News
2007
May 31, 2007 -
Connecting Kids to Byways: The Flat Stanley Way
If you attended the National Scenic Byways Conference in Baltimore, you heard author Richard Louv give a great talk about the value of nature to children.
His book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, was available for purchase (thanks to the National Association for Interpretation!). If you missed out, copies of the book can be purchased at the NAI online bookstore. It’s a great read about a great opportunity for all of us as byway leaders, resource managers and parents.
Speaking of great books, there is a fun children’s book that can connect kids with the resources, attractions and activities along byways. The book is about a little boy named Stanley who is flattened by his bulletin board and has a number of fun adventures. The book is called Flat Stanley, written by Jeff Brown. Many elementary schools use Flat Stanley to teach kids about geography, history and culture. Kids draw their own Flat Stanley and then send him to friends who live far away. These friends document their fun with Flat Stanley (pictures and stories) and then send him home. Kids have a great time sharing their Flat and his adventures with their classmates.
Last fall, my daughter Addy’s second grade class read the book, made their own Flats and sent them on journeys. Unfortunately, Addy’s Flat got sidetracked (I said sidetracked, not stuck) in Maryland. I did hear that our Flat had a fabulous time meeting Marylanders and visiting all parts of the great State. I even heard that the Maryland Secretary of Education met Flat and it sparked a great conversation about engaging children to learn more about history and geography.
“Oh my gosh, she still has Flat Stanley?”
-Addy Johnson
Clearly this is a fun method to engage little kids. But here’s the real reason I’m writing about Flat. You see, we miss our little Flat and time is running out for the second graders at Great Lakes Elementary School. Please help me ensure the safe and quick return of little Flat. Send an email to Marci Ross with the subject line “Please send Flat home,” and Marci can tell you personally about her adventures with Flat and how Flat can help kids on your byway connect and learn.
Addy and her friends are anxiously waiting to learn about the byways in Maryland. Help send Flat home!
Michelle Johnson
Director
America’s Byways Resource Center