John Cabot
Famous explorers Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
This book describes the life and voyages of John Cabot, an Italian-born explorer who claimed land in the New World for England in 1497. The book is part of a series that examines the lives of famous European explorers during the Age of Exploration. It explores the routes these explorers followed, the navigational equipment they used, and the challenges they faced. The book aims to provide a deeper understanding of the individual lives of explorers, the interplay of history and geography, and the complex issues surrounding territorial claims on lands occupied by indigenous populations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-10
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated John Cabot to explore new lands?
How do you think John Cabot felt when he first saw the coast of North America?
What challenges do you think John Cabot faced during his voyage?
Why is it important to remember and learn about explorers like John Cabot today?
If you were an explorer, what would you like to discover and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by asking your child what they know about explorers or the age of exploration to gauge their prior knowledge.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in John Cabot’s shoes, thinking about the decisions he had to make and the sights he saw.
Relate the themes of exploration and discovery in the book to your child’s experiences of discovering something new or learning about unknown places.
Discuss the concept of courage and resilience, highlighting how these traits were essential for explorers like John Cabot.
Use a globe or a map to trace John Cabot’s journey, making the exploration feel more tangible and engaging for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in pursuing goals
Explanation: The story illustrates John Cabot's determination and persistence in exploring new lands despite challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of not giving up on their dreams and objectives, persevering through difficulties in school or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: John Cabot's adventurous spirit and eagerness to learn more about unknown territories exemplifies a strong desire for knowledge.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be curious about the world around them, eager to learn new things, and to ask questions in their everyday learning environments.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout his voyages, Cabot faced and overcame numerous obstacles by coming up with solutions.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to approach challenges in creative ways, whether solving a math problem or resolving a disagreement with a friend.
Example Lesson: Appreciating diverse cultures
Explanation: As John Cabot explored new lands, he encountered various cultures which highlights the importance of diversity.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to value and respect people from different backgrounds and traditions they meet at school or in their community.
Example Lesson: Impact of exploration
Explanation: The book discusses the impact of John Cabot’s discoveries on the world, showing how one person's actions can make a difference.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that their actions, no matter how small, can impact their community and beyond, encouraging them to participate in community activities or environmental conservation.