What if you could mail yourself across the country?
That sounds impossible—but in Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown, Stanley Lambchop discovers that being flat comes with some pretty unusual advantages. After an accident leaves Stanley flat as a pancake, he discovers that he can be folded, rolled, and even mailed to California!
While the idea of mailing a child across the country sounds like something straight out of a children’s book, real-life children were actually sent through the U.S. mail more than 100 years ago.
And that’s just one of the reasons Flat Stanley makes such a fun and engaging novel to teach in the elementary classroom.
Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown is a fun book that is wonderful to use in the classroom.
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The Real-Life Flat Stanley Connection
In Flat Stanley, Stanley is mailed to California rather than traveling by train or airplane. The idea saves money—and gives Stanley quite an adventure.
Believe it or not, there is a fascinating connection between Stanley’s fictional adventure and actual U.S. postal history.
In 1913, the United States Post Office introduced Parcel Post, which allowed Americans to send larger packages through the mail. Before Parcel Post, the postal system primarily handled letters and smaller items.
The new service was useful for businesses and families, but some people quickly discovered an unusual loophole: children could technically be sent through the mail as long as they met the weight requirements.
One of the most famous examples occurred in January 1913, when a baby was reportedly sent by Parcel Post to his grandmother about a mile away. The baby weighed just under the 11-pound limit, and the postage was only 15 cents.
Pretty unbelievable, right?
This strange piece of postal history makes an excellent opportunity to take a fictional story and connect it to informational reading, history, math, and writing.
Turn Flat Stanley Into a Cross-Curricular Learning Experience
Flat Stanley isn’t just a fun read-aloud or elementary novel. The story can become the starting point for meaningful ELA and math activities.
Students can explore questions such as:
How much would it cost to travel to another state?
Would it be cheaper to travel by car, train, airplane—or mail?
How has transportation changed over time?
How can we distinguish between information from a fictional story and information from an informational text?
How would you describe Stanley’s personality and adventures?
What would happen if you could become flat for a day?
These kinds of questions encourage students to move beyond basic comprehension and apply what they’re reading to real-world situations.
A Fun Flat Stanley Math & Writing Activity
One of my favorite extensions to the book combines informational reading, math, research, and writing.
Students first learn about the real children who were sent through the postal system during the early 1900s. Then they get to imagine what it would cost to send themselves to a destination today.
Students calculate the cost of traveling to a selected destination by:
📬 Postal mail
🚗 Car
🚆 Train
✈️ Airplane
They compare the costs and then complete a related writing activity.
It’s a wonderfully quirky way to connect Flat Stanley to real-world math and informational text while giving students something memorable to talk and write about.
Bring Flat Stanley to Life With a Novel Study
Another fun way to extend the book is with a traditional Flat Stanley project.
Students can create their own flat characters—often personalized versions of themselves—and send them on adventures with family members or friends.
The results can be fantastic.
A family member might take a Flat Stanley on vacation, to a sporting event, sightseeing, or even just around town. Students can then share photographs and stories about their character’s adventures with the class.
This creates authentic opportunities for students to practice writing, speaking, listening, geography, and presentation skills while connecting their own experiences to the novel.
Flat Stanley Novel Study for Grades 2-4
If you’re looking for a way to make teaching Flat Stanley easier, a complete Flat Stanley novel study can take care of the lesson planning and preparation for you.
My Flat Stanley Novel Study is designed for Grades 2-4 and combines reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, writing, assessment, and engaging extension activities.
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What’s Included?
The complete novel study includes:
Chapter-by-chapter reading comprehension
Vocabulary and spelling activities
Writing activities
Reading assessments
Answer keys
Teacher lesson plans and pacing support
Common Core standards alignment
Printable activities
Google Drive™ versions
A special real-life Flat Stanley math and writing activity
The goal is simple: give you ready-to-use materials so you can spend less time planning and more time teaching.
Want to see if this Flat Stanley novel study is a good fit for your students?
You can download a free sample and take a look at the activities before purchasing the complete unit.
Flat Stanley is a particularly fun choice for elementary students because it invites them to suspend reality, laugh at Stanley’s unusual adventures, and then use those adventures as a springboard for deeper learning.
From reading comprehension and vocabulary to math, writing, informational text, and real-world connections, this classic children’s book offers plenty of opportunities to turn reading into an engaging cross-curricular experience.
So, would you mail yourself if you could?
Your students might be surprised by what they discover!
Connect with Fellow Educators!
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In the ever-evolving landscape of education, engaging students in the magic of literature is an ongoing challenge. As educators, we want to ignite the love for reading within young minds, and finding the perfect books to introduce novels can be a daunting task. One series that stands out in captivating the imagination of young readers—Is the Jigsaw Jones series.
James Preller’s, Jigsaw Jones series is a great introduction to chapter books for the younger grades. With its captivating stories, relatable characters, and interactive elements, Jigsaw Jones offers a compelling gateway for young readers into the vast realm of novels.
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Why Teachers Should Embrace Jigsaw Jones Books to Introduce Novels to Students:
Written With Relatable and Endearing Characters: The Jigsaw Jones series, written by James Preller, revolves around an intelligent and curious young detective named Jigsaw Jones and his partner, Mila Yeh. Through their thrilling adventures, students are introduced to relatable characters who exhibit qualities like curiosity, problem-solving, teamwork, and empathy. The lovable characters act as an inspiration for students, encouraging them to develop these essential traits.
Contains Engaging and Accessible Storylines: The Jigsaw Jones books offer captivating storylines that instantly captivate the attention of young readers. The mysteries are carefully crafted with age-appropriate complexity, providing an ideal platform for introducing students to the world of novels. Each book is designed to be self-contained, making it easy for teachers to introduce them individually or as a series, catering to the needs of diverse classrooms.
Enhances Critical Thinking Skills: The Jigsaw Jones books are not just about entertaining stories; they also promote critical thinking skills in students. Throughout the series, readers are encouraged to observe details, analyze clues, and draw logical conclusions alongside Jigsaw Jones. By actively participating in the detective work, students develop essential problem-solving abilities and engage in critical thinking processes, thereby nurturing their cognitive development.
Promotes Cooperative Learning: One unique aspect of the Jigsaw Jones books is the emphasis on teamwork. Jigsaw and Mila form a dynamic duo, demonstrating the power of collaboration and friendship. Teachers can leverage this theme to foster a sense of community and cooperation within the classroom. By assigning students different roles or characters, teachers can encourage group discussions, allowing students to share their thoughts, collaborate on theories, and work together towards solving the mysteries presented in the books.
Includes Diverse Themes and Relatable Topics: The Jigsaw Jones series tackles a range of relatable themes, including friendship, family, perseverance, and problem-solving. By exploring these topics, students can connect with the characters on a deeper level, enabling them to see themselves within the narratives. This relatability promotes empathy and understanding, facilitating meaningful discussions and encouraging students to explore their own experiences and emotions.
Bridge to Other Novels: Introducing Jigsaw Jones books to students serves as a bridge to more extensive and complex novels. By first immersing themselves in the world of Jigsaw Jones, students become accustomed to the format, language, and structure of novels. The Jigsaw Jones books are age-appropriate, making them an ideal stepping stone for students transitioning from shorter stories to more substantial works. Teachers can leverage the students’ familiarity with Jigsaw Jones and gradually introduce them to other novels, expanding their literary horizons and encouraging a lifelong love for reading.
Incorporating the Jigsaw Jones book series into the classroom provides teachers with a powerful tool to engage young readers and introduce them to the world of novels. The relatable characters, intriguing storylines, collaborative learning opportunities, and seamless transition to other novels make Jigsaw Jones an excellent choice for teachers looking to instill a love for reading in their students. By tapping into their natural curiosity and encouraging critical thinking skills, the Jigsaw Jones books inspire students to explore further literary adventures. The Jigsaw Jones series has over 30 books to choose from. The Case of the Stolen Baseball Cards is a great hook to get your kids started down the road of addiction to chapter-book reading. So, unleash the detective within your students, and embark on a journey into the captivating world of Jigsaw Jones.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Jigsaw Jones and the Case of the Stolen Baseball Cards for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Jigsaw Jones and the Case of the Stolen Baseball Cards
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Muggie Maggie is a popular children’s novel written by Beverly Cleary that tells the story of a young girl named Maggie who is struggling to learn how to write in cursive. The book is often used as a teaching tool in elementary schools, but it is also a great choice for a novel study for homeschooling or personal reading.
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Muggie Maggie is a great book to use in the classroom
Muggie Maggie is a classic children’s novel: Muggie Maggie is a classic children’s novel. The book was first published in 1990 and has been a favorite of elementary school students ever since. By using a classic novel like Muggie Maggie, you can expose your child to timeless themes and lessons that are still relevant today.
Muggie Maggie is relatable: The main character, Maggie, is relatable to many young readers. The story is set in a school environment, and Maggie struggles with a task that many students can relate to, learning how to write in cursive. By reading about Maggie’s struggles and triumphs, students can learn to overcome their own challenges and develop resilience.
Muggie Maggie teaches valuable lessons: Muggie Maggie is more than just a story about learning how to write in cursive. It teaches valuable lessons about the importance of perseverance, hard work, and self-confidence. Through Maggie’s journey, students can learn about the power of determination and the importance of believing in themselves.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Muggie Maggie
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Muggie Maggie is a classic children’s novel that teaches valuable lessons and is relatable to many young readers. By using this book as a novel study, you can help your child develop important skills and values, such as perseverance, hard work, and self-confidence.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Muggie Maggie for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
As the school year draws to a close, teachers everywhere are eagerly anticipating a well-deserved break. Summer is the perfect time to recharge your batteries, relax, and catch up on some much-needed rest. However, it’s also a great opportunity to refresh your skills and take steps to improve your teaching. Explore some of the ways that teachers can refresh over the summer, and how these activities can help improve your teaching skills for the upcoming school year.
Attend a Professional Development Conference:
Professional development conferences are a great way to learn new skills, gain new insights, and network with other educators. There are a variety of conferences available, both in-person and online, that cover a range of topics related to teaching.
Take Online Courses or Workshops:
Online courses and workshops are another excellent way to refresh your teaching skills over the summer. Many educational institutions and online learning platforms offer courses and workshops that cover a variety of topics, from classroom management to subject-specific instruction.
Read Professional Development Books:
Summer is a great time to catch up on some reading, and there are plenty of books available that are specifically designed to help teachers improve their skills. From classroom management to student engagement, there’s a book out there that can help you become a better teacher.
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Engage in Reflective Practice:
Reflective practice is the act of looking back on your teaching experiences and analyzing them to identify areas for improvement. Engaging in reflective practice over the summer can help you identify areas where you can improve your teaching, as well as areas where you are already excelling.
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Connect with Other Educators:
Connecting with other educators can be a great way to share ideas, gain new insights, and develop a support network. Joining a teacher group or online forum can help you connect with other educators from around the world and get new perspectives on teaching.
Summer is a great time for teachers to refresh their skills, engage in reflective practice, and connect with other educators. By attending professional development conferences, taking online courses, reading professional development books, engaging in reflective practice, and connecting with other educators, teachers can become more effective and inspiring educators.
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
As an educator, you’re always on the lookout for ways to engage your students and spark their curiosity. One way to do that is by using literature in the classroom. Andrew Clements’ A Week in the Woods is a book that is not only engaging and fun to read but also has several educational benefits.
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Why you should use A Week in the Woods in your classroom and how it can benefit your students?
A Week in the Woods fosters a love of reading: A Week in the Woods is a well-written and engaging book that will capture your student’s attention from the first page. This novel will spark an enjoyment of reading and encourage students to read more books.
A Week in the Woods promotes critical thinking: The story follows a young boy named Mark who is sent to spend a week in the woods with his class. During their time in the woods, they encounter challenges and have to work together to overcome them. This plot provides an excellent opportunity for your students to think critically about problem-solving and teamwork.
A Week in the Woods teaches important life lessons: Throughout the book, Mark learns important life lessons about responsibility, perseverance, and empathy. By discussing these themes in class, you can help your students develop important life skills that will serve them well in the future.
A Week in the Woods provides opportunities for cross-curricular learning: A Week in the Woods has many connections to other subjects, including science, social studies, and language arts. By incorporating these connections into your lessons, you can provide your students with a more well-rounded learning experience.
Try a free sample of the novel study for A Week in the Woods
From outside appearances, Mark has it made coming from a wealthy family. As you get into his head, you realize having money isn’t as great as it may sound. Mark faces adversity in a different way, to work to break through the predetermined opinion people may have of how easy his life must be. The story makes you stop and think before judging, no matter the subject. The adventure of being lost in the woods adds a sense of adventure that will capture the attention of your students.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany A Week in the Woods for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
The new service was useful for businesses and families, but some people quickly discovered an unusual loophole: children could technically be sent through the mail as long as they met the weight requirements.
Connect with Fellow Educators!
