| When is a frog toy, not just a frog toy for kids? | | | | Get your students involved in the writing process |
| When it's Polly the Travel Frog! True, she's a | | | | by having them write and post stories about Polly. |
| stuffed toy, and yes, she's a frog, but she also | | | | They can also read stories written by others and |
| happens to be much, much more. Let me start | | | | leave comments for them. This activity can easily |
| back at the beginning, because as we all know, it's | | | | be set up as a literacy center if you have |
| a very good place to start. | | | | computers in your classroom, or done in the |
| As an elementary reading specialist, I was | | | | computer lab setting. If you want your students |
| concerned about children lagging behind in their | | | | to become better writers, they need to practice |
| basic reading and writing skills, and of course their | | | | on a daily basis. Kids really love Polly and will ask |
| knowledge of geographic literacy. Some of third | | | | daily to participate. |
| and fourth grade students I knew were unable to | | | | Parents: |
| answer basic questions about the world, and their | | | | Use Polly the Travel Frog as a fun way to |
| writing skills were alarming. I wanted to find a | | | | document family outings and vacations. Take |
| way that would not only enhance these deficit | | | | pictures of Polly and write about your family |
| skills but also motivate their desire to learn. | | | | adventures through the eyes of this curious little |
| Out of this need, my friend and I created Polly | | | | frog. Your children will beg for you to help them |
| the Travel Frog, an educational, plush frog and | | | | write, and as the old saying goes, "practice makes |
| website designed to get kids (and adults) excited | | | | perfect!" |
| about learning. Our goal was to build a global | | | | Grandparents: |
| community of participants who would | | | | Do you want to encourage your grandchildren to |
| communicate and share their travel experiences, | | | | learn about the world? You can take Polly with |
| classroom activities, or fun family adventures for | | | | you on your next vacation, and when you come |
| others to read and comment about. | | | | home, post your pictures and stories on Polly's |
| Enter Polly-a friendly little frog that wants to | | | | website. Your grandchildren will be able to view |
| travel the world. Her personal goal is to meet new | | | | your adventures online and can leave comments |
| people and learn new things. Her friendly smile is | | | | for you. It's fun! |
| contagious, and everyone that meets her wants | | | | The best part of Polly the Travel Frog is that kids |
| to get involved. | | | | love her! She's a cute stuffed frog toy, that does |
| Teachers: | | | | so much more than sit on a shelf! |