FLAT STANLEY ACTIVITY | Homeschool Geography Twist
If you are home with your children and need a fun project to pass the time we have one for you. Inspired by the Flat Stanley project and the book Flat Stanley written by Jeff Brown.
This project will coordinate Writing, Geography and a little History.
Have your child draw and color a picture of himself. Cut out and laminate the picture.
Have your child write a letter to the person that his “Flat self” will be visiting. Make sure to send a self addressed envelope with postage along with State related questions and the two-dimensional “flat self”.
The letter should include some questions about the state “he” is visiting. See sample letter below. Of course, this letter can ask any questions your child would like to know and include any information from their home State they would like to include.
Have your child outline their home state on a piece of paper. Make sure they include a key and a north arrow. Have your child locate and identify their hometown, the State Capitol, any major rivers or lakes. along with major highways or places of interest. Also have them locate and identify any other places mentioned in their letter.
Include a note on the map of the date in which the State was admitted into the union.
Make several copies for future trips to other families and states.
When you receive the return letter from your hosts have your child outline the State of which their two dimensional self has just returned. Have your child located where their flat self has been and any other places mentioned in the return letter. Include a key and north arrow.
Once completed point out the State of which their Flat Self has just returned on a map or globe. Discuss how he might drive or fly to the state. Have the child trace a route to the state on a road map with their finger. Make note of all the States he must pass through to get to that specific destination.
You can find the original Flat Stanley Project at http://www.flatstanleyproject.com/ You can also find templates if needed for the Flat Stanley along with a journal and letter template.
Sample letter
Dear Jules and Minnie,
You might not recognize me in this two dimensional form. Its me Jammin’ JV and I am visiting from Iowa.
I would like to learn a little about Arizona. First, I thought I would share a little about Iowa. I have included some items to show you, a little piece of Iowa. Please keep these along with the map.
The Iowa State Bird is the American Gold Finch and the Iowa State Flower is Prairie Rose. (Have your child include a drawing or a picture of each. They can draw it on the letter, the map or on a seperate piece of paper. Make sure the pictures are labeled.)
Iowa’s nickname is The Hawkeye State.
The State Capitol of Iowa is located in the City of Des Moines. (Have your child include a drawing of the Capitol. It might be fun to include pamphlets or souvenirs from the Capitol)
In Iowa I really like to visit the Fossil and Prairie Park in Rockford Iowa to explore and hunt for fossils. Maybe next time you visit we can go together. (It might be fun to include pamphlets or souvenirs from their favorite places in their home state).
My favorite place in Iowa is McFarland Park in Story County.
I would like to know more about your State, Arizona.
What is the State Bird and Flower? Would you mind sending me a picture of each or drawing me a picture of them?
In what City is your State Capitol located?
What is something fun that you like to do in Arizona?
What is your favorite place to visit in Arizona?
Does Arizona have a nickname?
If you happen to visit any of your favorite places will you take me along and snap a picture of us together to send back with me?
Once our visit is over please send me home with any information you would like to share. I need to prepare for another trip out to California.
Sincerely,
Jammin’ JV
You can find the original Flat Stanley Project at http://www.flatstanleyproject.com/ You can also find templates if needed for the Flat Stanley along with a journal and letter template.
