They 're going to do brain surgery on him . Andrew : Kevin is a fighter . He can do anything . Dad : One thing is for sure . Wearing a helmet saved his life . Without it , he would have died . Scene 6 N2 : A week after the accident , Kevin wakes up from his coma . He has brain damage , which causes problems with his memory , eyesight , balance , and more . N1 : Over the next month , he has more brain surgery . Experts help him do special exercises . He must learn to do many things all over again-things like talking , walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Good news ! You 're doing so well that they 're moving you to a hospital in Colorado . You can work on your recovery there . Kevin : Great ! But , Mom ... is it weird that I do n't remember the accident ? Mom : I think that 's normal . Kevin : But I do n't remember anything after the accident either . It 's like the past month is missing from my mind . Mom : You injured your brain , Kevin . Give it time to heal . Scene 7 N2 : In Colorado , Adam and Andrew take Kevin to his new hospital room . The walls of the room are covered with " Get Well " cards . Kevin : What 's all this ? Andrew : These cards have come from all over the world - hundreds of them . N1 : Adam opens a laptop . Adam : And look - I started a Facebook page for you . Kevin ( reading ) : " Well Wishes to our Frend Kevin Pearce ... " Adam : You have 50,000 friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew : Adam , show him the other thing . N2 : Adam plays a news video on YouTube . Reporter : " I Ride for Kevin . " These stickers are pasted onto snowboards at ski areas across the country . It 's the riders ' way of supporting injured boarder Kevin Pearce . Kevin : People are really doing that ? That 's amazing ! Scene 8 N1 : It 's February 17 , 2010 . Kevin is in his hospital room with his parents . Dad : Are you sure you want to do this ? Kevin : I need to see it . N2 : The Olympics are on television . They watch the men 's half-pipe finals . Announcer : Shaun White has stomped the competition . His first run earned him a score of 46.8 . N1 : On the TV screen , Shaun starts his second run . Announcer : Unbelievable ! Shaun White just landed a double McTwist 1260 . That trick has never been landed in the Olympics before . Kevin : I can land that trick . N2 : Shaun wins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . I could have won a medal . Mom : I know . But the U.S. got two medals . Shaun won gold , and your friend Scotty won bronze . Kevin : I 'm happy for those guys , but I wanted to compete more than anything . Scene 9 N1 : Kevin still has to do exercises to get his strength and balance back . N2 : One day , lack visits . He 's holding a big bowl . Jack : I brought pesto pasta . Kevin : My favorite ! Thanks . The food here is terrible . Jack : The whole Frends Crew misses you , dude . Kevin : Me too . I ca n't wait to get back to Vermont so we can hang out . N1 : In May , Kevin gets some very good news . Mom : Your doctors say you 've made an amazing recovery . They 're letting you out of the hospital . Kevin : You mean . . . Mom : We 're going home ! Scene 10 N2 : Four months after the accident , Kevin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a party . Hundreds of people turn out to welcome Kevin home . N1 : Kevin 's brother David greets him . David : I was so worried about you . Kevin : You inspired me , David . I worked hard to get better so I could come home and see my favorite brother . Adam and Andrew ( at the same time ) : Hey ! I thought I was your favorite ! N2 : Kevin speaks to the crowd that has gathered . Kevin : It 's great to be home ! Epilogue N1 : Kevin may not have made it to the 2010 Olympics , but he is still a champion . He has proved that he never gives up on his goals , whether he 's riding a snowboard or learning to walk again . N2 : Today Kevin is still recovering . He gets better every day . He looks forward to getting back on a snowboard one day . -Tara Welty 
##4085462 GREEK MYTH An ancient story from Greece THESEUS IS BRAVE , BUT IS HE ANY MATCH FORTHE DREADED MINOTAUR ? A GREEK MYTH RETOLD BY BARBARA PITTS ART BY TONY FOTI * CHECK IT OUT AS YOU READ , LOOK FOR : A Heroic Character Theseus is a famous Greek hero . Such heroes were warriors of special strength , courage , or ability . Look for these traits in the story . CHARACTERS Circle the character you are going to play . * CHORUS MEMBERS 1 , 2 , 3 , ft 4 ( CMl , CM2 , CM3 , CMA ) : citizens of Athens ( Note : " All Chorus " means that CMl , 2 , 3 , and 4 speak in unison. ) * THESEUS THEE-see-us : 16-year-old son of King Aegeus AEGEUS ee-JEE-us : King of Athens YOUTHS 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , &; 5 : young people from Athens * ARIADNE iyr-ee-JU&gt;-nee : 16-year-old daughter of King Minos MINOS IMY-RUS : King of Crete MESSENGER * Indicates large speaking rote INTRODUCTION This play is similar to those performed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the action . The chorus also describes the violent scenes , because the Greeks believed that violence should happen offstage . That 's a big difference from the entertainment of today - but as you 'll see , these old stories can be just as exciting as modern blockbusters ! SCENE 1 THE STEPS OF KING AEGEUS 'S PALACEINATHENS CM1 : This is the city of Athens , a beautiful city on the sea . ALL CHORUS : Athens ! Best city in Greece ! CM2 : We are ruled by King Aegeus . He is a good ruler , but every nine years , he shudders with fear . CM3 : We all shudder with fear . You 'll find out why in a moment CM4 : Luckily , Aegeus has a son , Theseus , who is known for his bravery . CMl : Ah ! Here he comes now . THESEUS : Citizens , what is troubling you ? CM2 : It is time again for the sacrifices . THESEUS : What sacrifices ? CM3 : King Minos of Crete has a monster . They call it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it lives in the center of a huge , puzzling maze called the Labyrinth . ALL CHORUS : No one can escape the Labyrinth ! CM4 : Every nine years , we must sacrifice seven boys and seven girls to this monster , or evil King Minos will wage war against Athens . THESEUSi My father would never negotiate with a madman . CM1 : I would n't be so sure . SCENE 2 INSIDE THE PALACE OF KING AEGEUS THESEUS : Father , is it true ? Will you obey Minos and sacrifice Athenians ? AEGEUSi I have no choice . Minos has a huge army- he could kill us all ! THESEUSl Send me then . I will slay this monster . AEGEUS : No ! It is far too dangerous . THESEUSi I must go , Father ! Please , prepare a ship for me . CM2 : Though it causes him great sorrow , Aegeus orders a ship prepared for Theseus . CM3 : Its sails are black like death . THESEUS : Father , whenl return , I will raise white sails , so you will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the most important thing in the world to me , Theseus . IfI see black sails , I will die of grief . THESEUS : We 'll return with white sails , I promise . ALL CHORUS : Theseus , you are our only hope ! SCENE 3 ON BOARD THE SHIP , SAIUHG TOWARD THE ISLAND OF CRETE CM4 : The seven girls and six boys on board with Theseus are pale and quiet . THESEUS : My friends , do n't be afraid ! YOUTH 1 : 1 admire your attitude , but you do not know the horror you face . THESEUS : The Minotaur is only a bull . YOUTH 2 : It has razor-sharp horns . YOUTH 3 : It has torn apart many as strong as you . THESEUS ; I will try to persuade King Minos to stop this savage practice . YOUTH 4 : What if you ca n't ? THESEUS : Then I will kill the Minotaur , as I have killed many monsters in the past . YOUTH 5t Then what ? You 'll be caught in the Labyrinth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of those twisting paths . THESEUS : Hush , now . These thoughts are useless . SCENE 4 KING MINUS 'S PALACE IN CRETE CM1 : Guards march the 14 Athenian youths to meet King Minos and his daughter , Ariadne . ARIADNE : Father , why are these Athenians here ? MINOS : You are too young to remember , but we had Athenian guests nine years ago too . ARIADNE : Why ? MINOS : To feed them to my Minotaur , of course ! ARIADNE ( shocked ) i What ? You are going to feed human beings to that monster ? MINOS : It is not your concern . This is between me and the city of Athens . ARIADNE : Father , have pity on these poor young people ! Look how frightened they are . CM2 : He ignores her and inspects the youths . MINOS : What a nice , tender selection they 've sent this time . Nine years ago they were all runts . CM3 : Theseus steps forward . TNESEUS : J beg you to show mercy . If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MINOS : How dare you ! ARIADNEt Who are you ? Why are you so brave ? THESEUS : I am the son of King Aegeus . Please make your father stop this terrible crime . MINOS : Ariadne , go to your room ! Do not set eyes on this young man again . CM4 : She leaves and Minos yells to the group . MINOS : To prison with all of you ! The guards will come for you at dawn . It will be a treat to feed you to my Minotaur . SCENE 5 MIDNIGHT IN THE PRISON CM1 : That night , Theseus hears someone approach . THESEUS : Who is it ? ARIADNEt Shhhhh ! I snuck past the guards . The fools are sleeping . THESEUS : You disobeyed your father ! ARIADNEt Lower your voice . If anyone finds me here , I will be sent to the Minotaur too . THESEUSt Why are you taking this risk ? ARIADNEt I want to help end this terrible tradition . I have brought you a sword and a ball of string . THESEUS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will hold one end at the entrance to the maze . You will hold the other end as you walk through it . THESEUS : So after I kill the monster , I can follow the string to find my way out . ARIADNE : Yes , and then we will rescue the others ! SCENE 6 THE LABYRINTH CM2 : Ariadne holds one end of the string as Theseus disappears into the Labyrinth , unrolling the ball of string as he goes . ALL CHORUSi Courageous girl ! Honorable boy ! MM3 : As Theseus wanders through the maze , he hears a terrifying sound . ALL CHORUS : Roar ! CM4 : Theseus follows the sound . CM1 : Soon , a wall appears in his path . Theseus has hit a dead end . CM2 : Desperately , he tries another path through the Labryinth , CM3 : And another ! CM4 : And another ! CMl : Finally , he reaches the center of the maze . The hideous monster . . . CM2 : ... is sleeping . ALL CHORUSt Snort ! Growl ! Snore ! @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why are you here ? ARIADNEi I want to help you . I tied the string to the entrance so we can follow it out . THESEUS : Go back . ' It 's too dangerous ! CM4 : The Minotaur awakens . CM1 : The beast groans and roars and makes all kinds of horrifying , angry sounds . ALL CHORUS ( improvising horrible sounds ) : ROAR ! GRRRRRIARGH ! CM2 : It lowers its sharp horns toward Theseus , preparing to charge . Theseus holds out his sword . CM3 : The Minotaur charges , snapping Theseus 's sword in half . CM4 : The Minotaur backsfs up and charges again ! CM1 : Theseus does not move . Is our hero in shock ? CM2 : No ! Theseus dodges the beast at the last moment . CM3 : The Minotaur 's head slams into a wall . It falls to the ground , dazed . CM4 : One of its horns has cracked off . ARIADNE : Grab the horn , Theseus ! CM1 : Theseus grabs the horn and stabs the Minotaur . The beast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AND ARIAONEt Yes ! CM2 : Ariadne and Theseus follow the string out of the maze and free the others . Fearing her father 's anger , Ariadne leaves with the Athenians . SCENE 7 THE ISLAND OF NAXOS CM3 : Theseus and Ariadne stop on the island of Naxos to make some repairs . CM4 : Danger ! A ship approaches ! ARIADNE : It is one of my father 's . CM1 : A messenger comes ashore . CM2 : Quick , hide ! MESSENGER : I bear a message from Kong Minos . He promises peace if his daughter is returned . ARIADNE : Could this be true ? THESEUS : I do n't trust your father , Ariadne . MESSENGER : Minos is sick with regret . ARIADNE : Theseus , I must go back . THESEUS : The voyage will be a sad one without you to share the victory . ARIADNE : I have my own adventures to live through . Would you flee from your people ? I will return and be a brave , loving example for my people , just as you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courageous friend . ARIADNE : Goodbye ! SCENE 8 OUTSIDE THE PALACE IN ATHENS CM3 : As Theseus sails home , the youths sing songs of celebration . CM4 : But Theseus ca n't stop worrying about Ariadne . What would become of her ? CM1 : Theseus can not be cheered up . In his sorrow , he forgets to honor a promise . CM2 : King Aegeus sees the sails of Theseus 's boat approach . They . . . ALL CHORUS : ... are black ! CM3 : Aegeus believes his son has died . His old heart breaks . CM4 : Aegeus dies with tear-filled eyes , gazing out over the sea . CM1 : For a month , Theseus mourns . CM2 : Finally , he comes out of the palace . THESEUS : People of Athens , I pledge to protect and lead you . The memory of my father will inspire me to be a great king . ALL CHORUS : Hail , Theseus ! 