[kids-lib] Adding science and math to storytime

[Katie Anderson]

Hi! I just read this brief article What 'Sid the Science Kid' Means for Adults<http://earlyed.newamerica.net/blogposts/2013/what_sid_the_science_kid_means_for_adults-87207> by Lisa Guernsey. She points out that the show Sid the Science Kid has the potential to teach adults how to engage children in science activities. If you watch the 5 minute video clip<http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3hlkRcTmFxY> of Sid the Science Kid YOU will learn:

  *   Scientific language you can use during storytime and other library programs.
  *   Open ended questions adults ask kids to get them thinking critically and creatively to solve problems (i.e. 21st Century Skills!).
  *   Two activities you could actually do during your storytime to explore nonstandard measurement--one activity doesn't even require any extra materials, just kids and an object like a block (you could use a pen or pencil).
  *   A writing/drawing activity that allows kids to demonstrate whether or not they understood the activity (comprehension!).
  *   One example of how to respond when a child suggests something that is incorrect.
  *   One example of how to handle a kid who talks and moves and generally steals the show while other kids sit and listen and raise their hands when they have something to say.

In a quick Google search (shh!) I also found this webpage<http://www.the-best-childrens-books.org/measurement-lesson-plans.html> that lists several measurement picture books you could read to introduce the activity.


You all have different groups dynamics in storytime so here are a few ideas I thought of to make this activity work with different groups of kids and parents:


Lead the activity with one kid while the other kids watch to demonstrate how it is done, and then:

  *   Do the activity one or two more times with different kids while the other kids watch and tell the parents a) they are welcome to stay after storytime to do it with their kids, and/or b) do it when they get home.
  *   Instruct parents to lead their child(ren) through the activity--be sure to let them know how much time they will be allowed and what the "stop, sit, and listen" signal will be to set expectations prior to letting them do the activity.
  *   Let all the kids do it on their own or with each other or with the adults--be sure to let them know how much time they will be allowed and what the "stop, sit, and listen" signal will be to set expectations prior to letting them do the activity.

At this age the purpose is to expose children to fun science words, ideas, and activities--it is not to provide science instruction nor to make sure the kids get correct results. Kids will learn the correct answers in school or when they try it again with their families and they will get it right quicker/understand it better because you introduced them to the concept and let them have fun with it.


Adding science to storytimes can be easy and FUN!!!


Enjoy,

Katie

Katie Anderson, Library Development Services
* Youth Services Consultant * Oregon Center for the Book Coordinator *
Oregon State Library, 250 Winter St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
katie.anderson at state.or.us<mailto:katie.anderson at state.or.us>, 503-378-2528

In case the hypelinks don't work, try copying and pasting these URLs into your browser.

  *   Article: http://earlyed.newamerica.net/blogposts/2013/what_sid_the_science_kid_means_for_adults-87207
  *   Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3hlkRcTmFxY
  *   Picture book suggestions: http://www.the-best-childrens-books.org/measurement-lesson-plans.html
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