Flat Stella was watching the news with her mother and father last week when the news began to report about a fire in the local area. Flat Stella and her parents watched the news for hours waiting to see if everyone was going to be safe. Firefighters furiously worked for hours to put out the fire. After several hours had past, the firefighters were able to rescue everyone in the building and stop the flames completely. Flat Stella and her parents went to bed that night thankful for everyone’s safety that was involved in the fire. Flat Stella tossed and turned all night long because she could not fall asleep. Flat Stella kept thinking about the fire that had taken place that night. Flat Stella decided in the middle of the night that she needed to learn more about fire safety. The next morning Flat Stella told her parents about her desire to understand more about fire safety. Flat Stella sat down and created a list of the most important things she needed to know about fire safety. One of the first things Flat Stella wanted to know was some of the causes of fire. From Flat Stella’s research, she realized that fires can be started from all different types of situations. Fires can start from something that is burning on a stove, a heater that is not unplugged, a fireplace that is left burning, or a candle that is not blown out. Flat Stella was able to understand more about the importance of being cautious and careful when cooking. She also understood the importance of remembering to unplug heaters and blow out candles.

After Flat Stella had spent time researching some of the causes of fires, she decided to research the most effective ways to put out a fire. From Flat Stella’s research she found out that a grease fire should never be put out by water because the water will only make the fire worse. Flat Stella also discovered that it is important for every building to have a fire extinguisher because an extinguisher can quickly stop the flames of a fire from spreading. Flat Stella also learned what to do if your clothes happen to catch on fire. She found out that the best way to put out a fire on your clothes is to lay down and roll around on the ground. You can also roll up in a blanket to smother the flames. She also discovered the importance of covering your nose and mouth if you are caught in a burning building in order to avoid smoke inhalation. Flat Stella learned valuable information from her research about fires. Flat Stella decided to end her extensive research about fires with a study of the floor plans of her house and school. From her new knowledge about fires, Flat Stella realized that fires can begin unexpectedly in a building and the flames can grow too massive to control; therefore, it is important to locate all of the exit doors to any building. Flat Stella located the fire extinguisher at her school, and she located an emergency defibrillator. The emergency defibrillator is used to help someone that is having a heart attack. The defibrillator will shock a person’s heart back into a normal rhythm. This machine could be extremely important if someone begins to have a heart attack from smoke inhalation. Flat Stella also located the floor plans of her school and took notice of the closest exit doors to her classroom. Flat Stella and her teacher discussed the plans with Flat Stella’s classmates. After the entire class took notice and discussed the plans, they hung the plan on the classroom door. Flat Stella also made an exit plan for her house with her family. Flat Stella and her family decided that they would meet in their front yard if a fire ever took place at their house. Flat Stella felt confident about her family’s new fire safety plan. Because Flat Stella took the time to research and learn more about fires, she was able to learn about the causes of fires, ways to put out a fire, and the how to create a fire safety plan. Flat Stella encourages everyone she meets to understand the dangers associated with fire and the importance of creating a fire safety plan. Fires can be completely avoided by taking precautions, but if a fire does break out in a building, it is extremely important for everyone to understand ways to put the fire out. It is also important to be able to locate the closest exit doors in the building. Fire safety is an valuable and beneficial concept for everyone to understand.    

Flat Stella was so excited to spend the day hanging out with her friends Flat Albert and Flat Fiona. Flat Stella and her friends had spent the last week planning their day of fun. They did not want to waste a single minute of their day away from school, so they decided to create a plan of fun activities for the entire day. After spending an enormous amount of time planning and preparing, the day had arrived when Flat Stella, Flat Albert, and Flat Fiona could spend time together. Flat Stella and her friends decided to meet at eight in the morning because they wanted to be sure and spend every minute of the day together. They began their adventure with a gigantic pancake breakfast at Cracker Barrel Restaurant. Flat Stella ordered three original pancakes with blueberry syrup and a side of bacon. Flat Stella made sure to tell the waitress that she wanted her bacon extra crispy. Flat Stella loves eating bacon that is warm and crispy. Flat Stella and her friends ate until they were completely full and could not take another bite.

After they finished their breakfast, Flat Stella and her friends’ next activity involved playing volleyball in the park. Flat Stella loves being active in the park. It was a beautifully sunny day, and the temperature was a crisp sixty-eight degrees. There was not a cloud in the sky and the air smelled wonderfully fresh. Flat Stella decided to wear a light jacket to keep from being too cold. Flat Stella and her friends spent several hours in the park playing volleyball, running, talking, and laughing. Flat Stella and her friends were careful to avoid talking to strangers. They also made sure to always stay together while they were in the park. Flat Stella had been warned by her parents and her teacher of the danger of walking in the park by yourself. After they had finished playing in the park, Flat Stella and her friends were hungry for lunch. The next stop on their day of adventure was at the local Chick-fil-A to eat a delicious and healthy lunch. Flat Stella ordered chicken nuggets and fries, but Flat Albert and Flat Fiona decided to order a buffalo chicken cool wrap. Flat Stella and her friends found a table in the corner of the restaurant and spent time eating and talking. After they finished eating their lunch, they went to the skating rink. Flat Stella was excited about this activity because she had never been to the skating rink. At first Flat Stella could not control her skates and struggled to keep from falling. Flat Albert and Flat Fiona were able to help Flat Stella learn how to properly skate without falling or getting hurt. Flat Stella was grateful to her friends because Flat Albert and Flat Fiona decided to kindly help her skate instead of skating the rink without her.

Once Flat Stella and her friends had finished skating, they decided to end their day of adventure with a tour of the UAB campus. Flat Stella was particularly excited about this activity because she had never had the opportunity to visit a college campus. They began their tour by visiting Heritage Hall. Flat Stella and her friends loved riding on the elevator inside the building. Then, Flat Stella and her friends visited the chemistry building. Flat Stella was intrigued by all of the unique science equipment. She was able to observe several college students conducting experiments. Flat Stella noticed that all of the students were wearing safety goggles and lab coats. Next, Flat Stella and her friends visited Sterne Library. Flat Stella loved seeing so many students reading and discussing books and class projects. Flat Stella was so excited to look through the children’s books in the library. The children’s section is Flat Stella’s favorite area in the library. She is a big fan of reading, and Flat Stella loves to find new books to read. Flat Stella and her friends decided to spend some time reading books before they left the library. Flat Stella, Flat Albert, and Flat Fiona took a stack of books to a table and quietly read for one hour. Finally, Flat Stella and her friends visited the education building. Flat Stella had been longing to take a trip to the education building from the start of their tour of the campus. Flat Stella was most intrigued by this building because she plans to be a teacher when she is older. Flat Stella loves helping others learn new information. Flat Stella and her friends were determined to take a picture with the education building sign. Every time Flat Stella and her friends would cross the street during their tour, they would be sure to only cross at stoplights. They also made sure to pay close attention to the road signs. Flat Stella and her friends did not want to get hit by a car; therefore, they made sure to only walk when the stoplight was red. 

As soon as Flat Stella and her friends finished touring the campus, they ended their day with a delicious dinner. Flat Stella, Flat Albert, and Flat Fiona went to Newk’s Express Café for dinner. Flat Stella ordered a grilled chicken sandwich with potato soup. She loved eating dinner with her friends. She thought a delicious dinner was the perfect end to a perfect day. They reminisced over the day’s events and began to plan for their future as college students. Flat Stella and her friends were determined to become college roommates. When Flat Stella and her friends finished talking and eating, they each returned to their own homes. Flat Stella could not wait to tell her mother all about her day. She did not want to forget any important facts or leave out any important information. Flat Stella told her mother about Flat Albert and Flat Fiona’s willingness to help her when they were at the skating rink. From Flat Stella’s adventure, she learned several important lessons that are important for all children to know and understand. Flat Stella learned the importance of not talking to strangers. Flat Stella and her friends also realized the importance of staying together in order to prevent being lost. Flat Stella also learned the importance of looking both ways when crossing the street. Most importantly, Flat Stella learned the undeniable importance of friendship. Flat Stella enjoyed spending quality time bonding with her friends. Flat Stella was reminded of the significance of having friends that will help you in times of trouble. Flat Stella, Flat Albert, and Flat Fiona had a wonderful day and intend to go on another day full of adventure in the near future.   

Flat Stella's New Bike

Flat Stella's New Helmet

 Flat Stella's Bike Safety Rules

          For Flat Stella’s birthday her parents gave her a new bicycle. She was so excited to own a brand new bike. Flat Stella was especially excited about this bicycle because she no longer had to use training wheels. Flat Stella’s new bicycle was pink and white with easy-to-reach handle bars and a comfortable seat. Flat Stella also received a new pink helmet as one of her birthday gifts. Flat Stella was so excited to begin riding her new bicycle. Flat Stella realized that riding a bike can be an extremely fun activity, but she also realized that she must be cautious when riding her bicycle. She does not want to get hurt or end up in a dangerous situation. Before Flat Stella would begin riding her bike, she created a list of bike safety rules to follow. Flat Stella’s list consisted of the following rules: (1) Always wear your helmet (2) Never ride your bike at night (3) Never ride your bike in traffic and (4) Never ride your bike without adult supervision. Flat Stella decided to hang her list of safety rules on the garage door. She wanted the rules to be posted in a visible spot to serve as a reminder. Flat Stella spent many days and many hours learning to ride her new bike without any training wheels. At first Flat Stella would fall over or run into the mailbox because she did not understand how to stop her new bike. After spending lots of time practicing, Flat Stella was finally able to become a confident bike rider. Flat Stella loves riding her bicycle. She spends time almost every day riding her bicycle around her neighborhood. Flat Stella finds bicycle riding to be a fun way to exercise. Flat Stella understands the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and creating an exercise routine. For the past two weeks, Flat Stella has ridden her bicycle every day after she arrives home from school. She typically spends between thirty and forty minutes riding her bike each day. Flat Stella loves feeling the wind blow through her hair and the warmth of the sun on her skin.

Yesterday, Flat Stella decided to let her imagination run wild while she was riding her bicycle. She imagined that her bicycle was actually a horse. She pictured that her horse was a beautiful golden brown color with a long flowing white mane. She even gave her horse the name "Apple." She decided that Apple would be the perfect name because Flat Stella loves to eat apples. Flat Stella decided to envision that she was riding her horse through a gigantic apple field. Because Flat Stella had so much fun using her imagination while riding her bicycle, she decided to invite all of her friends from school to her house to ride their bikes and play together. Flat Stella believes riding her bike with her friends is a fun way to get a sufficient amount of exercise each day. This afternoon, Flat Stella and her friends rode their bicycles together and imagined that they were each riding a horse. Each of Flat Stella’s friends gave their horse a name. Flat Stella and her friends rode their bikes around the neighborhood for hours. They would race each other from one end of the rode to the other end. From Flat Stella’s adventures with her bike, she learned the importance of bicycle safety. She understands that she must always wear her helmet and only ride during the daytime. She also understands that she must not ride too far from home so that her parents can always look out the window and see her. Another important thing that Flat Stella learned about bike riding is that she cannot ride during stormy weather. Flat Stella always checks the weather before she leaves her home because she cannot ride her bike when it is storming and raining. Flat Stella only rides her bike when the weather is clear in order to prevent getting struck by lightening or having a wreck on the slick roads. Flat Stella has found a fun way to get exercise, and a wonderful way to enjoy being outdoors. Flat Stella believes that bike riding is a wonderful hobby that everyone can enjoy. 

        For months Flat Stella had been begging her mom and dad to bring home a pet. She did not care what type of animal she received as her pet because Flat Stella has an undeniable love for dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits. Flat Stella is happy around any and every type of animal. Flat Stella just longed to have a companion and friend. After months of discussion, Flat Stella’s parents decided to take her to the local pet store. Flat Stella was so excited that she could hardly contain her excitement. When Flat Stella and her parents arrived to the pet store, they were overwhelmed by all of the animals. The store had cats, hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, ferrets, birds, and fish. Flat Stella could not decide which animal she wanted to claim as her very own. She held a bunny rabbit and a gerbil. She talked to the birds in their cages, and she watched the fish swim in their tank. Although Flat Stella loved all of the animals, she could not determine which animal she should claim as her pet. Finally, Flat Stella reached the hamster cages.

Flat Stella immediately spotted a hamster in the very back of the cage leaning up against the glass. The hamster looked over at Flat Stella and began to stand up on her back feet. Flat Stella knew that was the hamster she wanted to take home as her pet. Flat Stella undoubtedly knew that the hamster would make the perfect pet. The hamster was small with golden fur and bright eyes. Flat Stella and her parents agreed that this hamster would be Flat Stella’s first pet. Flat Stella was excited to buy all the necessary items for her hamster. Flat Stella picked out a blue cage that contained a green wheel for the hamster to use for running. Then, Flat Stella was able to select hamster food. Flat Stella even selected treats for her hamster to eat on special occasions. After Flat Stella's parents paid for the hamster's necessities, they were able to take the hamster home. On the way home Flat Stella realized, that in the midst of her excitement, she had forgotten to name her hamster. Flat Stella discussed several names with her parents, but she finally decided to name her hamster Ginger. Flat Stella thought Ginger would be the perfect name. When Flat Stella arrived home, she placed Ginger’s cage in the middle of the living room floor. Flat Stella desperately wanted to hold her hamster but she was instructed by the pet store employees that hamsters must be left alone for two days upon entering a new environment. Flat Stella decided to make the most of the two days. She watched Ginger play in her cage, fed her food through the cage opening, and gave her plenty of water to drink.

After the first two days had passed Flat Stella was able to hold Ginger for the first time. At first Ginger was scared and nervous, but Flat Stella softly rubbed Ginger’s fur to calm her fears. Flat Stella realized the enormous amount of responsibility that comes with taking care of a pet. Because this was Flat Stella’s first pet, she had to learn how to properly care for an animal. To take care of Ginger, Flat Stella must make sure to provide her hamster with food and water. She must also change the hamster bedding in Ginger’s cage twice a week. Flat Stella is also expected to hold her hamster at least once every day. Through Flat Stella’s adventure in selecting a pet, she learned a great deal about responsibility. Taking care of an animal is serious business and requires a great deal of patience and time. Flat Stella decided that she liked having full responsibility of her hamster. Flat Stella was able to make a great connection between the responsibility she had over her hamster, and the responsibility she needed in other areas of her life. For example, Flat Stella has resolved to keep her room clean because that is her job and responsibility. Flat Stella has also resolved to do her best and try her hardest on every school assignment. She has decided that she wanted to own her own pet store when she grows up; therefore, she knows it is important to work extremely hard in school. Flat Stella wants to take care of different types of animals. Flat Stella has already created a name for her future pet shop. She created the name “Flat Stella’s Furry Friends.” Flat Stella is determined to research important and beneficial information about hamsters. After researching information about hamsters, Flat Stella has become interested in other types of animals. Flat Stella realizes that there are so many interesting facts to learn about animals. Flat Stella’s love for animals continues to grow, and she continues to love Ginger more every day. Because Flat Stella found Ginger at a Pet Smart store, she spends a lot of time visiting their website in order to learn important information. The attached link leads to the Pet Smart website. This website is useful for learning valuable information about your pet. The website also provides pet owners the opportunity to purchase pet supplies online. The website additionally allows customers to give back to animal charities.  

http://www.petsmart.com/

Flat Stella's Baking Adventure

 

 

            Flat Stella had been busy all day long. She had been to school, the hairdresser, and the post office. When Flat Stella finally arrived home, she was hungry and longed for a snack. She looked through the pantry and did not see anything that looked appealing. Suddenly, Flat Stella saw a package of chocolate chip cookies. Flat Stella grew extremely excited because chocolate chip cookies are her favorite snack to eat. Upon further inspection of the package, Flat Stella was even more excited to find that the cookies inside the box were not regular chocolate chip cookies. The cookies inside the box were called s’more chocolate chip cookies. Flat Stella could hardly contain her excitement. She immediately asked her mother to bake the cookies. Flat Stella’s mother decided that she would only make the cookies if Flat Stella would help her with the baking process. Flat Stella was thrilled to help her mother bake the cookies because she had never been able to partake in helping her mother bake.

The first thing that Flat Stella and her mother did was gather all the necessary ingredients together. They gathered the eggs, milk, and butter. Next, Flat Stella and her mother put the ingredients in the bowl one by one. After all of the ingredients were added into the bowl, Flat Stella’s mother let Flat Stella mix all of the ingredients together in the bowl. Flat Stella’s mother told Flat Stella about the importance of making sure all of the ingredients were blended until the batter appeared smooth. After Flat Stella finished mixing the batter, Flat Stella’s mother sprayed the baking pan with a non-stick spray. Flat Stella’s mother said that the non-stick spray would prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan after they had finished cooking. Then, Flat Stella put the batter onto the pan. Flat Stella had to put the same amount of batter down for each cookie in order for the cookies to be the same size. Finally, Flat Stella’s mother allowed Flat Stella to eat the small amount of remaining batter that was in the bowl. This was Flat Stella’s favorite part of the baking process. She loved the taste of the batter. When it was time to put the cookies in the oven, Flat Stella was not allowed to touch the oven. Flat Stella’s mother discussed the danger of working with a hot oven. Flat Stella’s mother mentioned that without being cautious around an oven, a person could be severely burned. Flat Stella’s mother set the timer on the oven for fifteen minutes.

While the cookies were baking, Flat Stella and her mother cleaned up the empty packages and bowls that were used in the baking process. Flat Stella also enjoyed this part of the baking experience with her mother because they were able to sing songs together to help the time pass quickly until the cookies were ready. When the buzzer finally beeped on the oven, Flat Stella knew that the cookies were finished baking. Flat Stella’s mother put on her oven gloves and pulled the cookies out of the oven. Flat Stella’s mother discussed the necessity of using gloves when pulling a pan out of the oven in order to prevent being burned by the hot pan. Flat Stella and her mother let the cookies cool for five minutes. Finally, the time had arrived to eat the cookies. Flat Stella placed a cookie on her plate and poured a glass of milk. Flat Stella and her mother enjoyed every bite of their cookies. They were delicious because they were hot and moist. Flat Stella loved baking with her mother and could not wait until the next opportunity to bake together.

From Flat Stella’s baking experience, she learned several important lessons about baking. The lessons that Flat Stella learned are also important lessons for others to learn and understand. The first thing that Flat Stella learned was the importance of following step-by-step directions. If Flat Stella had not properly followed the directions, the cookies would not have baked correctly. Flat Stella also learned that she must be cautious when using an oven to bake. If Flat Stella and her mother would not have been cautious, they could have been burned by the heat of the oven. Finally, Flat Stella learned that it is important to clean up every mess you make. While the cookies were baking, Flat Stella and her mother spent time cleaning up their mess. Baking is a fun experience, but it must be taken seriously in order to properly prepare the food, prevent an injury, and keep a clean environment. From Flat Stella's experience we can see the fun that can come from baking, but we also see the importance of being safe in the kitchen.

Flat Stella had been planning a trip to Target for several days. She was very excited to spend time shopping in Target with her mother. Whenever Flat Stella goes to Target with her mother, she loves to ride around in the shopping cart. Flat Stella also loves looking at the toys, art supplies, and electronics located throughout the store. Flat Stella faced one major problem with her visit to Target. Because her mother had to be back home to prepare dinner at a certain time, Flat Stella could only shop in Target for a limited amount of time. Flat Stella decided she would make use of every minute in the store, so she spent many days planning and preparing for the visit. Flat Stella’s mother told Flat Stella that she would be in charge of keeping up with the time during their visit to Target. Flat Stella loved the idea of being in charge, but there was still one problem. Flat Stella did not know how to tell the time. How could Flat Stella figure out the amount of time left during their shopping trip if she could not properly read a clock?

Flat Stella decided to spend time during the next few days learning how to properly tell the time on a clock. She stared at the clock on her mother’s dresser, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not tell the time. Then, Flat Stella had an idea. She decided to use an app on her iPad called Interactive Telling Time. She found the app to be extremely helpful. She loved the using app and enjoyed learning about time. After spending several days using the app, Flat Stella was able to tell the time on a digital and analog clock. The day finally came to visit Target with her mother, and Flat Stella felt planned and prepared. She was able to keep track of the time while shopping throughout the store. Flat Stella and her mother had so much fun in Target, and they did not waste a second of their time. They even arrived home in perfect time for Flat Stella’s mother to prepare the family dinner. Flat Stella realized the importance and use of telling the time on a clock.

Flat Stella loved using the Interactive Telling Time app on her iPad. She learned valuable information from the app that benefited her everyday life. A picture of the app icon and home screen has been provided in the above picture. The app costs $2.99, and it can be accessed on an iPad, iPhone, or iPod. The app can be accessed and downloaded to a compatible device by searching the name "Interactive Telling Time" in the app store. The app can be used to help elementary students learn to set the time, read a clock, learn the difference in day and night, learn the difference in an analog and digital clock, and learn the difference in am and pm. One of the most appealing aspects of the app is that it has a quiz mode. Elementary students love to take the quiz and be challenged on their knowledge. The quizzes use terms such as: midnight, half past, and a quarter past. The app also contains five different learning levels for students to enjoy. Each player's development is recorded to help track their progress and level of understanding. The app additionally contains two educational games to enhance student understanding.

This app would be an excellent resource to incorporate into academic learning in the classroom because it allows students to engage and interact with clocks and telling time. The app would be perfect for early elementary grades that are beginning to grasp the concept of telling time. The app would also coincide with the first grade math standard which states: Tell and write time in hours and half-hours using analog and digital clocks. [1-MD3] The app could be used during the launch of a math lesson. The teacher would display the screen on the classroom board, and the students would help the teacher determine the time. This activity would explain the use of the app and give each student the opportunity to participate. For first grade students, the app could also be used in the classroom at a math center during math time. Students would be able to work with a small group and discuss the times presented on the clocks in the app. The app could additionally be used as a resource at home. If students have access to a compatible device outside of the classroom, they could play the educational games on the app outside of the classroom. The Interactive Telling Time app is a wonderful resource for an elementary classroom because it gives each student the opportunity to participate in an engaging learning experience.

When Flat Stella woke up on Saturday, she knew it was going to be a wonderful day. The sun was shining, and the birds were singing, but most importantly Flat Stella knew she was going to take a trip to the library. Flat Stella loves going to the library and selecting different books to read. Flat Stella finds reading to be a wonderful hobby. She enjoys reading books from different genres and writing styles. Some of the books Flat Stella chooses to read are mysteries, some are fantasy, and some are biographies. Flat Stella is always curious about new books that she sees at the library. She loves learning new things and experiencing new adventures through the pages of a book. When Flat Stella first entered the library on Saturday, she walked directly to the children’s section of books. She always finds a grand selection of books in the children’s section. Flat Stella was not sure what type of book she was longing to read this week. Flat Stella decided to take her time observing the different books found on the library shelves. Flat Stella loves spending time in the library because it is a quiet and peaceful environment. Whenever Flat Stella finds an interesting and intriguing book, she will sit in the corner of the library and read for hours.

On this particular Saturday, Flat Stella challenged herself to find one interesting chapter book and one interesting picture book that she would enjoy reading. Flat Stella decided to read the chapter book Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. It is a fun story about a young girl named Fern and her love for a pig named Wilber. When Fern has to give the pig away, Wilber becomes friends with a spider named Charlotte. Flat Stella loved reading this book. She found herself totally captivated by the relationship between Wilber and Charlotte. After reading the chapter book, Flat Stella wanted to read a fun picture book. She found the book If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff and decided to read through the story. It is a fun story about the events that might take place if you take a mouse to school. Flat Stella loved that the author wrote the book as a series of events. Because Flat Stella loves reading books and spends time reading everyday, she understands the different ways that authors may choose to write a story. Flat Stella knew that the chapter book was broken up into separate chapters, but the picture book was a simple story using colorful pictures. Flat Stella is also able to gain ideas from every book and incorporate new writing styles in her own pieces of writing.

When Flat Stella grows up, she wants to be an author and write her own books. In order for Flat Stella to become a successful reader and writer, she must continuously be reading and writing. Flat Stella has found that the library is a wonderful way to experience new books. From Flat Stella’s Saturday adventure, it is clear to see that the library is a wonderful resource to find new books and learn about new information. If you do not know how to locate a book in the library, you can ask the librarian for help. The librarian will gladly assist in helping locate a particular book. It is important for everyone to become wonderful readers; therefore, everyone must spend time reading books. The best way to begin reading is to select a book that discusses a topic of interest. Reading is a wonderful activity that will touch your emotions and captivate your thoughts.

Flat Stella’s trip to the library is connected to the elementary classroom because every student must be reminded of the importance of reading and the joy that reading can produce. Flat Stella’s journey can help children rediscover the joy of visiting the library and selecting a book of interest. I would use Flat Stella’s adventure to challenge my students to spend time selecting a different book each week from the library. I would create a classroom chart that listed each student’s name in the class and mark each time they brought a new book to class from the library. At the end of a month, we would see which students had visited the library and read the most books. I would encourage students throughout the month to select books from different authors and different genres. The library is a wonderful place, and Flat Stella helps remind students of the excitement they will experience when visiting the library. Libraries can also be accessed virtually to make exploration more convenient and obtainable. The first link that is attached is an online children's library that elementary students will definitely enjoy. The second link is a website that allows children to access books online. The website allows children to read different children's books. Both of the websites are excellent additional resources for teachers and students. Flat Stella enjoyed visiting the library, and she encourages other children to experience the fun that comes from a visit to the library.

http://en.childrenslibrary.org/

http://www.storylineonline.net/

It had been a very busy Monday for Flat Stella. She had spent the entire day shopping with her mother. After several hours of shopping, Flat Stella had grown extremely tired and hungry. Because Flat Stella had been patient and kept a positive attitude throughout the day, Flat Stella’s mother decided to treat her to dinner at a restaurant. Flat Stella and her mother chose to eat dinner at an unfamiliar restaurant called Jason’s Deli. Flat Stella and her mother were excited to experience a new place and try new food. Upon arrival, Flat Stella noticed the crowds of people inside the restaurant. She also noticed the long salad bar at the front of the restaurant. She was not sure what types of food that could be eaten at this particular restaurant. As Flat Stella approached the counter to order her food, she noticed the desserts and bagels. Flat Stella could not decide what she wanted to order for dinner. It was a tough decision because Flat Stella noticed the ice-cream, pasta, and potato chips. Flat Stella had just stepped up to the counter to order her food when she remembered something very important that her teacher had said in class. Flat Stella remembered that her teacher had been discussing the importance of making wise decisions about food. Flat Stella realized that healthy foods are essential to living a healthy life and being a healthy person. She decided to order a turkey sandwich and a salad from the salad bar. At first Flat Stella was sad about her food selection because she really wanted to eat chocolate cake and ice-cream. Flat Stella’s mom reminded her that eating healthy foods will help her to live a healthy life, Flat Stella was not convinced because she still wanted to eat the chocolate cake with ice-cream.

 

 

 

 

Then, Flat Stella went to the salad bar and immediately changed her mind. Flat Stella saw a wide selection of delicious foods. Flat Stella decided to taste test some of the foods from the salad bar. Flat Stella tried humus, carrots, broccoli, and sunflower seeds. To her surprise, Flat Stella loved all of the food. She could not believe how delicious healthy food could taste. Flat Stella was so excited to tell her friends about the healthy food she had eaten for dinner. When Flat Stella finished eating her dinner, she felt revived and full of energy. Flat Stella was glad that she had eaten a nutritious and healthy dinner. Through her dinner experience, Flat Stella was able to understand the importance of eating healthy foods. In order to live a healthy life, everyone must make wise decisions about the food they choose to eat. Flat Stella resolved to eat healthier and make wiser decisions about the foods she puts into her body. Healthy foods can be delicious and full of flavor. Upon leaving Jason’s Deli, Flat Stella set three goals for herself. She was determined to drink more water, eat more vegetables at dinner, and eat more fruit for snacks. Flat Stella also challenged her friends to make wise decisions about the food they eat. Flat Stella believes healthy food is extremely important. Flat Stella challenges everyone she meets to eat healthy foods in order to live a healthier life.