9 Chapter 9- Getting to Know Mrs. Henry

After the winter break, Ruby and her teacher, Mrs. Henry, found a good routine. At first, Ruby felt strange because she was the only student in her class at the Frantz School. But soon, she saw it as a unique opportunity. Mrs. Henry was not just a teacher to Ruby; she was like a best friend. They did everything together, like reading, solving word puzzles, and learning spelling and math. They even sang songs and played games inside because Ruby couldn’t play outside.

Sometimes, Mrs. Henry got special permission for them to walk in the schoolyard. Ruby felt it was odd being outside without other children and noticed men, who she later found out were detectives, watching from a distance.

Ruby spent so much time with Mrs. Henry that she began to talk like her. Mrs. Henry came from Boston, Massachusetts, and didn’t speak with a Southern accent. She had a Boston accent. Ruby didn’t understand why she started to sound different from her family, but she liked the way Mrs. Henry spoke.

Over the year, Mrs. Henry’s kindness and polite ways deeply influenced Ruby. She learned to behave and speak like her teacher. Ruby grew to love Mrs. Henry very much, and they became very close.

Watch the video about how Mrs. Henry and Ruby Bridges reunited after 35 years and then answer the questions.

Listen to the different accents around the US and then answer the questions.