The New Flat Stanley: Fostering Community and Adventure in Kindergarten at iLEAD Online

Flat Stanley has a new friend: Flat Mrs. Jeanne! Inspired by the classic book series, our Online Adventure kindergarteners are using a flat paper version of their facilitator, Mrs. Jeanne McNiff-Hendzlik, to spark imagination, build community, and embark on learning adventures, such as the following:

• Jayceon rode his bike with Flat Mrs. Jeanne and wrote about it.
• Kawai and Jack hunted for numbers in their neighborhoods.
• Beau read stories to Flat Mrs. Jeanne.

This creative icebreaker goes beyond the classroom, allowing learners to take their facilitator on journeys and share their experiences.

 

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A Curriculum Built on Connection

Of course, the Flat Mrs. Jeanne activity brings smiles and giggles to our little ones’ faces! It also helps them grow and is, in fact, an important component of iLEAD Online’s Online Adventure course for kindergarteners.

The first quarter of this course, titled “Hello, Neighbor!” focuses on self, family, and community. By taking Flat Mrs. Jeanne on adventures, learners explore their own neighborhoods and share their lives with their peers and facilitator. This project directly supports the following course goals:

• Fostering a sense of community for young learners.
• Engaging learners in meaningful curriculum and project work.
• Supporting interest-based explorations.

Adventures in Learning

The power of the Flat Mrs. Jeanne project is in its versatility, allowing it to seamlessly integrate with different subject areas. The children’s adventures with Flat Mrs. Jeanne are a perfect demonstration of the curriculum in action.

These creative journeys touch on multiple learning areas outlined in the course, such as the following examples:

• Social Studies: Learners are encouraged to explore their community and neighborhood, a key learning objective in the “Hello, Neighbor!” module, and to identify local places and people.
• Math: Learners can take Flat Mrs. Jeanne on a “number hunt,” searching for and identifying numbers in their community.
• English Language Arts (ELA): Children use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to narrate their adventures in a journal.

Beyond the Classroom

The Flat Mrs. Jeanne project turns everyday activities into educational opportunities. It’s a tangible way for young learners to share their world and feel connected to their classmates and facilitator, even in an online learning environment. The bike ride or the number hunt isn’t just a fun outing; it’s a chapter in the class’s collective story book, proving that adventure and learning can be found right outside your front door.

About iLEAD Online:

iLEAD Online is a free public TK-12 school providing personalized online education with flexible schedules, allowing learners to pursue their passions like acting, athletics, and dance, alongside their studies. Founded in 2017, we emphasize individualized and project-based learning, leadership, and social-emotional growth. Learners benefit from technology, arts, and deeper learning, developing collaboration and critical thinking skills through our flexible virtual independent study model. Certified educators and college counselors offer personalized support, including guidance on college applications and financial aid. We also offer NCAA and UC a-g approved courses. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and find us at www.ileadonline.org.

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