Journey To The Centre Of The Earth
#2 of 41 in Usborne Illustrated Story Collections Series
What’s inside...
Intrepid explorer Professor Liedenbrock leads a dramatic expedition to an Icelandic volcano, where a secret tunnel leads to the very centre of the earth. This is a rip-roaring retelling of Jules Verne's classic sci-fi adventure story, specially written for children growing in reading confidence. It is part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.
Character compass
Axel
Hans Bjelke
Professor Otto Lidenbrock
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to explore the center of the earth? How would you feel?
Which part of the adventure did you find the most exciting and why?
How did the characters show bravery during their journey?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the characters?
How do you think teamwork helped the characters during their expedition?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story by asking them to describe how they would handle the challenges faced by the characters.
Discuss the concept of bravery and teamwork, relating it to your child’s personal experiences with friends or at school.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to help your child visualize the underground world, enhancing their understanding and enjoyment of the story.
After reading, consider watching a film adaptation or researching more about geology and the earth's layers to further explore themes and foster learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The characters in 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth' embark on a thrilling adventure driven by curiosity and the desire to discover the unknown. Their journey encourages readers to question and explore the world around them.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore different subjects in school or engage in activities that pique their interest, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters face numerous challenges and obstacles. Their determination to continue despite difficulties teaches the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of persisting through challenges whether in their academic pursuits or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The success of the journey relies heavily on the characters working together and leveraging each other's strengths. This highlights the importance of teamwork and mutual support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work collaboratively with others, both in school projects and in playing sports or other group activities, enhancing their social skills and collective problem-solving abilities.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature and the Environment
Explanation: As the characters venture through various natural wonders, they show admiration and respect for the environments they encounter, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural beauty.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to appreciate and take care of the environment, promoting activities such as recycling or participating in local clean-up days.