Victorian Railways
Exploring British history Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Railway changed the world more than any other invention of the industrial age. This beautifully illustrated book describes the development of railways in Victorian Britain, and it is tailored to National Curriculum Key Stage 2, Study Unit 3A.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What differences can you spot between the trains from the Victorian era and the trains we see today?
How do you think people felt traveling on trains for the first time back then?
Why do you think trains were important during the Victorian era?
Can you imagine how life would be different if trains had not been invented?
What other inventions from the Victorian era do you think impacted people’s lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use visuals: Show pictures of Victorian era trains alongside modern trains to visually stimulate interest and enhance the discussion.
Relate to personal experiences: Share a story or memory involving a train journey you have taken to make the conversation more relatable and engaging.
Encourage empathy: Ask your child how they would feel living in the Victorian era, and traveling by train for the first time, to foster deeper understanding and connection to the material.
Draw connections: Discuss other inventions or historical changes from the Victorian era, and connect them to the development of trains to provide a broader context.
Creative thinking: Encourage your child to think creatively by asking how they would design a train if they lived in the Victorian era.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Historical Appreciation
Explanation: Victorian Railways delves into the history and development of railways during the Victorian era, enlightening young readers about the past technology and lifestyle.
Real-World Application: Children can develop an appreciation for history and understand the importance of technological advancements. This encourages them to value and learn from historical events and innovations.
Example Lesson: Importance of Transportation
Explanation: The book explores how railways were crucial in linking different parts of the country, facilitating travel and trade.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the role of transportation in society and its impact on daily life, fostering a greater appreciation for how they travel and receive goods today.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Victorian Railways showcases how engineers, workers, and townspeople had to collaborate to build the railway infrastructure.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of working together to achieve common goals, which can be applied in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Innovation and Problem Solving
Explanation: The book illustrates the challenges faced during the construction of railways and how innovative solutions were required to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Kids learn that creativity and critical thinking are essential in solving problems, valuable skills that can help them in their educational journey and future careers.
Example Lesson: Economic Impact
Explanation: Andrew Langley explains the economic transformation brought about by the railways, which opened up new opportunities for trade and employment.
Real-World Application: This can teach children about the economic concepts of trade, employment, and economic growth, and how infrastructure can influence these factors.