Alexander Graham Bell
The great Scientists Series
What’s inside...
Explore the life and achievements of Alexander Graham Bell. Photographs, a timeline, and easy-to-read text tell the story of this famous inventor of the telephone.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Alexander Graham Bell to invent the telephone?
How do you think communication has changed since Bell invented the telephone?
Can you imagine a world without phones? What would be different?
Why do you think persistence was important for Bell's success?
What would you like to invent and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to modern day by discussing current forms of communication and how they differ from the past.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically about the impact of inventions on daily life.
Use examples of persistence from the story to motivate your child in their endeavors, highlighting how setbacks can lead to greater successes.
Inspire creativity by discussing different inventions and their uses, encouraging the child to brainstorm their own innovative ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story showcases Alexander Graham Bell's persistent efforts in inventing the telephone, despite numerous challenges and failures.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up when faced with difficulties, teaching them resilience and determination in their daily endeavors such as school projects or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Innovation and creativity
Explanation: Bell's inventive process highlights the value of thinking outside the box and using one's imagination to create something revolutionary.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative thinking and problem-solving, which can be applied in various aspects of life, from academic subjects to personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: The invention of the telephone is a prime example of improving communication. The book explains how communication was transformed globally.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the significance of clear communication and encourages them to express their thoughts and feelings effectively with others.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Bell's journey to success was fraught with mistakes and lessons learned, which were crucial in leading to his ultimate success.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that mistakes are a natural part of learning and that valuable insights can be gained from every error.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and seeking help
Explanation: Bell did not work in isolation; he actively sought expertise and feedback from others which was vital for his invention.
Real-World Application: Instills the importance of teamwork and asking for help when needed, highlighting that collaboration can lead to better outcomes in group projects or family activities.