Making and Tinkering With STEM

Reviews / Votes

A wonderful resource book for all early childhood educators! I LOVE the useful information and tips on setting up a makerspace in the classroom. The book offers many hands-on, meaningful ways for young children to explore STEM.

-Ann Scalley, Preschool Teacher, Lesley Ellis School


Cate's wonderful new book provides practical suggestions and rich examples that every early childhood teacher can use to extend learning. Each page is brimming with great ideas to support young children to become thinkers, problem solvers, and engineers. The links to literacy make it a must-have resource.

-Judy Jablon, Executive Director, Leading for Children, and author of Coaching with Powerful Interactions


I did not know much about makerspaces, but after reading this book I truly feel like I know what to do in my classroom. The use of literary predicaments relates the engineering problems to the child's world, and the design challenges are an interdisciplinary way to further that connection.

-Gretchen Yatzook, Kindergarten Teacher, Flanders Elementary School


Cate moves away from the standard science area to show us how to address STEM by inspiring children to explore, discover, and create their own solutions to real problems. I love the connection to children's literature and wealth of practical design challenges! A wonderful resource not only for teachers but also for families.

-Diane Trister Dodge, Early Childhood Curriculum Specialist and founder of Teaching Strategies, LLC

An excellent resource for early childhood educators as they enter the world of tinkering, making, and engineering. Focusing the design challenges around literature provides an accessible vehicle for those who are unsure of where to begin their STEM journey.

-Megan King, Preschool Teacher, Passaic Public Schools


I have always believed that students learn best by doing, and I try to provide them with hands-on opportunities that promote student-led learning. This book is filled with fun, engaging, and inquiry-based activities that I will definitely be using!

-Heather Weber, First Grade Teacher, Flanders Elementary School

For teachers aspiring to integrate the richness of tinkering, making, and engineering into their classrooms, this book is a must read. With practical step-by-step guidance that encourages you to use literature as a jumping-off point, you will be inspired to redesign your classroom with enthusiasm and confidence as you envision the possibilities for deep learning.

-Peggy Otey, Head of School, Browne Academy


The idea of taking objects apart to view their inner workings is the basis of discovery! Students, with their already curious natures, will delve into an atmosphere that challenges them and promotes problem solving.

-Kerry Bonaiuto, First Grade Teacher, Flanders Elementary School


Illuminating and descriptive, Making and Tinkering With STEM has given me a framework for thinking about our own practice in The DISCOVERoom, one that will allow us to deliberately grow into more creative experiences with our students.

-Marni Anbar, Co-coordinator, The DISCOVERoom Science and Engineering Playroom in the Kyrene School District