STEAM Story Studio
Grade K-5

In this Montessori-style studio, K–5 students move through a double STEAM curriculum that links Science–Technology–Engineering–Arts–Math with a second STEAM track: Storytelling–Tinkering–Exploring–Adventuring–Making. This course intentionally bridges two prior favorites—Intro to Interactive Storytelling (IIS) and Storytime with Scratch (SWS)—into one research-informed studio model grounded in gameful learning: kids learn by designing, testing, revising, and sharing what they make. Younger player-learners start with character, setting, and sequence through drawing, dramatic play, oral storytelling, and simple story maps, then “translate” their ideas into digital creations with guided iPad tools. Older player-learners extend those same stories into interactive animations and mini-games using Scratch/ScratchJr, practicing block-based coding, debugging, and simple game logic, with optional robotics/tinkering extensions when developmentally appropriate. The studio stays maker-centered—paper, blocks, and craft supplies live right alongside iPads—so technology supports creativity rather than becoming the focus of the day. By the end, every student showcases at least one polished digital “story artifact” (often an animation or mini-game) that reflects both their unique voice and core STEAM thinking skills.
Screen time: Cumulative 5–6.5 hours total (about 20–25 minutes per session including mini lessons/techtorials + production)