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Woodside paper airplane is world traveler
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Woodside second-grade student Jasmine Hodges recently participated in her classroom’s Flat Stanley project. She received quite a surprise on April 5 when she a large box arrived at Woodside from South Africa. Among many gifts for her classmates, Hodges received a book of Flat Stanley's journeys, the t-shirt she is wearing, and the lion backpack she is holding. On the map behind her, Hodges’ Flat Stanley is pointing to the country he traveled to.
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In the package from South Africa, South African resident Kim Brodelet sent a collection of candies from her home country for the Woodside students to enjoy. The students all took a bite at the same time.
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Jordan Pounds ate his candy and had to discuss its taste with the rest of the class. Pounds was a fan of the layer of marshmallow in the chocolate candy.
By SARAH FOOR
Flat Stanley is one well-traveled piece of paper.
In Jeff Brown’s book “Flat Stanley,” a freak accident makes Stanley paper-thin. Looking on the bright side, Stanley finds that he can travel and visit friends by being mailed in an envelope.
During the month of March, Woodside second-grade teacher Sandy Metts began a Flat Stanley project with her students. The students’ Stanleys traveled all over the United States and the world, but Jasmine Hodges welcomed back a Stanley on April 5 who took the longest trip of anyone in her class.
“My Stanley went all the way to South Africa and back,” Hodges proudly shared that day.
When the project began, Hodges didn’t have a place to send her flat friend. With the help of student Colin Hall’s crafty mom, Hodges received the address of Kim Brodelet, a scrapbooker who lives in South Africa. Hodges’ Flat Stanley visited Brodelet and her family on vacation, traveling in a camera bag and learning about South African history, traditions and customs.
Flat Stanley arrived back in Austintown on April 5 with a scrapbook of his adventures, along with South African toys, candies, gifts, mugs, and a ferocious lion bookbag.
“I’ve been doing Flat Stanley projects for 30 years, but none have ever gone this far and given us so much,” Metts said of the project. “We’ve already learned so much about South Africa and the people there. It’s been an amazing gift to our classroom.”
The project opened up a new world to the Woodside second-graders, but was a particular thrill for Hodges.
“I’d really love to go to Africa one day,” Hodges shared.
Hodges then wrapped her arms around her lion bookbag, which was decorated with a South African flag pin.
“But until then, I’m going to be taking my Africa stuff around with me everywhere. Today has been the best day ever.”