Welcome to Week 5 of our Outdoor STEAM Storytime series—where each week we pair a beautiful picture book with a simple, nature-inspired STEAM activity perfect for preschoolers.
These storytime invitations are designed to help young children explore the world through curiosity, creativity, and play—all while building foundational STEAM thinking.
This week’s book introduces children to the idea of light and shadow—through a curious bear and a playful science mystery.
📚 Moonbear’s Shadow by Frank Asch
In this charming story, Bear tries to catch a fish—but his shadow keeps scaring them away! He tries everything to get rid of his shadow, until the sun finally moves and helps him succeed. This simple, engaging tale introduces the concept of shadows in a way that feels playful and relatable for young children.
🧠 STEAM Focus: Light + Shadow + Time
This story sets the stage for exploring how shadows are formed, how they move, and how they change depending on the position of the sun. It’s a great entry point to early earth science and observation skills.
🔍 Tip for Teachers:
Plan this activity for a sunny day, preferably in the morning or afternoon when shadows are longer and easier to see. If it’s cloudy, you can adapt it indoors with a flashlight!
☀️ Outdoor STEAM Invitation: Shadow Tracing + Time Observation
Materials Needed:
- Chalk or painter’s tape
- Small toys, stuffed animals, or classroom figures
- Optional: Camera or tablet to take photos
Try This:
- Head outside with your group and invite each child to place a toy or object on the ground.
- Use chalk to trace the object’s shadow.
- Wait 30–60 minutes and return to trace the shadow again in a different color.
- Compare: What changed? What stayed the same?
🌸 Extension Idea: Shadow Dance
Invite children to move their bodies and watch their shadows move too! Ask them to make their shadow wave, jump, or disappear. This kinesthetic activity helps build awareness of how shadows are created and change based on movement and light.
💬 Questions to Spark Curiosity:
- Why does the shadow move when we move?
- What happens when the sun is higher or lower in the sky?
- Can you find something with no shadow?
- What do you think would happen on a cloudy day?
✏️ Reflect & Record:
Ask children to draw themselves and their shadow—or a toy and its shadow—after the activity. You can also invite them to share what they think a shadow is in their own words.
🐣 For Toddlers (Ages 1–2):
With toddlers, focus on movement and noticing. Say things like, “Look! Your shadow is following you!” or “Let’s try to step on the shadow!” Offer chalk and let them scribble beside their shadow, or simply enjoy playing in the sun with toys that cast visible shapes.
🧰 Want More Book-Based STEAM?You’ll find even more hands-on storytime activities and STEAM-based learning invitations inside the Preschool STEAM Vault—our all-in-one curriculum and resource hub launching August 2025.
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