About the author: Isaac Asimov
Who was Isaac Asimov? Click on the picture below to find out more about this incredible author.
Before you read:
This story was written in 1951, many years before computers became common teaching instruments in schools and at home. As you read, think about how the writer feels about these “mechanical teachers.” Have any of his predictions come true? How do you predict computers will be used in classrooms by the year 2155?
The Story:
Listen to Caden Vaughn Clegg reading 'The Fun They Had' HERE.
After you read:
Please PRINT or COPY exercises a, b and c to your ring-binders.
a. Answer these questions in a few words or a couple of sentences each.
1. How old are Margie and Tommy?
2. What did Margie write in her diary?
3. Had Margie ever seen a book before?
4. What things about the book did she find strange?
5. What do you think a telebook is?
6. Where was Margie’s school? Did she have any classmates?
7. What subjects did Margie and Tommy learn?
b. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (about 30 words).
1. What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have?
2. Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector?
3. What did he do?
4. What had once happened to Tommy’s teacher?
7. Did Margie have regular days and hours for school? If so, why?
7. How does Tommy describe the old kind of school?
8. How does he describe the old kind of teachers?
c. Answer each of these questions in one or two paragraphs (50 - 100 words).
1. What are the main features of the mechanical teachers and the schoolrooms that Margie and Tommy have in the story?
2. Why did Margie hate school? Why did she think the old kind of school must have been fun?
d. Opinion - Class discussion:
What do you most like about school? What would you change about it if you could?
How do you feel about a system of education where students learn only by computer? What do you think the advantages and disadvantages of such a system would be for students?
e. CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE!!!
Choose ONE of the following assignments. You should hand it in before April 7th.
- Create a Time Capsule. The characters in “The Fun They Had” are curious about what school is like for kids today. In small groups (2 or 3 students), write descriptions that present accurate pictures of a day in the life of your classroom for a time capsule designed to be opened in 150 years. Suggest materials for the time capsule, such as books, homework assignments, or photos of your teacher and classmates.
- Write a letter to the author. (100 -150 words). Write a letter to Isaac Asimov, expressing your views on the short story. Explain your feelings towards the main character and provide your opinion about the central theme of the story.
