The 3rd and 4th graders spent two weeks thinking about what it means to get old and how aging is treated in society. They pondered myths about old people, watched video excerpts of people reacting to ageist comments in the media, and learned about the potential benefits of the silver economy. They looked at images of the world in 1925 and newspaper projections of what it would be like in 2025. They read several picture books which examined stereotypes about aging as well as themes of loneliness and tradition, and the short novel The Hundred Penny Box by Sharon Bell Mathis which deals with longing for life before one’s golden years. To culminate the unit, students interviewed special guest, Mr. Mattson (Ms. Mattson’s dad) about what life was like when he was a kid. Mr. Mattson shared photos of his Italian neighborhood in New Haven, CT and his recipe for panzella (bread salad). We all learned a bit more about perspective and thought about what we’ll bring forward into the future.

Some excerpts  from the interview:

Did they have cereal when you were a kid? If so, what was your favorite one?  Yes, Wheaties.

When was the first time you worked on a computer? 1967. It was as big as a refrigerator.

Did you have a favorite sport? Did you play on a team? Yes, baseball in the summer and lots of basketball, even in the snow.

What is the biggest and most surprising change since you were a kid? Cell phones; I would have never imagined people would be able to walk around and talk on the telephone.