STEMulating Stories: Literacy in Action

Target Age: K–3

Focus Area: Literacy Initiative (Integrated STEM & Reading)

Program Description

STEMulating Stories is a literacy-centered learning series designed to bring books to life through quick, engaging STEM projects for young learners in grades K–3. Each episode begins with Dr. Whitney Gaskins sharing a brief, age-appropriate synopsis of a children’s book, highlighting key themes, characters, and vocabulary. Immediately following the story connection, learners are guided through a 5–10 minute hands-on STEM activity inspired directly by the book.

These bite-sized projects are intentionally designed to reinforce early literacy skills, such as comprehension, sequencing, vocabulary development, and storytelling, while introducing foundational STEM concepts through play, creativity, and problem-solving.

STEMulating Stories supports families, classrooms, afterschool programs, and community spaces by offering low-prep, high-impact activities that can be completed with simple materials and minimal setup.

Learning Goals

Through STEMulating Stories, learners will:

• Strengthen reading comprehension by connecting stories to real-world applications

• Develop STEM thinking skills, including asking questions, testing ideas, and redesigning

• Build confidence and curiosity as young scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers

• Practice listening, speaking, and reflection through guided discussion and wrap-up questions
  

Program Structure

Each STEMulating Stories lesson includes:

1. Book Synopsis (Video | 2–4 minutes)
   
   Dr. Gaskins introduces the featured book, explores its themes, and sets up the STEM connection using kid-friendly language.
   

2. Quick STEM Project (Video | 5–10 minutes)
   
   Learners complete a hands-on activity aligned to the story using everyday materials.
   

3. STEM Wrap-Up Questions
   
   Simple reflection prompts help learners explain what they built, what they observed, and how it connects back to the story.
   

Instructional Design

• Developmentally Appropriate: Designed specifically for K–3 learners

• Literacy-Forward: Reading and storytelling are the foundation of every lesson

• Hands-On & Visual: Ideal for early learners with diverse learning styles

• Flexible Use: Perfect for classrooms, libraries, homes, churches, and community programs
  

Where STEMulating Stories Can Be Used

• Learning Management Systems (LMS)

• Classroom literacy blocks

• Afterschool and enrichment programs

• Family engagement and at-home learning

• Community-based STEM and reading initiatives

Alignment to the Literacy Initiative

STEMulating Stories sits at the intersection of literacy and STEM, reinforcing that strong readers become strong thinkers. By pairing books with meaningful STEM exploration, the series helps young learners:

• Understand that stories can inspire innovation

• See themselves reflected as problem-solvers

• Build early confidence across both reading and STEM pathways