Complementary resources for A is for Action: The ABC's of Taking Action
Below you will find many resources that support your journey through the eBook or Print copy of "A is for Action".
These resources may be used to set the stage, prompt discussion, present a problem or generate questions. They can be serious, or quite silly. The websites are provided as a jumping board for each stage of taking action. So explore, have fun, and move forward in making a difference to and in the world!
For more information about the book, click HERE.
A
Taking Action requires us to find something we are passionate about, or inspired by.
Watch the video.
Think: What does action mean for us in a world so full of people, each with different needs, ideas, cultures and wants? Dig Deeper: What challenges do you think humanity faces as our population grows? What do you think you could do about some of these challenges? It is better to be part of a great whole
than to be the whole of a small part. -Frederick Douglass, abolitionist |
|
B
In order to take action, you must Believe that you can.
|
Watch the video.
Think: What does it mean to 'believe in yourself'? Dig Deeper: What attitudes do you think someone possesses when they believe in themselves? How could you develop those attitudes? A is for Action Book: Photocopy page 31 and complete the extension activity - 'B is for Believing in Yourself'. Websites for further research: What is IB: Attitudes What is IB: Learner Profile |
c
If you want to make a Change, at the end of the day, it all starts with you.
Watch the video.
Think: There are many problems in the world that you can see around you. You can see trash, poverty and pollution. But there are many things that you can't see. What are some things in society that may be problems that you can't see? Dig Deeper: Where do you fit in this world? Why are you here? Why are others here? How wonderful is it that no one need wait a
single moment before starting to change the world. -Anne Frank, diarist |
|
d
Discuss possible reasons why problems occur and creative ways that you could change them.
If we have learned one thing from our past, it is that to live through dramatic events is not enough; one has to share them and transform them into acts of conscience. -Elie Wiesel, author and Holocaust survivor |
Watch the video above.
Think: Identify the problem. How is the problem solved creatively? Dig Deeper: What other ways could this problem have been solved? |
e
Action requires Empathy. Identify with who you want to make changes for.
As I Am from Alan Spearman on Vimeo. |
Watch the video.
Think: How do you think this young poet feels about his community'? Dig Deeper: What do you think influences his attitudes about his community? What do you think influences others' (outsiders) attitudes about his community? What are some similarities between your own community and the community in the video? A is for Action Book: Photocopy page 32 and complete the extension activity - 'E is for Empathy'. |
f
It is much easier to research if you Formulate a question.
Watch the video.
Think: What is the main point of the video? Dig Deeper: What are some of the pointers for research this video provides? Nothing has such power to broaden the mind as the ability to investigate systematically and truly all
that comes under thy observation in life. -Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor |
|
g
As you continue, keep the end Goal in mind.
|
Watch the video.
Think: What are some ways in which goal-setting helps you? Dig Deeper: What are some of the pointers for goal-setting this video provides? A is for Action Book: Photocopy page 33 and complete the extension activity - 'G is for Goal-setting'. Websites for further help: Set Goals |
h
Anyone can feel bad about a bad situation, but it is up to you to Help through your dedication.
Watch the video.
Think: What is the main theme of the video? Dig Deeper: How do we connect with others around us? Is it easy or difficult to take the time to help others? What makes you say that? If you need a helping hand,
you will find one at the end of your arm. -Yiddish proverb |
|
i
Now you’re ready to explore a topic, you must Inquire into what it is you are interested in knowing more about.
|
Watch the video.
Think: Were you born to learn? Dig Deeper: What are you curious about? What do you like to play? Website for further research: TED-Ed Lesson Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.
-Joseph Addison, poet |
j
Join others who share the same vision as you and your efforts will grow.
Think: What is the main point of your action?
Dig Deeper: Who could you connect to in order to make your idea take root? Youth Organizations to explore: Causes.com Kids can make a difference The Social Network for Social Good Do Something Voices of Youth Taking it Global United Nations Cyber Schoolbus TED Earth Echo Generation On What Kids can do Action Tracker Youth Service America |
k
It’s important to be Knowledgeable about the topic or issue and be inclusive of all different angles.
|
Watch the video.
Think: What are you knowledgeable about? How can you use what you know to help others? Dig Deeper: How can you build on your knowledge? Website for further research: Do It Yourself Instructables Howcast SuTree Videojug |
l
Listen and hear are different. Listen to what others say. It is okay to agree or disagree, but keep an open-mind to others' opinions.
Watch the video.
Think: How do the Warbots begin to communicate? What happens next? Dig Deeper: List all the ways that you communicate with others around you. Try to look beyond talking. Think about the Warbots. What types of communication did they engage in? What was more effective? A is for Action Book: Photocopy page 34 and complete the extension activity - 'L is for Listening'. Website for further research: Listening is also a skill we have to develop. Here is a website to help you hone your listening skills! Soundscape |
|
m
Make Connections that are local and hit close to home, but also think globally.
|
Watch the video.
Think: What kinds of connections could you see in the video? Compare your ideas with your peers. How are the connections you made similar or different to your peers? Dig Deeper: Think about a problem. Perhaps one that is depicted on the front cover of your 'A is for Action' book. With a friend, brainstorm all of the connections to that problem that you can think of. Websites for further research: Take Action Wall - Aggregated Social Media surrounding taking action opportunities. |
n
Always take Notes and cite your sources! If you use others’ ideas, ensure you give credit, where credit is due.
Watch the video.
Think: What do you notice about the video? Do you agree or disagree with the video? What makes you have that opinion? Dig Deeper: What has changed about note taking in the last 50 years? How can we document our research and thoughts in new ways? Websites for further research: Citation Guides for Grades 1-6 Easy Bib |
|
o
You may choose to Organize an event based on your action; Collaborating with others will help you succeed!
Read the FREE eBook.
Get TED-ucated: Organize a TEDx Event Think: What is an "idea worth spreading?" Dig Deeper: How would organizing an event help your action? Website for further help: Organize a TEDx Event Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
-Margaret Mead, anthropologist |
p
Publish and present your research, findings, and action with others! Let them learn from you and take action themselves.
Explore the websites below.
Think: What is it that you want to share with the globe? Why is it important to share your action? Dig Deeper: What is the best way to publish your findings? Websites for further research: www.weebly.com www.wikispaces.com www.blogger.com www.wix.com www.youblisher.com www.issuu.com |
Q
The power of Questions is in the quality of questions you ask. Dig deeper. Go further.
|
Watch the video and explore the website below:
Q is for Question Think: What makes a good question? How do you know? Dig Deeper: How could you learn to be a better questioner? Website for further research: Socratic Questioning It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants.
The question is: What are we busy about? -Henry David Thoreau, philosopher |
R
Take a moment to Reflect on the journey you’ve had, the differences you’ve made. Celebrate who you are and how you have changed!
Explore the drawing.
Think: Reflection is a self-assessment of where we are at, where we have come from, and what we would like to do in order to move forward. How do you take time to reflect? What types of questions do you ask yourself during this process? Dig Deeper: What are some ways you could document your reflections? To look backward for awhile is to refresh the eye,
to restore it, and to render it more fit for its prime function of looking forward. -Margaret Fairless Barber, author |
S
You’ve had a great start and you should be proud of what you’ve done, but how will it continue? What will you do to Sustain it?
|
Watch the video.
Think: What do you notice about the video? What are the problems identified for this community? What are the solutions presented? Dig Deeper: What do you think the creator of this film, Glen Milner is trying to say? What is his action? Is his action sustainable? Do you think this movie will have an impact for this community? Why do you think that? If we don’t change our direction,
we’re likely to end up where we are going. -Chinese proverb |
T
In order to sustain the action you take, you have to be willing to Take Risks, to challenge yourself to move forward for others’ sake.
Watch the video.
Think: Why is it hard to try something new? Dig Deeper: Identify the attitudes that help you to take risks and move forward. Why not go out on a limb? Isn’t that where the fruit is?
-Frank Scully, author If you can’t make a mistake, you can’t make anything. -Marva N. Collins, educator |
|
U
Using limited resources, you can reach millions. Be sure to Use Technology in order to sustain your idea.
Ask Yourself: Is new technology ALWAYS the best way to share our action? What makes you say that?
Imagine what a harmonious world it could be if
ever single person, both young and old,
shared a little of what he is good at doing.
-Quincy Jones, musician and producer
ever single person, both young and old,
shared a little of what he is good at doing.
-Quincy Jones, musician and producer
V
eValuate your entire process thus far. Would you do anything different or would you keep things the same?
Think: What does it mean when you reach a goal? How do you know if you have got there?
Dig Deeper: What are some ways to assess if you could do things better next time? What ways do you use to assess yourself? A is for Action Book: Photocopy page 35 and complete the extension activity - 'V is for eValuate'. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
-Aesop |
W
"What?" and "So what?" are good questions to ask. But as you continue there is also, "Now What?" This question will drive you on.
Read the FREE eBook.
TED-ucate Yourself Think: What makes the TED community unique? Dig Deeper: Why are the TED and TEDx communities a powerful tool for the sharing of ideas? Website for further help: TED The future belongs to those who can give
the next generation reasons to hope. -Pierre Teilhard DeChardin, philosopher |
X
Examine your action and the change it brings. Be thoughtful and critical and honest with your work.
Think about these definitions:
Criticism: 1. the act of passing judgment as to the merits of anything. 2. the act of passing severe judgment; censure; faultfinding. Critique: 1. A critical review or commentary, especially one dealing with works of art, literature or thought. 2. A critical discussion of a specified topic. Dig Deeper: How could you critique yours and others' action in a non-judgmental way? What words could you use? Is being judgmental the same as being honest? Why do you think that? |
Y
Celebrate your accomplishments but remember to thank others too. However, feel good; It all started with You!
Think: What is your place within the community you have created? Who are all the people who made this happen? What are the stories of people in your community that pulled together to become the change you wanted to see? Now, how will you say: “thank you”?
Giving Thanks doesn't have to cost anything! Here are some websites to help you get creative in your appreciation process! Create a Photo Montage Video Create a Speaking Photo Create a FlipBook Create a Comic Book |
Z
So, now you have Zeal...what will you do?
If you think you’re too small to have an impact,
try going to bed with a mosquito. -Anita Roddick, businesswoman From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life. -Arthur Ashe, athlete It’s not that you can make a difference; it’s that everything you do makes a difference. -Philippe Cousteau, EarthEcho International Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference. And we have a choice: What sort of difference do we want to make? -Jane Goodall, primatologist and anthropologist |