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How to Make a Better World: For Every Kid Who Wants to Make a Difference



Last updated Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Author: Keilly Swift
Date of Publication: 2020
ISBN: 1465490876
Grade Level: 4th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2021

Synopsis: There's a lot that can be changed by just one person if you know what to do.

If you are a kid with big dreams and a passion for what is right, you just might be a world-changer in the making! Through ideas as small as creating a neighborhood lending library to as important as public speaking and how to talk about politics, How to Make a Better World is a practical guide to activism for children.

Note to readers:
•  Book is very vibrant with colors and highlights notes on each page.
•  Create fun engagement with the book pictures and bold words as you read aloud each page.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Before you can make change in our planet, we must learn self-care for ourselves. What are activities you like to do that is healthy for your mind and body?
•  What kind of projects have you thought about to support your community? Ex. School or Neighborhood
•  Have you ever volunteered before? Ex. Park clean-up, food bank, community garden, etc.

Vocabulary

•  Mobilization - the action of making something movable or capable of movement.
•  Self-Care - the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health.
•  Mindfulness - the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.
•  Channeling - direct toward a particular end or object.
•  Affirmation - emotional support or encouragement.
•  Community - a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
•  Heritage - something that is passed down through generations in families and communities
•  Hazard - a danger or risk
•  Activist - is a person who works to bring about political or social changes by campaigning in public or working for an organization
•  Charity - an organization set up to provide help and raise money for those in need.
•  Eco-Friendly - not harmful to the environment.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Do you feel that you are too young to make change in the world?
•  If you could grant a wish for the world, what would it be? Ex. End homelessness, world peace, etc.

Craft ideas:
•  Ocean Drawing — paper, add some crayons, and draw the ocean!
•  Poster for Change - create a poster about something you want to change in the world (paper, crayons and pencil)
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/july-2021the-wonders-of-science-technology/

Special activities:
•  Draw a Flower Color Wheel - paper, crayons and pencil to form a color wheel (on the wheel, place a note on what you learned

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!