History Heroes: Neil Armstrong
Discovering History's Heroes Series
What’s inside...
Explore the life and achievements of Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, through this engaging biography designed to inspire young readers. Neil Armstrong was involved in one of the most memorable events of the twentieth century - the moon landing! Find out more about how he got to become one of the first to set foot on the moon. Discover the stories of people who have helped to shape history, ranging from early explorers such as Christopher Columbus to more modern figures like Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web. These chapter books combine historical fact with engaging narrative and humorous illustration, perfect for the newly independent reader.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think made Neil Armstrong a hero?
How do you think going to the moon changed the way people saw the world?
What would you have felt if you were the first person to walk on the moon?
Why is it important to explore and try new things, like space exploration?
How can we apply Neil Armstrong's bravery and curiosity in our everyday lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Neil Armstrong’s shoes, thinking about the challenges he faced and the excitement of exploring the moon.
Discuss the broader impact of space exploration and how it inspires humanity to reach for new heights.
Relate the themes of courage and curiosity in the book to your child’s personal experiences with trying new activities or learning new skills.
Use this discussion to highlight the importance of perseverance and the value of pursuing one’s dreams, just like Armstrong did.
Suggest drawing or writing a story about a space adventure to deepen the connection with the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The book highlights Neil Armstrong's journey, emphasizing his determination and relentless effort to achieve his goal of landing on the moon.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by staying dedicated to their tasks, whether it’s completing a difficult homework assignment or mastering a new skill.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Neil Armstrong's story showcases his lifelong commitment to learning, from his early days as an Eagle Scout to becoming an astronaut.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain curious and passionate about learning new things, exploring the world around them, and asking questions.
Example Lesson: Bravery
Explanation: Facing the unknown of space travel, Armstrong's courage is a central theme. His ability to confront and overcome fear serves as a powerful example.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a school play, or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book illustrates the importance of teamwork, showing how collaboration with fellow astronauts and NASA personnel was crucial for the mission’s success.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to work cooperatively with others in group projects at school or in sports, understanding that teamwork often leads to achieving great results.
Example Lesson: Goal Setting
Explanation: Neil Armstrong’s achievements are presented as results of setting clear goals and working systematically towards them.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to set their own goals, be it academic or personal, and to plan practical steps to achieve them.