Flat Stanley
Globe-trekking flat friend goes digital on this very social app
Take a look inside 5 images
Flat Stanley
Pros: Maps, people, and places around the world become relatable with Flat Stanley or Stella in the picture.
Cons: Some privacy concerns, as some kids post their first and last names and city they're in on the photo feed.
Bottom Line: Flat Stanley sparks conversation and spurs creativity, but students will need guidance about sharing personal information.
If you’re teaching a lesson on geography or cultural diversity, Flat Stanley is an excellent interactive resource. Teachers may want to introduce the app to students who are reading the book and completing the paper version of Flat Stanley as a sort of related history lesson -- in just a few decades look at how Stanley's travels have changed from envelope to Internet! Posting and viewing Stanley and Stella photos on Flatter World may also be a good opportunity for a lesson in Internet safety in a lower-risk environment than other social networks that students may already or will soon be using. Teachers can instruct kids how to post user information and photos in fun, creative ways that guard personal information. Flat Stanley is a fun exploration of global culture and world geography that can stir conversation, but some guidance is needed.
Flat Stanley is a social networking and digital creation app that takes kids all over the world via real-life photos. Kids familiar with the Flat Stanley book and traveling paper doll activity will love learning about geography and gaining cultural understanding with Flat Stanley.
The multiple customization options promote diversity and creativity as students decorate their Stanleys and Stellas. Kids take a picture of him or her in a meaningful spot or with someone of significance. Then they can post their own alongside others' via social media or on the Flat Stanley site Flatter World. Through partnerships with Heifer International, kids get glimpses of Flat Stanley around the world, from Malawi to Romania to Peru. Kids tap on Map to see the spot on the globe where the photo was taken. They can also view how many people in different global locations have user accounts on Flat Stanley (two in Nicaragua, 437 in California).
Users (kids and adults) can comment on and like other Flat Stanleys on Flatter World.
Flat Stanley is an excellent choice to help kids learn about places and people throughout the world. It's a lot of fun to dress up Stanley and Stellas, take photos from kids' everyday lives or special trips, and then view what others say about their photos and comment on other photos. Still, because of this worldwide social networking aspect, teachers need to stay on top of the settings and the content kids post and view. (The developers indicate that a "specially trained crew" approves all content shared with the Flatter World users.)
Kids are likely to remember much of what they see and read here because of Stanley and Stella, who act as a sort of anchor to the experience, bringing the entire world to a relatable size. These familiar characters also help translate book learning to digital creation and online social interaction.
Learning Rating
Community Rating
A good app for the familiar Flat Stanley book, a creative alternative for kids!
The kids really enjoyed this alternate take on the book. The teacher can question and guide students to assess their understanding while students still feel they are in control - or just playing a game!