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Spark Change: Making Your Mark in a Digital World
Discover the transformational work of student Olivia Van Ledtje, who exemplifies responsible online activism, inspiring both kids and adults in the global community.
Kids are naturally curious about the world around them. They seek ways to understand and interact with their environment, often using digital tools to do so. Imagine a world where children’s curiosities are amplified -- helping them see the power of their thinking, perspective and voice. Spark Change examines the multitude of possibilities available when students are given the opportunity to amplify their learning online, centering on three ideas of be a good person, be critical and be an advocate for something you care about in life.
The book introduces readers to Liv, a young changemaker empowered to use digital tools to create and share content online. Liv’s story offers readers an opportunity to explore how students can use technology as a tool for empathy, equity and activism. Kids can’t become changemakers if they aren’t empowered to think beyond their own community. Liv’s online sense of agency serves as an example of maximizing opportunities, developing a powerful voice and making global connections that deepen her compassion for people and the world.
This
Connected-learning opportunities help students develop key understandings about the world around them. This book shows how these understandings lead to social action, and how students develop a deeper sense of empathy and kindness from interacting with the world.
K-12 educators, school administrators and parents
Kids are naturally curious about the world around them. They seek ways to understand and interact with their environment, often using digital tools to do so. Imagine a world where children’s curiosities are amplified -- helping them see the power of their thinking, perspective and voice. Spark Change examines the multitude of possibilities available when students are given the opportunity to amplify their learning online, centering on three ideas of be a good person, be critical and be an advocate for something you care about in life.
The book introduces readers to Liv, a young changemaker empowered to use digital tools to create and share content online. Liv’s story offers readers an opportunity to explore how students can use technology as a tool for empathy, equity and activism. Kids can’t become changemakers if they aren’t empowered to think beyond their own community. Liv’s online sense of agency serves as an example of maximizing opportunities, developing a powerful voice and making global connections that deepen her compassion for people and the world.
This
Connected-learning opportunities help students develop key understandings about the world around them. This book shows how these understandings lead to social action, and how students develop a deeper sense of empathy and kindness from interacting with the world.
K-12 educators, school administrators and parents
176 pages, Paperback
Published October 9, 2019
3 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 29, 2019
Having attended presentations Liv and Cynthia gave at teacher conferences and having talked with them together and individually, I knew bits and pieces of their work. I've also been following them on Twitter. And, their enthusiasm and commitment shone through. SPARK CHANGE compiles not only their fundamental message that the digital world can vastly enhance educational opportunities but also shows, in a clear and organized way, how educators, parents, and, of course, kids can take part in those advances while also remaining good citizens in this world. Highly, highly recommended!
October 21, 2019
Spark Change by Olivia Van Ledtje and Cynthia Merrill is a must read! It is equal parts heartbeeps and practical applications. It fills your heart and inspires you to be better, do more, create, teach, innovate. And it gives you the tools you need to implement these lessons in your class, in your home, in your life. It is a roadmap and a reminder. As Liv says, #KidsCanTeachUs. So, let’s give them the digital tools, understanding, access, support, and encouragement they need to responsibly explore, develop, and impact the world around them. Let’s give them the chance to shine brightly. And spark change! Highly recommend!
April 22, 2020
Teachers and parents are faced with a new kind of learners - inquisitive, creative, in charge of their own learner. We have a different job - helping them find their OWN way in a digital world. It is a more difficult role for adults to support rather than teach, stay quiet while our kids find their voice, but this is guidebook is bursting with suggestions and stories of the powerful results that can happen. As a teacher educator, I will put this book in the hands of every future and practicing teacher I know so they can find inspiration and ideas from Liv, Cindy and the many other young people whose stories inspire and provide proof that #KidsCanTeachUs.
November 11, 2020
I was hoping for more inspiration from this book. I have loved Liv's message every time I have heard her speak, but I didn't feel it reading this book. I'm not sure if it was the format with alternate voice between her and her mom or just the place I'm at right now and the pandemic raging on and the challenges presented because of it. I appreciated the ties to ISTE standards and actual educational applications for Liv's ideas. I think I will have to try reading this again in the future. In the meantime, I hope Liv keeps sparking change.
March 8, 2020
This book is a great read for educators who wish to empower their students to use their digital voices to make a positive impact on the world! Olivia, age 11, is a great role model for us all and a perfect example of #KidsCanTeachUs!
November 15, 2020
A very inspirational book about how children can use technology and social media in a positive way to make connections with others and the world around them. Olivia is a wonderful example of a proactive technology user whose creations spark many things~ change, action, ideas, humor, etc.
October 25, 2019
Spark Change belongs in the hands of all educators and parents. Spark Change is an inspirational book that addresses ways teachers and parents can empower students through the use of technology. While reading the book I found many practical ways that I could immediately implement technology into my day and help students to become change agents, using empathy and activism as their most powerful tools. Liv is an outstanding girl who shares her personal stories in the book. Reading her stories and seeing first hand how #kidscanteachus is inspiring. Reading the book with my teacher lenses, I look forward to helping my kids create, explore, and find their digital voice.
In addition to reading the book through my teacher lens, I’m also a parent, navigating Social Media with my young daughter. There are times that I have been tempted to take social media away from my daughter, throw my hands up, and say, “She is just too young for this.” However, while reading SPARK CHANGE about the #digitalgood that can be done on Social Media and through using technology, along with the learning opportunities, I want to help my children navigate the digital world in a positive way, showing them that their future is now, and they CAN make a difference, equipt with the right tools.
Recently, my daughter had a situation arrive on a Social Media platform. Having read Spark Change, I was prepared with the tools to help my daughter navigate this experience and engage in a conversation centered around growth and learning.
I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
In addition to reading the book through my teacher lens, I’m also a parent, navigating Social Media with my young daughter. There are times that I have been tempted to take social media away from my daughter, throw my hands up, and say, “She is just too young for this.” However, while reading SPARK CHANGE about the #digitalgood that can be done on Social Media and through using technology, along with the learning opportunities, I want to help my children navigate the digital world in a positive way, showing them that their future is now, and they CAN make a difference, equipt with the right tools.
Recently, my daughter had a situation arrive on a Social Media platform. Having read Spark Change, I was prepared with the tools to help my daughter navigate this experience and engage in a conversation centered around growth and learning.
I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews