Connecting Literacy, Engineering Thinking, and Family Engagement

As educators, we are often looking for meaningful ways to connect literacy, STEM learning, and family engagement while helping students develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

To support this goal, I created Little Engineer and the Sticks, a children's picture book that introduces engineering habits of mind such as creativity, perseverance, collaboration, and problem-solving through a simple, engaging story. Alongside the book, I developed a professional development resource that includes discussion questions, classroom extensions, family engagement ideas, and activities designed to help educators bring engineering thinking into literacy instruction.

My goal was to create a resource that helps educators move beyond reading a story and into deeper learning experiences where students can design, build, reflect, and learn from failure in a supportive environment.

I'm interested in hearing from others in the Education community:

How do you integrate STEM and literacy in your classroom?

What strategies have been successful for engaging families in learning activities beyond the school day?

What children's literature have you used to encourage creativity, problem-solving, and innovation?

I would welcome your feedback on how resources like this might support classroom instruction and family engagement efforts.

Sandra Toth

Educator, Family Engagement Advocate, and Author