Does literacy have a place in STEM curriculum? I think yes, but let’s start with STEM.

For those of you who aren’t sure, STEM is short for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. There has been a lot of talk lately about integrating the arts in STEM areas – enter STEAM. But what about literacy?

Truthfully I don’t think any subjects can be taught in isolation. Is a lesson in Fall Leaves merely a science unit? How about a unit on maps or currency? Just social studies or math?

While some topics might lean more towards one curriculum area of another, in reality they are all linked in the real world.

You can’t purchase a book to read without understanding currency. You can’t build a structure without plans that are drawn of the ability to communicate with the other builders. Scientific research requires note taking, mathematics, and often lengthy paper writing.

In the real world, interest and skills are used together. Shouldn’t the same be true of education?

One tiny way of merging the subjects more naturally together is to include quality children’s books in STEM curriculum units.

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WHY Add Books?

*Increases opportunities for important literacy development in a useful context.

*Can give abstract mathematical or scientific concepts a relate-able context.

*Explains concepts in a new way. Adding an additional teaching approach that could help reach more children.

*Developmentally appropriate.

*Research says it works.

HOW to USE STEM Books?

*Read a picture book before you start a new STEM topic as an introduction.

*Do group or individual research on a STEM topic using children’s books and report findings.

*Read a picture book that gives additional information about a topic and answers a question.

*Read a children’s book and do a hands on activity inspired by the story.

*Offer baskets of books on the STEM interest for additional reading or further support.

Examples of Quality STEM Picture Books

SCIENCE Books

Once Upon an Elephant by Linda Stanek
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Once Upon an Elephant is a beautiful look at the way these large, lumbering creatures affect all of the other creatures in the great Savannah. Told through gentle repetitive phrasing and soft expansive illustrations, you can feel the slow movement of the elephants as they shape the world around them. Elephants are able to adapt the world every day with their tusks, their trunks, their footprints and even their dung. The impact that they make and the animals they help, so wonderfully described throughout the book, are in great danger as elephants grow closer to extinction. A powerful message and elegant book about these great animals. 3+

*You can find books about most kinds of animals. We gathered this whole collection of books about farm animals when my daughter had an interest.

Moonshot : The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca
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We are a huge fan of Brian Floca and this book is no exception. Stunning illustrations, fascinating information, and amazing retelling of the story of Apollo 11 for the next generation. 4+

Find More Awesome Books about Space. 

Where Does Kitty Go in the Rain? By Harriet Ziefert
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What is rain? Do cats like rain? Do ducks like rain? Do butterflies? If your child is filled with seemingly endless questions, this book is for them. There are two layers to this warm, rainy day book. On each page are a couple sentences that carry the story of a girl and her mom watching through the window on a rainy day. Also on each page is a question and a lengthier answer. These sidebars address simple questions about rain and how animals react to rain with preschool friendly language. Informative and lovely, this is perfect for your rainy season. Don’t miss the activities included on the final pages to compare, research, observe and create about your own rainy day. 3+

*Find More Great Weather Themed Read Alouds

National Geographic Kids: First Big Book of Why by Amy Shields
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When a child gets to about the age of 3 an endless stream of whys seems to pour from their mouth. This book has answers to more questions than I could think of. Fascinating information about a wide range of topics supported with beautiful photographs. 3+

Living Color by Steve Jenkins
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Each and every one of Steve Jenkins’ books could be on this list. They are all informative, fascinating, and beautifully illustrated. LIVING COLOR is about the various ways that color communicate things in the animal world. Red can communicate poison or what you ate for lunch. Blue can distract you or help someone blend into their environment. An amazing look at the diversity of colors and animals in our world. 5+

You May Also Like:
Steve Jenkins and Robin Page Author Study

TECHNOLOGY Books

Doug Unplugged by Dan Yaccarino
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Charming story about a little robot who unplugs one day and heads out into the world. 3+

Photo Adventures by Jan Von Holleben and text by Monte Packham
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This book is SO MUCH FUN. It is definitely geared towards First Graders and Up but it’s a great way to get kids playing around with cameras (just one form of technology for kids!) PHOTO ADVENTURES is written for kids and it does a great job of explaining how to create interesting art with photography. 

All About Robots: A Kids Picture Book about Robots by Emma Jacobs
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Filled with tons of photos and fun facts about robots. If you have a child curious about robots this is a must. 3+

Lift the Flap Computers and Coding
by Rosie Dickins
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This colorful lift the flap way is a fun introduction to computers and coding.

Oscar and the Bird: A Book about Electricity
by Geoff Waring
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This one is all about electricity and my son wore his copy out reading it again and again before bed. We learned a lot about machines that need electricity to work and why we always need to be careful around wires, batteries, plugs, and sockets.

ENGINEERING Books

Building Our House by Jonathan Bean
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Inspired by an amazing true story, Building Our House is the story of a family that buys a piece of land and slowly builds their own house. Step by step the reader is walked through what it takes to build a house. The tools, the foundation, the insides, and most importantly the time. An afterward shares Jonathan Bean’s story that he remembers primarily through photographs taken during the five years it took his parents to build their home. He tells the story through the eyes of his oldest sister. A daring adventure for a young family to undertake that demonstrates fortitude and patience that is rarely seen in today’s world. A remarkable story and fascinating look at the details involved in creating a home. 2+

Iggy Peck Architect by Andrea Beaty
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From a young age Iggy loves to build with anything on hand. While his parents are generally encouraging, his teacher puts a stop to all this creative thinking. One day on a class trip a bridge breaks leaving the class stranded and his teacher in shock. Fortunately Iggy’s architect spirit is there to save the day. Such a fantastic book about creativity and engineering. 3+ 

See Inside How Things Work by Conrad Mason
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This is a fascinating lift the flap book about machines and gadgets from car engines and toilets to submarines and more. For a kid who wants to understand how everything works, this is perfect. 3+

MATH Books

Spend it!
by Cinders McLeod
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Talking with kids about money is so important and this book is an excellent place to start. Sonny, the bunny, has allowance money (or carrots) burning a hole in his pocket the only problem is he has to choose how to spend his money. Calmly and rationally, his mom walks him through making a smart money decision. Cheerful, but practical, this is a great book to share with kids to kick off a conversation about how to spend their allowance.

Alexander Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst
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We love all three of Viorst’s books about Alexander. In this one, dear Alex has some pocket money but it somehow disappears much more quickly than he intended. 3+

Max’s Math by Kate Banks
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Would you ever go looking for problems? If they’re math problems Max is completely on board. This is a fun romp in the math world and great celebration of challenging yourself and the math that is all around us.

Perfect Square by Michael Hall
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The author of the creative “My Heart is Like a Zoo” has another fun shape book. We love this one for a discussion about creativity and art – but at the heart of the book it is about the shape, Square. This one explores the square and invites the readers to manipulate and get to know a square. Unique illustrations and topic – inspirational book.

*Also Read our Shapes Storytime for Shape Activity ideas. 

Just How Long Can a Long String Be?! By Keith Baker
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This little book surprised me with the amount of creativity and delight captured inside. A little ant asks his friend the bird a question, which prompts a rather complicated response. Have your string ready, you’ll want to do some experimenting and measuring when you’re done. 3+

Little Houses : A Counting Book by Helen Musselwhite
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Darling book that reminds me of the great Mitsumasa Anno. Bright colorful houses and a whole host of things to count. 2+

Find More Favorite Counting Books for Kids.

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