IQ takes his seat at the front of the class, watching his teacher Ms. Lukas as she shuffles her papers and quiets the class for the day’s lesson. On the outside, he is patient, but, on the inside, he is counting the seconds, knowing that the grades for yesterday’s spelling test are being held only a few feet away, begging to be passed out.
“Very good, IQ,” Ms. Lukas says, putting a sheet down face-first in front of him.
He flips it over to find exactly what he’s looking for—a tall, red A in the corner.
“I know your Heart is education,” Little Big Heart says, leaning over from the desk behind him, “but you don’t have to show off.”
“If being a great speller is what I need to do to Ignite Good!, then that is exactly what I’m going to do.”
“Well, you might be the only one,” Little Big Heart says, pointing to the other side of the class where a group of students are looking much less excited about their grades. “Maybe it’s time to share some of that big brain of yours.”
IQ grows red with embarrassment, realizing that he was so caught up with his own grades that he didn’t even consider what he could be doing to help others.
“You’re right,” he tells Little Big Heart, “it’s time to Ignite Good! for the whole class, not just myself.”
IQ spends the rest of the class brainstorming, trying to come up with ways to make a service project so big that it could include everyone in his class. When the last bell rings, he runs off to headquarters to speak with the team about his idea, knowing that it would take more than just his own Talents if the plan is going to work.
“I got it,” he says, bursting through the door.
“He got it!” Moxie yells, jumping up off the couch she shares with Little Big Heart. “Wait, got what?”
“An idea for a service project!”
“Now you’re speaking our language,” Little Big Heart says.
“Not just any service project either, I want to use my spelling Talent and my education Heart to help everyone in my whole class. You guys want to help?”
“YES!” Moxie yells. “Everyone else is out on a mission with Global Girl, but we are ready to go!”
IQ sits down on the couch and explains his idea, stopping to listen whenever one of his friends has something to add. At first, it seems like a lot of work—maybe too much—but, by the time they are done going over it all, they have a realistic plan in place, one with clear steps and a list of materials. All they’re missing is the school’s permission, but IQ feels confident that he can get it in the morning when he speaks with Ms. Lukas.
The next day, as his class is running out into the schoolyard for recess, they are greeted by Moxie, dressed as a game show host, standing in front of a decorated stage with three podiums and a banner that reads “1st Annual School Spelling Bee”.
“Step right up!” she yells, twirling a baton. “Welcome to the Global Game Changers spelling bee! Miss a question on your last quiz? Falling behind in class? Sign up now for your chance to win some prizes. Did I mention EXTRA CREDIT? Because everyone who plays will be getting some! So, step right up!”
IQ stands to the side of the stage, going through the list of the most misspelled words from yesterday’s quiz, and preparing to host the event. Ms. Lukas was more than willing to help him out with quizzes and extra credit, and the school thought the spelling bee was such a great idea that they decided his classroom initiative should turn into a school-wide initiative starting the following week.
“The banner is all done,” Little Big Heart says, climbing down from the stage. “Between my painting Talent and Moxie’s speaking Talent, it looks like your spelling bee is going to be a hit!”
“I think you’re right,” IQ says, watching as the kids from his class line up in front of Moxie. “It’s amazing how quickly we made a plan and followed through with it. I couldn’t have done it without you and Moxie.”
“What are friends for?” Little Big Heart says. “Plus, we’re Global Game Changers, which means we look out for each other.”
IQ looks to Moxie, who is spinning her baton into the air and catching it behind her back. She sees him watching and waves him over, giving him a big, toothy smile.
“I think it’s time for the show,” IQ says, sorting his papers. “Let’s I-G-N-I-T-E some G-O-O-D!”
