Visiting a Village (Historic Communities)
Historic Communities Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Visiting a Village is an ideal introduction to understanding the concept of community. Children will learn how the settlers worked together with a spirit of cooperation by trading their goods and services with each other. Knowing about what they might see on their first visit to an historic site will help spark a child's curiosity. In this book, they will meet such individuals as: the miller, the sawyer, the storekeeper, the metal and woodworkers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-11
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some differences you noticed between the village in the book and where we live today?
Why do you think people in the village worked together on tasks like building houses or preparing food?
Can you imagine what a day in your life would be like if you lived in that historic village?
What kind of job would you want to have if you lived in the village? Why?
How do you think the children in the village felt about their daily responsibilities and chores?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to visualize the village by asking them to draw it or describe it in detail.
Connect the historical content to present day by comparing and contrasting the child's daily life with that of a child's life in the historic village.
Ask open-ended questions that promote empathy, such as how they would feel having the same responsibilities as children in the village.
After reading, summarize the story together to reinforce comprehension and discuss any new words or concepts introduced in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Community Roles
Explanation: The book showcases various roles people hold in a historical village, helping children understand how everyone's contributions help a community function.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by recognizing and appreciating different roles within their own communities, such as teachers, firefighters, and doctors.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of History
Explanation: By exploring a historical village, the book helps children see how communities lived in the past, fostering an appreciation for history and change over time.
Real-World Application: Children can express this appreciation by participating in cultural or historical activities and showing interest in family and local history.
Example Lesson: Value of Cooperation
Explanation: The story highlights how villagers must work together to achieve common goals, emphasizing the importance of cooperation.
Real-World Application: This lesson is pertinent when children engage in group activities or projects at school, teaching them the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
Example Lesson: Respect for Tradition
Explanation: As children learn about life in a historical village, they see how traditions shape various aspects of community life, inculcating a respect for cultural practices.
Real-World Application: Children can demonstrate respect for tradition by learning about and participating in their own cultural or family traditions, understanding their origins and meanings.