On Board the Titanic: What It Was Like When the Great Liner Sank
#3 of 33 in Once/Now/Then/After Series
What’s inside...
This is the story of the voyage of the Titanic, from embarkation to disastrous iceberg contact, sinking -- and rediscovery by Dr Robert Ballard. It is told by focusing on two real young men who sailed on the great ship: wireless operator Harold Bride and passenger Jack Thayer, son of the wealthy Marion and John Thayer, American socialites.
Character compass
Jack Thayer
Harold Bride
Thomas Andrews
Captain Edward J. Smith
Bruce Ismay
Discussion points
How do you think the passengers felt during the voyage on the Titanic, especially as the events unfolded?
What are some acts of bravery or kindness you noticed in the book? Why do you think those people acted that way?
If you were on the Titanic, what do you think you would have done? Would you have tried to help others?
The Titanic was considered 'unsinkable' – why do you think people believed this, and how did it affect their actions?
What lessons can we learn from the Titanic disaster about how we handle emergencies today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in the shoes of different characters. This helps deepen their understanding of human emotions and reactions under stress.
Discuss the historical context of the Titanic to help your child grasp the societal norms and technological limitations of the era.
Use the book’s illustrations or historical photos online to make the discussion more vivid and engaging.
Highlight examples of leadership and teamwork in the book to reinforce the importance of these qualities in difficult situations.
After reading, watch a documentary or a movie about the Titanic to further contextualize the information in the book and enrich the learning experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: As the Titanic's tragic story unfolds, readers experience the emotional journeys of the passengers. By witnessing the different social classes onboard and their varied responses to the catastrophe, children learn to empathize with people in distress.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these insights by showing kindness and understanding towards classmates and friends who may be going through tough times, promoting a supportive and compassionate community.
Example Lesson: Bravery in Adverse Situations
Explanation: The book portrays how different passengers and crew acted heroically during the disaster. These real-life characters provide examples of courage and self-sacrifice amidst fear.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to act bravely and selflessly when faced with challenges in their own lives, whether standing up for a friend or facing personal fears.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: Through engaging narrative and detailed descriptions, 'On Board the Titanic' immerses readers in the early 20th century, offering insights into the era's social norms, technological advancements, and historic events.
Real-World Application: Children can gain a deeper appreciation of history and its impact on today’s world, enhancing their analytical thinking and cultural awareness.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Decision Making
Explanation: The book explores the decisions made by passengers and crew during the Titanic’s sinking, which provide a basis for discussions on decision-making under pressure.
Real-World Application: By evaluating these decisions, children can learn to think critically and make informed choices when faced with their own difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Recovery
Explanation: The aftermath of the Titanic sinking and the survival stories demonstrate resilience. Readers learn that while adversity is challenging, recovery is possible with strength and support.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that they can overcome hardships and recover from setbacks with determination and the support of others.