DreamcatchersPoPejoy Hall ScHooltime SerieS Teaching guiDe Schooltime SerieS

Always new worlds to explore.

the musical adventures of

FLaT STanLeYpresented by dAllAs children's theAter

tuesdAy, JAnuAry 27, 2015 • GrAdes: k - 4

dreamcatchers teaching Guides align with the common core state standards and new Mexico state learning standards.

Photo BY KAreN AlmoND

the musical Adventures of Flat Stanley teacHing guide Dreamcatchers 2

Stanley lambchop and his younger brother Arthur are given a big bulletin board by their father to display pictures and posters. he hangs it on the wall over Stanley's bed. During the night the board falls from the wall, flattening Stanley in his sleep. he survives and makes the best of his altered state, and soon he is entering locked rooms by sliding under the door, and playing with his younger brother by being used as a kite. one special advantage is that Flat Stanley can now visit his friends by being mailed in an envelope. Stanley even helps catch some art museum thieves by posing as a painting on the wall. eventually, Stanley is tired of being flat and Arthur changes him back to his proper shape with a bicycle pump.

the child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him.”

-PABlo cASAlS‘‘Synopsis

Book by Scott Ferguson, George Keating and Kyle hall

Music and Lyrics by lynn Ahrens, Bob Dorough, Dave Fishberg, Kathy mandry, George Newall and tom Yohe

Standards addressed By attending the Performance

nMccSSenglish language Arts: speaking and listening:comprehension and collaboration(ccss.elA-literacy.sl)

new Mexico content Standards: science: Strand i (Scientific thinking and Practice)- Standard 1; Strand ii (content of Science)- Standard 1 (Physical Science)Fine Arts: theatre, music & Dance- content Standards 3 & 5

on the cover, left to right: Justin Duncan (Arthur lambchop), James chandler (mr. lambchop), Johnny lee (Stanley lambchop) caroline Dubberly (mrs. lambchop) & Dominique Brinkley (mrs. cartero)

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VocabularyAdventure: an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity

bulletin board: a board for displaying notices

disguise: a means of altering one’s appearance or concealing one’s identity

hero: a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities

Mona lisa: a painting (now in the louvre in Paris) executed 1503–06 by leonardo da Vinci. the sitter was the wife of Francesco del Giocondo. her smile has become one of the most famous images in Western art

napoleon: Napoleon i (1769–1821), emperor 1804–14 and 1815; full name Napoleon Bonaparte. in 1799, he joined a conspiracy that overthrew the Directory, becoming the supreme ruler of France

shape: the external form or appearance characteristic of someone or something

three-dimensional: having or appearing to have length, breadth, and depth

about the authorJeff Brown was born in New York city in 1925 and died in 2003. in addition to having a successful career as a children’s book author, he was a story editor and assistant film producer in hollywood. mr. Brown also worked as a short-story writer and editor for The New Yorker and The Saturday Evening Post.

his Flat Stanley series has sold nearly one million copies in the U.S. here is what the author said about how he came up with the idea for the Flat Stanley books: “more than thirty years ago, i was saying goodnight to my now grown-up sons, J.c. and tony, J.c., stalling for my chat time, asked me not to leave the bedroom. he was scared, he claimed, and when i asked him what he was afraid of he couldn’t think of anything. As i started out again, he had an inspiration. “i’m afraid my big bulletin board will fall on me,” he said. i told him that was ridiculous; the big board on the wall above his bed had

been securely mounted by me, and even if it got loose it would happen so slowly that he wouldn’t even notice it. Just go off to sleep, and by the time it rested fully upon him he’d be sound asleep and wouldn’t wake, so the board would just lie there all night. then i thought of a small joke and said, “of course, when you wake up in the morning, you’ll probably be flat.” Both boys thought that was a hoot and many evenings after that one, we’d make up stories about adven-tures you could have if you were flat. Best idea i ever had, and i didn’t even know i’d had it. Not for many months, until a friend in the kid-book business, who knew about the flat stories, suggested i make them into a book.”

interesting FactsOn June 13, 1920, sending children by Parcel Post was officially forbidden in the USA. Before that, several children had been posted to save rail fares but it was ruled that children are not “bees and bugs,” the only postable livestock.

According to the universal postal union, 363 million items were sent by letter post in 2011... and that works out at an average of one letter a week for every single person on earth.

in 2001, the German post office began training courses to teach dog psychology to postmen.

there were 154,866 post offices in india in 2011--more than any other country.

the first individual to be depicted on postage stamps other than royalty figures was playwright William Shakespeare.

postage stamps are currently produced by 200 countries worldwide.

the first stamps appeared on may 1, 1840, and were known as Penny Blacks.

the united states congress approved the use of stamps in 1836, but the first American versions didn’t appear until 1842--the same year the U.S. Post office was founded.

in 1973, bhutan issued stamps that were actually small vinyl records that played a native folk song.

FeMA Flat stanley & stella are characters created to help teach kids about emergency preparedness, and more specifically about hurricane awareness, and how they can use their interactive experiences to make disaster preparedness plans and kits fun and informative.

Sources:http://www.express.co.uk/fun/top-10facts/414163/top-10-facts-about-postal-services

http://stamps-stamp.blogspot.com/2007/10/stamps.html

http://www.ehow.com/about_6566557_fun-postage-stamps.html

the musical Adventures of Flat Stanley teacHing guide Dreamcatchers 4

about adaptationsAn adaptation is a change made in something so that it can fit a new use. this performance of The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley is an adaptation of a book, which is meant to be read into a play, which is meant to be performed and viewed. timothy A. mcDonald took the story written by Jeff Brown and adapted it so that it could be performed for an audience on stage.

consider these questions for discussion before you attend the production:

• What kinds of things did the authors have to consider in writing a script of the story?

• What kinds of things would Jeff Brown be concerned about in having someone make a musical adaptation of their story?

• Do you think the performance will be shorter or longer than the book?

• What will the characters look like? Will they match their illustrations? What differences can you expect?

• What about the story? What changes might you expect in adapting it for the stage? Why would these changes be necessary?

After the performance, consider these questions:

• Were there any characters or events that were in the book but not in the play? Why do you think these choices were made?

• Did the changes make the story stronger or was it weaker because of them?

• What do you think the set and costume designers need to consider when bringing the book to the stage?

• What things helped to tell the story on stage?

Book covers via https://www.flatstanley.com/books

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Objectives

Materials Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown • (optional) Flat Stanley and Flat Stella tracing template, printed from the Flat stanley site • Blank paper • crayons, markers, etc. • “Found material" such as scraps of cloth, construction paper, ribbon, etc. to make hats and other clothing • Scissors • Glue

procedure 1. read Flat Stanley to the class. tell students that they will be creating their own flat versions of themselves. (teachers of younger students may wish to provide a tracing template.)

2. Provide students with the materials to create and decorate their flat selves. encourage students to add details to their flat selves

that show what is unique and special about them. in addition to hair, eye, and skin color, students should provide clothing that indicates their favorite color or an activity that they enjoy or are good at.

3. Students can also create “items of interest” that show what interests they have, such as a soccer ball, musical notes, etc.

4. Allow each student time to present their flat selves to the class. Ask them to explain all of the unique features they added to their creation and why they made the choices they did.

5. have students print their names across the front of their flat selves and display them in the classroom.

extensions/Modifications

Assessment

Students will:• create flat characters that look like themselves and feature representations of their interests.

• have students write a story about an adventure that their flat self goes on. create a classroom book called “our Flat Adventures.”

• create different facial features for the flat selves on a separate piece of paper that show different emotions: sad, angry, happy, surprised, etc. have students tell each other stories that convey these different emotions and change the facial features on the flat selves as they tell the story.

• Send your flat self to a friend or family member in another city/state/country. Ask them to make a flat version of themselves and send it back with a description of their interests. Note where letters have been sent on a classroom map.

• Students create a flat character that resembles their appearance and features representations of their interests

• Quality of participation

activity 1 my Flat Self

nMccSS:english Language arts (ccSS.elA-liter-acy.rl): integration of Knowledge and ideas

Speaking & Listening (ccSS.elA-literacy.Sl): comprehension and collaboration

 new Mexico content Standards:Fine arts:

Visual Arts - content Standards 2, 3, 5, & 6

grades: K-2

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Objectives

Materials map of the world • classroom computers • Books/magazines with information about different countries • Poster paper • construction paper • markers, crayons, paint, etc.

Procedure

1. Discuss with students: one of the things Flat Stanley loves about being flat is that he can have new adventures and travel to interesting places. Show students a map of the world and ask them to think about what other countries they would like to travel to if they could travel anywhere in the world. make a list of places named on the board.

2. make note of the different countries named and help students to locate all of them on the map. Ask students to speak generally about what they know about these countries and what they would like to learn. Write all responses on the board.

3. Narrow the list down to 5-6 different countries that the class is interested in. tell

students that they are going to imagine that they are able to travel to these places just like Stanley and will return to share information about their adventures in a classroom world fair.

4. Divide students into small groups and assign each group a country to research. tell students that while they are exploring their country they should specifically look for the following information:

a.) the country’s flag

b.) Famous landmarks/attractions

c.) leader of the country/type of government thecountry has

d.) types of food commonly associated with their country

e.) the types of music that are popular/commonly associated with the country

f.) Anything else you are interested to learn

NOTE: Scholastic’s “Global trek” website is an excellent resource for this lesson.

5. Give students time in class to research and organize their information. each group can note their findings on a large piece of poster paper and hang it on the wall or off of a desk. Students should have a visual/audio presentation of each of the bits of information they have researched.

6. each group will make a presentation to the class about their country.

Students will:

• research specific information about a variety of countries.• Present their findings to the class in a visual display.

activity 2Flat Stanley's World Fair

nMccSS:english Language arts:

Reading Standards for informational Texts (ccSS.elA-literacy.ri):

• Key ideas & Details• integration of Knowledge and ideas

Writing (ccSS. elA-literacy.W):

• research to Build & Present Knowledge

Speaking and Listening (ccSS. elA-literacy.Sl):

• comprehension and collaboration

new Mexico content Standards:Social Studies/ geography: content Standard 2

Fine arts: Visual Arts - content Standards 2, 3, & 6

grades: 2-4Adapted from an activity at familyfun.go.com

extensions/Modifications

Assessment

• Students can keep a travel journal, documenting the places they travel to and what information they learn about those places.

• this lesson can also be done as one large group working together to find information about the different countries. make a classroom display with all of the information learned about the different countries.

• Students provide accurate information about the countries they have researched.• Students use visual aids in their presentations.• Students address each specified research area, as predetermined by the teacher.• Quality of participation.

NOTE: This lesson will take 2-3 class periods to complete.

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extension activities11 Fun things to do with Flat stanley in the classroom

the Flat stanley projectthe basic principle of the Flat Stanley Project is to connect your child, student or classroom with other children or classrooms participating in the Project by sending out “flat” visitors, created by the children, through the mail (or digitally, with the Flat Stanley app). Kids then talk about, track, and write about their flat character’s journey and adventures. Although similar to a pen-pal activity, Flat Stanley is actually much more enriching-students don’t have to wonder where to begin or what to write about. the sender and the recipient already have a mutual friend, Flat Stanley. Writing and learning becomes easier, flows naturally, and tends to be more creative. this is what teachers call an “authentic” literacy project, in that kids are inspired to write of their own passion and excitement about the project, and given the freedom to write about many things through the rubric of the Flat Stanley character.

A change in structure: create a sculpture in the style of dale chihuly

You will need: coffee Filters, Sharpie, color markers, liquid Starch, Spray Bottle, Aluminum Foil (students should have several pieces they can make into balls), and String or Yarn.

1. Provide students with three to five coffee filters. Write their names along the scalloped edge with a Sharpie so they are easily identified after they’ve been decorated.

2. encourage students to color their filters giving consideration to the fact that colors will blend in the next step of the process.

3. Spray the filters with liquid starch. Place foil balls in the centers of the filters and carefully lift the edges and tie with string.

4. Allow the filters to dry then nestle them inside each other to form a sculpture in the style of Dale chihuly's blown glass flowers.

•For a visual of the end results •For images of chihuly’s work •For an alternative process but same

result

Bonus explorations cogitationsafter seeing the show, ask your students to answer these questions:

Before seeing this show, i didn’t know that …

this show made me think about …

the part that most grabbed my attention was …

While watching the show, the strongest feeling i had was …

overall, the show made me feel …

the question i have about the show is …

one change i would make in the show is …

if i could talk to the creative team or actors, i would say …

after seeing the show, my friends and i talked about …

Something i want to share with my family about the experience is …

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Outreach activitiesunited states post Office

A field trip to the local post office has long been a favorite activity for elementary school students, and they offer educators valuable curriculum connections for language arts and social studies instruction.

ResourcesWebsites

www.flatstanley.com the official site of the Flat Stanley project. highly recommended.

http://www.flatstanleybooks.com/ A fun and interactive site for kids, parents, and teachers.

http://www.harpercollinschild-rens.com/search/searchresults.aspx?tcid=100&st=1&skw=flat%20stanley

information on Jeff Brown and Flat Stanley for kids, parents, teachers, and librarians.

http://www.storybird.com/about/

Free visual storytelling for everyone. A platform for writers, readers, and artists of all ages. teachers can start a class for free too.

http://www.mapsofworld.com/world-maps/world-map-for-kids.html

A treasure trove of over 25,000 well-researched content pages and maps.

http://www.ducksters.com/geogra-phy/ learn more about the countries of the world.

videOs

http://money.howstuffworks.com/71-how-the-usps-works-video.htm

two brief videos on how mail is processed through the USPS and UPS.

bOOks

http://www.flatstanleybooks.com/kids/the-adventures/ A comprehensive list of Flat Stanley’s adventures.

Mailing May by michael o. tunnell, illustrated by ted rand. http://www.michaelotunnell.com/mailing_may.html

• Nowadays it’s no big deal for a girl to travel seventy-five miles. But when charlotte may Pierstorff wanted to cross seventy-five miles of idaho mountains to see her grandmother in 1914, it was a very big deal indeed. here is the true story of how may finally got to visit grandma--thanks to her own spunk, her father’s ingenuity, and the U.S. mail.

The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence by Judith St. George

• the Declaration of independence of the United States has had many, many homes over the years, from a courier’s pocket to a hall in Philadelphia to a bank vault. But why was it moved around so much? Who has taken care of it all these years? Find out in this exploration of the historic document’s many trips around the nation!

about the companyDallas children’s theater is an outstanding venue for collaboration with local artists, designers, playwrights, and educators. their directors and administrators are proud to contribute to the growing body of theater for youth with the commission and development of new plays. Familiar stories, literary works, histories, and biogra-phies are also a part of their programming. each season is thoughtfully chosen to produce plays that are engaging, enriching, and educational. their productions promote social values, moral integrity, and reflect the cultural diversity of their community through casting and themes.

Popejoy hall, New mexico’s premier nonprofit venue for the performing arts and entertainment.

Schooltime SerieSAlways new worlds to explore.

Popejoy hall’s Mission: To provide access to the performing arts for all new Mexicans.

Dreamcatchers are teaching guides produced by the education Department of Popejoy hall, New mexico’s premier nonprofit venue for the performing arts and entertainment located in Albuquerque, New mexico. Selected Dreamcatchers teaching Guide materials

provided by Dallas children’s theatre and other resources noted within this guide.

the Popejoy Schooltime Series is a program of the University of New mexico.

the Schooltime Series is a proud member of

The Popejoy Schooltime Series is supported in part by awards from:

the eugene and marion castiglia Popejoy children’s

Schooltime endowment

the Popejoy Schooltime education endowment

about the Popejoy hall Schooltime SeriesWe present national and international touring com-

panies and performers that you will not see anywhere else in or around Albuquerque. these companies are selected with youth and family

audiences in mind, from titles and materials that reflect the cultural diversity of our global community. these professional performing artists create educational experiences designed to encourage literacy, creativity, communication and imagination.

etiquettethe performing arts - theater, music and dance - are all

collaborative endeavors. they require the cooperation of many skilled people: playwrights, directors, perform-ers, designers, technicians, lyricists, choreographers, musicians and the audience. live performances can transport you to other times and places but to do so, they require you, the audience, to listen, observe, discover, and imagine. the inside of a theatre is called a “house.” there are

rules inside the house to make the experience smooth and enjoyable for everyone. A poster of theatre etiquette is available on our website. Please post it and discuss it with your students before attending this show.

house Policies Please visit our website for detailed information about

house policies safety, special needs, food and drink, backpacks, cell phones, photography, recordings, and more.

Find us at: schooltimeseries.com schooltime@popejoypresents.com

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