Flat Stanley Throughout Colorado with Incoming 4th Graders

     Schools have many traditions, and one of my favorites is the documentation of Flat Stanley's travels. Recently, I was on Twitter and noticed a series of posts for #preserveCOstanley. It got me thinking...

Students exiting 3rd grade, preparing to start 4th grade know that the coming year will be significantly focused on state studies. I asked myself, "How might we use social media to help students SEE the sites, famous landmarks, monuments, government buildings, and physical geography of the state?"

Flat Stanley at Bent's Fort      pic.twitter.com/RehrsVmAGy

What if every student colored a Flat Stanley on the last day of 3rd grade and then took pictures with Flat Stanley during summer travels in the state? Simply use your state's abbreviation and Stanley as a hashtag, and post the pictures to Twitter.

Colorado - #COStanley

New Mexico - #NMStanley

California - #CAStanley

You get the picture! Go here for any Flat Stanley materials you might want.

Since all state studies have some similar components to student learning, here are some suggested places to take pictures.

1. Physical Geography - Take a picture of Flat Stanley with major aspects of physical geography in the background.  In Colorado, we have beautiful locations throughout the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and the plateaus. Sometimes it's difficult for students to understand physical regions and physical geography unless they have a picture.
2. Significant People, Cultures, and Events - Take a picture of Flat Stanley somewhere that might be connected to significant people, cultures, or events. In Colorado, why not take a picture at Mesa Verde to help others see where early Native Cultures lived. As you tour a Gold Mine, take a picture of Flat Stanley with a minecart. When you walk through Denver, take a picture near monuments and statues that were created to honor the state's past. Someone will have relatives in Eastern Colorado...take a picture so students can know what life is like on a ranch. 
3. Government Buildings and People - If you visit the state capital or the Denver Mint, take a picture! If you happen to get inside and see people debating issues within the state legislature, capture the moment.