Sky High Questions

1.     What journey is the protagonist on in the text? Could it be more than one? Explain why you think so.

It relates to two types of journey, physical and mental. The physical journey of the process moving out of home, being able to make your own decisions and to depend on yourself. The mental journey being the movement forward in life and all good things must soon come to an end.

2.     What are some values, attitudes or beliefs being shown in the story?

The value of childhood; how it helps to shape your personality and beliefs in yourself and others. The attitude towards the clothesline and how it represents how fast our life can change.

3.     By the end of the story the protagonist comes to realisation, what do think this is?

The realisation that all things come to an end and everything in life can make you want to stay a little longer. She also realises that her childhood was full of great memories, ones that cannot be repeated or changed. 

The Frog Umbrella

Living in a small country town, I was unable to interact with many children of my own age. I had one best friend, my imagination. We had great times. Jumping from couch to couch avoiding the “lava”, crushing the shells of snails to rid them of their imperfections and most importantly, playing dress up with the new puppy to go to the “shows”.

I remember my favourite prop, the green frog umbrella. I used it wherever I went, to the mall, to America and even down the Red Carpet. I would ride my trusty steed, my dog, and be the proudest with my umbrella.

When it rained in the town, it rained for a short period, but very heavily. I would run into my room, grab my favourite boots and, of course, the umbrella. Running through the house, I would open up the umbrella as soon as my feet hit the outside stairs and jump up and down in the rain. Singing and dancing around, not having a care in the world for what others thought of me.

Growing up with the umbrella, I was able to transport myself into any place or time I wanted. I never cared about what others thought of me because the most important person in my life was my umbrella and my imagination. 

Cultural Assumption

There are many cultural assumptions that come with the Australian life. Most of the population lives near the water, in the article; it is assumed Australians go surfing when we have the chance. This is contradicted by a different voice talking about “the crimes of poverty – theft, drugs, alcohol, domestic violence and assault.” The effectiveness of the cultural assumption is strong in the article. 

The Australia Day to Remember

The Australia Day to Remember

Any day to put down in your calendar is one to be remembered. Australia Day is turning into a day to dread. Australia Day is a day to celebrate Australia, but many young students believe it is a day to abuse this. Most Australians have plenty to be thankful for, not having to worry about crimes of poverty. The violence, abuse and crime rates rise higher and higher each year against those who are not considered “true” Australians.

Image Address: http://www.abc.net.au/news/linkableblob/3797536/data/flag-burns-as-protesters-march-on-parliament-house-data.jpg

Puff Box: The violence, abuse and crime rates rise higher and higher each year

Neighbours edited

Can you identify clearly what the response says about your neighbourhood? Write a sentence summarizing this.

The neighbours are positively represented and are clearly willing to help each other in time of needs. - Sevanna Zhang

There were always many people I could trust and talk to in my suburban area. At present, about five families were gathered at my house. The adults were sitting next to the bar, where I was making lunch. My two children and the rest of the neighbors’ kids, eleven in total.

I was busy in the kitchen, keeping all the women company who wished to talk about the latest fashion. The men were outside talking over beers about the latest footy match. I wasn’t paying attention to what the ladies were saying, until I heard about my kids being the elite two attending private schools.

“I just want my kids to have the best education possible,” I told the other mums, “it isn’t turning them into stuck up or spoilt, they want to study and I am happy to pay for their schooling.”

“I know that you are a great mum, but I know and everybody knows, that you are pushed for money,” said my neighbour, Mrs Sheppard. The other mothers nodded in agreement.

“You’re going to end up in the hospital with a heart attack if you keep stressing yourself out. We all know you will do what is right for your children, but you need to do what is best for your health.”

I dismissed these interests for my health. Little did I know, within the next week I would be in hospital. I didn't. My neighbours did and so did my children. I ended up in hospital for a couple of weeks, and was visited by all five families from my neighbourhood.

When I was finally released from hospital, I was ready to get back to work, to feed my kids and be ready to pay for the new school’s year. When I went to pay, the accountant didn't know what to say. There was no money owed!

I went home, having not dropped by first, and my neighbours were all there holding a paid cheque for my children to go to school, to be transported to and from school. There was also money left over for me to go shopping and not have to worry about working for a few months.

Living in suburban areas has advantages. People are close enough to lend each other a hand when times get tough.