Wise Old Woman

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The story encourages readers to critically examine and question ________ that devalue the elderly, suggesting that true strength lies in recognizing the contributions of all generations and fostering intergenerational respect and collaboration.​

Placeholder

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societal norm

courage

​The Wise Old Woman

​Author: Retold by Yoshiko Uchida
Genre: Folktale

Open Ended

Before we read 'The Wise Old Woman,' think about the title and what it might mean. What do you think makes someone wise? How do you think the story will show the importance of an old woman’s wisdom? Can you predict what challenges she might face and how her wisdom could help her or others in the story?

​Introduction to the story

​Overview of the story

• A traditional Japanese folktale retold by Yoshiko Uchida.

• Focuses on the relationship between a son and his elderly mother.

• Explores themes of wisdom, respect for elders, and the value of community.

​Main Character of the Story

• The Wise Old Woman:

  • An elderly mother who possesses great wisdom.

  • Faces challenges due to her age but proves her worth.

• The Young Farmer (Son):

  • Struggles with the cultural tradition of abandoning the elderly.

  • Shows love and respect for his mother.

• The Lord:

  • Represents authority and the initial disregard for the elderly.

  • Undergoes a transformation through the story.

Multiple Choice

What does the relationship between the Young Farmer and his mother reveal about the theme of respect for elders in the story?

• The Young Farmer feels ashamed of his mother and wishes to abandon her.

• The Young Farmer values his mother's wisdom and chooses to protect her despite societal pressures.

• The Young Farmer believes that only the young can contribute to society.

• The Young Farmer believes that only the young can contribute to society.

Multiple Choice

What is the significance of the tasks set by the Lord for the Wise Old Woman, and how do they contribute to the story's message?

• They demonstrate the Lord's power and the futility of the elderly.

• They serve as a test of the Wise Old Woman's intelligence, highlighting the value of wisdom in overcoming challenges.

• They illustrate the Young Farmer's inability to protect his mother.

• They show that the elderly are a burden to society and should be abandoned.

Fill in the Blanks

The Wise Old Woman uses her

to solve the three impossible tasks set by the Lord, ultimately proving that age brings valuable knowledge and insight.

​Direction: Watch the video carefully and learn the moral of the story.

Drag and Drop

In 'The Wise Old Woman,' the narrative illustrates that ________, often gained through years of experience, is an invaluable asset that can lead to innovative solutions in times of crisis, challenging the notion that youth alone holds the key to progress.​

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​

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Wisdom

love and loyalty

Drag and Drop

The story encourages readers to critically examine and question ________ that devalue the elderly, suggesting that true strength lies in recognizing the contributions of all generations and fostering intergenerational respect and collaboration.​ ​

Placeholder

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

societal norm

courage

​Figure of speech used in the story

​Metaphor

• Example: "The village was a cage, trapping the wisdom of the old."

Simile

• Example: "Her wisdom was like a beacon, guiding her son through the darkness."

Personification

• Example: "The trees whispered secrets of the past."

Alliteration

• Example: "The wise woman wove words of wisdom."

Fill in the Blanks

In 'The Wise Old Woman,' the author personifies the trees by stating that they

.