Thomas Edison
History maker bios Series
What’s inside...
An introduction to the life of Thomas Edison, who invented the light bulb, the phonograph, and moving pictures.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some challenges Thomas Edison faced while inventing? How did he overcome them?
Why do you think persistence was important for Edison's success?
How did Thomas Edison's inventions change the way people lived?
What qualities do you admire in Thomas Edison and why?
If you could ask Thomas Edison one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by summarizing the key points of the book to ensure the child understands Edison's life and inventions.
Encourage your child to relate Edison's experiences to their own, discussing any personal challenges and achievements.
Ask your child what they would invent if they had the chance, linking it to Edison's creative process and inventive spirit.
Discuss the broader impact of Edison's inventions on modern society to help the child understand the relevance of historical figures today.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and encourage them to ask questions about things they’re curious about.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to success
Explanation: The story of Thomas Edison highlights his numerous experiments and failures before successfully inventing the light bulb.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence and not being discouraged by failure, applying this mindset to their schoolwork and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Curiosity drives innovation
Explanation: Edison's inquisitive nature and constant questioning of how things work are emphasized throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and explore the world around them, fostering a love for learning and discovery in various subjects.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The book illustrates how Edison viewed each failure as a stepping stone towards his next attempt, rather than a defeat.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, enhancing their problem-solving skills and resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Thomas Edison is shown working with many assistants, highlighting that collaboration was key to his successes.
Real-World Application: Children understand the value of cooperating with others, which can be applied during group activities at school and in extracurricular settings.