FULL STEAM AHEAD with Mindful Reading, Processing, and Answering This dynamic training equips participants with proven strategies to use non-linguistic representations (NLR) to enhance focus, comprehension, and engagement for ECSE students during storytelling. Through scaffolded reading, tiered group activities, and storyboards enriched with hand-drawn visuals, educators will learn to create meaningful learning experiences. The training also introduces tailored question boards with answer choices and the use of realia to maximize scaffolding, helping students gradually develop the skills to process and respond to story-related questions effectively. Participants will explore techniques for spontaneous error correction to support brain rewiring, enabling students to internalize and expand their learning. Attendees will also learn how to conduct brief, impactful Q&A sessions, using picture-choice aids to ensure participation for students not yet ready for vocal responses. By applying self- and parallel talk, teachers will guide students through repeated practice until mastery and generalization are achieved. As students progress, question boards will evolve in complexity, fostering critical thinking and building independence. The strategies presented draw on evidence-based practices, including:PECS (Frost & Bondy, 1985), Brain Research from Rethinking the Brain (1997), the work of Katie Wood and Matt Glover, and over two decades of classroom-tested success documented by the presenter. With these innovative, research-backed techniques, empower your students and transform storytelling using Frog Street’s storybooks and other children’s literature into a powerful tool for learning and development. This learn-and-practice session is for ECSE teachers.