I. Pre-reading discussions:

1. Becoming old

When do people attain old age?

What changes would occur to the elderly?

Why do the aged like to talk about their past lives?

What are your thoughts on age and aging?

Typically, the beginnings of change in the five senses are as follows:

Hearing—the mid 40’s

Vision—the mid 50’s

Touch—the mid 50’s

Taste—the late 50’s

Smell—the mid 70’s

2. Generation gap

Generation gap refers to the difference in ideas, feelings and interests between older and younger people, which often causes misunderstanding. In the U.S.A, "Never trust anyone over thirty" had even been a very common belief among young people.

Every generation has its own youth culture, which contributes to the generation gap. Match the following items.

In U.S.A

the 50s           rock and roll ，Beatniks  

the 60s           drugs and free love， counterculture

the 70s&80s       punks

the 90s           Hip-hop

How to bridge it? mutual understanding  love  …

3. The Image of the Mother

4 Years of Age—

My Mommy can do anything!

8 Years of Age—

My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 Years of Age—

My Mother doesn’t really know quite everything.

14 Years of Age—

Naturally, Mother doesn’t know that, either.

16 Years of Age—

Mother? She’s hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 Years of Age—

That old woman? She’s way out of date!

25 Years of Age—

Well, she might know a little bit about it.

35 Years of Age—

Before we decide, let’s get Mom’s opinion.

45 Years of Age—

Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 Years of Age—

Wish I could talk it over with Mom!

4. What is your story?

Tell us a story about your parents that touches your heart and is rooted deeply in your memory.