Overview: Share an early play memory What is Early STEM? STEM in the Story STEM at your Library Explore and Play

bklynlib.org/littlescientists Resources: bklynlib.org/littlescientists

Share a memory of something you liked to play with as a young child (0-5)

What is STEM? Science Technology Engineering Math

What is Early STEM? Science is a way of thinking. Observing, experimenting, making predictions, sharing discoveries, asking questions and wondering how things work. Technology is a way of doing. Using tools, being inventive, identifying problems and making things work. Engineering is a way of creating. Solving problems, using a variety of materials, designing and creating things that work. Math is a way of measuring. Sequencing, patterning, and exploring shapes, volume, and size. *adapted from the Boston Children’s Museum STEM Teaching Guide

Why STEM? “Understanding the world around them is one of the strongest predictors of young children’s later science learning and reading, and a significant predictor of mathematics success.” --Grissmer, et. al., Developmental Psychology, 2010

Early STEM and Early Literacy Connecting STEM to ECRR Observing, making predictions, describing, asking and answering questions Teaching concepts like size, counting, patterns; new vocabulary and teaching through repetition Factual books, informational picture books and highlighting STEM concepts in read-alouds; making predictions Fine motor and sensory activities like blocks, playdough, sand; drawing or writing down observations. “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” – Fred Rogers

How adults support Early STEM: Provide materials and environments Share in the child’s curiosity! Encourage language development by asking open-ended questions. Help the child make sense of the experience by connecting new information to what they already know.

STEM in the STORY There are already STEM ideas in the books you share. What are some STEM concepts in your favorite read alouds?

Small Groups: STEM in the Story STEM Concepts & Vocabulary BOOK STEM Concepts & Vocabulary Activity Ideas

STEM at your Library STEM in your Storytime STEM Kits STEM Stations STEM Book Bundles

STEM at your Library: Storytime Pick a STEM concept or idea Choose 2-3 read-alouds to support this concept Share 2-3 early literacy asides Engage in a few activities or a craft project Share resources with parents

“Parents, today we are going to read some books that encourage playing with math! Did you know that learning shapes is actually more than math? Children who can recognize basic shapes have an easier time learning letters when it’s time to learn their ABC’s.”

You will find round things everywhere! Counting/Shape Song: 5 Little Ladybugs (ladybugs have lots of dots!) Five little ladybugs climbing up a door  One flew away and then there were four Four little ladybugs sitting on a tree One flew away and then there were three Three little ladybugs landed on a shoe One flew away and then there were two Two little ladybugs looking for some fun One flew away and then there was one One little ladybug sitting in the sun She flew away and then there were none! Shape Rhyme: Round! Round is a pancake, Round is a plum, Round is a doughnut, Round is a drum. Round is a puppy, Curled up on a rug. Round are the spots, On a wee ladybug. Look all around, On the ground, in the air, You will find round things everywhere! “Go on a shape hunt! Pick a shape and search for it all day. This is something you can do at home, on the way to school, or waiting at the doctor’s office, and will help your child Recognize basic shapes in their world.”

Create your own STEM or early literacy texting program with Remind.com You can create your own texting program with Remind.com or another free texting service. It is best to do a texting program in conjunction with an existing program. You can also remind families about upcoming programs and send simple tips to families.

STEM at your Library: Kits

STEM at your Library: Stations Montgomery County (MD) Public Library created mini hand-on STEM activities for parents and children to do together whenever the library was open.

STEM at your Library: Stations What you need: Simple signage Replaceable low-cost Use everyday materials when you can so parents can replicate at home. Add books, DVDS, and take-home sheets on the topic.

STEM Book Bundles

STEM Crafts and Activities bklynlib.org/littlescientists Explore! STEM Kits STEM Crafts and Activities STEM Stations STEM Book Bundles Resources: bklynlib.org/littlescientists

Contacts Jessica Ralli │ Coordinator, Early Literacy Programs Rachel Payne │ Coordinator, Early Childhood Services Brooklyn Public Library  10 Grand Army Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11238 rpayne@bklynlibrary.org Tel: 718.230.2233    Jessica Ralli │ Coordinator, Early Literacy Programs Brooklyn Public Library 10 Grand Army Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11238 jralli@bklynlibrary.org Tel: 718.230.2428