IT'S OKAY TO BE A 5th GRADER!
It's Okay to Love to Read
by Danielle
It's okay to love to read. Everyone thinks that reading is for dork or weirdos. They call you names like Brianiacand Nerd. Also, they think you have nothing else to do.
I love reading because it is like there's a movie playing in your head. Also, to me reading is relaxing and peaceful. Sometimes books are made into movies, I compare them and see if the book or the movie was better. Additonally,when there is a gloomy day, that's the time to read.
In summary, It's okay to love reading because it is something that you like to do or think that is interesting. However I don't care what other people think about me loving to read.That's why I think it's okay to love reading.

It's Okay to Do Yoga
by Sarah O.
It’s okay to do yoga. I think it is definitely ok, for kids my age to do yoga, without other kids thinking it is “weird” or “not cool”. Kids get made fun of because most of the other kids think all you do in yoga is sit with your legs crossed saying “ohmmm…” They think yoga is “easy”.
Well first of all, yoga is much more than sitting with your legs crossed saying “ohmmm”. I think it is ok to do yoga, because it is fun and some kids would enjoy it. Also, yoga is great for your body and a good workout. Some of my favorite stretches are the downward dog and dead mans pose.
People who do yoga, may live healthier longer lives. To sum it up, that is why I think it is ok for kids my age to do yoga.

It’s Okay to Dance Randomly
by Kellie
It’s okay to dance randomly. But not everyone agrees, some kids say I’m sugar loaded. Others call me weird and a lot of people laugh at me. But I don’t worry about them.
Dancing randomly is a lot of fun. I laugh a lot when I dance and it really entertains me. Gabi and I dance a lot together, and you never know when we will start dancing. Unfortunately, our dancing is not the best.
In summary, it’s okay to dance randomly. I don’t worry about what others think. I do what I think is okay, and what no one else thinks. It’s okay to dance randomly.
It’s Okay to be Short
by Dylan
It’s okay to be short. You’re always made fun of and picked last in games when you are short. But you have nothing to be ashamed of. Eventually I’ll grow, and catch up to everyone. There’s nothing to be upset about, it’s okay to be short.
Actually short people are faster and stealthier than most tall people also when people see a short person they think we run track! It’s a pleasure to be short.
It’s amazing to be short! I am proud and I will probably grow later. God made me this way and I’m fine with it. It’s okay to be short.
It's Okay to be the Biggest Reader in your Class.
by Sarah P.
It’s okay to be the biggest reader in your class. A person may be teased about it because others might think reading a lot makes you a nerd. Others might think they are weird or different. They may be called “a bookworm.”
I think its okay to be the biggest reader in your class because first, it opens up your imagination and lets you read fantasy that would never happen on Earth. Second, you find connections between the story in the book and your life. Third, it lets you think of new ideas that you wouldn’t have thought of if you didn’t read it in a book. Finally, reading books can only make you smarter.
Reading books never hurt anyone and it gives you something to do. I think it’s okay to be the biggest reader in your class. Just look at me, I’m okay.
It's Okay to be Afraid of the Dark.
By: Chelsea
It's ok to be afraid of the dark. I was always made fun of for being afraid of the dark. Kids would always scare me or make fun of me because they knew I feared darkness. I was called names like scaredy cat and baby. It's ok to be scared of the dark, almost everyone has something they are afraid of. In the fifth grade our class went to Camp Caritas for four nights. One night I decided to face my fear of the dark . Our group was going on a night hike and I made it my personal challenge to conquer my fear on that hike. As I was walking I sucked it up and thought about things I like and actually found the dark peaceful. After the night hike I loved the dark. I still believe it's okay to be scared sometimes in your life but it is better to face your fears then to hide from them. I'm happier now that I'm not afraid of the dark. It's ok to be afraid of the dark!
It’s Okay to Have Braces
Antonio
It’s okay to have braces .when you get them off your teeth will be straight. I don’t get why people say that braces look geeky ,because I don’t think they do. Some of the names I get called are metal mouth ,train tracks and shiny mouth. But I bet if the people that are making fun of me want braces because their teeth are not straight I don’t care what people call me, because my teeth are going to be straighter than theirs. That’s why I think it’s okay to have braces.

It's Okay to Be Tall
by Gabriel
It’s OK to be tall, you can’t help if you’re tall, and people will make fun of you just because you’re tall. Also, because that is something they can make fun of you for. I say you try to make yourself look taller! I think being tall is a great quality to have; I’m 5’5 and I just turned 12.
Some people will make fun of you in the long run and that just means that they are uncomfortable with themselves. You should like yourself the way God made you, and not the way others think you should look. It’s OK to be tall because you can reach things that short people can’t reach. It really doesn’t matter how tall you are because you are just as good at the limbo as the next guy.
I think it is perfectly fine to be tall. No matter how others put you down.

It's Okay to be Ticklish
by Olivia
It's okay to be ticklish. I am very ticklish and sometimes I even pee and people might make fun of me. Because of it there are some things people might say. For example, people would call me peepee girl or pottypants and peepee pants. Every time I do pee, it’s when I am tickled and I tell them to stop, but they don’t listen, and I laugh so much that I pee. It is also not fair for people who have the same problem as me.
It’s okay to be ticklish, because it’s not your fault, you can’t handle it. People might laugh at other people with this problem. You are being made fun of. Just pretend it doesn’t bother you and eventually that person will get bored and stop. Trust me, it works every time. It is very much okay to be ticklish.
In summary, it is okay to be ticklish and not be embarassed about it, because now people know why it's okay to be ticklish. So don't be embarassed or afraid of being ticklish.
It's Okay to have Freckles
By Meghan
"Hey Freckle face!" Yes, that's what some people call me. It hurts my feelings sometimes, but I don't really care. If they want to make fun of me, that's their problem. It is okay to have freckles.
It's okay to have freckles, because it's part of who you are. And a face without freckles is like the sky without the stars. Freckles are angel kisses. They come from up above. And if you have freckles, your life is filled with God's love.
It is definitely okay to have freckles. Everyone comes in different shapes and sizes. God made you this way for a reason. He wanted to make you this way. So if you have freckles, celebrate who you are. In conclusion, it is okay to have freckles.

It’s Okay to Eat Weird Foods
By Sofi
It’s okay to eat weird foods. My family {mostly my brother} are always asking me why I eat things like, chili powder with ice and hot sauce with popcorn. The reason is because they taste good! But the thing I hate the most is my family teasing me! One thing I learned though is that it doesn’t matter what people say it shouldn’t put you down. Sometimes I think something is weird and now I know exactly how it feels. In conclusion it is okay to eat weird foods no matter what people say. Other people’s opinion shouldn’t affect you. Just do what you do best, be you!
It’s Okay to be a Tomboy
by: Courtney
It’s okay to be a tomboy. If you want to be a tomboy, you should know about the advantages and the disadvantages. First, some of the boys are always arguing or fighting, which can get annoying. Second, there are people who will think it’s wrong or weird to play with boys. You also miss some of your friends, who don’t really play with boys at recess.
So now that you know the disadvantages, it’s time to talk about the advantages. First, there are the laughs. The boys are always making little jokes that are pretty funny. With both boys and girls as friends you have a wide selection of friends to choose from. Boys also love sports that involve getting dirty. Don’t be ashamed if people think you are too friendly with boys, because they probably don’t understand all the fun they can be.
In conclusion, it’s not a bad thing to be a tomboy, but just be happy that you’re respected by friends who care.

It's Okay to be Skinny
by Austin
Its ok to be skinny. I just don’t eat much. I don’t care if people say I’m too skinny. But I would also like to get fatter, because I’m too light and is not the average weight of most eleven year olds. A reason why I am really skinny is because I don’t eat on time and I wait until I’m really hungry then I’ll eat. Like some of my relatives says I’m lighter than my brother.
I like being skinny because I’m light to carry, easy to play with, and other things. Being skinny is ok if your used to it and don’t know why other people say I’m really skinny. Everybody is different and I’m not the only skinny person in Earth. There are millions of other skinny people in Earth.
One reason that I’m really skinny is because I eat junk food and when its meal time I’m not hungry anymore. The second reason is like I said I don’t eat on time and I wait till I’m really hungry. The third reason is that when I eat I only eat tiny bits. So its ok to be skinny.
It's Okay to Like Pigs
by Katie
It's okay to like pigs! They are animals and people make fun of me because I like pigs. People think i am weird to like something different than most people. I don't think being called weird is very nice.
It's okay to like pigs because pigs are pigs are the fourth smartest animal in the world behind chimpanzees, dolphins, and elephants. Pigs are different and many people don't like them. I think they are cute and we can both run a seven minute mile.
In summary, it's okay to like pigs and i am proud that I do. I like pigs!

It's Okay to Have a Funny Laugh
By: Abby
It’s okay to have a funny laugh. For instance, when I laugh people laugh at me for a reason, the reason is because I laugh in a funny way. People usually call me a weirdo or say I’m crazy. Now, I am used to having a funny laugh so I don’t really care that much. Also I’m pretty sure I’m not the only person in this world who has a funny laugh.
I really can’t explain the kind of laugh I have because it’s really hard to. In fact, I like having a funny laugh because it makes me smile when people laugh. Because you really can’t control having a funny laugh, just laugh about it like I do. My laugh makes me different and special. As a result, I am now happy that my laugh sounds hilarious because the laugh makes me laugh.
In conclusion, the next time someone laughs at you for having a funny laugh, laugh with them and be proud. Plus, God made you a special and extraordinary person and he obviously thought that you needed a funny laugh in order to be yourself. So keep your head up high and be proud.
It's Okay to Sleep with a Blanket
by Isaiah
"Baby" ha ha ha ha you sleep with a blanket. you are such a baby. This is one nickname I get others are blankey boy, Captain Blankey, and lots more. But I don't care because sleeping with a blanket is like having a sleepover every night. And so that is why it is okay.
The reason why I think it is okay to sleep with a blanket is because like i said it is like having a sleepover every night. People may make funof you but it is okay. Who cares if people make fun of you there not your person who tells what to do.Anyways it's your personal life not theres. That's why it is okay to sleep with a blanket.
So now do you feel comfortable sleeping with a blanket and doing anything else some people may not like. Okay,I'm going to take that has a yes.So I hope I taught you to do anything you want.So,In summarry I hope you know it's okay to sleep with a blanket.

It's Okay to Talk to Yourself
by Meredith
It’s okay to talk to yourself. Many people find it weird that I talk to myself, but I don’t. “Who ya takin’ to” is commonly asked by people who catch me talking to myself. Talking to yourself also can mean moving your mouth with nothing coming out. While some people find it crazy, I find it totally normal.
Here are some great advantages about talking to yourself: talking to yourself keeps you organized and planned out for the week. When you explain your week to yourself you know what is coming up and it reminds you of what to do. You can even practice saying things to other people by saying them out loud to yourself. This way you are always sure to say the right thing.
In summary I think it is perfectly fine and even helpful to talk to yourself. And, next time you pass a person talking to themselves, just remember they might be planning out their week .
It’s Okay Not to Be Popular
By Sara D.
I think it’s totally okay to not be popular, not everyone can be popular. One problem about not being popular is if you want to talk to popular girls. You might not be allowed to. Also, people roll their eyes while I talk just walk away from me which is rude.
It’s okay to not be popular, because you can still have friends and be smart. Besides if you are popular, you can’t have any time alone. If you are not popular, you can still do whatever you want to do, you can still go shopping, and you can still have fun.
Your life will end won’t end if you’re not popular. I think it’s totally okay to not be popular.
It's Okay to have a Birthmark
by Sarah A.
There are many ways you could be made fun of for different reasons. If I were to name one thing someone might make fun of you or laugh at you for, it's a birthmark. I have one on my right elbow and I know What it's like to have people make rude remarks. Sometimes people say, "What's THAT?" and others say "What happened to your ARM?!" These comments aren't that mean. I just know what it's like to hear this kind of thing abunch of times. I know exactly how annoying it gets.
I think it's really okay to have a birthmark, because I was just
born that way. If you have a birthmark, you shouldn't try to cover it up
with makeup or something. Just leave it there. If people make fun of you
for it, it's okay. A lot of people have birthmarks. Don't be embaressed
by it. In conclusion, it's okay to have a birthmark. A lot of people
have one- including me!

It's Okay To Be Smart
By: Lanina
It's okay to be smart. "Nerd" is what a person might call me just because I'm smart. When people say I'm a nerd, it doesn't matter because I know that being a nerd is alright. Being a nerd means that you are smart, not that you wear awkward clothes or talk about school all the time.
It's okay to be smart because maybe the smart person doesn't want to go to summer school or be held back. Also high schools and colleges look for good grades. They may just want to go to a educated school. Lastly, it's good to be smart.
In conclusion, you should be proud when someone calls you a nerd because it means that you are not weird, you are intelligent.
It's Okay to Have A.D.H.D.
by Tony
It’s ok to have ADHD. You should not be ashamed of yourself. You can’t help being born with it.
It’s OK if ADHD makes you need help in school. ADHD might make you funny, or good at sports like me. It’s not hard to make friends if you play sports, but it is sometimes hard to find friends with ADHD.
It’s OK to get hyper. If you’re worried about being teased because you have ADHD, or if you do get teased, then find friends that don’t tease you, or get new friends.
You might be good at things others aren’t good at. People with ADHD are sometimes gifted, and more creative than others. It’s normal to have trouble concentrating in school. Don’t be mad that you have ADHD. You have something that others don’t. You can relate to other kids that have it too. I like doing that. You should feel proud that you have something special so don’t be embarrassed.
In summary, you should not be ashamed that you have ADHD. You should use your gift in a good way.
It’s Okay to have Big Feet
by Sarah M.
It’s okay to have big feet. Every child is born with unique features and different sizes. As a result, people sometimes judge other people by their size, shape or features. Additionally, as the saying goes “don’t judge a book by its cover”. You could be missing out on getting to know a really great person.
I have always had big feet. In fact, I have bigger feet than my mother. Sometimes my little sister teases me by calling me Big Foot. At times, it hurts my feelings. On the other hand, I try to look at the positive side of things and not let the teasing get me down. One of the good things about having big feet is that it can help me to run faster on the basketball court. I have seen a lot of great basketball players and they have some huge feet too!
I have to admit sometimes it is hard to find shoes I like in a “normal” shoe store. That can be a bummer. I do know that you can get customized shoes online. However, they can be very expensive.
In conclusion, I have decided that I am not going to let people make me feel bad about having big feet. Instead, I am going to be happy with what God gave me and make the best of what I have been given.


It's Okay to be Slow (Running)
by Tommy
It is okay to be slow at running for three reasons. One reason is that it keeps the heart in shape. Another reason is that a slow runner has time to view the beauty of God’s creation. The third reason is that it helps maintain the proper weight. These three reasons benefit a slow runner.
First, there are reasons that a person runs at a slow pace. One reason is to keep the heart in shape. Running slowly on a daily basis provides excellent exercise and overall health.
Second, a slow runner can see and appreciate the beauty of nature. It is not necessary to travel far from home. A short run around the block allows a person to see landscaped gardens and animals. Neighborhood parks are excellent areas to see and enjoy nature, too.
Third, it is important to maintain a proper weight. There are alarming statistics that indicate that many Americans are overweight. Running slowly is an easy activity. It requires little outdoor gear and the right attitude. A proper weight increases the energy level as well.
In summary, there are three important benefits of running slowly. They are a healthy heart, an appreciation of nature, and weight maintenance. These reasons indicate that it is okay to be slow at running.
It’s Okay to Not Want to be Home Alone
by Angelina
It’s okay to not want to stay home alone. Some people think that I’m old enough to stay home alone. There are others that think I should wait until I am a little older. I have had some people call me a, “chicken” or a “baby” for not wanting to stay home alone. People have lots of different opinions about me staying home alone.
It’s okay to not want to stay home alone. Even though I might be old enough, I do not like to stay home alone. I don’t feel safe or comfortable staying home by myself. Sometimes I think something bad will happen to me if I stay home alone. Maybe I should watch the movie, “Home Alone”, to get ideas on how to protect myself If I stay home alone.
There are many reasons why I don’t want to stay home alone, but I know if I ever did God would be there to keep me safe. When I get older, I’ll have plenty of time to stay by myself, so for right now I will enjoy being home with my family. It really is okay to not want to stay home alone.
It's Okay to Have Learning Disabilities
by Shane
People think its weird to have learning disabilities because you can't learn right. Some of the most famous people have learning disabilities like Dr Simon Clemmet - Scientist At 28 years old was the British Scientist who analyzed the carbon compound found in the meteorite from Mars, at Stanford University in California, George Lopez had dyslexia he lives in LA, and finally Tom Cruise also has dyslexia and he also live in LA. So its good to have learning disabilities because it makes your weakness strength. And it makes you resource full by helping your weakness. In summary these are the amazing things why its okay to have learning disabilities.
It's Okay to be Terrified of Spiders
By:Javier
not that much people make fun of me that much for being terrified of spiders.
but its ok to be terrified of spiders. a lot of other ppl are afraid of spiders
too. sometimes i ask myself "why are u so afraid of spiders? straighten up
little soldier overcome your fear" but at the same time i say,"i cant their all
crawly and creepy and its really freaky" so i can and i cant at the same time.
so its ok to be afraid of spiders their are a lot of ppl who are terrified just as i am.
so i should'nt take it personaly.
It's Okay to do Weird Sports
by Violet
It’s okay to do weird sports. Some people who play popular sports might make fun of people who do weird sports, like I do. I am a synchronized swimmer. People might make fun of me because they don’t know anyone who does it.
It’s okay to do a weird sport. Being different from other people is good. If everyone was the same, life would be boring. Unique sports make life more interesting.
In summary, I think it is okay to do a weird sport even though people might make fun of you. You shouldn’t stop doing what you like because other people tell you to.

It's Okay to be Talkative
by Kristiana
It’s okay to be talkative. Being talkative means having a lot to say or liking to talk may be why you or someone else is talkative. All those things aren’t bad at all. Maybe you’ll understand more if you read on.
To begin, having a lot to say. First, having a lot to say isn’t bad, one subject or more. Second, you just bought a new dog and you want to talk, well you can’t help it you do! Third, you did so much over the weekend and you want to tell everyone, well you do!
Next, liking to talk. First, if you like to talk it may be because either it makes you feel better or you think it’s fun! Second, if someone made you really mad you normally go and talk to someone else about it to make you feel better. Third, talking is fun, you can talk about anything, and that’s pretty fun!
In summary, it’s okay to be talkative! Whether you have a lot to say or you like talking! Maybe you’ll talk about my page, that’s a good subject!
Its Okay to be Proud of Yourself
by Kaylie
Its okay to be proud of yourself. Some people think, ‘ she is a brat because she brags.’ Or ‘she thinks she can just talk about all her own achievements.’ People would sometimes even say ‘ hey look! Here comes the bragger!’ Sometimes people will call you names. And sometimes it okay to be proud.
First, its okay to brag a little, just to boost your self-esteem. But the trick is
To make sure you don’t hurt the Persons feelings because they cant accomplish what you can.
In summary, you can do what ever you want and do what ever you want just
As long if you
Don’t hurt the others feelings.
Its Okay to be proud.

It’s Okay to be Scared of the Dark
Anthony M.
I’t okay to be scared of the dark. One, because sometimes people watch too many horror movies and they get scared. Second, People call me baby, scary cat and all that stuff. That’s why I don’t try to tell a lot of people that.
Third, it’s okay to be afraid of the dark. Because people think that things will happen and they imagine it and it gets to real. Sometimes, people watch too many scary movies and imagine it’s real. Because these reasons it can happen to everyone that’s why it’s okay.
In Summary, it’s okay to be scared of the dark. This happens to everyone all the time too, so those were different reasons that’s it’s okay to be afraid of the dark.
Its Okay to be a Horse Fanatic
by Kendall
Its okay to be a horse fanatic. “Cowboy”, “Cowgirl”, and “Smelly” is sometimes what you would be called if you were a horse fanatic. Some people say that horses are bad animals, but most of the time they are saying that because they are scared of them. A lot of the time people think that horses are dirty, bad smelling, animals, unless they are show horses. Those people are wrong.
Actually, being a horse fanatic is an advantage. It opens more doors in life, those doors can lead to other doors, and so on. Horses are amazing creatures that will bond with you quickly, horses are also smooth and graceful. They are the most beautiful animals on earth.
In summary, you should be a horse fanatic. It is and amazing opportunity to get to work with, or even be near such wonderful animals. So if you hate or dislike horses it’s your loss. But if you love horses or even like them, then good for you!

It’s Okay to Have Big Ears
by Rebecca
It’s okay to have big ears. People at my old school called me Dumbo and asked me if I could fly. I always hated anyone who said that to me. I wish that whenever someone says any thing mean to me that they’d say sorry to me or regret that they ever said it to me and that they will be a lot nicer to other kids including me.
Having big ears isn’t so bad, I can hear very well and your ears grow faster than any other body part, so it is just natural. I have a knack for music because I play piano by ear and I listen most of the time.
In summary having big ears isn’t so bad. I wish that people wouldn’t tease me as much anymore. I’m okay with having big ears because everybody is different in their own way and I like the way I am no matter what you look like.

It's Okay to be Competitive
by Samatha
It's okay to be competitive.. Sometimes people don't care about my swimming life,
when I talk about swimming, or when I compete in a meet. Some of friends don't even
care when I tell them something about swimming or competing. A lot of people say that
I's too young, but there are a lot of people my age that compete, there are even kids
that are younger than me who compete. They also say "Oh wow! Good for you!"
sarcastically, but
some of my friends actually care, like Katie and Taylor.
Next, is that I think being competitive is okay because you can be independent
about yourself and feel like you want to win all the time. You can also get to challenge
yourself by reaching you goal. The best part of being competitive is traveling to places
that are nearly 40 minutes away or even a few hours more, and when you get older,
stronger, and faster you get to travel all over the world.
Therefore, being competitive is fun and a great way to believe in yourself. It's okay
to be competitive!

It's Okay to Sleep witn a Nighlight
by Kristina
It's okay to sleep with a nightlight."Light freak'' is a name someone might have called you for using a nightlight. I haven't been called by that name, but somepeople might have if they use a nightlight. People usually laugh, joke, or hurt your feelings, just stay strong. It's okay to use a nightlight.
To stop from being hurt , you first have to relize it is not embrassing. I mean what is so embrassing? You should alwys feel confidadinde. A good thing about having a nightlight is if you have to get up and go to the bathroom you have a light to see where you are going.
It's okay to use a nightlight. I mean it's just a light, but it feels like your watching tv because of the light shade. using a nightlight is cool! I am just telling you it's okay.
It's Okay to be the New Kid in School
by Gabbi
It’s okay to be someone who moved a long way from home. Moving a long way from home is hard because you move away from your friends. I moved away from home a short time ago. Moving away is not easy. Not only was it hard for me, but it was hard for my family as well.
When I moved away it was milestone for me. The last day I was at my school, I was sad but happy. The reason I was sad is the reason anybody is sad when they move away from home. You will miss your friends. The reason I was happy was because I knew I was going to make new friends.
In conclusion, moving away is never easy but it can also be fun. Whenever someone moves they should always know that even if it is their first time moving they are going to make new friends. When I moved from San Diego to Concord I was nervous. The first day I was here, I was already having fun.
It's Okay to Wear Glasses
by Camille
It's okay to wear glasses. There are a couple of bad things about wearing glasses. For example, rain, the water goes on your glasses and make it hard to see. Second, people might think you're a nerd, but it just helps your eyes to see better. And last but not least, some people call me grandma. I don't know why. There are a few good reasons about glasses. First, they help you see better and clearer. Compared to contact lenses, eyeglasses are better because you can actually scratch your eyes if they are itchy. Second, if someone spit in your eye, it will not go in your eye, it will go on your eyeglasses, you could wipe it off. Anyway, as you can see, there are good and bad reasons for everything and everyone has different opinion. Now you know how I feel about wearing glasses.