Is there a painless way to learn?

YES -- when the work involved is wrapped in enthusiasm!

Here is an activity that can be done between meetings of the club. All members can do the same stamp -- or each can do a different one.

Use stamps over a year old so that they will be in the stamp catalog. This will help members to find information and give them an opportunity to learn how to use the catalog.

Give each member a stamp and its date of issue, and these instructions:

ISSUED _________________

On a separate sheet of paper, give as much information as you can find about the stamp shown above and its subject. Your parents may help you find the information, but you must present it yourself. Entries will be judged on the completeness of the information given. HINT: You may use the stamp catalogs at the library and check the other books on philately in both the adult and children's sections.

Questions such as the following should be answered:

• When, why, and by whom was the stamp issued?
• What is the meaning of the design?
• What is the face value? Catalog value?
• What are the perforations of the stamp?
• How was the stamp printed? By whom?
• Why is the subject of the stamp a good one for commemoration?

Other information may be given if found.

Please turn in your description by the meeting of _______________.

A small prize or two to the winner(s) would be nice, but they will be just as happy to have their work given a spot of honor on the wall.