Clara Barton
Great Women in History Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Discusses the life and work of Clara Barton, a nurse during the Civil War and the founder of the American Red Cross. Known as the 'Angel of the Battlefield,' Clara Barton cared for Civil War soldiers and formed the American Red Cross. Photographs and easy-to-read text tells the story of this great woman in history.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think made Clara Barton a hero?
Why do you think it's important to help others, just like Clara did during the war?
How do you think Clara felt when she was helping soldiers on the battlefield?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel?
What have you learned from Clara Barton's life that you can use in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the characteristics that they admire in Clara Barton and discuss how they can develop similar qualities.
Discuss the historical context of the book with your child, emphasizing the challenges Clara faced and how she overcame them.
Share personal stories of helping others to make the themes of the book more relatable and to illustrate the impact of kindness and bravery.
Ask your child to draw parallels between Clara Barton’s experiences and current events to foster a deeper understanding of her contributions and relevance today.
Celebrate your child's responses and insights during the conversation to encourage ongoing interest and discussion about the book's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The story of Clara Barton showcases her dedication to helping wounded soldiers during the Civil War, emphasizing her deep empathy and compassion towards others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of their peers and offer help or comfort in situations like assisting a classmate who is struggling or comforting a friend who is upset.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: Clara Barton faced numerous challenges and obstacles in her mission to provide care, yet she persisted and succeeded in her efforts.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persisting through difficulties, whether it’s working towards mastering a new skill or overcoming a personal challenge.
Example Lesson: Importance of Helping Others
Explanation: Clara's life work, including founding the American Red Cross, highlights the impact of humanitarian efforts and helping those in need.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to contribute to their community by participating in or organizing charity events, helping out in community clean-ups, or any other form of community service.
Example Lesson: Leadership
Explanation: Through her actions and decisions during critical times, Clara Barton exemplifies strong leadership qualities.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by taking initiative in group projects, helping orchestrate group activities, or standing up for what they believe is right in their circle of influence.
Example Lesson: Innovation and Problem Solving
Explanation: Clara Barton showed innovation by creating solutions like frontline aid stations to address immediate medical needs during the war.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively to solve problems, whether it's finding new ways to recycle at home or developing a unique school project.