Summary

The Fish-Trap – Ma and Pa decide Laura should attend school as she is almost eight years old, but Laura does not want to go. Ma explains that education is always important. Laura then helps Pa construct a fish trap to catch fish as they come over a small waterfall. While catching fish for dinner, Laura complains about having to go to school, but Pa reminds her she is lucky to be able to have the chance to attend. Each day, Pa catches enough fish for the family to eat.

School – The first day of school arrives. Ma sends Laura and Mary off with the schoolbooks she used when she was younger in case they are needed. They walk two and-a-half miles to town to go to school. They are worried about what town and school will be like. At school...