How old R U?

     I recently started a new ESL (English as a Second Language) class for 6-year-olds. Naturally they are as cute as Halloween pumpkins. Anyway, one of the earliest lessons, after “What's your name?” and “How are you?” is “How old are you?”

HYAKU GO JU

       One of the characters in the textbook, Simon, is six years old, the same age as the smarties in the class. With no dust settling on them they announced: “I'm six years old, too.” Of course, pat on the head, praise, praise: “Yes, that's right, you are six years old, just like Simon.”

       Then one of the little cherubs, looks me straight in the eye and asks: “How old are you?” Looking straight back I invited him to guess. Still struggling with numbers higher than he can count on his fingers in English, he artlessly announces, in Japanese “HYAKU GO JU”.

       I L-edOL and, staying in character, looking theatrically shocked, exclaimed: “A HUNDRED AND FIFTY?”

OMG . . .