This week at Cottage Lane we are participating in the “Start with Hello” campaign. We are encouraging every student to make a difference with their peers. Whether it is a simple hello or a conversation, we are trying to foster an inclusive community.

Having conversations can be awkward, but Kid President shows us how it’s done! He too is on a mission to meet lots of awesome kids! #YearoftheKid Sometimes meeting new people can be scary. What if they’re too different and we don’t get along? What if things get really, really awkward? Well, Kid President says, embrace the AWKWARD! Check out his video below.

Share a message of positivity by leaving a comment on this blog.

A basic definition of mindfulness is being consciously aware of your thoughts and emotions. Being mindful has many important benefits. The Mood Meter, meditation, PACE, yoga and breathing exercises are some examples of mindfulness in our classroom. We loved having Coach O’Rourke in our classroom yesterday to help support our mindful journey. Reflect on the ways that we are mindful. What way(s) do you enjoy?
How does it help you?

We had a blast on The Circle Line field trip! We got to see and take selfies with many of the landmarks (Statue of Liberty, Freedom Tower, Empire State Building, United Nations Headquarters, etc) that we researched in class. Please share one interesting fact that you learned about any of the landmarks we saw on our trip.
More selfies to follow…

Welcome back to an exciting school year! This year’s character education is bursting with color.

September is scarlet red for COURAGE. Starting a new year with new teachers, new classmates and new expectations takes courage. Being brave, making sacrifices, facing fears, admitting mistakes are all ways to show courage.

At our assembly, we learned how ordinary people found the courage to do extraordinary things. Welles Crowther, The Man in the Red Bandanna, was one of many amazing people who were courageous on September 11, 2001.

We all might not be able to be as courageous as Welles, but we can practice small acts of courage. Remember Mrs. King’s warrior words, “I have the power and the courage to be a positive, proactive upstander.” Will you stand up for yourself, stand up for others, make a new friend, try out for a team, develop a skill, audition for a play, speak in front of an audience, ask for help, treat failures as opportunities to grow, etc.?

Post a comment to our class blog on how you will show courage this year.

Here is a little glimpse into Reading Workshop today. First our readers created two reading goals to begin the year. Then they created appropriate plans which will help them accomplish their goals.

Which reading goal are you motivated to accomplish? What is your plan?

“I have a growth mindset. I am in charge of how smart I am because I can grow my brain like a muscle by learning hard things. I can achieve anything with effort and right strategies. And even if I fail or make a mistake, it is a great thing, because I can learn from them and I get better” ~ Big Life Journal

As you begin a new school year, it is important to take time to reflect on yourself.
What would you like to improve about yourself?
What would you like to get better at?
What would you like to do more consistently?
What are you scared to do?

Think… Reflect… Set a Goal… Make a Plan…

Let’s get to it…

You survived your 1st Day of 5th Grade! Choose 1 word that BEST describes your
1st day as a 5th Grader at Cottage Lane!

As your teachers, we choose grateful.
We are grateful for such caring and respectful children.

Now get thinking…