STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education has become increasingly necessary to thrive in today’s world and therefore a national priority. Yet, a mistaken notion that complex thinking skills are beyond the ability of young children means that infants, toddlers & preschoolers aren’t always exposed to STEM concepts or activities during their early education. By providing libraries with the materials necessary to easily create play-based learning opportunities that focus on age appropriate STEM concepts, the Colorado State Library hopes to address that gap.
Audience
This kit is intended to be used by Children’s and Youth Services Librarians to provide programming ideas and resources. The activities supported by this kit will be best used with children between the ages of 2-7. This kit is not intended to be used as a circulating item to members of the public.
Contents
- 1 set of 8 Squishy Shapes
- 4 Fort Building Kits
- 4 bed sheets
- 24 clips
- 20 Flashlights
- 2 sets of conversation starters
- 1 copy of each of the following books:
- Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier
- It’s Fort Building Time by Megan Wagner Lloyd
- Builders and Breakers by Steve Light
Resources
Books
Toddler Titles:
- Builders and Breakers by Steve Light*
- Dreaming Up by Christy Hale
- Baby Builders by Elissa Haden Guest
- Box by Min Flyte
Preschool Titles
- When I Build with Blocks by Niki Alling
- The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier*
- Fort Building Time by Megan Wagner Lloyd*
- That Neighbor Kid by Daniel Miyares
Storytime Songs
General/Inspiration
- Reimagine School Readiness Conversation Starters https://bayareadiscoverymuseum.org/resources/educator-resources/library-toolkit/posters
- Fort Magic website Learning Through Play – 10 Reasons to Build Forts – Fort Magic
