The Discovery of New Worlds (Illustrated) (The Story of the World Book 2)
Story Of The World: History For The Classical Child Series
What’s inside...
Book II in The Story of the World series, by M. B. Synge, 'The Discovery of New Worlds' explores significant historical events including the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the middle ages in Europe, the rise of Islam, the Crusades, the age of exploration, and the establishment of trade with the Far East. It concludes with the discoveries of Columbus and the Spanish settlements in the New World. The series, suitable for children ages 10 and up and as a read-aloud for children as young as 7, covers all major events in the history of Western Civilization up to the nineteenth century. Presented in fifty short chapters per volume, it features stories of key individuals including statesmen, military commanders, explorers, scientists, artists, authors, and religious figures, engagingly written with frequent dialog and events juxtaposition.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
252 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Christopher Columbus
King Ferdinand Of Spain
Queen Isabella Of Spain
Discussion points
What new worlds did the explorers discover, and how do you think the people felt when they first met each other?
How do the explorers' journeys change the way we view the world today?
What qualities do you think an explorer should have? Can you think of any situation where you could use those qualities?
If you could explore any part of the world, where would you go and why?
What challenges do you think the explorers faced, and how did they overcome them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child’s curiosity by asking them to imagine their own exploration journey, relating the book's themes to everyday adventures. Use a world map to trace the explorers' routes as you read to help visually connect the story. Discuss the moral choices and challenges faced by the explorers to emphasize problem-solving and ethical decision-making.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Exploration leads to discovery
Explanation: The book covers the era of great explorers and how their adventures revealed new worlds and information.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of curiosity and exploring unknown areas, whether it's trying out a new hobby or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Explorers faced numerous hardships, from harsh weather to unknown territories, demonstrating perseverance.
Real-World Application: Kids understand the importance of overcoming obstacles in learning, like struggling with a difficult subject at school.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: The book introduces various cultures encountered by the explorers, promoting diversity and tolerance.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace and respect people from different backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive community.
Example Lesson: Impact of leadership
Explanation: Leadership qualities of prominent figures like Caesar and Alexander the Great are highlighted in the story.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of good leadership and teamwork skills in achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Learning from history
Explanation: It narrates historical events, inspiring children to learn from the past to create a better future.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the significance of history in understanding current events and making informed decisions.