Marco Polo - a Journey Through China (Expedition)
The Expeditioners Series
What’s inside...
The book 'Marco Polo - a Journey Through China (Expedition)' by Fiona Macdonald likely chronicles the adventures of the Venetian explorer Marco Polo as he travels through the vast expanse of China. It probably details his experiences at the court of Kublai Khan, his observations of Chinese society, culture, and technology, and the various regions he visited during his 17-year journey in the 13th century. The book may also explore the impact of Marco Polo's travels on the knowledge of the East in Europe and how his journey influenced trade and exploration in the centuries that followed. Each book in the series focuses on a real-life expedition, examining both the technological aspects and personal adventures involved.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would feel like to travel to a new place like Marco Polo did?
How do you think meeting new people and seeing new things can change a person?
What was the most surprising thing Marco Polo discovered on his journey?
If you could ask Marco Polo one question about his travels, what would it be?
Why do you think it's important to learn about different cultures and places?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Marco Polo’s shoes, imagining the sights, sounds, and smells he might have experienced in his travels.
Discuss the different emotions Marco Polo might have felt during his journey; this can help your child understand and express their own emotions.
Use a globe or map to trace Marco Polo’s route; this helps kids visualize the journey and understand geography.
After reading, engage your child in activities related to the book, such as drawing a scene from the story or creating a travel diary.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them what they would do differently if they were Marco Polo.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book narrates Marco Polo’s journey through various regions of China, exposing young readers to diverse customs, foods, and traditions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect and appreciate different cultures they encounter in school or their community, fostering an inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Discovery
Explanation: Marco Polo's adventurous spirit and detailed observations spotlight the value of exploring unknown territories and learning from them.
Real-World Application: This encourages kids to be curious about the world around them, ask questions, and actively seek out new knowledge whether in nature, books, or new activities.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Marco Polo faces numerous challenges but his determination does not waver, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles in schoolwork or personal goals without giving up.
Example Lesson: The Importance of History
Explanation: The book provides historical insight into China's past, emphasizing the importance of history in understanding present cultures.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to show more interest in their own history and heritage, making them appreciate the context of their current environment.
Example Lesson: Open-mindedness
Explanation: Marco Polo's receptiveness to new experiences and ideas throughout his travels showcases the benefits of being open-minded.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to embrace differences in opinions and perspectives which is crucial in teamwork and problem solving in school assignments or group activities.