Free Flat Stanley Printables (Word, PDF)
Life
by kleiannedamata
The Flat Stanley project sends a paper character off on adventures around the world, and these 37 printables make it easy to join in. Teachers, parents, and pen pals can print a Stanley to color, mail, and photograph in new places, building reading and writing skills along the way. Send him to grandma, a friend in another state, or a faraway city and wait for the stories to come back.
The printables come in Word for easy edits and as print-ready PDFs you can run off at home or school. Color him in, write a letter to go along, and pop him in an envelope. Pick the version that fits your project and download it to start Stanley's next trip.
When to use this Flat Stanley template
- A 3rd-grade teacher in a hybrid classroom uses the printables to send digital and physical Flat Stanley letters, tracking global locations via student photos while reinforcing geography and storytelling in both in-person and remote lessons.
- A parent planning a cross-country road trip mails Flat Stanley to relatives in advance, then asks kids to document the journey through illustrated letters and photos as they visit landmarks along the way.
- A homeschooling family studying continents creates a Flat Stanley pen-pal exchange with a school in Japan, combining language practice with cultural observations in letters formatted for international mail.
- A children’s librarian hosts a summer reading challenge where kids decorate and mail their Stanleys to the library, then share their adventures during weekly storytime sessions to encourage participation and literacy.
Which format should I download?
Choose Word for editable templates if you need to customize letter layouts, add student names, or adjust instructions before printing—ideal for classroom use where multiple versions are required. Opt for PDF if you want ready-to-print, consistent formatting for direct mailing or digital sharing, as these preserve layout and are easier to attach to emails or upload for pen pals. Both formats support the same content but differ in flexibility versus convenience.
Choose from 37 Flat Stanley Templates
How to use this Flat Stanley template
Can I use these templates to track Flat Stanley’s adventures for a science project, like measuring distance or climate changes?
Yes, the templates are designed to be adaptable for educational projects beyond storytelling. You can expand the letters to include sections for tracking weather, landmarks, or even simple measurements—just add your own lines or tables in Word before printing. For science-focused use, pair the letters with a simple data sheet (not included) to log observations systematically.
What if my student or child can’t write yet? Are there ways to adapt these templates for non-writers?
Absolutely. The templates work well for verbal storytelling too—have your child dictate their adventure while you or a helper write it down, or use stickers, drawings, or voice notes attached to the printed letter. For digital sharing, include a photo of the child with Stanley in the location alongside a short description. The focus should remain on the creative process, not perfection.
How do I handle returning Flat Stanley letters if I’m mailing them internationally?
Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with each outgoing letter to simplify returns. For international mail, check your country’s postal rules for size/weight limits and consider using small envelopes or rolling the letter to save postage. Many templates have space for return addresses—add yours clearly. If budget is tight, ask recipients to email photos of Stanley’s adventures instead of mailing back.
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