Tuesday, November 11, 2014

The Flat Stanley Project

Are you familiar with Flat Stanley?  I wasn't until my daughter, a fourth grade language arts teacher, told me about the Flat Stanley project her class would be doing this month.  I thought it was just a local thing; after a Google search I was amazed!  Wikipedia gives a good explanation:

Flat Stanley is a 1964 children's book written by Jeff Brown, featuring Stanley Lambchop.  Stanley is given a big bulletin board which is hung over his bed.  During the night the board falls off the wall and flattens Stanley.  Having survived, he can now slide under locked doors, be used as a kite, and be mailed in an envelope to his friends.  The Flat Stanley Project, started in 1995 by Dale Hubert, is a way to teach letter-writing to students by documenting where Flat Stanley has gone with them.

Each student made a Flat Stanley and the assignment was to mail him to someone, who would spend a day or two with him, and document his experiences with photos and writing.  Now this just grabbed my attention immediately!!  I've always loved to pretend, so when Andrea (teacher/daughter) told me about the project I hoped some student would send Stanley to me.  A few days later, she brought her rendition of Flat Stanley to me
 and I was off on adventures with him.  This is Stanley's adventure with me, written from his point of view: 

Flat Stanley Visits a Farm

I visited a farm this week.  The farmer was a woman who worked with chickens, cows and kittens.  Work on the farm started early in the morning.  The first chore was work in the chicken houses, where we made sure the chickens had feed, water, and fresh air.
Next, the woman took me to feed the kittens.  They live in the barn where they eat and sleep between the big round bales of hay.  They are safe and warm here.
The woman raked some leaves and let me play in them before lunchtime.
While we waited until time to do the afternoon chores, the woman let me stand right in the very middle of the quilt blocks she was sewing!
Late in the afternoon it was time to feed the cows.  The farmer let me ride at the front of the tractor so I could watch the hungry cows as they came to eat.
At the end of the day I was very, very tired.  I was happy to have a nice little bed to sleep in and a warm quilt to cover me.
I dreamed during the night of the farm and how much fun I had helping with the chores.  And, best of all, the farm woman said I could come back any time I wanted to!

Of course I know Flat Stanley's time spent with me pales in comparison with being photographed with the president or traveling with a solider on a war field.  If you're interested enough to read more, Google "Flat Stanley".  The students won't be graded on this assignment; chances are that some who are sent the letter will not respond which isn't the child's fault.  I thought it was fun; almost like playing paper dolls again!

Charlotte







12 comments:

  1. Oh Charlotte, this is so awesome. I've never heard of Flat Stanley before but it's very interesting. I think of all the people especially children that is overjoyed by him and you have made him come to life in your post. You truly are a gifted writer and you should write children's books. You have a great imagination that captures even the adults. Wonderful post and thank you so much for your prayers and sweet comments. I've been thinking of you so much as well. I just haven't been able to get on here much and I've still got a ways to go but there is light at the end of the tunnel. God Bless you sweet friend. xo

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    1. Thank you, Susie, and thank God for that light at the end of the tunnel!

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  2. I first heard of Flat Stanley when one of my nieces sent him to me about 12+ years ago from Maryland and then again when one of the grandchildren sent him to me - in other years I have seen blog post with a Flat Stanley in Europe and Australia - what fun to see this for kids.

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    1. Oh that's great! I'm wondering, did you respond to their letters?

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  3. Charlotte, this is such a cute post! I love this. I have heard of Flat Stanley before, but I wasn't aware of all of his history. I enjoyed reading about Flat Stanley's visit with you.

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  4. If Flat Stanley hangs around the farm another day, he will need a warm coat, for sure! After a long, tiring day, I am sure he enjoyed a nice, restful sleep under one of Lil' Red Hen's beautiful quilts. What a clever way to get kids to write.

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  5. I have never heard of him! I guess my kids didn't do that when they were in school? How much fun Flat Stanley had at your place. I wish I could spend the day with you, on the farm. I could help more than Stanley did. :-)

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  6. So sweet, I have never heard of Flat Stanley but will google him. I don't have any clothes pin dolls, but I do have several wooden penny dolls that are on my list of "to do's". Hopefully I can make their clothing and post about them this winter. I sure enjoy your blog too!

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  7. Lily and I enjoyed your adventures with Flat Stanley. There were several times when Lily said, "Ah....." in her "It's so adorable" voice.

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  8. It's been a long time since hearing about Flat Stanley. He sure seemed to have a wonderful time with you! :)

    xoxo

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  9. I love your story, Charlotte! I've never heard of him before, but what a great way to get kids to write. You have a gift with words.

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  10. I have never heard of this, but think it is hilarious! What a great way for children to be creative. Keep busy Stanley!

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