This fall, second grade Salem Central School District students took part in a dynamic unit that combines literature, STEAM education, and seasonal creativity. By connecting familiar Halloween themes to classroom content, students were able to explore new concepts in technology and engineering through the lens of storytelling.

“Literature and STEAM are important for students in their learning. Bringing it together with the creative element was a fun way to get them engaged,” shared Karen Fronhofer, Salem Central School K-12 Librarian.

Exploring Sound and Storytelling

Throughout the month, students studied the works of picture book author Doreen Cronin, whose stories are celebrated for their rhythm and use of onomatopoeia. Reading titles such as “Click, Clack, Boo!: A Tricky Treat” and “Thump, Quack, Moo: A Whacky Adventure”, students examined how sound and text work together to create stories.

Introducing STEAM Through Coding

Ready to bring the clacking and clicking of their stories to life, students transitioned into the world of STEAM by learning to program the Blue-Bot, a robot designed to introduce young learners to the fundamentals of coding. Using directional commands, students programmed their bots to move forward, backward, left, and right, building essential skills in sequencing, problem-solving, and logical thinking. The Blue-Bots offered a meaningful, hands-on experience that underscored the connections between storytelling, technology, and design.

A Creative and Triumphant Finish

Before sending the Blue-Bots out, students constructed creative costumes for them using plastic bowls, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and pom-poms. The finished projects showcased both technical skill and imaginative flair, as each Blue-Bot reflected the unique personality of its designer.

Through this collaboration, second graders found that learning can be both innovative and fun. By blending literature, coding, and creativity, the project not only strengthened academic skills but also fostered curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning.