Avoid Sailing on a 19th-century Whaling Ship! (Danger Zone)
#3 in So You Want to Be Series
on Goodreads (56)
What’s inside...
Set in the early 1820s in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, this book follows the journey of a young boy who aspires to be a whale hunter. The story captures his adventures and challenges on the high seas, as he encounters terrible weather and fierce whales. The narrative is complemented by cartoon-style illustrations and includes captions, a glossary, and an index. It is designed for Key Stage 2 shared and guided reading and aligns with the Scottish Standard Curriculum 5-14.
Discussion points
What do you think life was like for sailors on a 19th-century whaling ship?
How do you feel about the relationship between humans and nature as depicted in the book?
What are some of the dangers the crew faced and how do you think they handled their fear?
How would you have reacted in some of the challenging situations described in the book?
What lessons can we learn from the experiences of the sailors that might apply to challenges we face today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the sailors' shoes, which can foster empathy and deeper understanding of the historical context.
Discuss the environmental impact of whaling and how attitudes towards nature have changed since the 19th century.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to spark discussions about courage, teamwork, and perseverance.
Connect themes from the book to your child's experiences, asking them how they overcome obstacles they face in daily life.
After reading, consider visiting a maritime or whaling museum to bring the historical elements to life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The book depicts the harsh and challenging conditions faced by sailors on 19th-century whaling ships, showcasing their perseverance and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to stay determined and keep pushing forward even when they face difficulties in their schoolwork or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: Through the story's historical context of whaling, it raises awareness about the impact of human activities on marine life and the importance of conservation.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more conscious of their environment, promoting actions like recycling and conserving water to protect the planet.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The crew members on the ship must work together to navigate the dangers of the sea and operate the ship effectively, highlighting the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work collaboratively in group settings at school or in sports, understanding that teamwork can lead to achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: History and culture understanding
Explanation: By learning about the historical aspects of a 19th-century whaling ship, children gain insights into the past ways of life and the economic factors driving such voyages.
Real-World Application: This knowledge can help children appreciate different historical periods and cultures, enhancing their social studies learning and promoting cultural empathy.