In an exciting new project, a children’s book titled Super STEAM Team: A Hero-directed Tour Through the Principles of Productivity aims to empower young learners aged 6-12 by fostering essential skills for self-help and collaboration. This project was developed through the collaboration of Dr. Brian Higley, a distinguished professor from Appalachian State University, along with other dedicated contributors in the field of psychology and children's literature. More specifically, the book introduces five key factors of STEAM—social support, time perception, enjoyment, accessibility, and motivation—that have been shown to clarify and predict goal success versus failure. It also addresses "frenzy fog," a metaphor for the confusion and lack of clarity many children experience when managing tasks.
By employing engaging, research-based activities, the material aims to help kids and their mentors—such as parents, teachers, counselors, and older siblings—collaborate effectively, boosting the likelihood of success as they navigate this fog and transform it into effective teamwork. Notably, the book is based on a scholarly article published in the Journal of Education titled 'H2O-Centered Education: Helping Education Excellence Flow More Freely' which explores these concepts in greater depth.
A key aspect of Dr. Higley’s initiative involves high school teachers collaborating with student leadership teams to mentor elementary and middle school students, referred to as "STEAM Superstars." These mentors, known as "STEAM Sidekicks," play a vital role in guiding younger learners through the book’s activities, helping them adopt research-based self-help practices that they can share with their families and communities. Given that this initiative aims to instill strong learning habits early on, it prepares children to embody the qualities of the five "STEAM Superheroes" featured in the book—Social Butterfly, Tommy Time, Enjoy Boy, Andy Access, and Motivation Man. Each character not only represents distinct strengths but also serves as a relatable role model, demonstrating how these qualities contribute to personal growth and effective teamwork. Overall, by illustrating the principles of H2O-centered education (“Helping Oneself and Others”), the superheroes provide young readers with practical examples of how they can apply these values in their own lives, fostering a spirit of collaboration and support that will benefit them throughout their lives.
While the book is tailored for young readers, its vision extends to fostering meaningful connections across all ages. Dr. Higley explains this broader goal:
“Although the book is written for kids, the project is actually about promoting intergenerational, community-wide connection and cooperation across the entire lifespan in research-based ways. Our vision includes encouraging people of all ages—kids, parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, and counselors—to work together toward common objectives, promoting more collective action and conflict resolution in family, education, and work systems. For example, we want to help people of all ages in family systems replace arguments over why little Johnny isn't completing his homework on time with the co-creation of an agreed-upon plan (including an effective reward system--the R in WATER) for on-time completion of homework.”
As we strive to equip the next generation with essential life skills, this innovative children’s book represents a significant step forward. By merging creativity with educational science, the project not only aims to enlighten young minds but also encourages them to work together toward a brighter, more collaborative future. Ultimately, Dr. Higley’s work seeks to cultivate a sense of community and mutual support, empowering children to embrace their unique strengths while appreciating the contributions of others.
