As the former librarian at an elementary STEAM campus, I was always looking for useful read-aloud books to highlight books that illustrate creativity productivity. Whether it's the idea generation or research stage, building and refining prototypes, collaborating and exchanging feedback, or persisting in the face of struggles, there are a lot of skills involved with STEAM education and makerspaces. Here are a few titles that might be useful for classrooms, campuses, and families who want to explore maker concepts. Boxitects by Kim Smith Everyone who's ever known the joy of a group project can connect to this story, especially if you're a big ideas person who likes to be in charge. When you already have a vision about what something will look like, it can be hard to acknowledge other good ideas, much less incorporate them into your own work. This story respects and names this reality so that when team conflicts arise, participants can refer back to the story discussion for solutions and strategies. Pine and Boof Blast Off by Ross Burach A celebration of imagination and making that is sure to appeal to young students - and more than a few older ones, too. If you like Pine and Boof, there are more books in this series. And if you teach K-4 kids and haven't done any read-alouds by Ross Burach, run to your nearest library for guaranteed laughs. Be a Maker by Katey Howes The whole book is an invitation to engage in the creative process. It might be particularly helpful to read before brainstorming possible projects or building ideas. Made by Maxine by Ruth Spiro Maxine is shown trying invent something that will allow her pet goldfish to participate in the pet parade. Her persistence and clever re-purposing of recycled objects offer plenty of inspiration for additional projects.
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1) Lena's Shoes Are Nervous by Keith Calabrese Personification Lena might be ready for school, but her shoes have some reservations. 2) I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes Metaphor This book is outstanding! Everyone should read it. 3) Fry Bread: A Native American Family Tradition by Kevin Noble Maillard Metaphor "Fry bread is time . . . fry bread is us." This picture book would be an excellent mentor text for student writers. 4) The Lonely Book by Kate Bernheimer Personification What happens to a book that was once popular and is now past its prime? Remember when people used to write actual letters to each other? Even if these aren't used as mentor texts for letter writing, these books are great examples demonstrating different perspectives and viewpoints. All of these stories are crafted with letter-writing as a predominant feature. 1) Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings See also: I Found a Kitty by Troy Cummings This is an adorable story about a dog roaming the city, looking to find a home. Each letter from different potential companions is written on the stationery equivalent of the house decor, whether it's fluffy and pink, or plain and severe. This book also introduces the concept of supporting arguments in an accessible way to younger audiences. 2) The Quiet Place by Sarah Stewart See also: The Gardener by Sarah Stewart Isabel moves to the U.S. from Mexico, and misses her home, Letters to her aunt show Isabel's gradually increasing comfort and appreciation for new routines and experiences. This would be an excellent read-aloud to help new students feel seen and validated, or to introduce a pen pal program with other students in a contrasting region. 3) Dear Dragon by Josh Funk I'm a fan of this author's work, and particularly this funny rhyming exchange of letters between a dragon and boy who are each shocked to discover that their pen pal is not what they expected. It's amazing how an open mind can allow a boy to connect to a dragon, and vice versa. This would be an excellent resource prior to class discussions about trying to see different perspectives, even when people disagree. What can you do with a wordless picture book? Notice and wonder together, discuss possibilities, write your own text, research related nonfiction elements - the possibilities are endless! Here are just a few to try: 1) Bye, Penguin by Seou Lee A penguin takes a worldwide tour of recognizable locations. This book could introduce units on maps, landmark research projects, distance, travel, or a discussion about unexpected opportunities. 2) Another by Christian Robinson An exploration of an alternate reality in a dream - this beautifully illustrated book can spark discussions about the kinds of worlds we would build if we could engineer the spaces of our dreams.
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Jamie Wright
I've had the privilege of working with hundreds of students and families in IA, CT, NC, MO, TX, and Canada. I love being a teacher-librarian! Categories
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May 2024
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