Objective
By the end of this lesson, the toddler will be able to engage in language arts activities related to reading, while incorporating their interest in STEM.
Materials and Prep
- Picture books with STEM themes (e.g., "Rosie Revere, Engineer" by Andrea Beaty)
- Construction paper
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
- Tape or glue
No additional knowledge or preparation required.
Activities
- Read a STEM-themed picture book together, discussing the story and pointing out any science, technology, engineering, or math concepts.
- Ask the toddler to choose their favorite character from the book and draw a picture of them on construction paper.
- Encourage the toddler to write or dictate a short sentence describing their character's STEM-related skills or interests.
- Help the toddler cut out their character and sentence, then assist them in attaching it to a popsicle stick to create a puppet.
- Using the puppet, have the toddler retell the story or create a new story incorporating their character's STEM skills.
Toddler Grade Talking Points
- "Today, we are going to read a special book about science, technology, engineering, or math! Can you say STEM?"
- "Look at the pictures in the book. What do you see? Can you find anything related to science or math?"
- "Choose your favorite character from the book. Who do you like the most? Why?"
- "Let's draw a picture of your favorite character on the construction paper. You can use markers or crayons."
- "Now, can you tell me or show me what your character likes to do related to STEM? You can write or tell me a sentence."
- "Great job! Let's cut out your character and the sentence. Be careful with the scissors!"
- "Now, we will attach your character and the sentence to a popsicle stick. This will make it a puppet!"
- "With your puppet, you can retell the story we read or create a new story. What adventures will your character have?"