The Landing of the Pilgrims (Landmark Books)
#2 of 11 in Landmark Books Series
on Goodreads (1,087)
What’s inside...
In the early 1600s in England, William Bradford and his friends faced religious oppression, prompting them to flee to Holland and later sail to America for religious freedom. They established a settlement but faced a harsh winter that claimed the lives of half the settlers. Despite the challenges, the group's strong faith and hard work helped them survive and uphold the ideal of freedom of religion. This account, based on the Pilgrims' journals, also touches on the origins of Thanksgiving and is a testament to the Pilgrims' quest for religious freedom.
Character compass
William Bradford
Massasoit
Myles Standish
Squanto
John Carver
Discussion points
What challenges do you think the Pilgrims faced when they arrived in America?
How do you think the Pilgrims felt when they first landed?
Why is cooperation important when facing new situations?
What can we learn from the Pilgrims' story that can help us today?
How would you have felt if you were part of the Pilgrim's journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the Pilgrims’ shoes, which can help deepen their understanding and empathy.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and teamwork, as demonstrated by the Pilgrims, and relate these themes to your child’s daily life.
Use maps or globes to explore the journey of the Pilgrims, making the discussion both educational and interactive.
Invite your child to express which part of the story impacted them the most and why, fostering a personal connection to the historical events.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book, which can help them process and remember the historical events more vividly.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: The book describes the hardships faced by the Pilgrims during their voyage and settlement in the New World. It details their struggle with illness, harsh weather, and scarce resources.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain determined and persistent in the face of challenges, such as when tackling difficult school projects or adjusting to new environments.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: The Pilgrims had to work together to establish their new settlement and survive. The book highlights the importance of community and helping each other.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the value of collaborating with peers in group assignments or in team sports, appreciating that combined efforts can lead to greater success.
Example Lesson: Cultural Tolerance and Understanding
Explanation: The interaction between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans is a central theme. The book covers their initial conflicts and eventual cooperation, underscoring the benefits of understanding and respecting different cultures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing diversity, showing respect to people from different backgrounds, and learning from others' perspectives at school or in their communities.