What Do You Do With An Idea?
What Do You Do With An Idea?
Author: Kobi Yamada
Illustrator: Mae Besom
Grade: Pre K-2nd Grade
Summary: What to do with an idea? is a book that offers much more than
an amazing story but it offers a wonderful idea to challenge readers on
changing the world. Creative and mindful writing along with vivid illustrations
takes the reader through a story of a little boy and his magical idea. Along
his journey with his idea portrayed as a golden egg wearing a crown we see him struggle
with his idea, getting scared and nervous, even uncomfortable as to what to do with
this idea. In the beginning he almost wants nothing to do with this idea
because it only makes him unsure. Soon enough as they spend more time together
and he starts to warm up to the idea of his idea! This little boy now accepts
what he has and wants to share it with the world, even though some laugh at his
idea, he knows he change the world with it. What he realizes through all of
this is that he needs to support, take care of, and love his idea because of
how special and important it is to him. This idea that this little boy has had
all along gave him the ability to see the world differently and with a different
perspective. He learns something very valuable in his journey and that is with perseverance
and dedication, an idea can change the world and yourself forever.
Element 6: Taking Social Action
In this element we are to explore the opportunities to take
action on issues that affect students and their communities. What is great
about element 6 is that it gives students a chance to identify issues that are
important and meaningful to them and find a way in order to change these issues
personally. This is the last element and elements 1-5 have set us up with the knowledge
and skills in order to take action on the issues that have been affecting us
and the ones that still are. This is a chance as teachers to encourage students
to have an idea that they create on their own and are passionate enough about
so they can change the world. We want our students to feel empowered by what
they can do and if they take action on their idea they can change themselves
along with helping others. The story, What
to do with an idea? sends an indirect but completely clear message to young
children that many leaders and mentors have shared before. It’s
the message that no matter how big, small, weird, or normal an idea is, if you
are patient, persistent and take action on it, change can happen. The reason that
this books works well for element 6, especially with young children is because
it turns away from the typical books about taking social action that children
are already familiar with. This book allows teachers to bring students back to their
roots as to how these social actions even start and how do they take place.
They happen because someone somewhere has a brilliant idea that they are
passionate about and want to use it to make a difference. This is a great book
to read to a young audience so we can have our future generation of students be
individuals who aren’t afraid to take action on their ideas!
Activity: This is a great book to introduce to a young grade level and
before reading it to the class, I would want to know their “ideas” about what
they might think this book is about. I would ask the students to look at the
picture on the cover page, while my hand is covering the title so I can ask “What
do you think this story will be about”? or “What do you think is going to
happen in this story?” just based off of the illustration on the cover page. After
revealing the title of the book, I would then ask students to think of an idea
they have that will help solve an issue whether in their life, or in school, or
in the community or in the world. I would want them to hold on to this idea throughout
the story. I would also be asking my students while reading the story, “Have
you ever had an idea that you were unsure about”? or “Have you ever had an idea
that you were scared to share”? or “Have you ever felt the same way as this
little boy before”? All questions that can help my students relate to the
story. As an activity, I would have the children go back to their desk and
think about that idea that they I told them to hold on to in the beginning of
class. Then I would tell my students to draw a picture and write 3-5 sentences
about an idea they have on how to help solve an issue in the world by taking action
on it. After everyone is done with this activity, I would collect everyone’s
paper and create a book for the class. I can then read the book after putting
it together to share everyone’s ideas on taking social action.
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