Description
Making a Mark! Discovering the Power of Neurodiversity on a Learning Safari is an educational resource in a story format aimed at 9–14 year olds. Written by Katrin McElderry and Mark Stoddart, the book highlights neurodiverse learning profiles – particularly dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and ADHD – while weaving in educational themes like grit and the growth mindset through its characters and their experiences.
The book uses world-famous sculptor Mark Stoddart’s life and art as inspiration and through powerful analogies shows that learning can be adventurous and safari-like.
The first section of Making a Mark! Discovering the Power of Neurodiversity on a Learning Safari is written in story format and tells the educational journey of Mark and his neurodiverse friends. The second section provides information on how the brain works and neurodiversity and enables readers to reflect upon their own learning profiles: their strengths and challenges alike.
The book can be easily integrated into a classroom setting aimed at supporting neurodiverse students while also benefitting neurotypical learners in helping them build a balanced understanding of cognitive learning differences.
Making a Mark! Discovering the Power of Neurodiversity on a Learning Safari teaches that every single brain is unique and therefore neurodiversity is ‘normal’. It will encourage all children to embark on a journey of creative learning, perseverance and triumph.
REVIEWS
“Read this in one sitting! The book begins with Mark feeling less capable than other students and this being highlighted in front of the whole class. Then takes you on an inspirational “Safari” where feelings of belonging and effective teaching approaches transform his learning experiences. “Making a Mark!” delves into an overview of how the brain works and what can help the brain learn and thrive regardless of…and because of Learning Differences! Filled with colorful, fun, and informative illustrations, this book is a must read for every parent to share with their children and for every teacher to share with their students! I am a slow reader and blew through this because of your easy to understand organization of the book! I enjoyed the clever names and analogies too!” Jaclyn Paris, Florida Center for Reading Research, reading expert, former Board member of International Dyslexia Association.
I just finished reading this excellent book by Katrin “Kate” McElderry and Mark Stoddart /Artist about neurodiversity. It’s written in story format for our neurodiverse learners and delivers important and powerful messages that will resonate with all. These are the messages I have been communicating to my students with dyslexia and dysgraphia and other language and literacy challenges over my decades of working with them, and now I can share these messages in a book written FOR THEM. Congratulations Kate and Mark on your successful collaboration that will positively how neurodiverse students view themselves. Dr Jan Wasowicz, Learning by Design Inc
Mark’s inspiring life story is set out in an engaging and witty way, which is easy to read and makes us want to know what happens next. There are also serious messages within the story about the significant impact teachers have on young people’s lives. The book cleverly combines Mark’s dyslexia journey with the learning resources section, which helpfully reinforces the different learning differences experienced by Mark and his classmates. Kate’s writing has a gentle sense of humour and a friendly and inclusive approach and the beautiful illustrations aid the readability and accessibility of this must-have book. Cathy Magee, Dyslexia Scotland
Kate and Mark’s book shares Mark’s journey with dyslexia with both honesty and hope. The Learning Resources section is packed with interesting facts and insights from young people sharing their experiences of dyslexia, dyscalculia and neurodiversity which is sure to prompt rich discussions and deepen understanding in classrooms and homes worldwide. Rosie Bissett, Dyslexia Association of Ireland
Making a Mark! Discovering the Power of Neurodiversity on a Learning Safari is a whimsical story inspired by a true character, Mark, the science of reading and learning differences. This book is for learners of ALL ages and profiles, as it teaches us the true challenges that neurodiverse learners face, but at the same time how each of us are different. It highlights the importance of the science of reading, strengths based approaches and resilience. Loved reading it!!! Dr Fumiko Hoeft, USA
This brilliant book focuses on the message that “every brain is unique and therefore neurodiversity is normal”. Based on the story of sculptor Mark Stoddart’s life, this will be a poignant and powerful read for youngsters in the 9-14 age range, most particularly those who are neurodiverse. Just as important is the message to educators, parents, and actually everybody, that strength based learning cultures foster the conditions for the seeds of brilliance that lie in everyone to be cultivated, and culminate in environments of magical possibility. Absolutely love the creative way in which the story comes to life through the characters. Thank you Kate and Mark for this Inspiring book. Dr Peter Gamwell, author and esteemed professor based in Ottawa, Canada
WEBINAR
Kate McElderry gave a webinar to the Dyslexia Association Ireland, showing how the book can be used as an educational resource. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtgxEE91-bQ
PODCAST
Listen to this LDA (Learning Disabilities Association of America) podcast to find out about why and how Making a Mark! was produced. https://theldapodcast.buzzsprout.com/1133861/14148996
ARTICLES
An article about Mark Stoddart and Making a Mark! has featured in a local paper. What we all think is great is that there is an audio version of the article as well! https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/ayrshire/internationally-renowned-dyslexic-sculptor-who-31337133
Mark Stoddard is an Ambassador for Dyslexia Scotland and will be donating his royalties to the charity. He was featured in the Winter 2023 edition of their publication, ‘Dyslexia Voice Magazine.’ Dyslexia Scotland ran an article about Making a Mark! in the Winter 2023 Dyslexia Voice Magazine.
jaclyn (verified owner) –
Read this in one sitting!
Filled with colorful, fun, and informative illustrations, this book is a must read for every parent to share with their child and every teacher to share with their students!
The book begins with Mark feeling less capable than other students and this devastatingly being highlighted in front of the class. Then takes you on an inspirational “Safari” where feelings of belonging and effective teaching approaches transform his negative learning experiences into positive ones! “Making a Mark!” delves into an easy to understand overview of how the brain works and what can help the brain learn and thrive regardless of…and because of…Learning Differences!
jfdriley1 –
This little book is so very accessible for students and parents alike. Ms. McElderry has done an excellent job of bringing the story of Mark Stoddart’s educational journey to life. It is a story that will resonate with so many people who have experienced school “failure” because their learning differences were not recognized. But, it is also a story that reveals that it needn’t be that way. Research into how the brain works and a brief description of research-based teaching methods give this story a happy ending! Ms. McElderry’s use of descriptions, analogies, and examples to accompany her explanation of neurobiology make this a good learning tool for students and their parents to help them understand their gifts and to use those gives to support their needs. Numerous illustrations accompany the text!
Richard Dorrance –
This book explains in simple clear terms the challenges faced by neurodiverse children in the classroom.