I Am Neil Armstrong: Ordinary People Change the World
#12 of 32 in Ordinary People Change the World Series
What’s inside...
A biographical picture book about Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon. It highlights his childhood, education, and career as a pilot and astronaut, emphasizing his perseverance in pursuing his dreams. The book, part of a bestselling series for ages 5 to 8, incorporates trivia about Armstrong's life and the moon landing. It includes a timeline, photos, comic-book-style illustrations, and focuses on Armstrong's teamwork, encouraging kids to work together and dream big.
Discussion points
What qualities did Neil Armstrong have that made him a good astronaut? Can you think of any situations where you showed similar qualities?
Why do you think teamwork was important in Neil Armstrong's journey to the moon? How do you use teamwork at school or at home?
Neil Armstrong faced many challenges; what did he do to overcome them? What do you do when you encounter a difficult situation?
How did Neil Armstrong's small steps lead to a big change? Can you think of a small step you might take toward a big goal?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use pauses after each question to give your child time to think and articulate their thoughts fully.
Connect the story to your child’s experiences by discussing similar challenges they’ve faced and how they handled them.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Neil Armstrong's shoes, asking how they would feel or react in similar situations.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers, fostering a positive environment that encourages open communication and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story illustrates Neil Armstrong's journey, highlighting his determination and relentless effort to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to adopt a never-give-up attitude towards their goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Neil Armstrong's love for flying and exploring space showcases the importance of nurturing curiosity and eagerness to learn new things.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore different fields of interest and pursue knowledge actively, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Humility
Explanation: Despite his monumental achievement of being the first person to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong is portrayed as humble, focusing on teamwork and collective effort.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value humility, appreciate the contributions of others, and understand the importance of teamwork in accomplishing significant tasks.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The book highlights how Armstrong faced and overcame challenges during his space missions through critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of staying calm under pressure and using their intellect to navigate difficulties.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Armstrong's journey to the moon required immense bravery, facing unknown challenges and risks.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to embrace challenges and step out of their comfort zones, fostering courage in unfamiliar situations.