#stembooks

✍🏿What’s Your📖Story? (WYS?)

What’s Your Story?: Dwayne A. Jones: Dwayne the Contractor

“WYS?” is a guest post feature on BCBA’s Our Stories Matter blog. It’s for indie/self-published authors.

Read an👇🏿excerpt:

🔨The book series Dwayne the Contractor is based on my career as a developer, general contractor, and international missionary. As a general contractor, I’ve built many homes and commercial projects and traveled to Ghana and Togo, West Africa, India, and Haiti. My mission trip focused on ministering and spending time with children at orphanages… During my time at the orphanages, I was often asked by the children what I do for work in the United States. I often had to explain my work as a contractor on a level a 3-8-year-old child could understand, and that’s how my journey of writing children’s books started. I’ve completed and published two books of the twelve-book series. My goal is to expose children at an early age to construction or contracting as a career opportunity and allow them to see an African American male as a business owner with projects being completed at primarily minority homeowners.🔨continue reading Dwayne A. Jones’ story.

Dwayne the Contractor Series:

📖Dwayne the Contractor Uses a Hammer (Bk. 1)  

📖Dwayne the Contractor Paints a House (Bk. 2)  

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As parents, we all want to equip our children with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. One of the best ways to do this is by introducing them to STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math—early in life. STEM not only enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also encourages creativity, resilience, and a love for learning. In this blog, we’ll explore the best STEM books, learning resources, and tips to help you inspire your kids to explore the wonders of science and technology, preparing them for a bright and innovative future.

Why STEM Education is Essential for Kids

The world around us is increasingly shaped by technology and innovation. STEM education gives kids the tools to understand and contribute to this landscape.

Here are some key benefits of STEM learning:

Boosts Creativity: STEM encourages kids to think outside the box and explore new ideas.

Develops Problem-Solving Skills: Tackling STEM challenges helps children learn how to analyze and solve problems effectively.

Prepares for Future Careers: Early exposure to STEM opens the door to lucrative and fulfilling careers in fields like robotics, artificial intelligence, and medicine.

Encourages Lifelong Learning: STEM instills curiosity and a passion for understanding the world, setting the foundation for lifelong learning.

Top STEM Books for Kids (By Age Group)

For Ages 4-7:

"Ada Twist, Scientist" by Andrea Beaty Join Ada on her quest to solve everyday mysteries through science. With its engaging illustrations and rhyming text, this book inspires curiosity and persistence.

"Rosie Revere, Engineer" by Andrea Beaty Rosie’s story encourages young minds to embrace failure as a step toward success, fostering confidence and creativity.

"The Most Magnificent Thing" by Ashley Spires A charming tale about a girl who learns the importance of perseverance while building her "magnificent thing."

For Ages 8-12:

"Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding" by Linda Liukas This book introduces kids to programming concepts in a fun and accessible way, blending storytelling with coding challenges.

"Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World" by Rachel Ignotofsky Celebrate the contributions of women to STEM fields with this beautifully illustrated book.

"National Geographic Kids: Why?" A treasure trove of answers to all the “why” questions kids love to ask, this book combines stunning visuals with easy-to-understand explanations.

For Teens (13+):

"The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" by William Kamkwamba A true story about a young inventor in Malawi who built a windmill to power his village. Inspiring and educational!

"Coding Games in Scratch" by Jon Woodcock Perfect for beginners, this book introduces kids to coding by teaching them how to create their own games using Scratch.

Best STEM Learning Resources and Kits

Practical Tips for Parents to Make STEM Fun

Start Early: Introduce simple STEM concepts through play, like building blocks or exploring nature.

Encourage Experimentation: Allow your child to make mistakes and learn from them. This builds resilience and a growth mindset.

Make It Hands-On: Invest in kits, puzzles, and tools that encourage interactive learning.

Explore Real-World Applications: Visit science museums, planetariums, or robotics expos to show kids how STEM applies to everyday life.

Join the Fun: Participate in STEM activities with your child to make it a bonding experience.

Conclusion: Inspiring a Love for STEM

20 Aug 2019 | 44/100