The following is a guest post from Dr. Jacie Maslyk.
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Stuck inside because of the winter weather? Looking for some fun ways to engage in STEM and maker learning? This month’s read-aloud selections offer hands-on learning that will keep kids thinking creatively and designing for a purpose.
There are so many benefits to adding a read aloud to your STEM lessons. When we connect children’s literature to STEM and maker learning opportunities, we tap into important skills for our students including:
Problem-solving
Comprehension
Creativity
Divergent thinking
Hands-on learning can be incorporated within the read-aloud or as an extension activity. You can implement these lessons at any time of year, but here are a few stories that are perfect during the month of February. Be sure to check out the monthly STEM menus to find all sorts of activities to connect to each book.
Brave Irene
In the midst of a huge blizzard, Irene trudges through the snow to deliver a dress to the palace. Faced with obstacles at every turn, students will love to help Irene problem-solve and design some solutions for this lovable character.
The dress that Irene is delivering is delicate and fancy. Design a different outfit that could withstand the weather.
Irene has a pretty tough journey to the palace, draw or build a map that will show her the way.
Snow travel can be a challenge. Design or build a vehicle to get Irene to the palace safely.
Get the Read Aloud STEM menu for this book here.
Tar Beach
Written by Faith Ringgold, this book tells the story of Cassie and her adventures flying over her neighborhood in Harlem. She imagines a life of possibilities as she flies by bridges, buildings, and factories. The vibrant colors and imaginative story provides many opportunities for learners to engage in innovative thinking and creative expression.
Using cardboard or paper, design and build skyscrapers like the ones in the story. Create a city of tall buildings and apartments.
Create a picture of what your neighborhood looks like.
Get the Read Aloud STEM menu for this book here.
The Great Paper Caper
Oliver Jeffers has written a variety of children’s books with many lending themselves to hands-on maker learning experiences. This quirky story about a bear practicing for a paper airplane championship will have students learning about all kinds of paper and engineering with paper in different ways.
Investigate the inside of a broken tree branch using your 5 senses. Record what you observe.
Design and fold a paper airplane. Use tape and add some weight to get your plane flying.
What else can be made with paper? A chair? A tower? A paper chain?
Get the Read Aloud STEM menu for this book here.
Groundhug Day
Moose is planning a Valentine's Day party and all of the forest animals are invited. But with Groundhog Day coming up, Groundhog might miss the party. If he sees his shadow outside, he'll hide in his hole for six more weeks. Take a look at the activities below or check out more Groundhog Day fun here.
Devise a contraption that will prevent Groundhog from seeing his shadow. Use recyclable materials or other household items.
Research the history behind Groundhog Day. Write or draw three important facts about this celebration.
Create some shadows and draw silhouettes like the animals in the story.
Get the Read Aloud STEM menu for this book here.
Mr. Goat’s Valentine
Mr. Goat is off on a busy shopping spree to buy things for his valentine. Mr. Goat’s gifts are a little unusual. Students will have fun discovering the gross things that goats enjoy while redesigning some new gift ideas for Mr. Goat.
Craft a new hat for Mr. Goat using newspaper.
Goats like to eat unusual things. Research the habits of goats and write down three interesting facts.
Make a 3-D Valentine’s Day card. Think about ways to fold, bend, and cut paper to make your valentine.
Get the Read Aloud STEM menu for this book here.
President Taft is Stuck in the Bath
A silly (but maybe true) story about our 27th president getting stuck in the bathtub. Written by Mac Barnett and artfully illustrated by Chris Van Dusen, kids will love hearing this story with a presidential-size problem.
President Taft is still stuck and his water is cold. Design a solution to keep the water warm for more than 2 hours.
Research different buildings and monuments that are named after US Presidents. Choose one to recreate using cardboard and duct tape.
Design a new coin or paper bill that highlights your favorite president.
Get the Read Aloud STEM menu for this book here.
For more presidential STEM activities check out this link.
February may be a short month, but we can fill it with meaningful learning opportunities in our classrooms. Students can engage with great books and explore their learning in hands-on ways. This can happen with simple materials and in ways that are fun for learners.
If you need more ideas for implementing Read Aloud STEM virtually, check out the following resources:
Our February Read Aloud STEM Menus are full of activities for each of these books that will keep your students engaged and asking for more! Get the STEM Menus Here!
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