Books about Women in STEM for Kids

These books about women in STEM can inspire kids to reach their dreams. Or even create new ones! Women in STEM fields is one of many under represented groups. These important stories from the past can help shape our future and add more diversity within the STEM space.

The books listed below are alphabetized by title. If there are any I should add to the list, please send me an email at contactnaomimeredith@gmail.com

This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the link, no extra cost to you, but I receive a kickback from purchases.

Books about Women in STEM: Titles A-E

Born Curious: 20 Girls Who Grew Up to Be Awesome Scientists by Martha Freeman and Katy Wu

“The twenty groundbreaking women—including Rosalind Franklin, Marie Tharp, Shirley Anne Jackson, and more—came from all kinds of backgrounds and had all kinds of life experiences. Some grew up rich. Some grew up poor. Some were always the smartest kid in class. Some struggled to do well in school. But all had one thing in common: They were born curious. Are you curious, too?” (Amazon description)

Computer Decoder: Dorothy Vaughan, Computer Scientist by Andi Diehn

“Elementary-aged children follow Dorothy’s journey from math teacher to human computer and beyond, a journey made difficult because she was an African American woman working during a time of segregation. Dorothy worked incredibly hard to meet the challenges that greeted her at every turn and rose to the level of supervisor, the first black supervisor in the history of her company! But another challenge awaited when a mechanical computer threatened to replace the teams of human computers. How will Dorothy figure out this problem?” (Amazon description)

The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Julia Finley Mosca

“As a girl coming of age during the Civil Rights Movement, Patricia Bath made it her mission to become a doctor. When obstacles like racism, poverty, and sexism threatened this goal, she persevered―brightening the world with a game-changing treatment for blindness!” (Amazon description)

Books about Women in STEM: Titles F-J

Fossil Huntress: Mary Leakey, Paleontologist by Andi Diehn

“What was the world like millions of years ago? Did early humans walk on all fours? Did giant sloths lie in trees? Did dinosaurs have feathers? Even as a young girl, Mary Leakey was fascinated by questions like these! Meet Mary as a girl growing up in France and visiting the site of archeological wonders, such as Pech Merle, Fond de Gaume, and La Mouthe. As an adult, Mary spends much of her life working in the field in Tanzania, making discoveries that change the face of paleontology forever. True grit, passion, and high standards for scientific rigor made Mary a pioneer in the field of paleontology!” (Amazon description)

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca

“When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe!” (Amazon description)

The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague by Julia Finley Mosca

“After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted―finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever.” (Amazon description)

Human Computer: Mary Jackson, Engineer by Andi Diehn

“When Mary Jackson was growing up, she thought being an engineer was impossible for her. Why? After all, she was fantastic at math and science. She worked really hard to learn all she could in school. Why did this smart little girl think she couldn’t be an engineer? Readers ages 5 to 8 explore the life of Mary Jackson, who overcame the challenges of segregation and sexism to become the first female African American engineer at NASA!” (Amazon description)

Books about Women in STEM: Titles K-O

Books about Women in STEM: Titles P-Z

Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea: Marie Tharp Maps the Ocean Floor by Robert Burleigh

“This illustrated biography shares the story of female scientist, Marie Tharp, a pioneering woman scientist and the first person to ever successfully map the ocean floor.

Marie Tharp was always fascinated by the ocean. Taught to think big by her father who was a mapmaker, Marie wanted to do something no one had ever done before: map the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Was it even possible? Not sure if she would succeed, Marie decided to give it a try.” (Amazon description)

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Igonotofsky

“Highlights the contributions of fifty notable women to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from the ancient to the modern world. Full of striking, singular art, this fascinating collection also contains infographics about relevant topics such as lab equipment, rates of women currently working in STEM fields, and an illustrated scientific glossary.” (Amazon description)

Women in STEM: Women Who Changed Science and the World Pioneers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math by Sumita Mukherjee

“Meet some incredible and inspirational women who have worked in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and changed the world. Smart women have always been able to achieve amazing things, even when the odds were stacked against them.” (Amazon description)

STEMTech Co. Navigator Feature: Darryl Hawkins

by Naomi Meredith

STEMTech Co. Navigator Feature: Darryl Hawkins

STEMTech Co. Navigators are teacher representatives for Naomi Meredith’s brand. These educators are here to help other teachers all over the world navigate STEM & Technology in their K-5 classrooms. They have the opportunity to implement and use STEM and technology lessons sent monthly, created by Naomi Meredith.

To learn more about this program and to apply, click here.

In this post, we will learn more about fellow Navigator, Darryl Hawkins, school library media specialist for PreK-5th grade.

This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the link, no extra cost to you, but I receive a kickback from purchases.

How many years have you been teaching?

I have been working in the education field for almost 6 years. I teach primarily students at the elementary level Pre-K through 5th grade as a school library media specialist.

State/City/Country You’re Currently Teaching In

Georgia

What are your top 5 favorite STEM & or Tech tools?

My top five STEM and Tech tools work best for me as the instructor and creating engagement with my students.

1. As a librarian, my go-to resource would have to be STEM-related FICTION books. Books that are entertaining, but also promote critical thinking skills and the engineering process are always the best.

2. Pear Deck has been a game-changer for me. I like to use the Pear Deck Add-On in Google Slides to create student participation in a lesson. Works well with hybrid teaching.

3. I recently received a HUE Document Camera from a donor choose grant I work. It is great for displaying the stem challenge to students. It is also really compact and does not take up a lot of space like a traditional document camera.

4. A fellow librarian introduced me to Digital Choice Boards. They are a great tool for recapping the STEM terms and lessons you have taught for the month.

5. Sphero is one of the resources that were great before the pandemic. The robot promotes collaboration and problem-solving skills with different obstacles for the students. I always like to incorporate them into my December lessons.

How did you become interested in STEM & Technology in relation to teaching?

I have always had an interest in STEM because I am obsessed with technology, but I truly took a liking to it when I was trying to create engaging lessons for my students in the media center.

As a media specialist, we do not have set curriculum, but that can be advantage for many. It allows us to incorporate topics that students do not get exposure to beyond their core class curriculum.

My first STEM lesson started with celebrating Hour of Code in December. From there, I started mapping out a theme for the year geared toward literacy, but enhancing it with a STEM twist to promote engagement, and keep my students excited about the media center.

What do you love most about integrating/teaching STEM & Technology? What are some positive changes you have seen in your students and/or school?

The best part about integrating STEM and Technology into classroom instruction is the number of connections students make to real life situations.

For example, I most recently taught a lesson about light. Students started to make connections about how light is energy, and it can be used for many different purposes. STEM lessons help students to apply curriculum knowledge to practical things in their everyday life.

Another example, was a read aloud I presented to my 2nd graders. The book was called Violet the Pilot by Steve Breen. The main character in the story creates all these flying contraptions from materials in her fathers junkyard where he works.

This story led us to having a discussion about what is a junkyard, and how you can create something new from used materials. I was surprised that many students were not aware of what a scrap yard was. It made me want to have a virtual field trip with them about recycling.

What is a project or lesson that you’ve seen be very successful in your classroom that you think other teachers might be interested in?

I think STEM works well when you are trying to create a lesson that is none holiday related.

When you are on a specials rotations with your students, chances are homeroom teachers will do some type of holiday read aloud or activity with their students before you see them. Therefore, you have to be create and intentional.

I like to take a STEM lesson and make it my holiday theme activity for students. In one lesson, my primary students listened to Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds.

After listening and discussing what Jasper’s problem was in the story, the students had to create a catapult to launch the carrots or candy corn back into the fence. They enjoyed the design component of the lesson. It worked well for both my remote learners and face-to-face students.

Where can teachers follow your teaching journey?

Instagram: @jedi_hawkins

Twitter: @MrHawkins19

Interested in becoming a STEMTech Co. Navigator? Click here for more information about the program and how to get started.

Easy Valentine’s Day Classroom Ideas

by Naomi Meredith

Easy Valentine’s Day Classroom Ideas

Need some fresh Valentine’s Day classroom ideas? Scroll down for resources that can make your classroom and engaging, and even educational experience. As a former classroom teacher, I understand how classroom parties can be stressful, especially if you’re the one in charge.

These ideas will be a hit for your students!

Valentine’s Day Classroom Ideas | #1 How to Make a Valentine Box STEM Challenge

Around the end of the first week of February, send home a different kind of homework. Try this STEM challenge where students plan and create a unique Valentine’s box. With a brainstorm list and ways to modify their design, students will have a mailbox that is more stunning, even more functional, than a paper bag.

This doesn’t have to be completed at home either! Have an extended project to work on in class leading up to Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day Classroom Ideas | #2 Candy Free Valentines

There are plenty of opportunities for students to enjoy sugar during this class celebration. Mix up your Valentine-giving with these candy-free options. Add a bit of a STEM component and students will have a card that keeps them learning beyond the party.

Most of the small items seen in these Valentines can be found in the party section of Target, Walmart or Dollar Tree.

Valentine’s Day Classroom Ideas | #3 Candy Heart STEM Activities

While students are finished passing out Valentines, try this low-prep, candy heart STEM challenge. Students will create a basket to fit as many candy hearts as possible. There are corresponding sheets to go through the entire Engineering Design Process if desired.

Valentine’s Day Classroom Ideas | #4 Valentine’s Day Photo Booth Props

Capture the positive energy of the party and add in fun props for the students to hold! Create a photo booth corner while hanging up some Valentine-themed paper while printing and cutting out these props.

Valentine’s Day Classroom Ideas | #5 Valentine’s Day STEM Challenge Engineer Inspiration Board

Younger students love using these Engineer Inspiration Boards as a way to create different items that correlate with a theme. Print a board out for each student, or even share digitally, and students can build using any items available in the classroom.

Valentine’s Day Classroom Ideas | #6 February Bulletin Board Ideas

It always seems like that during the holidays, there is a door decorating competition. Take out all the guesswork and use this print-cut-and-hang design. There is a color and low-ink option based on your school printing availability. Bonus points if it gets laminated and used the next year!

Resources mentioned in this post:

How to Make a Textbox in Google Slides

by Naomi Meredith

How to Make a Textbox in Google Slides

Wondering how to make a text box? There are a lot of ways to be creative when adding words with the text box tool in Google Slides and Drawings. Easily create a text box, change its color and style in this video tutorial.

Want to share this video with students but YouTube is blocked at your school? Click here to find the same {free} video in my store and you can get the downloadable version of this video that you can share with your kids.

How to Make a Textbox in Google Slides | Need help?

As you become more comfortable with Google Slide creation, you’ll discover all the tricks within the platform.

Still need more help? Stop spending hours on YouTube finding the perfect video to answer your questions. Let me sit with you and guide you through the ins and outs of Google Slides.

In less than 3 hours, you can be a Google Slides master while creating assignments your students will love. Click here to join me in my easy-to-navigate course, How to Use Google Slides for Digital Interactive Assignments.

See you there!

Resources mentioned in this post:

How to Make Worksheets on Google Slides

by Naomi Meredith

How to Make Worksheets on Google Slides

Are you wondering how to make worksheets in Google Slides? With these 5 easy steps, you can create interactive assignments for your students they will love.

This video originally aired LIVE on my Facebook Page; Naomi Meredith: The STEMTech Co.

Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode down below.

How to Make Worksheets on Google Slides | #1 Change the Page Size

Before creating the assignment, change the page size to be the same as a sheet of copy paper (8.5 x 11). To do this, go to the toolbar and click ‘File’–Page Setup — Custom.

This might seem like a strange step to start with, but there is a method to the madness. Although the goal is to create an interactive, digital assignment, having the option to print is a great backup. You never know when the internet will go out, a student needs a paper version for accommodations or someone has lost their computer privileges.

Having the page setup so that it can be printed is essential so the formatting doesn’t get thrown off in the future. It’s more of a pain to go back and change it later.

How to Make Worksheets on Google Slides | #2 Create & Insert the background

The background is the part of the assignment that you want to “glue down”. These are the items in the assignment you don’t want kids to change.

Think of it like this.

When you make a photocopy of a worksheet, the students can’t move the directions and graphic organizers around. They are to complete the assignment and add their answers on top.

To do this in Google Slides, create the background of the assignment, download as an image, then insert it as the background.

How to Make Worksheets on Google Slides | #3 Create moveable objects

Now that the background is in place, time for the fun part; the moveable pieces! Moveable objects can come in many forms digitally; drag & drop, typing in a text box or even watching a video.

While some question types can stay the same like traditional paper & pencil assignments, many can be enhanced digitally. With these moveable pieces, you’re transforming the work where students can be creators with technology and not consumers.

How to Make Worksheets on Google Slides | #4 Make a Copy for the Kids

Once the essentials of the assignment are created, make a seperate copy for the students in Google Drive. We don’t typically hand students the teacher manual with all of the details. Don’t do the same thing with your master slides.

After making a copy, delete any unnecessary slides the kids don’t need to complete their work.

How to Make Worksheets on Google Slides | #5 Share assignment!

Google Slides can be shared on a variety of platforms; Google Classroom, Seesaw, Schoology, Canvas and more! They can even be downloaded as PowerPoint files which is a great option for platforms that don’t support Google Slide assignments.

Make sure when sharing, you’re sending the student version that you made in the previous step.

How to Make Worksheets on Google Slides | Need help?

As you become more comfortable with Google Slide creation, you’ll discover all the tricks within the platform.

Still need more help? Stop spending hours on YouTube finding the perfect video to answer your questions. Let me sit with you and guide you through the ins and outs of Google Slides.

See you there!

Resources mentioned in this post:

Mini Course: How to Use Google Slides for Digital Interactive Assignments

STEMTech Co. Navigators Ambassador Program

by Naomi Meredith

STEMTech Co. Navigators Ambassador Program

Are you an innovative teacher? Do you enjoy implementing STEM & Technology into your elementary classroom? Are you willing to jump in and try new things? How about collaborating teachers and sharing ideas on social media?

If any of these sound like you, then it’s your chance to be a STEMTech Co. Navigator!

What does participation as a STEMTech Co. Navigator look like?

As a STEMTech Co. Navigator, you will be part of a group of other educators to help teachers all over the world navigate STEM & Technology in their K-5 classrooms. You’ll have the opportunity to implement and use STEM and technology lessons sent monthly, created by Naomi Meredith.

Collaborating with other Navigators will also be available to bounce ideas off of these lessons and other classroom topics. After using these lessons with students, you’ll share your ideas on social media to let other teachers know about the great things that are happening in your classroom! This is a minimum of a 6 month commitment and your participation will be reassessed at the end of that time.

What are the benefits of being a STEMTech Co. Navigator?

A minimum of 3 FREE Technology & STEM lessons sent to you monthly to try and use with your students
Monthly coaching call to understand how to prepare and use the lessons in your classroom
Exclusive email signature badge
Profile info on Naomi’s website, naomimeredith.com
Opportunity to collaborate with other like-minded teachers
Sneak Peeks to upcoming products and provide feedback
Role of taking pictures and sharing how lessons were used in own classroom

This sounds great! How can I sign up!?

Use the form below to join the waitlist!

Have questions about this program? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ or send me an email at contactnaomimeredith@gmail.com and I would love to chat with you!

How to Start a Makerspace

by Naomi Meredith

How to Start a Makerspace

Are you wondering how to start a makerspace in your classroom? What are some simple steps when getting started? Whether you are a classroom teacher or teaching in a STEM space, these go-to tips can help you set up a Makerspace by the end of the week!

This video originally aired LIVE on my Facebook Page; Naomi Meredith: The STEMTech Co.

Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode.

How to Start a Makerspace | Watch the recording down below:

How to Start a Makerspace | #1 Space

Before collecting materials, create a designated space where Makerspace materials and access will be stored in the classroom. By choosing the location, this will help determine how much materials you can actually have, not the other way around.

In this space, ensure that there is room for bins, shelf and/or drawers that are easily accessible for the kids. The goal is to have students be independent in this space; when choosing materials and cleaning up.

Also decide if this Makerspace will be an actual work area or a grab and go type of system. With my K-5 STEM classes, the grab and go method has been successful. However, some classrooms can be more conducive to the Makerspace being an isolated station.

How to Start a Makerspace | #2 Storage

Once the designated location has been chosen, decide how materials are going to be stored. Materials can pile up quickly and look like a trash heap! While having an abundance of resources is helpful, you don’t want your classroom to look like another episode of Hoarders.

Keep like items together instead of a free for all. Items like thin cardboard, cardboard tubes and egg cartons can have their own bins. Smaller knick-knacks like beads, googly eyes, and buttons can each have their own smaller container inside of a larger drawer.

Having a system as to where items go, again, helps with the student independence and cleanup.

How to Start a Makerspace | #3 Labels

Create labels that include the name and the picture of the items in that location. Even for older students, I’ve found this method to be extremely helpful. Even for me as a teacher when I find random items in the classroom!

Also, think about how labels can be added and removed easily. Printing, cutting, then laminating the labels, and attaching with Velcro can be an easy method. Stocks of some items, especially specialty items, can change quickly.

Having a stock of material labels on hand will save time in the long run. That way, extra labels don’t need to printed and created on the fly. In fact, this would be a wonderful classroom job! Designate a students to be in charge of organizing the Makerspace and labels at the end of each week.

How to Start a Makerspace | #4 Collect

Now that overall systems are put into place, it’s time to collect materials. Since the majority of items in the space are recycled, families are usually very willing to gather materials at home. Sending home a list of requests, print or digitally, is extremely helpful.

Also, make sure to let families know to clean out any food containers and take extra bits off toilet paper rolls. Seems like common sense, but trust me, it’s not!

I even create my own Makerspace collection system at home and bring to school. It isn’t pretty, but we all know that those sparkling water boxes are magic for building. Unsure of what type of items work well for Makerspace? Just out my STEM Supply List blog post HERE.

Check out this editable Makerspace Donation letter that will save time and help you gather materials quickly.

How to Start a Makerspace | #5 Upkeep & Replenish

As the Makerspace is being used, you’ll notice which items are popular with students. Thin cardboard, masking tape and cardboard tubes run out the quickest in my room! Sending out supply requests every so often can help replenish the space.

Also, enlist in your co-workers! There have been times when I’ve been in need of bubble wrap and have gotten piles of it the next day.

Keeping a donation box by your classroom door and by the front of the school can also help. Students, teachers and families will be reminded when they walk by. This also serves as a great holding area for when you’re ready to organize the new materials. Make the donation box extra fancy by using a recycled box!

Products mentioned in this post:

STEM Materials | Makerspace Donation Letter | Editable

Reviewing Technology Expectations in the Classroom

by Naomi Meredith

Reviewing Technology Expectations in the Classroom

You’re back to school after a long break! Just like with any classroom routine, it’s especially important to remind students how to properly use technology for learning. Here are my go-to tips for reviewing technology expectations in the classroom.

This video originally aired LIVE on my Facebook Page; Naomi Meredith: The STEMTech Co.

Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode.

Reviewing Technology Expectations in the Classroom | Watch the recording down below:

Reviewing Technology Expectations in the Classroom | #1 Make a list

Before jumping right in, make a class of routines and expectations when using classroom technology. This can. be done independently as the classroom teacher, but also more effective when made with students. Chart down student responses as to how technology is used in the classroom. This is also a great opportunity to add any new rules that you want students to add into their practice. It’s ok to change things when it doesn’t work well!

Here are some examples of expectations to think about:

How to carry a device in the classroom
Where the device goes during a lesson
Putting devices away
Where to store and gather headphones
Login information stored for independent use
How to troubleshoot technology issues
Using technology for academic purposes; staying on task
Communicating with others when using technology

Reviewing Technology Expectations in the Classroom | #2 Model

Once it is clear what rules and expectations are used for technology, model! Students need to see how this should look in the classroom. Don’t assume that students already know or remember, especially if new routines are being added.

Physically model real quick as the teacher, and have some student volunteers try for the whole class. Even adding in non-examples can be helpful to.

This step doesn’t need to take long and it’s not a lecture. People remember by doing, and modeling is such a great asset for remembering positive routines. Even making a video of some routines can be powerful as well and can always be rewatched, year after year.

You can see how I explain my classroom rules to students below.

Reviewing Technology Expectations in the Classroom | #3 Take Pictures

Not all rules and routines are photo worthy! However, this can be especially helpful for organization expectations. Take pictures of what a certain area should look like cleaned up. Headphone and device storage as well as how to carry items in the room are great for this.

Before students start cleaning up, show the picture of what the final product looks like. This probably won’t need to be shown all year, but this is especially great for students who need visual accommodations.

Reviewing Technology Expectations in the Classroom | #4 Practice with Incentives

I always say in my class “Practice makes better, not perfect, because perfect doesn’t exist.” This is so important for students to understand. They are always going to make mistakes and there is always room for improvement.

On a large piece of construction paper, write down a whole class reward. This could be something like, “10 Minutes of Free Tech Time!”. Next, cover the paper with sticky notes, side by side. Then, write down a technology expectation, one per sticky note.

As the majority of the class applies the correct technology behavior, take off the corresponding sticky note. Once all of the sticky notes are removed, the class can earn their reward!

Reviewing Technology Expectations in the Classroom | #5 Visual Reminders

Reviewing technology expectations and flowing into a routine takes time. However, being clear about behaviors and being explicit allows students to be more successful and independent during work time.

Once the class is finding that rhythm again, post the classroom expectations and rules in the classroom. Adding words and visuals is extremely helpful for all learners. I typically have no more than 10 for my students, but pack a good punch in the ones I used.

Want to use my same rules and expectations in your classroom? Check out my print and go resource here! Digital versions are also available to help with any classroom setting.

Products mentioned in this post:

How to Do a Virtual Read Aloud Tips and Tricks

by Naomi Meredith

How to do a Virtual Read Aloud Tips & Tricks

Have you wondered how to do a virtual read aloud? How can kids see the pages? What tools do you need? How hard is it really? Here are some tips and tricks when hosting a read aloud online. While these work well for remote teaching, a lot of these hacks can be used during in-person teaching as well.

This video originally aired LIVE on my Facebook Page; Naomi Meredith: The STEMTech Co.

Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode.

How to Do a Virtual Read Aloud | Watch the recording down below:

How to Do a Virtual Read Aloud | #1 Picture & Google Drive Mash Up

This hack works well for when you only have a hard copy of the book. Now this tip isn’t meant to infringe on copyright and have you share with the whole world what you created; classroom use only. This method is extremely helpful to help the kids see the pages on a video call while the teacher doesn’t have the hold the book awkwardly to the camera. No document camera is needed!

If you know me, you know I am a HUGE fan of using Google Tools in the classroom as well as my person life. First, download the Google Drive app onto your phone. (Login of course!) Next, lay the book on a flat, clear surface with plenty of lighting. After that, using the Camera on your phone, take pictures of the pages in order. Edit and flip any pages now while in the Photos app.

Go into the Google Drive app. Hit the plus sign (+) and create a new folder while naming it the title of the book. Keep that new folder open and hit the plus sign again. Next, click ‘Upload’, then ‘Photos and Videos’ choose all of the photos of the book. They’ll upload in the order of when the photos were taken.

Once they are uploaded into Google Drive, you can actually delete the photos off your phone to save space. It won’t delete the pictures from the Drive.

Finally, when you’re ready to read, open up the book folder on your computer during class and share your screen. All you need to do is click through each of the pages as you read the story live.

Click here for a FREE printable version of the steps listed above.

How to Do a Virtual Read Aloud | #2 eBooks

Before taking pictures using the method above, see if there is an eBook version already accessible. Again, share your computer screen with the class once the desired book is chosen. Below are great resources to use that I’ve used consistently with my classrooms.

Epic! Books (getepic.com): This is a free for teachers eBook library to use in classrooms. Not only are eBooks abundant, but audio books, read-to-me, chapter books and video clips that aren’t connected to YouTube. Regardless of read alouds or not, this is a MUST USE resource in your classroom.
Your Public Library: Most public libraries have some sort of version of digital books that are available to check out. By using your library card, see what is already available for free! Don’t live near a public library? Many public libraries located within a school district will give a card to teachers who teach in that area.
Amazon Kindle Books: A Kindle device is not needed for this method. In fact, the Kindle app can be downloaded into a computer device for free. Often, publishers will have flash deals where books are offered for free that you can download to your account. Also, Amazon gift cards can come in handy when wanted to buy the digital copy of the book. One word of advice; purchase/download Kindle books to your personal account. That way if you were to ever leave districts, you still have access to all of those books!

How to Do a Virtual Read Aloud | #3 Audio Extras

Bring a read aloud to life and help with visualization with audio extras! Build background knowledge about the topic about to be read by finding a video clip that helps explain a difficult word or concept.

Also, check out the app Novel Effect. Again, another great resource for teachers! While reading the book out loud, Novel Effect will listen in real time by adding in sound effects that relate to the page. Some books even have music that will play along, like Pete the Cat.

Check out their growing collection of supported books here.

How to Do a Virtual Read Aloud | #4 Collaborative Read Aloud

This tip is a great way to get students involved with the read aloud experience. I would suggest using Seesaw with this method since it has the best tools to fit the job. Flipgrid could also be a great alternative as well.

Create a Seesaw Activity where each page is a different page of the book. Next, assign a student to a specific page to record themselves reading. You could even have each child read the whole book, then select one page from each child’s submission for the final read aloud. Finally, during whole group time, share the collaborative read aloud.

Need help with creating a Seesaw Activity? Download these free visual steps here!

Click here for one free month of Seesaw Plus to be added to your account using my Ambassador link!

How to Do a Virtual Read Aloud | #5 Pre-Record

This method works well of course with remote teaching, but also for homework assignments, substitute plans and even book groups. Pre-recording readings of a book don’t have to be fancy. For this method, I’ll typically use Screencastify. This is a Google Chrome Extension that is used on the computer when Google Chrome is open. It can record your screen only, screen & face, or just face.

Once the recording is complete, it saves automatically to your connected Google Drive. There is even the option to upload to YouTube right away. (I recommend making the YouTube link ‘Private’ or ‘Unlisted’ unless you have permission from the author/publishing company.) This extra time saving step allows the user to grab the share link right away and plop it into the desired assignment.

Screencastify is a freemium tool; the free features are great and can get the job done. But for unlimited use, the paid version is inexpensive & worth it. (I always renew my subscription).

Consider pre-recording picture books and chapter book chapters. This is incredibly special for your students when you have a substitute and the students can still hear the “correct voice” reading all the chapters.

This method can also be used for independent reading of book clubs. When the audio version isn’t available, send students the link to your video to help them read through their assigned work and understand the fluency and key vocabulary.

Get started with Screencastify here!

Products mentioned in this post:

STEM Activity for Elementary Students | Engineer Inspiration Boards

by Naomi Meredith

STEM Activity for Elementary Students | Engineer Inspiration Boards

Need an easy STEM activity for Elementary Students? Check out these Engineer Inspiration Boards. These work best for younger students in grades K-2. With a one page format, students can use this board as inspiration to build various things that represent the theme represented. See how you can use these in your classroom in a variety of ways!

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STEM Activity for Elementary Students | What are they?

These one page boards are meant to be a way to inspire students to be creative and imagine new solutions to design the images shown. A variety of themes are available to provide students new inspiration year round. There are not step-by-step directions to tell students how to build each one. It’s inspiration!

The boards come in a few different formats:

PDF [Color and Black & White} Full size, half size and quarter-page size
Google Slide
Powerpoint
JPGs Directions for creating a Seesaw activity are also included

STEM Activity for Elementary Students | How Should I Use These?

Before jumping into building, have students thoughtfully plan by drawing and how they are going to create their design & write down the materials they are going to use. After they have built their first creation, challenge students to improve their design with the suggestion checklist.

Likewise, they don’t have to try all of the suggestions, but they are more than welcome to! Then have students share their work on the sharing page by either placing their design on up of the page, drawing their page or inserting a picture digitally.

Here are some ways these Engineer Inspiration boards can be used in your classroom:

Create a book of the Engineer Inspiration boards you collect and leave them as a station in your classroom.
Have hands-on homework weeks where you assign an Engineer Inspiration Board along with the planning pages
For a class reward or warm-up, display the Engineer Inspiration board on the big screen in your classroom and set a timer for students to create what they can in that time frame.
Need a quick sub plan idea? Print out these boards, place the planning pages in page protectors and leave out materials you want students to build with while you are away.
Use the Engineer Inspiration Boards during a station at a class party. Parties can still be fun and have an educational component!

STEM Activity for Elementary Students | What Should Kids Build With?

These mats are designed to be used with an endless amount of supplies. Whatever you have in your classroom or at home, kids can create with it! Click here to get my go-to STEM supply list!

Here are a few ideas below to inspire you.

pipe cleaners
playdough
LEGO bricks
Crayola modeling clay (this doesn’t dry out!)
wooden planks
popsicle sticks

STEM Activity for Elementary Students | What Other Teachers are Saying…

Teachers around the world love using these Engineer Inspiration Boards in their classrooms! Here is what they are saying.

“These are absolutely AMAZING! We use these boards early on for STEM Fridays. I would have students choose one thing from the first row, then the next week from the second row and so on. I was blown away by what my students came up with, and what clever materials they used! I had a student build one of the items using their dirty clothes from their hamper! (HA!)” -Livin’ the Third Grade Dream

“I used these activities as part of the students asynchronous work. They are loving creating the different things on the board!” -Brittany S.

“A wonderful extension activity and easy to use!” -Dominee K.

STEM Activity for Elementary Students | Where can I Get Them?

Each board can be bought individually and also in a bundled set. Want to try one before you buy? Click HERE for a Space Themed Board for your class!

All individual boards and bundles can be purchased here from my shop.

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STEM Activity for Elementary Students | Engineer Inspiration Boards

STEM Activity for Elementary Students | What are they?

STEM Activity for Elementary Students | How Should I Use These?

Here are some ways these Engineer Inspiration boards can be used in your classroom:

STEM Activity for Elementary Students | What Should Kids Build With?

STEM Activity for Elementary Students | What Other Teachers are Saying…

STEM Activity for Elementary Students | Where can I Get Them?

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