Making connections between what you read and your own life experiences is one important way to call upon and build background knowledge, or prior knowledge, about a topic. The journal prompts associated with each reading selection are designed to give you an opportunity to extend your experience with the topic of the article, and to think more about how it applies to your own life. You may use these prompts to get started, but the purpose of your journal is to write freely. If you find yourself going off in another direction than that indicated by the questions, that's fine. Any connections you can make with the reading topics will be valuable. Reading One: The Time Message How do you currently manage your time? How many activities and commitments do you fit into your life right now? Are you happy with your time management system, or would you like to make some changes? What would be the ideal schedule for you in order to make room for all of your priorities? Reading Two: Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years If you live to be over 100 years old, what year will it be when you turn 100? What do you think you will look back on with the most pride at that point? Who would you like to be spending your time with at the age of 100? Reading Three: The Joy Luck Club Do you have a group of friends that you meet with regularly? Do you have any traditions, rituals or regular activities that you enjoy doing together? Describe these, and discuss their importance to your group of friends. Alternatively, describe some fun traditions that you could consider implementing. Would this kind of club appeal to you? Why or why not? | 
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