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Ever watched a reluctant reader disconnect from a book before they've even given it a chance? There's a powerful solution hiding in your classroom supply closet.

Today we're diving into the transformative world of hands-on learning for literacy, especially for those students who struggle to see themselves as readers. When we shift from asking children to recall information to inviting them to solve story problems through making and building, something magical happens. Their focus moves from what they can't do to what they can create.

Take a book like "After the Fall" - instead of traditional comprehension questions, ask students what they would build to help Humpty Dumpty. Maybe it's a softer landing zone or a specialized climbing tool. This approach gives them time to sketch, question, build, test, and revise - all while engaging deeply with the story. The beauty is that it works with any book you already have in your classroom library.

Another game-changing strategy is announcing a makerspace extension before you begin reading. When students know there's a hands-on challenge coming after the story, they stay engaged through the entire book. With "The Three Little Pigs," they might design a better wolf-proof house, or after "Diary of a Worm," create a communication device for a creature with no hands. These projects don't require fancy supplies - just everyday materials like cardboard, tape, or Play-Doh.

Reluctant readers often thrive on movement and creativity. By providing projects that validate their ideas and contributions, we help them see that reading isn't about being right - it's about being engaged. If your students don't feel like readers yet, let them build their way into books. Download the free "After the Fall" challenge from the link below and watch how hands-on activities can reframe how students see themselves as readers and thinkers.

🎁 Bonus! Download my STEM Story Connection Focusing on Grit in After the Fall
👉 https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/grit
For the Love of Reading
https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/for-the-love-of-reading

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Ever watched a child struggle to connect with a story, only to see their eyes light up when they get to build something with their hands? There's magic in that moment when reading transforms from a passive activity into an adventure of problem-solving and creation.

In this episode, we dive into practical ways to blend beloved children's books with STEM challenges, creating powerful learning experiences for all types of learners. For active kids and reluctant readers especially, these hands-on activities provide the perfect bridge to deeper comprehension and genuine engagement with stories. When children step into the shoes of characters like Mo Willems' Pigeon or Humpty Dumpty from "After the Fall," they're not just reading – they're feeling, thinking, and creating alongside these beloved characters.

We explore two primary approaches: building solutions for character problems and creating STEM story extensions. What would help Pigeon want to go to school? How could Humpty safely get back on his wall? These open-ended questions spark critical thinking and empathy while honoring each child's unique perspective. The beauty lies in the simplicity – these activities require nothing more elaborate than basic building materials like blocks, paper, or Legos, yet they yield remarkable results in comprehension and retention.

Most importantly, storybook STEM challenges help preserve the creativity that too often diminishes as children progress through elementary school. When we combine stories with hands-on exploration, we're not just teaching reading or science – we're nurturing imaginative problem-solvers who see possibilities beyond the page. Whether you're a classroom teacher, librarian, or parent looking to make stories come alive, these playful approaches will transform story time into an unforgettable journey of discovery and joy.

🎁 Bonus! Download my STEM Story Connection Focusing on Grit in After the Fall
👉 https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/grit

Support the show

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Reading becomes an adventure when students get to build, design, and create alongside their favorite stories. For too many children, books remain distant collections of words rather than doorways to imagination – but that changes when we introduce makerspace elements into our literacy instruction.

The magic happens when we invite students to physically recreate story settings using simple materials like cardboard, pipe cleaners, and recyclables. Suddenly, Mr. McGregor's garden from "Peter Rabbit" or the shifting homes in "The Three Little Pigs" become tangible spaces students can explore with their hands. This transformation from abstract text to concrete creation helps struggling visualizers connect with literature in ways traditional reading approaches simply can't match.

Beyond settings, challenging students to solve character problems through design thinking creates powerful story connections. When faced with designing a way for Jack to safely descend from the giant's castle, students aren't just passive observers – they become active participants in the narrative. These open-ended challenges foster empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while making reading a collaborative, engaging experience. The third approach – extending stories by redesigning endings – ensures engagement doesn't end with the final page, encouraging students to see themselves as co-creators rather than just consumers of stories.

What makes these approaches so valuable is their accessibility. Using simple materials already found in most classrooms, these projects transform reading from a potentially intimidating experience into a joyful adventure that meets diverse learning needs. For reluctant readers especially, this hands-on connection creates pathways to comprehension and enjoyment that traditional approaches might never unlock. Ready to bring this magic to your classroom? Grab my free list of story-stem book ideas perfect for makerspace extensions in the show notes, and let's transform reading instruction one creative project at a time!

🎁 Grab my FREE Story STEM Book List here 👉 https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/elabooksformakerspace

Support the show

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!