Having returned from a short visit to the Ogden House, the fifth graders did a mindfulness activity not only to review what they had learned but also to pause, reflect and express gratitude for what they have compared to the hardships the colonial families in the 18 century suffered just to survive. Here is a thumbnail sketch of how this mindfulness activity was incorporated into the subject matter:

As you are enjoying the relaxing music in the background, I would like you to close your eyes and try to visualize the Ogden House. Through the magic of your social studies class you have travelled back in time. The year is 1750, and you are observing a typical day of a typical 18^th century colonial family in Fairfield… Look how hard everyone is working! Attending to 79 acres of farmland, raising sheep, baking bread, cooking food and making clothes are only a few examples of the chores the Ogdens have to do every single day. Try to imagine going through such hardship with no electricity or running water…. Why don’t we now open our eyes and share what we are grateful for…

This activity served as an introduction to a writing task requiring the fifth graders to write a letter to Jane and David Ogden thanking them for their hard work and mentioning why they should be admired.