Prince Rupert
by George Moody

When I was about five years old I was put in a boarding school for a short time. I can still remember this time. We each had a tiny, tiny shelf to keep our things in one place. I thought someone would take mine. We were put to bed so early I often wet the bed, for which I was spanked. I hated to take a bath; we were all put together in huge tubs where everyone could see. I was so embarrassed. The school was on an island; one night my mother came out in a boat and stole me away. What a grand night that was!

Background Information

Talk about boarding school. Discuss the effects of taking children away from their parents without their permission. Talk about the problems with these boarding schools and why they were started in the first place.

Questions

1. How old was George when he was put into school?

2. Why did he wet the bed?

3. Did George enjoy boarding school?

4. What is the long form of the word tub?

5. Why do you think George had to go to this school?

6. Use the word island in a sentence.

7. Who came and rescued George?

8. Why did his mother have to steal him from the school?

9. Was George happy that his mother came and got him?