We sometimes get the question, why "STREAM" vs. "STEAM", or "STEM"? In kidSTREAM, the "R" stands for Reading, and it highlights the critical role literacy plays in a child’s development. Literacy is the gateway to all learning, fostering curiosity, enhancing critical thinking, and building communication skills.
October is recognized as National Book Month and in recognition of that, we're sharing a story from kidSTREAM's founder, Kristie Akl, about why the "R" in kidSTREAM is so important:
"As a former science teacher, I’ve been passionate about early education - specifically STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) for a long time - even before kidSTREAM came into existence - and especially when I became a parent and realized the deep need that our community had for a resource like a hands-on, minds-on children’s museum. From the beginning, the ball of clay that eventually became kidSTREAM, had many fingerprints on it - from our community leaders and educators - and that is evidenced in early literacy being part of our name: R is for Reading. It’s an incredible testament to the foundational values of this project, and I am so grateful for the many community partners who continue to carry this torch today."
As our team focuses on raising the remaining funds and working with the city and a local team of professionals to finalize our construction plans to break ground on an immersive and hands-on children's museum, we are integrating reading into our planned exhibits, programming, and experiences.
Thank you to all of our supporters, past and present, who are rallying alongside us to build something that will strengthen children’s literacy skills while igniting their imagination and creativity, empowering them to explore, learn, and engage with the world around them!