QUOTATION

"Words are merely words, but real literature for any age is words chosen with skill and artistry to give the readers pleasure and to help them understand themselves and others."



Lukens, J. Rebecca



Theme

The relationship between children and the elderly.

To engage students in the classroom in meaningful dialogue about diversity using the medium of the classroom blog and personal interaction with multicultural text.
To encourage students to share their own cultural stories and "border cross" from one world to another.


Multicultural Children's Literature Selections

  • Valerie and the Silver Pear, Benjami Darling
  • Year of Impossible Goodbyes, Sook Nyul Choi
  • The Patchwork Quilt, Valerie Flournoy
  • Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs, Tomie dePaola
  • Grandpa's Town, Takkaaki Nomura
  • Annie and the Old One, Miska Miles
Learn
tolerance, empathy, acceptance, understanding of and respect for cultural differences

Become
a culturally responsive student

Read
multicultural literature







Monday, October 31, 2011

Post #2 Reflections/Comments

Students are required to spend some time reading and reflectiong on peer's comments to the role elderly play in their lives. Please comment one at least two peer's comments on POST #1. Please begin your comments/reflections with, " My response to Post #1 written by (name of student) is..." and " My response to Post #1 written by (name of student) is..."

36 comments:

  1. My response to Post #1 written by Michael Yousif is:

    Every parent tries to push their child further to strive their best in school. And yes, my parents do the same for me as your parents have. Good response

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  2. My response to Post #1 written by Mario Zuliani is:

    Aw, that is so nice. I like your last sentence, "I see her every day and now it is my turn to take care of her." I bet she appreciates what you do for her, and that you're there for her.
    I'm sorry to hear that your parents divorced, but I guess your grandmother led you toward the light. Good response.

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  3. My response to Post #1 written by Mario Zuliani is:

    It seems that you and your grandmother have a close bond and one that would take a lot, if anything to be broken. It is wonderful that you are taking care of her now, returning the favor so to speak.
    Just try to work with placing commas in certain areas in a sentence and not let a complete run-on sentence occur.

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  4. My response to Post #1 written by Sebastien Walenciej is:

    Your grandfather has surely impacted your life tremendously. He has positively impacted you and helped make you first school day and year mush easier on you. He helped you when you needed help.
    Try to improve on run-on sentences and try to make smaller sentences instead of bigger sentences.

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  5. My response to Post #1 written by Sebastian Walenciej is:

    Your grandfather has surely impacted your life tremendously. He has positively impacted you and helped make you first school day and year mush easier on you. He helped you when you needed help.
    Try to improve on run-on sentences and try to make smaller sentences instead of bigger sentences.

    I can relate this to my grandfather, as he has helped raise me into who I am today. In my culture, a family is very close together and grand-parents are like my second parents.

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  6. My response to Post #1 written by Mario Zuliani is:

    It seems that you and your grandmother have a close bond and one that would take a lot, if anything to be broken. It is wonderful that you are taking care of her now, returning the favor so to speak.
    Just try to work with placing commas in certain areas in a sentence and to not let a complete run-on sentence occur.

    In my culture, grand-parents are like one's second parents and my grandmother and I are close. I too have uncondictional love for her.

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  7. My response to Post #1 written by Anna Sinopoli is:

    It's good that your grandparents are teaching how to be with God. My grandparents do the same with me. They care for you and want the best.

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  8. My response to Post #1 written by Emily is:

    It's nice to see that you look up to your brother so much. Having an older sibling is nice because the teach you what is right. They guide you the right way because they been through it all and know what is best.

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  9. My response to post #1 written by Michael Yousif is:

    It seems that your grandparents had a huge impact on your life. They kept their culture alive by teaching you what they learned in their home country. I think that you are lucky to have grandparents that care for you so much.

    My grandparents did the same thing when they came to Canada. They were from Italy can thought that it would be a good idea to begin a new life. When I was born they taught me all of the traditions I know today.

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  10. My response to post #1 by Sebastian Walenciej is:

    Your grandfather seems like a wise and compassionate man. He taught you that no matter how difficult a situation may look, you will always have someone that will help you. Your grandfather was right when he said, “your parents aren’t always going to be there for you.” He is right, we are getting to an age where we want to be more independent and do not want anyone to tell us what we should or should not do. Excellent Response!

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  11. My response to post #1 by Andrew Citta

    I wish I could say the same. I have always wanted an older brother or sister and what you have would be exactly what i want. You should be very happy to have older siblings to help you out in life.

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  12. My response to post #1 by Elisa Loschiavo

    I am too pretty close with my grandfather. I couldn't even imagine what it would feel like to go through a situation like yours. Your story inspires me to really just appreciate what you have in life because everything could disappear at anytime. Life is short all you have time for is to just appreciate every little thing.

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  13. My response to Post #1 written by Francesca Lanza

    Francesca I can relate to your comment because I too have a hard working mother like you that always put me and my brother first. She also has taught me life lessons and I know that she is my rock. Your story made me smile because right away I thought of my own mother. Still continue to be as close as you are because there is nothing better in this world than having that tight bond with not only your mother but your best friend also. Great post!

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  14. My response to Post #1 written by Sonia Petrozza

    Sonia that is wonderful to hear that your grandfather is that age and is still healthy. This post has touched me because I am also close with my grandfather, although he is not as old as yours but he has impacted me greatly just like your grandfather. Continue to spend as much time as you can with him because what he taught you will stay with you for the rest of your life. He wants you to grow and for you to pass on the message he told you, just like my grandfather. Touching story !

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  15. My response to post #1 written by: Teodora Tockovska
    Teodora its great to hear how close you are with your grandparents and how you can just pick up the phone and call them whenever you need them.Many people cannot do that. I have the same relationship with my grandparents who are like second parents to me. I consider us both very lucky to have our grandparents care so much and be as involved in our lives as much as they are.

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  16. Response to post #1 written by: Frances Gasbarro
    Frances your story really touched my heart. I’m so sorry to hear that! My grandma has cancer too so I know exactly how you feel. You’re a very strong person to have gone through so much yet have the courage to smile every day. Meanwhile there are people that have little problems and complain like there is no tomorrow. None of us really realize how important the elderly are in our life. We just get caught up in our own lives. Once their gone is when you truly start to think about it, but I know never to take advantage of my grandparents, they’re too valuable to let them slip out of our grasp. Overall Great post!

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  17. Response to post #1 written by Mario Zuliani
    That was nice of your grandmother to take care of you and give you comfort. My grandfather was there for me when I was unsure of stuff and worried. I know how you feel when one of your loved ones is gone from your life, both my mom and dad went away for a few week and those weeks felt like months. I am proud of you and of your grandmother.

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  18. Response to post #1 by Michael Yousif
    My parents tell me the same and they are right. They have lived through their childhood already so they know what’s best for us. That’s why you should keep on listening to your parents. I also know how it feels to have a different culture in my life. Good job.

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  19. Response to post #1 by Connie Nanfara
    I completely agree with you Connie my parents play a rather large role in my life and have influenced me to be the best possible person that I can be. I can totally relate to you when you say that your grandmother is like a second mother to you, because that was how I looked at my grandmother to. Overall I enjoyed reading what your opinion was on the topic and your comment was well written.

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  20. My response to post #1 written by Elisa Loschiavo

    I agree with your last sentence, “Now that I see him like this I always think of what he taught me and to appreciate everything in life because you never know what could happen next”. We sometimes forget about being thankful for the people that surround us and take them for granted. Continue to appreciate and be thankful for your grandfather.

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  21. Response to post #1 Alyssia Pascuzzi
    My grandparents influenced me to and taught me the same things.My grandfather still does look out for my best interests in life, he also makes sure to make me live life to the fullest each day along with my parents. Overall well written and good job.

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  22. Response to post #1 written by Mario Zuliani

    Your grandmother sounds like a very inspirational woman. I'm sorry to hear about your parents' divorce, but I'm sure your grandmother was there to help you through that tough time every step of the way. I have similar individuals who would do the same for me so I know just how you feel. I am very proud that you did not get down on yourself and that you kept living your life. Way to go !

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  23. Response to post #1 written by Anthony Laurenza

    Sounds like your parents raised you to their full potential and I'm glad you admire them for that. It reminds me of my parents and the way they put my needs before theirs as well. From your post it seems like they set a great example for you and your sister to live up to. I'm also pleased to hear that your grandparents stepped in for your parents whenever they were gone. Both of these elderly influences had positive effect on your life and I'm sure they want you to do the same for your children when your older!

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  24. Response to post #1 written by Mario Zuliani

    Your grandmother is a great human being from what you said. She sounds like a type of person that would always be there for you. You should be very grateful. Your paragraph was well written and it was well though out.

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  25. Response to post #1 written by Michael Yousif

    Your paragraph was well written and planned out perfectly. Your parents seem like incredible role models and your should be grateful for it. My parents are the same and always want me to do my best in whatever I do. Great response Michael.

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  26. My response to post #1 written by Anna Sinopoli

    Anna I can relate to your post because my grandparents have also had a big influence on me. It seems as if your grandparents have helped and taught you the importance of religion, which is always a good thing. They have also showed you the other important things in life that you may not always pay attention to like having that closer relationship with god and being a happier person.

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  27. My response to Post #1 written by Anna Sinopoli

    Grandparents are always trying to be religious. They set good examples for their grandchildren. They want their grandchildren to do the same when they become grandparents. Holy Water is great to help you remember that God will always be with you through the bad and good times.

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  28. My response to Post #1 written by sonia petrozza

    You are very blessed to have a Nonno that is 100 years old and still healthy. I’m sure he taught you a lot. It is good that you are close to him, he can tell you stories from when he was a kid, and you can probably relate to those stories.

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  29. Response to post # 1 written by: Francesca Lanza
    I think that is really nice how you have such a great relationship with your mom. Some people don’t have this connection with their parents. It’s nice to hear how she is such a great role model for you. I only wish that I had a relationship with my like this.

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  30. Response to post # 1 written by: Mario Zuliani

    Mario your post was really touching! I’m sorry to hear about your parents being divorced it must have been really tough. Also I’m glad to hear that your mom is feeling good again. I think it’s really nice that you take care of your grandmother which shows how much she means to you. When my grandmother wasn’t well I also took care of her so I know how hard it may be.

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  31. Response to post #1 written by: Michael Yousif

    Michael your story I am sure most people can connect with, a lot of parents push their children to do well in school and bring their culture to their children.

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  32. Response to post #1 written by: Mario Zuliani

    Mario I sorry about your parent divorce I have never been through that so I can not say anything about that, however when I was little my grandmother would take care of me time and time again when I was sick or my parents were sick, and it is so nice that you take care of your grandmother now.

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  33. Very interesting comments and reflections. It's obvious the theme of the elderly and children transend cultural barriers. Connie wrote, "Once they're gone is when you truly start to think about it, but I know never to take advantage of my grandparents, they’re too valuable to let them slip out of our grasp." Wow! What a great word to describe our elders: "valuable". We'll learn more about this when we read our next multicultural children's selection "Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs". Loss is always something very challenging deal with.
    I thing that Anna's comment is a great comment to conclude our discussion about elders, "We sometimes forget about being thankful for the people that surround us and take them for granted. Continue to appreciate and be thankful for your grandfather."

    Bravo everyone!

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  34. My response to Post #1 written by Emily Rodriguez is very relatable to me. Were lucky to have older siblings that can help us through our life because they have been through it all. I liked that you said you can learn from his mistakes because I do the same with my brother and sister. They tell me everything that they regret doing and I can learn from them. This is relatable to me because when my parents can’t help me, I also go to my brother for my school work. We never really understand how much our siblings mean to us. We usually take them for granted and I think it’s amazing that we finally took the time to realize and recognize how much they really mean to us.

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  35. My response to Post #1 written by Anna Sinopoli is:

    Im so sorry for your loss! Our memories of our grandparents are something we will cherish for the rest of our lives. The stories they tell us will eventually be passed along to our children and hopefully their children. Following your dreams is the most important because you wouldn’t want to do something that isn’t what you planned to do your whole life. I feel that our grandparents are a blessing from God and he specifically placed them on this earth for us to learn from them.

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  36. My response to Post #1 written by teodora tockovska
    It is so cool that you were born in Europe and that you have two different cultures in your life. Good response

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