Boost Literacy with STEAM
At first glance, building a tower out of toothpicks or launching a balloon rocket might just seem like play, not reading. But STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) and literacy go hand in hand. In fact, hands-on learning can strengthen some of the most essential literacy skills for growing readers.
What STEAM Teaches Beyond Science
STEAM starts with science, but it doesn’t end there! When kids engage in STEAM activities, they’re also:
- Building vocabulary – Kids learn new words like balance, gravity, dissolve, or predict in meaningful hands-on contexts.
- Practicing sequencing – They follow multi-step instructions and describe what they did in order, using words like first, next, then, and last.
- Improving comprehension – They connect what they read (in a story or instructions) to what they observe, build, or create.
- Developing communication skills – They ask questions, explain ideas, and reflect on what happened. These are key parts of both science and storytelling.
Pairing STEAM with storybooks makes learning even more powerful. A story can spark curiosity, introduce a challenge, and help children connect big ideas to their everyday world. Stories help bring STEAM ideas to life, making them more relatable and easier to remember.
STEAM at Home
You don’t need fancy gadgets or expensive ingredients for STEAM learning at home. Everyday household objects can be the perfect tools for creative discovery. Try these easy ideas with what you have on hand:
- Plastic cups: Build towers, bridges, or try stacking challenges and sound experiments.
- Cardboard boxes or tubes: Make ramps, marble runs, or invent something new!
- Straws: Design and launch paper rockets or building structures and shapes.
- Toothpicks or spaghetti: Construct bridges or 3D shapes.
- Water bottles: Make a sensory bottle, lava lamp, or mini tornado in a bottle.
- Cereal or pasta: Count, sort, and make patterns.
- Buttons or bottle caps: Use them for measurement, pattern play, or crafts.
- Glass jars: Grow a seed, get a closer look at an insect, or make a musical instrument.
Explore, Discover, and Create with Us
Looking for more inspiration? Here are a few ideas from Children’s Librarian Kathleen:
- Try a story-inspired experiment – Read a book together and then encourage your child to come up with an experiment related to the story’s problem. Check out the booklist below for STEAM-filled picture books.
- Get outside with non-fiction – Pick out a non-fiction book about bugs, birds, flowers, or trees, and then head to your backyard or local park. Ask questions and investigate! Our always-available OverDrive/Libby ebooks are a great place to start.
- Join a library program – Explore hands-on fun at one of our upcoming STEAM programs for kids.
Looking for More Ideas?
Need a little inspiration? Our friendly librarians and programmers are always happy to help you make the most of your library. Come visit us—we’re always happy to see you.
