Francisco Pizarro
Discover the life of an explorer Series
What’s inside...
Introduces the life of Francisco Pizarro, the explorer who was sent to Peru by the king of Spain to conquer the Incas and claim their land and wealth for the Spanish crown.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the native people felt when Francisco Pizarro arrived in their land?
What do you think are some of the reasons why Francisco Pizarro went on his expeditions?
What would you have done if you were in Francisco Pizarro's place?
How do you think history would have changed if Francisco Pizarro and his men had never traveled to South America?
What are some ways we can learn from the past to make better decisions in the future?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, provide a brief background about Francisco Pizarro and the era he lived in to set the context.
While discussing the questions, encourage your child to think critically by asking them how they derived their answers.
Connect the story to current events or personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable.
After discussing, encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios which could have led to different outcomes in history.
Validate your child’s feelings and thoughts about the story to make them feel confident in expressing their opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The consequences of ambition
Explanation: The story of Francisco Pizarro illustrates the impact of ambition through his conquests and how they affected the native populations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of considering the effects of their actions on others, emphasizing empathy and ethical decision-making.
Example Lesson: Importance of cultural understanding
Explanation: Pizarro's interactions with the Inca Empire highlight the conflicts that can arise from a lack of cultural understanding and respect.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to learn about and appreciate diverse cultures, which is essential in our increasingly globalized world.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Throughout his expeditions, Francisco Pizarro faced numerous hardships, showing determination and resilience.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of perseverance and courage when confronting obstacles in life, whether they be in their education, relationships, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: The impact of leadership
Explanation: The book discusses how Pizarro’s leadership style influenced his missions and the outcomes of his interactions with the Inca.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the responsibilities of a leader and the importance of leading in a manner that is just and fair.
Example Lesson: Reflection on historical events
Explanation: By exploring the story of Francisco Pizarro, the book opens up conversations about the broader effects of historical events.
Real-World Application: Promotes critical thinking in children about history and its relevance today, encouraging them to ask questions and seek out more knowledge.