Ladybird Readers Level 2 - Pocahontas
Ladybird Readers Level 2 Series
What’s inside...
This book tells the story of Pocahontas, a young Native American woman whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets English settlers. She forms a friendship with them, especially with a man named John Smith, and bridges the cultural divide. Powhatan, Pocahontas's father and the Chief of their tribe, lives with her in their village. The arrival of English men in big boats marks the beginning of thrilling and challenging encounters. Part of the Ladybird Readers series, this book is designed for young learners of English, featuring beautiful illustrations and structured language progression. It is a Level 2 Reader, corresponding to A1 in the CEFR framework, and supports preparation for the YLE Movers exams with short sentences, introduction to the past tense, and simple adverbs.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Pocahontas felt when she met someone from a different culture?
Why is it important to help others, even if they are different from us?
What can we learn from Pocahontas about bravery?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the cultural encounters in the story to your child’s experiences with different cultures at school or in the community.
Highlight Pocahontas’ acts of kindness and bravery, and ask your child about times they felt brave or helped someone.
Encourage your child to think about what bravery means to them, and discuss different forms it can take.
After reading the story, encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite part. Discuss the emotions and themes through their artwork or performance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Pocahontas shows empathy by understanding and respecting the cultural differences between her people and the newcomers. This is demonstrated when she acts as a peacemaker between the two groups.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and accept differences in others around them, whether at school or in their community, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Pocahontas exhibits bravery when she stands up for what she believes is right, even when faced with potential danger. This is seen when she saves John Smith, showing her courageous spirit.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and stand up for their beliefs in challenging situations at school or with friends.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Peace
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of peace through Pocahontas' efforts to harmonize relations between different groups, highlighting the benefits of peaceful resolutions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing conflict resolution and promoting peace in their interactions with siblings, classmates, and friends.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: Pocahontas has a deep connection with nature, demonstrated by her interactions with the environment around her, and teaches John Smith to appreciate it as well.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore, respect, and protect nature, cultivating a sense of responsibility for their environment.