Empowering Young Learners Through STEM, Literacy, and Sport

Kid Spark Education and Special Olympics Washington have teamed up to create a hands-on early childhood curriculum that helps young learners build STEM and literacy skills, explore inclusive sport, and develop empathy through invention and problem-solving.

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An Inclusive Approach to Early STEM & Literacy

This early childhood curriculum engages Pre-K–1st grade learners in activities that build STEM and literacy skills while exploring themes of sport, inclusion, and empathy. Grounded in Universal Design for Learning, it offers multiple ways for children to explore and engage with concepts. Lessons are hands-on, adaptable, and developmentally appropriate—making it easy to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Designed for both classroom and community-based settings, the curriculum helps create welcoming spaces where every child can participate, contribute, and discover their inner inventor.

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How It Works:

Each lesson follows three steps: start with a story, explore STEM concepts, and invent hands-on. This helps students connect reading with creating, making learning meaningful, inclusive, and fun.

How It Works - Step 1

Step 1 – Read

Educators begin with a read-aloud of a children’s book that introduces a sport-related or inclusion-based theme. These stories help build early literacy skills, spark curiosity, and set the stage for deeper exploration.

How It Works - Step 2

Step 2 – Learn & Explore

Students are introduced to a foundational STEM concept alongside a real-world technology or innovation that makes sport more inclusive—for example, adapted equipment, accessible tools, or thoughtful design features. This helps students make connections between STEM and the world around them.

How It Works - Step 3

Step 3 – Invent

Using materials from Kid Spark Education’s Early Inventors STEM Lab, students design and build an invention inspired by the book and STEM concept. Educators guide students through the engineering process, encouraging collaboration, creativity, and reflection as they share their ideas and solutions.

Built on the Young Readers Program & CASEL-Aligned

This curriculum extends the foundation of Special Olympics Washington’s Young Readers program, which uses children’s books to promote social-emotional learning and inclusive values. Each lesson begins with a story and builds toward a hands-on invention experience that supports communication, creativity, and connection.

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How to Get Started:

To implement the curriculum, you’ll need just a few key components—all designed to work together to support hands-on, inclusive learning:

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Kid Spark’s Early Inventors STEM Lab

A complete set of engineering materials designed for young learners. Students use these materials to build and invent in every lesson.

Purchase the STEM Lab >

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Curated Book List

Each lesson is paired with a children’s book that introduces the theme and supports early literacy development. Purchase links are provided for convenience.

View & Purchase Books >

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Curriculum Access

Includes lesson plans, activity guides, and resources that blend literacy, STEM, and inclusive sport themes, making every lesson engaging and accessible for all learners.

Access Curriculum >

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Training & Support

We recommend onboarding and ongoing educator support to help you launch and sustain the program with confidence. Our team provides guidance, tips, and best practices for creating inclusive, hands-on learning experiences.

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Need Help Funding the Program

We offer grant opportunities to help schools and community programs access curriculum materials at a reduced cost.

The Impact of Inclusive Early STEM

Kid Spark Education and Special Olympics Washington have come together to promote inclusion, empathy, and hands-on STEM learning for young children. Our shared goal is to make this curriculum available to children and educators across the country—especially in communities that face barriers to access.

By combining literacy, sport, and invention-based learning, the program helps all students build confidence, skills, and a strong sense of belonging. With the support of partners, we can expand access even further, ensuring more schools and community programs can benefit from this important work.

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About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is a global organization that empowers children and adults with intellectual disabilities by giving them opportunities to train, compete, and find joy through sports. Its mission is to foster inclusion and acceptance for all, and celebrate the abilities of every person regardless of how their brain or body works. The transformative power of sports to instill confidence, improve health, and inspire a sense of competition is at the core of what Special Olympics does: real sports, real competition, real achievements.

Learn more about Special Olympics >

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About Kid Spark Education

Kid Spark Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to help all children learn and love STEM. The organization partners with schools, community programs, and corporate supporters to make hands-on STEM education accessible—especially in underserved communities. Its programs are used in all 50 states, helping thousands of young learners build the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Learn more about Kid Spark Education >

Learn How to Support This Work

Connect With Our Partnerships Team

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Meet with a Program Specialist

Interested in bringing this curriculum to your school or afterschool program?

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