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

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

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

5. What is STEM?
Science
Technology
Engineering
Math

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

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

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

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

13. 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

14. “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.”

15. 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.”

18. 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.

19. STEM at your Library: Kits

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. STEM Book Bundles

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

24. Contacts Jessica Ralli │ Coordinator, Early Literacy Programs
Rachel Payne │ Coordinator, Early Childhood Services
Brooklyn Public Library  10 Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Tel:    
Jessica Ralli │ Coordinator, Early Literacy Programs
Brooklyn Public Library 10 Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Tel: