History VIPs: Emmeline Pankhurst
History VIPs Series
What’s inside...
In this international bestseller from the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, meet Emmeline Pankhurst, an inspiring women's rights activist who changed the world for future generations of women. As a child, Emmeline Pankhurst was inspired by books about heroes who fought for justice and equality. She grew up to lead the suffragette movement, campaigning for women's right to vote and leaving a lasting impact on society.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Emmeline Pankhurst was determined to fight for women's rights?
How do you feel about the ways Emmeline and her supporters protested to get their voices heard?
What similarities and differences do you see between Emmeline's time and today in terms of how people fight for their rights?
If you could speak to Emmeline Pankhurst, what would you ask her?
How can we apply the lessons from Emmeline's life to issues we face today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by providing a brief context about the era in which Emmeline lived to set the stage for understanding the societal challenges she faced.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on women's rights and how they relate to the book's themes.
Draw parallels between historical and current events to show the ongoing relevance of fighting for justice and equality.
Ask your child how they would feel in Emmeline’s situation to foster empathy and a deeper understanding of her actions and motivations.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and encourage them to think critically about how they can contribute to positive changes in society, inspired by historical figures like Emmeline Pankhurst.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: The book portrays Emmeline Pankhurst's relentless efforts in the suffragette movement, highlighting her determination to fight for women's right to vote despite numerous setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up easily, whether they are dealing with challenging schoolwork or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Standing up for one's beliefs
Explanation: Emmeline Pankhurst's strong conviction in advocating for gender equality is depicted through her speeches and protests, demonstrating the impact of standing firm in one's beliefs.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to speak out and take action on issues they are passionate about, such as fairness among peers or environmental concerns.
Example Lesson: The power of collective action
Explanation: The book illustrates how Emmeline, together with other suffragettes, organized group efforts and campaigns, which were crucial in advancing their cause.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of teamwork and cooperation, understanding that working together can often achieve greater results than working alone.
Example Lesson: Importance of education and awareness
Explanation: Through her activism, Emmeline Pankhurst educated people about the injustices women faced, using knowledge as a tool for change.
Real-World Application: Kids can see the importance of being informed and educating others, whether it's about recycling, kindness, or inclusion.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Emmeline faced imprisonment and public criticism, yet she continued her advocacy, showing immense bravery.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be courageous when facing their own challenges or when standing up for what is right, even if it might be difficult or scary.