Reading Champion: Great Fire of London, The: Independent Reading White 10
Reading corner. Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
This children's book provides an engaging account of the Great Fire of London as seen through the eyes of a young child. The reader follows the adventure as the fire engulfs the city while learning how it started, its impact, and the aftermath.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it was like to live in London during the Great Fire?
How do you think the people felt when their homes were burning?
What are some ways the community came together to help each other during the fire?
If you were there, what would you have done to stay safe?
What did you learn about how fires were fought in the 17th century compared to today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the historical period of the Great Fire of London, asking them to describe what they might see, hear, and smell.
Discuss the feelings and reactions of the characters in the story to help your child understand and empathize with those who experienced the fire.
Ask your child to think about modern fire safety and compare it with the methods mentioned in the book to foster analytical thinking.
Use the book as a starting point to explore more about the history of London and the architectural changes that resulted from the Great Fire.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding historical events
Explanation: The book provides a narrative on the Great Fire of London, helping children learn about significant historical events.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge by understanding the importance of historical events and their impacts on modern society.
Example Lesson: Learning about community and cooperation
Explanation: As the community comes together to combat the flames, the story highlights the power of cooperation during crises.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn the value of working together with others to solve problems and help others in their own communities.
Example Lesson: Importance of safety and preparedness
Explanation: The story touches on the lack of preparedness for the fire, teaching about the necessity of being prepared for emergencies.
Real-World Application: This can translate to children understanding the need to be aware of safety measures in their daily lives, such as knowing emergency exits and fire safety rules.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate resilience as they deal with the devastation of the fire.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to remain resilient and hopeful no matter the challenges they face.