During podcast Episode 323, Andrew and Julie discussed ways to prevent losing skills gained during the year, a term they described as “summer evaporation.” One of the ideas mentioned was inspired by the Flat Stanley Project, a long-running literacy project started in 1985. The idea behind Flat Stanley is that children take a printed template of Stanley, color him, and then send him off to someone else, who captures photos of Stanley on his travels.
In the podcast, Julie introduced a similar idea that IEW will be running all summer long as an engaging way to encourage your students to continue writing throughout the summer. Introducing #IEWFlatAndrew!
How does it work? The fun begins by downloading “Flat Andrew” and having your students color him. You can download the image at this link. After that, simply take him along on your summer adventures, being sure to capture photos of “Flat Andrew” enjoying the journey. Share your pictures in social media by tagging your post #IEWFlatAndrew. Or post to the Facebook event page. You can also email them to FlatAndrew@IEW.com, and we will post them for you so that everyone can enjoy them.
How does this help your students continue writing? Before you share, have your kids write a paragraph or caption detailing where the photo was taken. Share it with your image. You can learn more about how to create your “Flat Andrew” by watching this brief YouTube video.
At the end of the summer, we will be creating a digital travelog with some of the submissions shared with us, so be sure you include your written description with the photo.
Join us in the fun! We are all excited to see what adventures “Flat Andrew” enjoys this summer!
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Jennifer Mauser has always loved reading and writing and received a B.A. in English from the University of Kansas in 1991. Once she and her husband had children, they decided to homeschool, and she put all her training to use in the home. In addition to homeschooling her children, Jennifer teaches IEW classes out of her home, coaches budding writers via email, and tutors students who struggle with dyslexia. |
