Teaching Strategies, Tactics, and Methods

What is a Flow Chart?

A flow chart is a visual diagram showing any process’s steps from beginning to end, using process boxes, flow lines/arrows, and other symbols.

Flow charts are incredibly versatile and can illustrate all sorts of different processes. Some of the methods you may have seen represented as flow charts i the past include:

  • Instructions for putting together a flat-packed shelf.
  • Directions for making a jam sandwich.
  • Workplace procedures for getting out of a building in case of a fire.
  • The life cycle of a butterfly.
  • How coffee goes from the coffee plants in Brazil to the mugs in your local cafe.

Flow charts are also sometimes called process maps; as you can see, they have many applications.

What is a Cautionary Tale?

A cautionary tale is a story that is told to warn the audience of a specific danger. Cautionary tales are written to teach young children a lesson or a general moral issue.

Why do we tell cautionary tales for children?

Parents or relatives use cautionary tales to convince their children to follow certain rules or conform to a specific behavior. Using a story engages children, ensuring they absorb the lesson being taught. Cautionary tales have been used throughout history to protect children and are often passed down from generation to generation.

The lesson or moral taught in a cautionary tale can be life-saving or something more straightforward to get children to obey a specific rule. For example, a story in Der Struwwelpeter, a collection of cautionary tales written in German by Heinrich Hoffmann, aims to convince children not to suck their thumbs. The report states that a ‘great tall tailor’ will come and ‘cut their thumbs clean off’ if they’re seen to be sucking them. This is a perfect example of a cautionary tale being used to move children away from a simple bad habit like sucking their thumb.

However, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ is also considered a cautionary tale, but the lesson it seeks to teach could be the difference between life and death. In the original telling of the story, both Red Riding Hood and her grandmother are eaten by the wolf and aren’t saved by the woodcutter. The moral of the story is – don’t speak to strangers.

Examples of famous cautionary tales for children

  • Little Red Riding Hood
  • Der Struwwelpeter
  • King Midas
  • The Emporer’s New Clothes

What is a Linking Sound?

Why are linking sounds important?

Linking sounds is needed to make English sound more fluent. Without linking sounds, there will be many awkward pauses or unnecessary sounds. This makes linking sounds essential for ESL students because these extra pauses and noises will sound mainly foreign to a native speaker of English.

English is a language that sounds very smooth, and one of the ways this smoothness is achieved is through linking sounds.

Linking sounds in English examples

Linking sounds in English examples come in all different forms. The one most people are familiar with is blending, but other examples of connecting sounds in English include changing sounds, omitting sounds, and doubling sounds.

Blending

Blending is when one sound moves into another smoothly. It works particularly well for continuous consonants.

An example of this would be “this morning,” where the “s” from “this” and the “m” from morning blend together.

You might also blend consonant and vowel sounds too.

For example, in “this apple,” the s is shared between the s and the a.

Overlapping sounds

When sounds next to each other overlap, it can change how one or both sound.

One of the ways this happens is something called nasal aspiration. This is where the flap in the back of the mouth is closed for “d” sounds but then opens for an “n” sound, but the tongue stays in the same place.

An example is, “the girl did nothing wrong.”

This would allow the flap to stay closed for the d and open for the n. It would stop air at the d but rerelease it at the d sound.

There is also something called lateral aspiration, which links “d” and “l.” So the d would be said commonly, but the l would release the tongue.

An example of this would be “red light.”

Changing sounds

Sometimes rather than sounds merging or altering due to different letters, this linking sound combines sounds into a new sound. For example, this happens when either d or t comes before y.

For example, “won’t you” use assimilation to make a different sound. The “t” and the “y” create a “ch” sound that makes the phrase sound like “wonchu.”

Adding sounds

Sometimes an additional sound is placed between others. When pronouncing vowels clearly, sometimes adding a “w” or a “y” sound can help.

Double sounds

Double sounds happen when a word finishes with a consonant, and the following letter begins with the same one. These double consonants link by pronouncing one single sound but extending how long it is said for.

For example, “spring garden” uses an elongated g that is released into the word “garden.”

Top 10 Buddhism Facts for Kids

Want to learn all about Buddhism? Take a look at these fantastic top 10 facts about Buddhism to wow your friends:

  1. Buddhism originated in India.
  2. This world religion is over 2,500 years old and is practiced by over half a billion people.
  3. Buddhism is based on the teachings of a spiritual leader called ‘the Buddha’ or ‘the Awakened One.’
  4. The Buddha was born in Lumbini, part of northern India, but is now part of Nepal.
  5. Buddhism teaches people to lead moral life and be aware of their thoughts and behavior.
  6. Buddhists thank Buddha for his teachings. They believe he is perfectly enlightened without anger or hatred and is the wisest and most kind-hearted person in this world who spent his life teaching.
  7. The statue of Buddha reminds Buddhists of loving kindness, wisdom, and compassion.
  8. Buddhists try to behave well through life, believing in karma. Bad behavior in the present creates more suffering in the future, so if we want to reduce future suffering, we need to be positive in our thoughts and actions.
  9. The main aim of Buddhism is to achieve enlightenment. We would then be experiencing complete joy and compassion, and helping others and leading a moral life would be no effort.
  10. Buddhism is a very tolerant and kind religion that respects the beliefs and ways of others.

What is Vaulting in Gymnastics?

Vaulting in gymnastics is the action of performing a vault. A vault is an action a gymnast performs by running down a runway, usually made of soft material. They then jump onto a springboard and use the momentum to bounce up towards the vault hands first.

Using your hands to control how you get over the vault is the idea. A locker is a piece of gymnastic equipment that the performer has to get over. They are usually 120 centimeters long and 90 centimeters wide.

In schools, children will learn vaulting in gymnastics by practicing with adjustable vault equipment.

What does vaulting in gymnastics look like?

There are different types of vaults in gymnastics, and the score competitive gymnasts receive in competitions often depends on the complexity of their routine and how they land.

Two simple ways to vault include the straddle over the vault and the squat through vault moves

Squat through vault

  • Run and hurdle step onto the springboard swinging your arms back and upwards.
  • Push down onto the springboard hard with your feet giving you enough momentum to get over the vault.
  • Place your hands in the top center of the vault, more comprehensive than hip-width apart.
  • Draw your legs into a tucked position and travel over the vault through your arms to land on the mat.
  • Bend your knees to soften the landing, and hold your arms out in front of your body, parallel to the floor for balance.
  • Stand up straight and stretch up your arms to finish the move.

Straddle over vault

  • Run onto the springboard as in the squat through the vault move.
  • Place your hands side by side on the top center of the vaulting box and extend and straighten your legs to the side into the straddle position as you vault over the vaulting box.
  • Bring your feet together to land on the mat.
  • Remember to bend your knees to avoid injury as you land.

Teaching Students About Winter

Winter is one of the four seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. Depending on where you live, it often brings colder weather and shorter days. And of course, you can’t forget the chance of snow!

It comes after autumn and before spring in the cycle of the seasons. This means that it’s the direct opposite of summer. That makes sense because while spring and autumn have equinoxes, summer and winter have solstices. But more on that later.

As deciduous trees grow barren, many changes can be observed in plants. Animals, great and small, hibernate to stay warm and survive the cold weather.

Learning about winter is essential for children, as it can help embed knowledge of the processes that take place in the natural world. In this Teaching Wiki, you’ll find a whole host of facts about winter, including:

  • Seasonal changes that plants and animals undergo;
  • A selection of holidays and events that take place during winter;
  • Ten fascinating winter facts for kids;
  • Fun teaching resources to use with your elementary school students!

Winter Months

When is winter?

While there are different ways to define the four seasons, winter officially takes place from December to March. This is according to the astronomical definition of the seasons. This means that a season lasts from the solstice to the equinox or the equinox to the solstice.

 

What is the winter solstice?

Winter solstice is a celestial event that occurs on December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere, depending on where you live.

It’s reversed for the Southern Hemisphere, so people who live there will experience their winter solstice in place of our summer solstice on June 20th or 21st.

The winter solstice is also known as the shortest day of the year. It occurs when the Sun is at the furthest point from that half of the world because of how the Earth tilts.

In other words, it’s visible in the sky for the least amount of time, so we have less daylight and more nighttime.

Another name for the winter solstice is the hibernal solstice. Does that word sound familiar? Think of the word “hibernate” – something that animals do during the winter season!

Are there other definitions of winter?

Yes! You can also determine the beginning of winter by its meteorological start. This is based on what the weather is like on average during this time of the year.

The meteorological start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere is on December 1st, 20 days earlier! It ends on March 1st when spring begins.

This definition might align more closely with what people usually think of winter.

Seasonal Changes in Winter

As we mentioned, you can observe many seasonal changes during the winter. These happen naturally to plants and animals with no human input. These biological processes allow other living things to adapt well to the colder temperatures and ensure they survive.

What happens to plants in winter?

In the autumn, many trees will have their leaves turn brown, red, or orange. This happens when chlorophyll is no longer needed because there isn’t enough sunlight to photosynthesize. What you see is the leaves’ natural color before they drop off through a lack of food.

Don’t worry, though. This doesn’t hurt the tree!

During winter, many of these trees will be barren. That means you can only see the trunk and the branches. It can give you a good view of any bird’s nests that would have been hidden during other months of the year.

What about flowers?

Like trees, frost often withers away a flower’s food source: its green leaves. This means that a lot of plants die off. However, during their growing season, they produce a lot of seeds that can survive the winter and sprout the following year. These plants are called annuals.

Some tiny wildflowers and plants need winter to grow. If the bright sun or dry weather is too much for them, they may be better suited to near-freezing temperatures in December.

What happens to animals in winter?

Animals survive the winter in several ways. These include hibernation, migration, and physical adaptation.

What is winter migration?

Many birds and fish travel to new locations where they will be better protected from cold temperatures and harsh weather. This is known as migration, and it happens because they can fly or swim across great distances during the autumn. The animals might not consciously realize that they’re doing this, as they’re biologically programmed to do it!

When the weather becomes habitable again, they’ll return.

What is hibernation?

In winter, there is little food left for animals to eat. This means that many species survive by conserving their energy through hibernation.

Before animals go into hibernation, they have to prepare. This happens during the autumn, as they collect a lot of food to eat and build up their energy storage.

As they enter hibernation, their heart begins to beat slower. Their body temperature cools to match the weather outside, keeping them somewhat protected. They try to use as little energy as possible during this process – hence the sleeping.

What is adaptation?

So, how does an animal that doesn’t migrate or hibernate survive the winter? The answer often lies in adaptation. This involves special features that these animals have, allowing them to adapt to cold weather. For example, it might include growing a thicker layer of fur or changing color, so they’re camouflaged in the snow.

One example of these adaptations can be seen in seals. Seals have a thick layer of fat on their bellies to keep them from freezing on the ice.

10 Holidays and Events in Winter

  1. Christmas
  2. Hanukkah
  3. Kwanzaa
  4. New Year’s Eve
  5. Chinese New Year
  6. Valentine’s Day
  7. Groundhog Day
  8. Epiphany
  9. Tu Bishvat
  10. Las Posadas

What is a Learning Log?

A learning log, or learning journal, is a way for children to record their learning and progress around topics they are learning at school.

Schools increasingly adopt them as an alternative to traditional homework tasks.

Learning Logs allow children to complete more creative tasks around academic subjects, making home teaching more engaging.

Learning Log Activity Examples

‘This week, we have been practicing our timetables. Come up with a helpful way to remember difficult ones’.

‘Next week, we will start work on Wiliam Shakespeare. So do research and find out as much as you can about him’.

Anti-bullying week is coming up soon. Design a poster advertising the event and what it stands for’.

Children are encouraged to complete these tasks in whatever way they want to.

Usually, they are only required to complete a double-page section of the book to ensure they know how much work is expected.

Learning Logs also allow children to evaluate their work, which helps to reinforce learning.

Benefits of Learning Logs

  • They allow children to approach topics in a way that is helpful to them
  • Learning logs encourage creativity
  • They help to expand and consolidate classroom learning
  • They foster pride in a child’s work
  • Learning logs allow one to develop critical research skills
  • They bridge the gap between classroom learning and homework
  • They are helpful for teachers in assessing comprehension and progress

What is Handwriting?

What is handwriting?

For starters, what is handwriting? It might sound self-explanatory, but let’s break the writing down in detail.

Handwriting is writing using a pen, pencil, digital stylus, or another instrument. The art, skill, or manner of the script is called penmanship.

Handwriting includes both print and cursive styles, and it is separate from formal calligraphy or typeface. Because each person’s writing is unique and evolves differently, it can be used to verify a document’s writer.

What are the different types of handwriting?

Since we’ve got the question of ‘what is handwriting?’ figured out, let’s explore different kinds of handwriting.

Although handwriting is unique to each writer, three different styles can be divided. Children will be taught these at varying stages of their primary levels of education. These include cursive, pre-cursive, and print styles.

1) Cursive:

Cursive handwriting is a form of writing in which the letters are connected. It’s the opposite of block letters, where the pen lifts between every letter. It can also be called joined-up handwriting or script handwriting, although referring to cursive as script handwriting is less common.

Cursive can be further divided into three subcategories of handwriting. These are looped, italic, and connected:

  • Looped cursive handwriting is when some letters are written with ‘loops’ to make joining the notes easier. In this style of cursive, all the letters should be connected.
  • Italic cursive doesn’t use looped joins. Joining the letters g, j, q, or y (and others) is discouraged. The ‘Italic’ in its name refers to the fact that the handwriting style originated in Italy, not because it’s slanted like an italic font.
  • Connected cursive writing is the origin of the primary cursive writing method. It was much faster to write in connected cursive than in other styles, as you didn’t need to lift the pen so often.

2) Pre-cursive:

Pre-cursive handwriting is the transition between printing (unjoined) letters and joining all letters in cursive handwriting. In pre-cursive handwriting, children add lead-ins and lead-outs to notes, ensuring the letters start and finish in the correct place for writing to be joined.

3) Print:

Print is a style where letters appear to be disconnected. It can also be called block letters, print scripts, or manuscripts. These styles are often used to write on official forms. This is because the cursive style of writing is harder to read. Also, since the letters are joined together in cursive, they don’t fit as neatly into separate boxes as block letters.

Children are usually taught to write in print before learning cursive writing.

What is handwriting made up of?

While we’ve already answered the question of ‘what is handwriting?’, it’s essential to understand that many different characteristics go into creating handwriting.

Those who study graphology (the study of handwriting) have found that over 5,000 personality traits can be linked to a person’s writing. Because of this, understanding pupils’ handwriting styles could help you understand their learning style and how they process information during lessons.

So, if you’re still wondering ‘what is handwriting?’, here’s a short list containing some of the essential features of handwriting:

  1. Handwriting size: The size of letters might reveal whether a pupil is shy or outgoing. If they write with large letters that go over the top line, they’re likely to be outgoing and confident. However, pupils who write using small and close-together letters then pupils may be shy and unlikely to speak out in class. Whichever pupils are more comfortable with, it’s essential to help them develop consistency in their writing size.
  2. Pen pressure: Putting a lot or a little amount of pressure on the page can say a lot about the stress levels of a pupil. If they apply heavy pressure when using a pen or pencil, this is a sign that they’re committed to their learning. However, it can also signify that they’re prone to feeling stressed and pressured by their workload. On the other hand, light pressure denotes sensitivity and empathy.
  3. Attention to detail: Aspects of handwriting, such as dotting their ‘i’s and crossing their ‘t’s, can also say a lot about a pupil’s learning style. Those placing the dot high above theirs ‘i’s have imaginative personalities, and those writing it off to the left tend to procrastinate. On the other hand, organized and emphatic people place the drop firmly above the ‘i’ when writing by hand.
  4. Letter spacing: Some people space their letters out, while some people’s writing is written close together. There should be equal spacing between letters in the word, with a finger space between individual words.
  5. Pen lifts: This refers to letter separation and joins when writing by raising the cell of the page or keeping a continuous flow. Children must know when to lift the pen off the pen and when to join letters as part of cursive handwriting practice.

Eight handwriting rules for great handwriting

Now that we know ‘what handwriting is?’ and what handwriting skills pupils will be expected to develop, let’s explore how you can help them. Here are eight top tips for helping your pupils to perfect their handwriting in cursive and print:

  1. Good posture is essential for cursive writing. Encourage children to sit with their feet flat on the floor, straight backs (no heads on the table), and relaxed shoulders.
  2. Find the best writing tool. Try cursive handwriting with felt tips and gel pens, which have an excellent, fluid delivery of ink.
  3. Keep up the momentum. There’s often a big focus on handwriting in years one and two, but later on, it might get little attention. It’s essential to keep up cursive writing to ensure that your pupils continue to develop and maintain handwriting skills. Keep doing short handwriting exercises as your child ages 3 and 4 to help them develop speed and fluency.
  4. Slow down. When children rush through their work, their writing may get messy. Encourage your pupils to write slowly and deliberately to ensure every letter is formed accurately.
  5. Practice capital letters. It’s important to remember that every letter in the alphabet is taught twice, and every pupil should be able to form both the lower and upper case versions of every note (not to mention upper case letters are often written slightly more prominent on the page).
  6. Master pencil grip. You should make sure to teach pupils a 3-finger pencil grip. Again, this helps children put equal weight on all three fingers and helps develop their fine motor skills.
  7. Learn line adherence: Line adherence is the pupil’s ability to write along the line on the page. This is essential for neat and uniform handwriting, and it includes proper placement of certain letters on the bottom or baseline (for example, a, c, e, i, m, n, o, r, s, u, v, w, x, z). In addition, it’s essential to ensure that ‘tall’ letters (for example, b, d, f, h, l, t) touch the top of the line and that ‘go under’ letters (for example, g, j, p, q, y) go under the bottom line.
  8. Perfect spacing: Handwriting spacing means printing letters nearby without excessive gaps, touching, or overlapping letters. There should also be an appropriate space between words in a sentence.

Teaching Students About the History of the Telephone

Since its invention in 1876, the telephone remains the most significant innovation in communication technology. Telephone history takes us from its design and development to the creation of the smartphone technologies we use today.

Because of the telephone, humans became able to communicate information quickly and across the world. And telephone history begins with acoustic devices. This is similar to the popular string and cup experiment, where sound is transmitted over a greater distance than speech can, using materials such as wire, string, and tin cans. Many are involved in the telephone’s history; Alexander Graham Bell, Antonio Meucci, Thomas Edison, and Elisha Gray are just a few who played a role in its invention. However, Alexander Graham Bell first created the telephone device capable of transmitting sound telegraphically.

When was the Telephone Invented?

The telephone was invented in 1876 by Alexander Graham Bell. Bell was one of many inventors who played a role in the creation and development of the phone.

A Timeline of the History of the Telephone

1672: The first acoustic telephone is made by Robert Hooke. He found that sound could travel along a wire or string from a mouthpiece to an earpiece.

1838: Morse code was invented by Samuel B. Morse upon his discovery that you could send messages by pressing, or releasing, a button in intervals, transmitting a pattern of sounds.

1858: The first transatlantic telephone cable was laid, headed by Cyrus Field. This connected the U.S. and England by telegraph.

1876: Teacher Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. He wanted to find a way to transmit speech electronically.

1927: The first transatlantic phone call was made from the U.S. to the U.K. These were radio phones.

1956: The transatlantic telephone cable is replaced, with the replacement being more affordable and successful than the radio-telephone system.

1962: The Communications Satellite Act is passed. This allowed the use of satellites in telecommunications.

1965: The first picture-phone service begins to be trialed.

1977: The first primary cellular test network is launched in the U.S.

1983: Motorola releases the DynaTac.

1992: The first commercial text is sent.

1995: Sprint opens as the first cellular network designed for personal use.

2003: Telephone technology further developed so phone calls could be transmitted using computer networks.

2008: Android and iTunes open, marking the beginning of smartphone popularity.

Alexander Graham Bell

The inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, is an important figure in telephone history. Being interested in sound and speech, Bell and his brothers invented an ‘automaton’ – a mechanical man. Using bellows to push air through its windpipe, they could make it ‘speak.’ From his fascination, he began concentrating on how electricity could transmit sound. This was also due to his work with deaf people and his desire to help people communicate easier.

In 1871, Bell traveled to Boston in America to train teachers at the School for the Deaf and continued his work. Then, in 1874, he began working with Thomas Watson, a skilled electrician. Together, they continued experimenting and developing a way to transmit speech. Then, on the 10th March 1876, Alexander and Thomas made the first telephone call, with Bell saying, “Mr. Watson, come here. I want to see you!”

The Bell Telephone Company was set up in 1877. By 1886, over 150,000 people in the USA owned telephones. Bell received many awards and accolades for his work as developments continued. He used much of his wealth to set up laboratories and to fund other young scientists. Bell also set up a center for study and research into deafness which is still active in Washington.

The sound measures, the bel and the decibel, are named after him. Bell died in 1922, aged 75.

Teaching Students About Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is a famous French landmark. It is a wrought-iron tower known worldwide for its beautiful architecture and cultural significance. It’s about the same height as an 81-story building, standing at 324 m from the base to the tip.

Often when people think of France and places they might want to visit, the Eiffel Tower is at the top of the list. It attracts almost 7 million visitors every year. Some of them travel from other places in France, but many of them – 75% – come from abroad.

Where is the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower is located in one of the most scenic parts of Paris, the capital city of France. It’s near the center of the town and is located near the banks of the River Seine.

If you’re ever in Paris and stuck trying to find your way to the Eiffel Tower, you might not even need a map. All you have to do is look up at the skyline – it’s hard to miss!

Because of its central location, it often becomes a critical point in many tours. Did, For example, know that it’s just one

When was the Eiffel Tower built?

The Eiffel Tower began construction in 1887. It took five months to build the foundations for the tower, but overall, it was finished in a record time.

So how long did it take to build in total? The answer is two years, two months, and five days. It was finished on the 31st of March 1889.

There were two reasons for the deadline, however. First, the Eiffel Tower was built to commemorate 100 years since the end of the French Revolution, so the building project had to be on time. Secondly, the tower was commissioned to steal the show at the 1889 World’s Fair (Exposition Universelle), which would be hosted in France.

Who built the Eiffel Tower?

The man who designed the Eiffel Tower was called Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel. It’s not surprising where the name comes from! He was an engineer and architect whose company led the planning and construction of the iconic tower.

Did anyone else work on it?

It wasn’t just him working on the tower – that would be crazy! There were 50 engineers and designers working on the project in the workshop, planning out what parts would be needed and how they would be manufactured.

Then, 150 factory workers built the beams, bolts, and everything else.

And lastly, somewhere between 150 and 300 construction workers labored on the site, putting everything together with expertise.

It’s important to remember how many people came together to create such a magnificent structure.

What was the World’s Fair?

A world fair is an international exhibition of modern architecture, design and art, and cultural achievements. The Eiffel Tower was designed as the entrance arch for this fair. When it was built, it was the tallest in the world.

When it was created, the lifts were not in service yet, so tens of thousands of visitors climbed up the staircase to marvel at the sight of Paris from above. How many stairs? 1,710 of them!

Some visitors who attended the fair included the Prince of Wales at the time (who would later become King Edward VII), the Shah of Persia, and from America, Buffalo Bill.

How did people react in Paris?

When the Eiffel Tower was first introduced to Parisians following its completion, locals were indifferent and upset at worst. Many people at the time believed that it was an eyesore on the Paris skyline and that many of the beautiful landmarks already present in the city, such as Notre Dame, would be overshadowed.

However, things turned around. In the months and years following the World’s Fair, the tower became viewed more positively by the people who lived in Paris. As a result, the Parisians decided, in the end, to keep the building up.

Features of the Eiffel Tower

  • The Eiffel Tower comprises three levels that visitors can stand on. Each one has observation decks to check out the city skyline.
  • The tower has restaurants and cafés on the first two floors, and it used to have one on the top floor, but it had to be shut down due to structural concerns.
  • Engraved on the tower are the names of 72 artists, engineers, and mathematicians who helped to bring the design to life.
  • In the 1950s, a radio transmitter was erected at the top of the Eiffel Tower. It helps to transmit communications and satellite signals across the surrounding area. Neither radio nor television existed at the time of the tower’s construction, but it’s now used to broadcast programs.
  • The Eiffel Tower is painted in three shades, with the colors getting darker towards the bottom. This was done to prevent rusting.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Eiffel Tower

How tall is the Eiffel Tower?

It’s 324 meters tall!

Is the Eiffel Tower a world wonder?

You might have heard the term ‘7 Wonders of the World’ before, usually accompanied by a list of famous buildings and landmarks. These lists are subjective and change over time as new ones are made, or priorities change.

Even so, the Eiffel Tower is not considered one of them, although it is undoubtedly a brilliant architectural design and famous on its own merits.

How much did the tower cost to build?

The Eiffel Tower cost 7,799,401 francs, which was the currency in 1889. The government provided 1.5 million francs at the time, with the rest of the balance to be paid by the tower’s earnings during the World Fair and afterward. In modern currencies, this would probably be in the range of about 32 million euros.

How many people can be on the Eiffel Tower at once?

In total, around 5000 people are allowed to simultaneously be on the Eiffel Tower, split over the different platforms.

The tower’s first level can carry 3,000 people at once because it has the most structural support.

The second level of the tower can hold 1,600.

The tower’s top level can have 400 people over two floors linked by a staircase.

Will the Eiffel Tower fall?

Short answer: it’s unlikely.

The Eiffel Tower is made out of metal rather than stone and brick, and the one problem with iron is that it erodes. The engineers thought of this, however. Corrosion has been limited by painting the Eiffel Tower to protect it. They repaint it every seven years, give or take, which prevents damage.

Another problem that the Eiffel Tower might face is small movements caused by the heat of the sun and strong winds. This causes the metal to expand and contract over the day and could weaken it over time. These processes might take about 1000 years to break the tower down.

But we could always replace the weakened parts through careful construction work.

12 Fun Facts about the Eiffel Tower for Kids

  1. One French man, Guy de Maupassant, is said to have hated the tower so much that he decided to have lunch in it every day. That way, he could have a view without the building. Now that’s commitment!
  2. There’s a unique apartment at the top of the Eiffel Tower. When Gustave Eiffel designed the tower, he included this so that he could host famous people – especially scientists and engineers. No one else was allowed to access it, but it’s open to the public now!
  3. The tower workers used lifts to reach the upper floors quickly and easily. These lifts are still in use today, but this time for visitors to access the top of the tower more easily.
  4. The Eiffel Tower was the tallest building in the world for 41 years until the Chrysler Building in New York City took over. Unfortunately, the Eiffel Tower is no longer the tallest building in France. Without counting radio masts, it was beaten out in 2004 by the Viaduc de Millau.
  5. Over 60 tonnes of paint are applied to the tower yearly to prevent rust.
  6. Between 250 and 300 million people have visited the tower since it first opened.
  7. When it was first built, the intention was to tear the Eiffel Tower down after 20 years. However, people grew attached to it, so it stayed!
  8. Many replicas of the Eiffel Tower have been built around the world in cities like Las Vegas and Tokyo.
  9. The French name for the tower is ‘La Tour Eiffel.’ It also has a nickname in the French language: ‘La Dame de Fer.’ This translates to ‘the Iron Lady.’
  10. The original height of the tower was 985 feet.
  11. During the Second World War, German forces occupied the tower and closed it to the public until the end of their occupation of Paris. Adolf Hitler gave the order to tear it down, but it was never followed.
  12. Gustave Eiffel’s construction company constructed parts of the Statue of Liberty.