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Writer's pictureMrs. Deborah Fagnan

STEM PROGRAM: CHALK

Updated: Jul 20, 2021

STEM Storytime: Chalk

Introduction: This Storytime is developed specially for children five to eight years old. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to attend the program. Enjoy an hour of reading and a STEM activity once a month. Date: Friday Time: 3:30 p.m. Length of Program: 1 hour Age Range: 5 to 8 years old Frequently: stand alone Attendance: 20 children and their parent/caregiver Staff or Volunteer Needed: 1 staff member, 5 volunteers (Parents will make great volunteers) Format: Registration is required. Room Set-up:

  • Five tables with plastic tablecloths

  • Each table with a plastic bowl

  • Measuring spoons

Program Prep:

Order 5 copies of the book Chalk by Bill Thomas.


STEM prep:

  • Cut 20 pieces of wax paper into 6" x 6"

  • Tablecloths on each table

  • Plastic bowls, measuring cups and spoons at each table.


Budget: $ 67.00 Books shared: (at storytime)

Chalk by Bill Thomas (5 copies) ordered through our consortium.

(Credit: Goodreads, n.d) Material:

  • Large sticky notes. . $8.00

  • Plastic Tablecloth (5) $5.00 (any dollar store)

  • Plastic Bowls (5). $5.00 (any dollar store)

  • Measuring Spoons (5) $5.00 (any dollar store)

  • Measuring Cups (5) $5.00 (any dollar store)

  • Paper Tubes (20)

  • Duct Tape (5) $20.00

  • Wax paper $2.00

  • Plaster of Paris $7.00

  • Tempera Paint: Green (5)

Instructions: Part I

  • Children will be broken up into teams. Younger children will be commingled with older children.

  • In teams, children will take a "picture walk" to the wordless book, Chalk by Bill Thomas.

  • Each team will be lead by a facilitator. The facilitator will help the team through conflicts but not aid in "ideas". The role of the facilitator is to move the group through the project. This could be a parent or library volunteer.

  • Teams will generate text to go with the book. They will write their text on the sticky notes and place on each two-page illustration. They will have 15 minutes to complete this.

  • Teams will meet back at the story rug and share their stories with the group. (15 minutes)

  • Teams will then go to crafts tables and make their own chalk that they will take home.


(Credit: Wiki How, 2018, October 08)

  • Each team member will take one paper tube and cover one side with duct tape.

  • Line the inside of the tubes with wax paper.

  • Combine ¼ cup of warm water with ½ cup of Plaster of Paris in the bowl quickly until smooth.

  • Squirt in tempera paint until dark green.

  • Transfer the mixture into your paper tube, once the mixture begins to thickens.

  • Remove the chalk from the molds and allow the chalk to finish drying about three days.

  • Once it completely dries, have fun playing with it. (Can take up to three days)

(Credit: Wiki How, 2018, October 08) Common Core Standards in Mathematics

  • Describe and compare measurable attributes.

  • Represent and interpret data.

Common Core Standards in English Language Arts Standards: Reading: Literature

  • Describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear, such as what moment in a story or illustration depicts.

  • Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.

AASL Standards Framework for Learners

  • Work effectively with others to broaden perspectives and work toward common goals.

  • Build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically, identifying problems, and developing strategies for solving problems.

Objectives:

  • Teams will be able to work collaboratively as they generate text to go with a "wordless book".

  • Children will demonstrate the understanding of measuring ingredients to make homemade chalk.

  • Students will demonstrate the basic understanding of the importance of working as a team in order to complete a task on a timely matter.

References:


American Association of School Librarians (AASL). (2018). AASL Standards Frameworkd= for Learners. Retrieved from https://standards.aasl.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/AASL-Standards-Framework-for-Learners-pamphlet.pdf


Goodreads. (2018). Chalk. [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7662594-chalk


The New State Department of Education. (2017). Common Core: Mathematics. Retrieved from https://www.state.nj.us/education/cccs/2016/math/


WikiHow. (2018, October 08). How to Make Sidewalk Chalk. Retrieved from https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Sidewalk-Chalk


WikiHow. (2018, October 08). How to Make Sidewalk Chalk. [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Sidewalk-Chalk



 

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