The Great Fire Of London
Historical storybooks Series
What’s inside...
This title is part of a series which takes historical events and situations and explores them in fiction as a starting point to further study. The Great Fire of London presents historical events, facts and key people in an enjoyable story form.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it felt like for the people of London during the Great Fire?
Why is it important to remember and learn about historical events like the Great Fire of London?
How did the characters in the story help each other during the fire?
What would you have done if you were there when the Great Fire happened?
How do you think the city changed after the fire?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the sights, sounds, and smells described in the book to help them better understand the historical context.
Discuss the importance of community and helping others in times of crisis, drawing parallels to current events if appropriate.
Invite your child to consider how they would feel and react in a similar historical situation, fostering empathy and historical understanding.
Use the book as a starting point to explore more about the history of London and other significant historical events.
Reinforce the lessons learned from the book, such as resilience and teamwork, by connecting them to the child’s day-to-day experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the importance of community support
Explanation: Through the characters' mutual aid during the fire, the book showcases how communities need to support each other in times of crisis.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to foster a sense of community and support by participating in group activities and helping others in need.
Example Lesson: Learning about historical events
Explanation: The book provides an accurate description of The Great Fire of London, teaching children about significant events in history.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by showing increased interest in history lessons at school or exploring more historical books and resources.
Example Lesson: The significance of safety and preparedness
Explanation: The story emphasizes how unpreparedness led to a disaster, underlining the need for proper safety measures.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to learn and follow safety rules at home, school, and in their communities to prevent and respond to emergencies effectively.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate resilience by rebuilding their lives after the fire, providing a powerful message about recovery and hope.
Real-World Application: This can remind children that they can overcome difficulties and setbacks through perseverance and positivity.
Example Lesson: Importance of learning from mistakes
Explanation: The book shows how certain decisions exacerbated the fire, teaching that mistakes are an opportunity for learning and growth.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to view their mistakes as learning experiences, helping them to improve and make better choices in the future.