MaiStoryBook Library: Iggy Peck Architect by Beaty & Roberts + STEM Bridge Building Activity
Introducing the brilliantly creative children’s book featured in this week’s MaiStoryBook Library Collection:
“Iggy Peck Architect” by Beaty and Roberts
*~Click here to purchase your own copy of *Iggy Peck Architect* to start on your own reading adventure! (This is an affiliate link~ 5% of your purchase will go to MaiStoryBook to help create Reading Resources for your littles)~*
Book Synopsis and Review
Ever since he was two, Iggy Peck has had a passion for building. From balancing towers of dirty diapers to constructing arches from pancakes and coconut cake, Iggy Peck is the master architect. However, not everyone appreciates his talent and ideas, especially not his second grade teacher. When Ms. Lila Greer demands he cease his building, Iggy Peck’s spirits are dashed and it appears that his days of designing and creating are over. That is, until one disastrous field trip when Ms. Lila Greer and the second grade class need Iggy Peck’s talents more than ever. With the help of his friends, a big idea, and a whole lot of creativity, can Iggy Peck the architect save the day?
Author Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts combine their talents to create a series of children’s books about children and STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Their series promotes the rapidly growing STEM field by celebrating the creativity and expression of young scientists and engineers. Each book follows a young child pursuing his or her passion in a STEM field despite adversity to challenges to their ideas. This book focuses on architecture and the imagination to design and build ideas. Written in rhyme, the flowing prose, engaging illustrations, and relevant topic make it the perfect book to get children excited about the wonders of science and engineering, and promote the exploration of their own fierce wonderings and creative passions.
Vocabulary List
- Severe (p. 12) very mean
- Avoid (p. 14) stay away from
- Rear (p. 15) in the back
- Trestle (p. 22) skinny bridge
- Cables (p. 25) the long strings or poles you see on bridges that help support the weight of the bridge
Themes/Main Ideas
- Follow your passions and do what you love- you are never too young to pursue your dreams
- Teamwork: You can face any challenge when you work together as a team
Vimeo Video: Guided Shared-Reading Read Aloud Example
Example of a shared-reading Read Aloud of “Iggy Peck Architect”– how to subtly introduce the vocabulary list words within the text, ask guided questions, and spark conversation!
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STEM Activity: Building Bridges
*~Introducing your child to STEM: Building Bridges out of Marshmallows and Spaghetti Sticks~*
This activity is actually adapted from a team-building classroom lesson plan and so includes introductory information leading up to STEM Bridge Building Activity. For children younger than 5, I recommend verbally reviewing the worksheet with them, and then starting with the activity. For children 5+, below is the step-by-step guide through the activity. The activity can also be done with groups of children, so round up those siblings, or establish a new play-date hit! If it’s just you an your little one, be prepared for an afternoon of sticky hands and creative designs!
*~Check out the full lesson plan and resources on TeachersPayTeachers~*
*~Overall, Have FUN watching your child become an architect and design and build their very own bridge. Please share photos of your craft sessions and read aloud experiences below in the comments – tag me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary – or post on FaceBook ! I’d love to hear from you!~*
*Teachers +Educators: The classroom lesson plan, including step-by-step instruction and a scripted guide to the classroom lesson, can be found here. *
*Check Back on Next Friday for our New Reading Adventure*
*~Until next time, Happy Reading~*