When I was "your" age...

Last week in class we read "The Three-Century Woman", which is about Megan going to visit her grandma, who is being interviewed for having lived in three centuries!

The story is full of humor and sarcasm as we are first given an image of old "grandma" through the eyes of Megan (as her and her mom is driving to the "institution") and then a complete contrast hits us when we are introduced to grandma all ready for her interview.

Throughout the story one main technique the author uses to create humor is through the use of metaphors; for example, he describes the old grandmas and grandpas as "inmates" (which literally means prisoners).

At the end of the story we find out that what the author is trying to say is that many times we have stereotypes that we place on people. For example, Megan thinks that her grandma is just old, unaware, has Alzheimers and can not remember things. But we actually find out that grandma is funny and smart as she tricks the reporter into thinking her stories are true.

In class we went through examples of various stereotypes that people have, and the students drew up an extensive list; however we learned that stereotypes can be subjective in that people think differently about, for example, certain races.

After reading the story we worked on supplementary materials in our reading practice book which clarified some of the vocabulary and main ideas in the story.

Jacky: Class vocabulary book was your responsibility and that means you have to ensure it's 1) done and 2) not lost!

Pon Pon: You're able to correctly connect the less obvious ideas in the story and answer the questions asked in class which is impressive.

Howard: I think it's great you will ask questions when you don't understand something; not being afraid to ask questions is one of the first steps to success.

Teddy: Well behaved in class but I would also like to hear more of your opinions in class too.

Valerie: Would like you to try speaking up more in class and participate in discussions

Anne: Sometimes you seem unsure of yourself but I'd like you to participate regardless and not be afraid of being right or wrong.

Betty: I sense you understand the materials in class or in our reading well, but don't be afraid to voice your opinions in class.