Middle Ages -- School-Age
Middle Ages
Things to Know
The Middle Ages lasted approximately from 400-1500 AD.
The early Middle Ages begin in 400 AD and last until 1050 AD.
The period from 1050 to 1300 is generally considered the High Middle Ages. Western Europe rises as a great power with only China equaling it in political, economic and cultural flourishing. It also witnesses profound religious and intellectual change, including the organization of the papal monarchy.
The Late Middle Ages begins in 1300 AD and ends around 1500 AD.
Bulletin Board
Decorate a bulletin board with dragons, castles, knights and any other main topics that the children would be interested in (food from the time/jousting and swords/damsels in distress). Have cut outs of these ready for the children to arrange one day, leaving enough space for them to add to the collage. Have children find pictures in magazines relating to knights/dragons/castles and bring to display on the board.
Middle ages images for bulletin board.
Place a welcome banner outside your room -- "Welcome to the Kingdom of (your class grade) Grade".
Centers - Reading Area (The Royal Reading Chamber)
Add a large cardboard box (large appliance size) and decorate it like a castle; a flag on top with windows cut out and a mat inside to be used for either pretend play or a quiet place to read in the castle. Add books about the Middle Ages
Castles
Make
Build Your Own Medieval Castle
Build a Medieval Castle requires Windows and a printer, Free, 300k. Print out patterns for the castle. Color, cut-out, and assemble a unique paper castle.
Download at Owl & Mouse Software site.
Play
Destroy the Castle
Nova online game. Build your own virtual trebuchet.
Color
Great Castle color pages
The Church
Learn about cathedrals.
Medieval Architecture in France
Images of medieval aart and architecture.
New York Carver
Picture tour of 28 Famous Cathedrals
Notre Dame
Print a paper model
Gargoyle Coloring Page
A coloring page based on two stone gargoyles that sit perched atop the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
Stained Glass
Easy Stained Glass
Need: construction paper, crayons
Fold the construction paper. Then fold the paper a number of times. Unfold the construction paper and lay flat. Trace the fold lines with a black crayon. Color the sections with a variety of colors of crayons.
Stained glass craft can be made with clear backgrounds using clear acetate (overhead transparency), waxpaper, or contact paper.
Stained Glass Window
Need: pattern, tape, transparencies (for overhead projectors), permanent markers (be careful)
Draw a pattern or print one. Tape the pattern to the table. Tape the transparencies over the patterns. Tape all four corners and be aware the tape will not come off the transparencies. It is best if the transparencies are slightly larger than the patterns.
Using permanent markers color in the areas of the pattern first. Then use a black permanent marker to trace the pattern lines. (use the black marker last so as not to dirty your other markers when coloring near the black marker lines.)
Remove the transparencies and trim into a circle. Hang in a window.
Stained Glass Patterns
Aanraku Free Patterns
Has a number of American theme patterns.
Chantel's Stained Glass Patterns
Large variety of patterns.
How to Make a Temporary Stained-Glass
Window From Tissue Paper
New York Carver
Picture tour of 28 Famous Cathedrals
Medieval Architecture in France
Images of medieval aart and architecture.
Gargoyle Coloring Page
A coloring page based on two stone gargoyles that sit perched atop the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
Knights
Read "Heraldry" from Knights Treasure Chest and explain that the shields identified the knights in battle. The lion was the first symbol to appear on a shield.
Read Roger the Herald's Notes on Blazonry for Beginners
Have the students design their own shield.
Have children recite "The Knight's Code":
Click here for a printable
version of "The Knight's Code"
* Be always ready with your armor on, except when you are taking your rest at night.
* Defend the poor and help them that cannot defend themselves.
* Do nothing to hurt or offend anyone else.
* Be prepared to fight in the defense of your country.
* At whatever you are working, try to win honor and a name for honesty.
* Never break your promise.
* Maintain the honor of your country with your life. Rather die honestly then live shamelessly.
* Chivalry requireth that youth should be trained to perform the most laborious and humble offices with cheerfulness and grace; and do good unto others.
Shields, Knights and Heraldry
Owl
& Mouse Software site.
Shields, Knights and Heraldry is a free online software for children to make their own shields (coats of arms). PC and Mac.
Sites to See
Village Life
Medieval Games
Sports games, board games, and card games.
What was it really like to live in the Middle Ages?
Learn about the daily life in the Middle Ages and more.
Medieval Recipes
Recipes have the original text with a modern adaptation.
Try Your Luck As A Medieval Musician
Listen to the sound of a medieval instrument and then try to determine which instrument, from those pictured, made that sound.
Sites to See
Make A Sundial
Types of Sundials
Six sundial projects for you to make
Beginner's Guide to Robin Hood
Meet the Merry Men, Robin Hood, and the various villains from these classic stories.
Who Was Robin Hood?
Who Is Robin Hood?
Candlelight Stories - King Arthur
