STEAM-based education is rooted in something children love –—to play. It’s the handson learning and real-world application approach that invites students across all grades to be creative, try new things, fail, try again, and discover what it means to follow a plan all the way through. Offering STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities and opportunities at the earliest levels of grade school shows students the importance of equality, experimentation, critical thinking, and effective collaboration.
STEAM is truly laying a foundation that helps students excel at a different level. We spoke with several STEAM teachers at elementary schools across Northeast Ohio that identify STEAM as a huge advocate for building strong student relationships, good behav-
ioral habits, and positive educational outcomes.
STEAM is creating positive shifts in student culture, and is helping students envision living their lives with tools and skills that will help them excel in areas they may have thought were once untouchable.
As a STEM teacher at Boulevard and Fairfax elementary schools in Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools, Molly Fischetti brings a background of working with STEM and young children. Her first job outside of Washington D.C. was at a STEM school with an elaborate program that helped her see what it was like for students to be involved in STEM activities every day.
“STEM brings back the fun and spark in teaching,” she says.
Fischetti has been putting together the curriculum over the last year, with 2023 being only the second year for the STEM program in the schools. She also pulls “amazing ideas” from the district’s robotics program curriculum to complete the STEM experience.
She was asked to design the new maker space for the schools. The
students now have a 3D printer, laser cutters (crickets), green screens, iPads, and more to use when creating and innovating.
Fischetti says that the STEM program is showing students how to work together in new ways in her district.
“In my class, [students] know..‘I’m going to work in a team and I’m not always going to get to pick and that’s okay,’” she says. “I think that’s powerful in itself. But also, just the robotics spanning kindergarten through fifth grade, they all know that they use the same program. The one day I
had my fourth and fifth grade gifted class come and support the (grades kindergarten through first grades) classes. There’s community there too, because in this space, it really lends itself to kind of collaborate and work together and help each other.”
Mentioning that a lot of student interaction was missed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fischetti strives to bring more of that back into the classroom and have her students develop their teamwork and collaboration skills.
At Hathaway Brown, students can begin to tackle STEAM activities and explore the idea lab as preschoolers. For example, students made a quilt together by using embroidery machines and piecing together sections of cloth. That means children as young as four years old are learning the mechanics of tools and building a mental construct around completing a long-term project from start to finish.
Leah Jackson, a STEAM teacher with Hathaway Brown for the last nine years and an alumna, helped to create the curriculum for the students in the lower school. Jackson says enrollment in STEAM courses and the interest from students has significantly increased over the years. For one, she finds more Black students enter the class when they see a teacher of color leading the program.
Also, Hathaway Brown is keen on mentorship and cross-age education. When younger students see older students using the idea lab or speaking with Jackson about a potential project, they too want in on the fun.
“That mentorship between big girl and little girl or big girl and little boy, in the case of early childhood, I think has really strengthened this program,” Jackson says. “I get a lot more students of color in my program, because they see me, and that’s great. But I think that the thing that is going to sustain the program is for the younger girls to see the older girls and see how excited they are about it and how interested they are. What’s been really special is that a lot of it is about connecting students across grade levels, across divisions, in order to not only help the little ones but to help the big ones too.”
David Harris, Lake Ridge Academy Lower School Science Coordinator says students study the natural world from the start of their school journey.
“All of these studies yield the results we want for our students: enthusiastic learning, using mathematics and writing to figure out and explain their discoveries, and perhaps the greatest discovery of all — that every day at school is a day to look forward to,” he says.
Harris saw the positive enhancements in student culture and behavior.
“The skills they have been working on become a strong foundation, especially being able to work with others and problem solve,” he says. “The projects and the social complexity may become more complicated, so the challenge is intentionally presented to practice these skills with continued support. These skills also transfer to other aspects of their life.”
Harris says when it comes to STEAM activities, student excitement is intrinsic.
By Melissa Koski Carney
HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR HEALTHY KID-FRIENDLY FOODS, PLUS MEAL IDEAS TO START THE SCHOOL YEAR OFF RIGHT.
WWith back-to-school season here, families everywhere are preparing for the challenge of packing healthy lunches that their kids will actually enjoy. Here are eight tips to make that task a little less daunting:
1. Plan and Prep Ahead
School mornings are crazy enough between packing a backpack, finding homework, and catching the bus on time. Lunch can easily be planned ahead. Take time each week to brainstorm and write out lunch ideas, including your kids as part of the process. Make as much of the lunch as you can the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is pack it in the backpack and you’re out the door.
2. Make it Balanced, While Including Lots of Options
Strive to include a mix of protein, whole grains, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. Opt for high-fiber foods to keep your kids feeling fuller longer. Don’t be afraid to provide many options. Kids’ eating preferences vary daily, and what was their favorite on Monday may not be their favorite on Friday. Many schools send home the leftovers so you can see what they ate and not.
3. Keep it Familiar
While it’s good to introduce new foods to your kids on an ongoing basis, the first days and weeks of school may not be the best time, especially for a not-so-adventurous eater. Try to include at least one food you know they’ll enjoy so they don’t go hungry at lunchtime.
4. Make it Fun
Don’t be afraid to get creative. Use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches into different shapes, such as hearts, etc. Try including a rainbow of colors or color-themed days; for example, “red day,” where you include foods like strawberries, sliced red pepper, raspberry yogurt and cherry tomatoes. Take advantage of a bento-box lunch box to use small containers to separate different components, or make your own with whatever small containers you have on hand.
5. Involve Your Kids
Get your kids involved in the lunch-making process. Depending on their age, they can help make a grocery list, plan meals, spread nut butter on bread, chop vegetables, or even put the full lunch together.
While some pre-packaged foods can be high in added sugars, sodium, and additives, not all are bad for you, especially in moderation. Some of our favorite healthier pre-packaged foods include string cheeses, plain Greek yogurt, Mush ready-to-eat overnight oats, Chomps meat sticks, and Z bars.
There are many healthy ingredients that can be added to treats. For example, when making muffins, add fiber with chia seeds or ground flaxseed. Incorporate additional nutrients into baked goods like brownies or quick breads by adding vegetables such as blended spinach or grated zucchini and carrot.
Yes, it’s healthy to eat fruits and vegetables at lunch, but don’t beat yourself up if your kids don’t eat both every day. Focus on nutritious options, but know that treats can be a part of a well-rounded lunch. Choose healthier alternatives like dark chocolate-covered fruits (we love dark chocolate-covered dried mango), or homemade options that you can control what’s in them (we love whole grain banana zucchini muffins).
DBuild-Your-Own Wraps:
Let your kids make their own wrap at lunch and pack a variety of fillings, including lean lunch meat such as turkey, cheese, lettuce and sliced veggies. Include tortillas or romaine lettuce for wrapping.
Breakfast for Lunch:
Let your kid have fun with breakfast at lunchtime. Pack scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, fruit, and whole-grain mini-pancakes. You can make the pancakes with a mix like Kodiak Cakes and sneak in shredded zucchini.
Dip It:
Create a lunch centered on a dip. For example, include hummus with cut-up veggies, diced pita, pretzels, and cheese. Or, include a lower-sugar fruit yogurt with sliced strawberries, graham crackers and toast slices.
D“Fancy” Quesadillas: Spruce up a traditional quesadilla with added nutrients, such as ground turkey or black beans plus diced peppers and onions. Include some guacamole, plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and guacamole for dipping.
And a bonus snack idea -- DIY Snack Mix: Make your own snack mix with ingredients your kids like. Aim for a mix of salty and sweet, with protein and fiber for staying power. Here are some ideas of what to include; have your kids pick two to three from each column and switch it up so you’re never bored!
• Salty
• Sweet
• Nuts (almonds, peanuts, pecans)*
• Seeds (pepitas/pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
• Pretzel rods
• Sesame sticks
• Bagel chips
• Roasted edamame or chickpeas
• Dried fruit (blueberries, cherries, cranberries, banana chips, chopped dates or apricots)
• Yogurt covered raisins
• Dark chocolate-covered fruit
• Mini marshmallows
• Whole grain cereal (Chex, Cheerios, Puffins, Life)
• Granola
DMake-Your-Own Parfait:
Pack a container of Greek yogurt, homemade granola or whole-grain cereal, fresh fruit and additional toppings your child enjoys eating. Then, let them put together their own parfait during lunchtime.
*NOTE: Confirm with your school if there are specific allergy-related requirements before bringing any nuts.
It’s all elementary! This age group has the opportunity like no other — to fall in love with reading. Before your kids start to engage in more screen time, set them up to be a reader by providing them opportunities to consume books whenever possible. From creating a family book club, reading contests, creating a place to read or just modeling good book behaviors, will help your child stay in the reading habits.
by Jacqueline Davies
Six book series of a brother and sister. Evan Treski is people-smart. He’s good at talking with people, even grownups. His younger sister Jessie, on the other hand, is mathsmart—but not especially good at understanding people. She knows that feelings are her weakest subject. Evan and Jessie launch an all-out war to see who can sell the most lemonade before school starts. As the battleground heats up, there really is no telling who will win—and even more important, if their fight will ever end.
by Mrs. & Mr. MacLeod
Sheila sat down to eat her first book and the strangest thing happened . . . The book ate her. One by one, cousins Sheila, Gerald, and Geraldine Grunion are eaten . . . by their books. This peculiar turn of events flings them far and wide. Sheila escapes the weight of the world entirely, while Gerald braves the wonder of seeing it up close. And Geraldine, well, Geraldine turns as terrifically terrible as she possibly can. Join the Grunions on adventures no child can resist.
This funny yet touching tale reminds us of the remarkably transformative power of will, acceptance, and just being you. Perfect for young readers, as well as anyone navigating their current world, The Bad Seed proves that positive change is possible for each and every one of us.
This hilarious book is full of interesting facts (for instance, George Washington’s teeth were not made of wood, despite popular belief) and a classroom full of quirky characters. Young readers will laugh their way to a better appreciation for those pearly whites that beckon them to brush. And from there it’s just a short hop to flossing.
If Jack built a school, there would be hover desks and pop-up textbooks, skydiving wind tunnels and a trampoline basketball court in the gym, a robot-chef to serve lunch in the cafeteria, field trips to Mars, and a whole lot more.
Pig is a greedy and selfish Pug. He has all the bouncy balls, bones, and chew toys a dog could ever want yet he refuses to share with his poor friend, Trevor. Little does he know, however, that being greedy has its consequences. Join Pig as he learns to share — the hard way. Young readers will love the irresistibly quirky and funny illustrations that are paired with a relatable lesson of learning to share with others. For dog and pet lovers everywhere.
When Jack and Annie discover a mysterious tree house filled with books, they never dream that it will take them on exciting adventures around the world and throughout history. The story begins with “Dinosaurs Before Dark”, when Jack and Annie are whisked back to the prehistoric past. With more than 50 books in the series, kids will never get tired of traveling the world and completing missions with their new friends Jack and Annie.
One day a fly goes flying, looking for something to eat, and a boy goes walking, looking for something to catch for the pet show. After the boy catches the fly, he is amazed to find out that the fly calls him by his name—Buzz. Buzz’s parents think the fly is a pest, not a pet. However, the fly soon proves how smart he is with some quick flying—and earns the name Fly Guy.
Each book in the series tells a terrifying and thrilling story from history, through the eyes of a kid who lived to tell the tale. Topics include historical events such as the sinking of the Titanic, the 2018 California wildfires and many more. Your budding reader won’t be able to put down these page turning graphic novels.
If you want to be cool, just be you! That’s the message of this funny, relatable Pete the Cat school story—and kids will laugh and agree. You and your kids will giggle at Pete and his clothing choices, resolved with a positive empowering message.
Looking for a few ways to get your child to start reading?Here’s a few suggestions.
Looking for more ways to celebrate reading with your child?
Find activities and events at local city libraries, parks, regional atttractions and more at NortheastOhioParent.com
Cleveland Montessori has been serving the Little Italy and Greater Cleveland community for over 25 years, providing an education for life, which celebrates diversity, growth and joy. Students from preschool through eighth grade are met with respect and compassion as they strive to meet their individual potential in beautifully prepared classrooms that offer social, emotional and academic experiences in a unique urban setting. Apply now for 2023-24. 216-421-0700, info@clevelandmontessori.org, clevelandmontessori.org
Creative Playrooms
Montessori and Child Care Centers give children a leg up as they begin to climb the ladder of lifetime learning. Their gifted educators help kids fall in love with learning, and their centers focus on enriching the whole child — physically, emotionally, and cognitively — through their traditional and play-based Montessori approach. As an award-winning childcare provider with six locations and 50-plus years of experience in the Greater Cleveland area, Creative Playrooms offers multiple programs for infants through schoolage, but also provides families an additional choice of traditional or montessori programs. creativeplayrooms.com
Gilmour’s Montessori Toddler and Preschool programs teach children how to learn. Students then move seamlessly into grades K-6, where they are provided endless possibilities to grow, with opportunities ranging from robotics to learning a new instrument each year, to service and nature-based learning. Students then progress to the middle and upper schools to expand on this foundation. As an independent, Catholic school, Gilmour is rooted in its mission to educate the mind and empower the heart of every student. gilmour.org
For nearly 150 years, Hathaway Brown School has educated and empowered girls. The K-12 day school in Shaker Heights is regionally and nationally recognized as a top girls’ school for their Learn for Life Signature Approach. Their model for education integrates distinguished academics, empowered girls, knowledge in action, and a celebrated community of students, alums, and faculty and parents. Learn more at HB.edu/edu
Hawken’s Lower School program reflects the school’s dual commitment to academic and social curricula and focuses on building a strong foundation in basic academic skills with an increasing emphasis on personal responsibility. Recent renovations support not only Hawken’s commitment to truly knowing each student as a learner and individual, but also the school’s evolving personalized learning model. Every set of grade-level classrooms has access to an adjacent learning commons to support differentiated learning groups as well as collaborative and project-based approaches to learning. hawken.edu
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Lake Ridge Academy is an independent kindergarten through grade 12 college preparatory school. Strong academic programs, engaging faculty, and an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio creates an educational environment that fuels a student’s passion for learning. Lower School students learn to think critically through a rich, hands-on curriculum that connects them to the natural world. Special emphasis is placed on social-emotional learning and cultural appreciation through world language classes. Their fall K-12 preview day will be Mon. Oct. 23. Register online lakeridgeacademy.org
Menlo Park Academy is the state’s only tuition-free school for gifted children in kindergarten through eighth grade. The school offers an innovative, accelerated curriculum, including nine high-school-credit classes, the opportunity to learn alongside like-minded peers, and a faculty dedicated to meeting the unique needs of gifted children. Students can explore their passions, build friendships, and find belonging as well as academic and social emotional success. Menlo Park Academy is the #1 charter elementary, #1 charter middle school, ranked #13 of all K through 5th grade Ohio public schools (niche. com). menloparkacademy.com
Ruffing Montessori School in Cleveland Heights is more than just a school for children ages 18 months through eighth grade. It is a beloved community where children are guided by experienced Montessori-trained teachers and immersed in a rigorous curriculum. Explore their beautiful classrooms and see why Ruffing is the compelling school of choice for so many at the Admissions Open House on Nov. 11 from noon-2 p.m. Register at ruffingmontessori.net or call 216-321-7571.
Seton Catholic School (pre-kindergarten through eighth grade) is a U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School. A lifetime love of learning starts here. Young hearts and minds develop into thoughtful, educated students — ready to thrive and grow. Immersed in the humanities, arts and sciences, foreign languages, mathematics, and environmental education — students are nurtured in a setting of constructive and personalized learning. Innovation and tradition unite with guided responsible use of technology, successfully integrated with time-honored instruction. setoncatholicschool.org
Spring Garden Waldorf School offers a curriculum that inspires the creative and imaginative life of children while providing a strong base for academic studies. We focus on engaging head, heart, and hands to add value and relevance to lessons. Experiential lessons instill a deep interest in learning. Our grade school children go outside to learn and play at least 3 times a day in all weather, which is ideal for developmentally-appropriate academic and social-emotional learning. sgws.org
The Future Begins
Here. St. Hilary School in Fairlawn serves students in grades K-8 in a faith-based environment with a curriculum that challenges and accommodates diverse learning abilities. The average student-teacher ratio is 19:1. Special offerings include Spanish, French, Chinese, religion, art, music, physical education, technology, advanced math, and enrichment opportunities. Many extracurricular activities, as well as auxiliary, remedial, clinic, lunch, and extended care services, are available. 645 Moorfield Road, Fairlawn, 330-867-8720, ext. 343, st-hilaryschool.org
St. Paul
Westlake
Church and School offers traditional and contemporary worship. They are nationally accredited and offer an outstanding Christian education for students starting at age 3 to eighth grade. Tuition aid is now available to all families (K-8) thanks to Ohio’s EdChoice Expansion Scholarships Program, and nearly every family qualifies. In addition, Preschool and Pre-K can apply for the LSGOO. Join the Tiger Family. stpaulwestlake.school
