Mrs. Tan’s Class: Our Goals and Memories
 

A little pixie dust and the idea of living forever can lure any reluctant reader into the world of books. And once children enter the world of flying carpets and fairy godmothers, they will keep reading for more. Fantasy books open up the child’s mind to limitless possibilities and different interpretations. Like any good book, fantasy books can give children a chance to be something they're not. For a few hours they can be a wizard, a dragon slaying knight, an enchanted princess or a talking mouse. They can escape from the everyday pressures like homework, parents and teachers and become someone important. They can visit a world where ten-year-olds can make a difference. These adventures may even inspire them to be brave and heroic in their own lives.

We culminated our Fantasy Unit with a party to help celebrate our hard work on our fantasy literature circles. Students learned how to explore the genre of fantasy through studying novels. Using a selection of novels at a variety of reading levels within the genre of fantasy, students developed their independent comprehension skills, writing skills, and skills of inquiry, communication, and design. As students journeyed through their books, they started to appreciate how authors can help them to escape reality into the adventures of the different characters.

Our class has had an exciting year. As we prepare for the end of the year, we look back at all the wonderful learning opportunities we had. We reflect on what our expectations and goals were back in September. No matter what the goals were, each and every student on our team has achieved his/her goals and has made us all proud. Some students wanted to share with you their “Goals for the Middle School” and “Memories from Cottage Lane”.

Goals for the Middle School

Sophia B.: “My goals are to become a better writer and improve in math. I also hope to make new friends and to keep my old ones. I want to be myself and not to be like everyone else.”

Abbie K.: “ What do I wanna accomplish? Well, I want to be fluent in French basics, and in playing saxophone. It would be fun to be in the drama club or on the volleyball team. “

Brianna G.: “My goals are to make new friends but keep the old ones, to join clubs and after school programs.”

Lisa C.: My goals are to get good grades, study more and have a great time!”

Nikki N.: “A few of my goals are to get good grades, become a better student, come on time, and not get lost.”

Chris M.: “The most important goals that I have are that all my test scores be in the 90’s, to get neater and more creative with my projects. Last, I want to make more friends.”

Tommy B.: “I want to make the basketball and lacrosse team and hopefully my friends will make it also. I also hope to get into advanced math.”
 

Victoria P.: “My goals are to get better grades on my tests, have a whole group of friends, a nice teacher and to have a good year.”

Cottage Lane Memories

Lucy P.: “The best memory of Cottage Lane was on the first day of school when I didn’t know anyone and had poison ivy on my face. I liked this moment because I got to eat off a clean plate, in a new school. As the year went by, I gradually found my place, my friends and the important lessons I’d need for the rest of my life.”
 

Anthony T.: “ I will miss Cottage Lane because of the DARE program, my teacher and my friends I might not see next year.”

Caroline K.: “Something I don’t want lose when I am at the middle school is all the memories from Cottage Lane. If you let go of your past too quickly, you can’t enjoy it!! Hold on to your memories!!”
 

Stephanie C.: “What I like most about Cottage Lane is a no-brainer. It was definitely switching classes. I feel it prepared me for the middle school and was lots of fun. I will never forget all the fun I had at Cottage Lane.”

Maggie M.: “I learned many things at my years at Cottage Lane, but the most important thing I have learned is how to be a good friend. You have to be truthful, fair and just be fun to hang out with.”

Brian W.: “My first lesson I learned is to be nice to people even if they are not your best friend. Everyone is different and people can be very fragile. Don’t be mad all the time and look at the bright side of things. It is important not to bring other people down.”
 

Anjali V.: “In fourth grade, when did you hear not to bully? I heard it at our bully meetings at Cottage Lane. I learned that if you bully, you’ll lose your friends and I want my friends to be friends with me, so why bully?”
 

Jack K.: “Cottage Lane is about being happy and making new friends. I will miss playing kickball and my teacher Mrs. Tan.”

Finola R.: “One thing I learned is that you have to work together as a group to get things done quicker and better.”

No matter what your memories at Cottage Lane were or goals you have for the middle school, Tommy B. wrote it best “If I put my mind to something, I can accomplish it!” This is the most important lesson we hope all of our students will or have learned. Thank you for all of your support and we hope you have a fantastic summer!

Mrs. Tan and Mrs. Young