Medieval History Resource RoundupKnights, castles, and catapults, oh my! The Medieval era is a captivating topic to learn about. Young men can enjoy learning about chivalry while princesses and queens engage the mind of young ladies. The middle ages spans almost a thousand years where castles and kingdoms ruled the land. Here, on this page, you will find numerous resources at your fingertips. What are the best resources available to teach students about the middle ages? Look no further! I have searched the internet and book stores to bring you a one-stop place for all things Medieval History with a resource roundup! If your looking for other history or science topics to learn about be sure to check out my store.
Below you will find resources for all ages. I have included age recommendations, descriptions and page numbers to help you make the best choice for your students. As a side note, many books in the 8-12 year old range can most certainly be used for high school age if your goal is content rather than challenging their literary level. I have divided up the resources in the following categories and in this order: 1. Medieval History Books: Nonfiction 2. Medieval History Books: Fiction and Historical Fiction 3. Medieval History Fun Hands-on Stuff: Arts and Crafts, Activities & Games 4. Medieval History Unit Studies & Worksheet Downloads 5 Medieval History Curriculum Happy schooling! |
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1. Medieval History Books: Nonfiction
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![960564: A Kid"s Guide to the Armor of God](http://ag.christianbook.com/g/product/9/960564.gif "960564: A Kid"s Guide to the Armor of God")
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Capstone's best-selling You Choose format, set in the Middle Ages. Introduction sets the scene and provides context; conclusion provides an overview of the Middle Ages. In between, readers get to choose their path to experience life as it would have been lived in that historical era. Multiple endings and scenarios encourage re-reading and critical thinking. ages 8-12, 112 pages
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Eyewitness: Medieval Life gives the reader an in-depth look at life from the end of the Dark Ages to the Renaissance in the 15th century, in both the town and the country, and for the peasants as well as the aristocracy. Featuring artifacts, costumes, furniture, and historical illustrations, Medieval Life is a unique and compelling introduction to the people and culture of the Middle Ages. ages 8-12, 72 pages
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If we could go back in time to the Middle Ages, what would we want to be? A knight in shining armor? A princess in a silken gown? Most people’s lives were far less glamorous but just as fascinating. Barbers cut off beards ... and sickly limbs; gong farmers cleaned out latrines ... and sorted through the excrement for dropped buttons or pennies. This fascinating and original guide presents 100 careers, described with historical accurac. age 9 and up. 96 pages.
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Describes the social hierarchy of the feudal system and its role in the
arts, including architecture, sculpture, stained glass work, paintings,
mosaics, book making, and literature. Age 10-13, 32 pages.
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Introduces the highlights of medieval history and society throughout the world, from the Byzantine Empire to the explorers of the late fifteenth century, with links to the Internet for further information. age 9 and up. 96 pages.
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Medieval LEGO takes you through real English history in the middle ages. Inside, you'll learn about events like the Battle of Hastings, the chartering of Oxford University, and the signing of the Magna Carta. You'll witness the infamous Black Death, and the Great Famine, and you'll read about famous historical figures like Robin Hood, Richard the Lionheart, Geoffrey Chaucer, and William the Conqueror. 132 pages. ages 7 and up.
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Full-color photos. Take a look behind the walls of these fascinating fortresses and learn how they were built to house hundreds of people and animals; how a young boy rose from lowly page to noble knight; and what life was like for the castle residents. 132 pages. ages 8-12.
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From basic infantry weapons to large artillery, weapons are what make
battles so explosive. Discover the tools of combat involved in some of
the most important wars in history. Age 8-14.
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A beautifully illustrated, award-winning, and fascinating look at the
Middle Ages by Aliki, the beloved creator of many popular books for
children. The King is coming to visit! The lord and lady of Camdenton
Manor must work quickly to prepare for his arrival. It will take weeks
to ready rooms, set up tents, and prepare the feast itself. Everyone is
busy hunting and hawking, brewing and churning. Age 4-8, 32 pages.
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Lower the drawbridge! Would you like to know what life was like in a
castle long ago? Then come spend the next twelve months in this castle.
Check out eight action-packed scenes for a bird's-eye view of the life
and work of lords, ladies, knights, maids, and more. See the castle on
market day and during an attack by an enemy lord. Watch knights compete
in a tournament. Keep your eye on the calendar too. By spending a whole
year in a castle, you can watch events unfold as the seasons change. Age 5-9, 24 pages.
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Young readers will be fascinated by this book that features fashions
from the days of knights and ladies and topics which include the making
of fabrics, peasants’ clothing, a noble’s clothing, hygiene, and more. Grade 5-6, 32 pages.
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Examines the efforts of people in the Middle Ages to apply the
underlying principles of nature to such endeavors as making weapons,
building homes, weaving cloth, and keeping time. Age 10-13, 32 pages.
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This collection of historical biographies geared toward 8-14-year-olds
presents the lives of ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary
deeds during the time of the Middle Ages. Illustrated with stunning
portraits, this inspiring compilation of stories describes with
historical accuracy and age-appropriate content the quality character
and unbending determination of St. Patrick, Theodora, Alcuin, Wenceslas,
Eleanor of Aquitaine, Joan of Arc, Johann Gutenberg and Martin Luther. Age 8-14, 224 pages.
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Describes the roles and duties of women and girls of all social classes
during the Middle Ages, looking at such areas as medieval dress and
beauty, women's rights, and women of power in Europe and other lands. Age 10-13, 32 pages.
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This work is suitable for ages 8-14. Discover how the thoughts and
actions of famous medieval men, women and children shaped history.
Explore kings and queens, rebellious peasants, fierce warriors, and
pious religious leaders of the Middle Ages. Artwork from illuminated
manuscripts helps to bring to the life fascinating portraits of Ghengis
Khan, Isabella I, Muhammad, Marco Polo, and Joan of Arc. Age 10-13, 32 pages.
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Illustrates how death and incurable disease were considered a common
part of medieval life and offers a history of the Black Death, or the
plague, which killed millions of people in Europe. Age 10-13, 32 pages.
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Brave men and women have taken up the sword since ages of old, and a
fascination with this formidable weapon grips dedicated followers to
this day. Here is a celebration of swords and swordsmen that spans time
and place — from ancient warriors such as Beowulf to medieval knights;
from stealthy ninja and samurai to legendary maidens of war. Age 10 and up, 96 pages.
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Journey back to medieval times with a host of LEGO(R) minifigures! Meet
the boldest, bravest knights and other castle characters--from lords and
ladies to cooks and jesters. The LEGO minifigures put the fun into
facts. You'll find great LEGO building ideas, too. Age 6-10, 64 pages.
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Travel along the Silk Road to medieval China with Marco Polo as your
guide. Meet the warlord Kublai Khan and sail through pirate-infested
seas in search of riches beyond measure. Including booklets, foldouts,
and maps, as well as excerpts from The Travels of Marco Polo, this
beautifully illustrated volume illuminates the adventures of history’s
greatest storyteller. Age 8-12, 30 pages.
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Covers countries and civilizations from 500 to 1450 A.D. After some
general information about the medieval world, the book is divided into
sections on: the Roman Empire, Byzantine Europe, Medieval Europe, the
Arab world, medieval India, China, Japan and Korea, Southeast Asia, the
Pacific, African kingdoms, North and Central America, and more. Age 10-14, 98 pages.
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Joan of Arc. Filled with archival photographs and amazing fact boxes, this groundbreaking series introduces young readers to some of history's most interesting and influential characters. Tells the story of the farmgirl turned Christian martyr, Joan of Arc, who heard voices encouraging her to secure the throne of France for its rightful heir. Age 8-17, 128 pages.
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Joan of Arc was born in a small French village during the worst period
of the Hundred Years' War. For generations, France had been besieged by
the British. At age 11, Joan began to see religious visions telling her
to join forces with the King of France. Age 8-12, 112 pages.
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Joan of Arc. Around 1412, a baby girl was born in the village of Domrémy who would change France forever. A farmer’s daughter, she seemed destined for an unremarkable life. Age 8-12, 64 pages.
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Joan of Arc. A lovely beginning reader that brings the story of Joan of Arc to life, from her simple childhood to her tragic end. Sensitively and dramatically told, this book is a wonderful introduction to what has become a classic tale. Age 6-9, 48 pages.
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A 2005 Gold Medallion finalist! Martin Luther served as a catalyst of
the Protestant Reformation in sixteenth-century Europe. This book
teaches children about his fascinating life, influence, and teaching
while encouraging them to see how God uses them in His kingdom today. Age 6- 10, 32 pages.
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2. Medieval History Books: Fiction and Historical Fiction
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Join a young girl and her father, the falconer at a medieval castle, as they experience the joys of taking a goshawk out for a training flight. Bagram Ibatoulline’s masterful illustrations capture the vivid details and beauty of a day spent hawking, while Danna Smith’s poetic storytelling will make readers long to experience the art and sport of falconry firsthand.
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Join the Binkertons -- twins Josh and Emma and their pesky little sister
Libby -- as they visit the Good Times Travel Agency for a trip unlike
any other -- to medieval times. The trio quickly discover that medieval
life isn't all knights in shining armor and stately pageants. Things go
from bad to worse when the castle they're in is attacked and flaming
arrows and flying cows shower down on them. Age 8-12, 48 pages.
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Looking for Medieval era poetry? With a deep appreciation for the period and a grand affection for both characters and audience, Laura Amy Schlitz creates twenty-two riveting portraits and linguistic gems equally suited to silent reading or performance. Illustrated with pen-and-ink drawings by Robert Byrd — inspired by the Munich-Nuremberg manuscript, an illuminated poem from thirteenth-century Germany — this witty, historically accurate, and utterly human collection forms an exquisite bridge to the people and places of medieval England. Age 10-14, 96 pages.
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A castle with a secret passage! That's what Jack and Annie find
when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the Middle Ages for
another wild adventure. In the Great Hall of the castle, a feast is
under way. But Jack and Annie aren't exactly welcome guests. Age 6-9, 67 pages.
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What happens when a sheepish knight and a not-so-fierce dragon fight for
the very first time? Well, it?s no ordinary battle since the knight has
to go to the castle library to learn about dragon-fighting and the
dragon must dig through his ancestor?s things to find out how to fight a
knight!? Age 4-8, 32 pages.
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Classic Action-Adventure in the Heroic Tradition of Treasure Island and The Hobbit - With a Twist...
CAPTURED BY BANDITS! Could things get much worse for Prince Martin and Ray in this story in verse? They're unarmed. They're tied up. No one knows they've been caught! These thieves are bad news. And their leader has got a most dastardly plan for the Prince and Sir Ray... They should never have entered the forest that day! Now they're hanging from snares that are tied to a tree. But sometimes things happen we cannot foresee...What if one act of kindness can alter events. Full Color, 94 pages. |
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This adventure's a throwback to simpler times. It appears to be prose - but it secretly rhymes. Kids can read to themselves. They can read it aloud. It's about a young boy who is brave and unbowed. The kid goes on a quest, and when danger appears, he discovers true grit - and he conquers his fears. When
the dust has all settled and Martin returns, he makes difficult choices
and finally learns that it's not always easy to do the right thing... There's bright art that explodes, popping right of the page - a feast for the eyes, irrespective of age. Age 8-12, 56 pages, full color.
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When several students begin to take piano lessons from a man who lives
in a creepy old castle, the Bailey School kids begin to suspect that he
may have a mysterious past. Age 7 and up, 66 pages.
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When Dennis the dragon emerges from his egg, he cannot yet breathe fire.
This is not unusual in the dragon world, but the quest Dennis
undertakes to find his flame most certainly is. Grade 1-2, 32 pages.
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Robin and Little John meet a poor knight in the forest. Can they help
Sir Richard to get his fortune back?The Hopscotch Adventures series
features exciting, page-turning adventures in under 400 words for
children developing their reading confidence. Age 7 and up, 32 pages.
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Enter an enchanted world of kings and castles, heroes and damsels,
fairies and dragons, magicians and giants. This collection thrills with
nineteen classic romances—old-fashioned stories of high adventure spun
from folk tales and sprinkled with history. These are the timeless tales
of brave and steadfast knights, beautiful women, and the trials they
share. Age 9-13, 208 pages.
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“Once upon a real time there lived a boy named Luke. He dreamed of
being a mighty warrior who was brave and courageous. But there was just
one problem. He was afraid…”
In a lively story about baseball, camping, and facing your fears, author Kelly Chapman helps readers see that, no matter what they are afraid of, they can be strong in the Lord and in God’s mighty power. Age 3-8, 32 pages. |
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This captivating adventure follows a young squire who travels a long,
dangerous road beside his brave knight, on a quest for their king. The
action builds until the final face-off with the monstrous, evil dragon.
Only then does the squire learn of the secret beyond the cave that ends
in a joyous celebration for the entire kingdom. Age 8-12, 32 pages. Comes with Audio CD.
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In this picture book, Karen Kingsbury tells the story of a boy in
competition with other young knights to become prince of all the land. The brave young knight is the winner because he doesn’t follow
the crowd, instead making decisions based on what is right and true and
in accordance with his faith. The moral of the story is that the bravest
young boys are those who exhibit the strongest character. Age 4-8, 40 pages.
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A loving king and queen present their daughter with a gift from God -
her first kiss - to keep or to give away. The wise girl waits for the
man who is worthy of her precious gift. Where is he and how will she
ever find him? The Princess and the Kiss
beautifully portrays the ageless message that "love... comes from a pure
heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5 NIV) age 8-12, 32 pages.
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Paris in the 1400s. A young girl named Marguerite delights in assisting
her father, Jacques, in his craft: illuminating manuscripts for the
nobility of France. Age 8-11, 44 pages.
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What was it really like to live in a castle? Step back to the Middle Ages with CASTLE DIARY: THE JOURNAL OF TOBIAS BURGESS. Age 9-12, 128 pages. Full of beautiful illustrations.
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This time the math adventure is centered around a potion that changes
Sir Cumference into a fire-breathing dragon. Can Radius change him back?
Join Radius on his quest through the castle to solve a riddle that will
reveal the cure. Age 8-12, 32 pages.
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Join Sir Cumference, Lady Di of Ameter, and their son Radius for
wordplay, puns, and problem solving in this geometry-packed math
adventure. King Arthur was a good ruler, but now he needs a good ruler. What would you do if the neighboring kingdom were threatening war. Age 8-12, 32 pages.
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Before their father returns to France from the Crusades, daring Alice
and musical Roger set off on their own journey: to find their long-lost
uncle. But on the way, the siblings are kidnapped and locked in an
ancient hidden tower. Age 7-10, 64 pages.
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In the days of King Arthur there stood a mighty oak tree within the
walls of a castle. Peace reigned in the castle until the fearsome night
when Lionel, longlost brother of Lord Weldon, returned to cause trouble
and unhappiness. Age 8-12, 112 pages.
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3. Medieval History Fun Hands-on Stuff: Arts and Crafts, Activities & Games
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Great Medieval Projects You Can Build Yourself brings the Middle Ages in Europe alive through hands-on activities for kids ages 9-12. Addressing various aspects of medieval life, this book provides historically accurate details of the period leading up to the Renaissance.128 pages.
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Take your children on an exciting journey through time as you draw and write your way through history! Learn how to draw a Viking ship, castle, knight, dragon, princess, Robin Hood, Samurai, Musketeer, and more in this third book in the Draw and Write Through History series. 64 pages.
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Children
are invited to travel back through time and imagine life in the past.
Each chapter explores a segment of medieval society (the feudal system,
the life of a noble, the role of the church, etc.) and provides a
selection of related activities and craft projects (e.g., make an
hourglass, build a catapult, a recipe for Rose Petal Bread). Food,
living conditions, and the constant warfare and its subsequent influence
on how people lived and played are described. Age 7 and up, 96 pages.
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Step-by-step instructions illustrate how to recreate some of the crafts
and special events of the medieval period, including planning a medieval
feast, making invitations, and preparing the food that would have
graced a noble's table. Age 10-13, 32 pages.
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The Squire and the Scroll Coloring Book Publisher: Warner Publishing Format: 16 pages, paperback ISBN: 9781593170851, Age 6 and up.
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A friend’s father is trapped in the dungeon of a medieval castle. To
rescue him, readers must travel through secret passages, navigate a
siege, scramble across a battlement, and scale the keep in a series of
ever more challenging mazes that reveal fascinating details about life
in the age of chivalry. Age 8-12, 32 pages.
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Printed on stiff card, this book contains templates to cut out and construct a superb model of a 14th century castle crammed with authentic detail. The model includes miniature characters for re-creating castle life, including market stalls and jousting knights as well as a portcullis that lifts and falls. 32 pages.
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Printed on stiff card, this book contains templates to cut out and
construct a superb model of a 14th century medieval village. The model includes miniature characters for re-creating castle
life, 32 pages.
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Medieval Castle 3D Puzzle by Melissa & Doug, 700 pieces.
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50 MEDIEVAL PIECES: Enter a realm of great
knights and towering castles! Includes 2 knights, 1 horseman, 1 dragon,
and 10 block types of many shapes and size.
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BUILD THE MOST FASCINATING CASTLES, BRIDGES,
ARCHES & TOWERS by using the 75 durable and safe interchangeable
building blocks! Your little engineer can unleash his/her creativity and
build a different medieval castle every single day
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Leonardo da Vinci Catapult Kit
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Medieval History Memory Game
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Medieval History Game. Players use historical facts to try and guess the image on the card. If a player guesses correctly, he wins the card. Four Fun Games that teach history. Following Games can be played: Go Fish Game, Chronology, Collect the Cards, Geography
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Draw Medieval Fantasies. For the slightly more advanced artist, who has conquered drawing cute little animals and cartoon people with basic shapes, comes this series, ready to accelerate you into drawing more realistic, more detailed, and more "wow", kinds of objects and animals, using a similar, but more complex "basic shapes" technique. Grade 6-9, 99 pages.
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Medieval Herber. Grow your own Medieval Garden and be a Pharmacy, Grocery, Hardware, and Bath & Body Shop of the Middle Ages! This sturdy plastic terrarium (approximately 8 ½" x 7") has a brick-colored base and a clear lid with the appearance of doors and windows, giving you the feel of peering into a real greenhouse.
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Slit-Together Castle. Punch out and assemble the sturdy pieces, then have a battle! This building set has over 90 pieces that are printed on both sides and are die cut (the castle pieces as well as two opposing armies worth of soldiers).
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Just the Facts: The Middle Ages DVD. This video tells the fascinating story of these thousand years of history, from around 500 A.D. to 1400 A.D. The Middle Ages are an incredibly dynamic period of history. 50 min.
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Life in Medieval Times' DVD. This movie provides young people with the perfect introduction to everyday life in the medieval period of British history. Features: A reconstructed working medieval village, Authentic recreations to illustrate all aspects of life all that time and more. 50 min.
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Alexander the Great & the Catapult DVD. Only Alexander the Great would have the audacity to attempt such a daring siege--the fortified island city of Tyre seems invincible, but his Macedonian troops are inspired and determined, and the young Alexander has a secret weapon--a machine created for the destruction of cities: the catapult. 50 min.
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4. Medieval History Unit Studies & Worksheet Downloads
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5. Medieval History Curriculum
BiblioPlan Curriculum
I have personally used this curriculum. It is a great resource if you are looking for an all-in-one source. This is a year long curriculum or possibly even two years. There is a lot of reading but we found the audio CD for the Remember the Days book very engaging for reluctant readers- my boys would listen to the audio book while following along with the text and photos in the book.. If you are looking for a complete curriculum and don't want to fuss with pulling one together with small unit studies then this is a good resource. If a thick textbook intimidates you or your kids then this may not be a good fit. There are multiple resources that you buy which make up the BiblioPlan Medieval History Curriculum Set. There are two age levels K-6 and 7-12th. I break it down for you below in 3 steps. You will need the Family Guide, then choose your grade specific items which are k-6th or 7th- 12th and last, you will add any of the extra resources such as the crafts or coloring book that is available.
1. Family Guide
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You will need the family guide in addition to the grade specific materials to walk you through all of the resources below with a daily plan and it gives you books and movie lists to supplement with.
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2. Grade Specific Materials
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K-6th Grade
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7th-12th Grade
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The Mystery of History Curriculum
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Those looking for a world history program that aligns the stories of mankind with the living story of God will truly appreciate this Bible-centered approach to the history of the world. Picking up where Volume 1 leaves off, this volume begins with the Pentecost and the first followers of Jesus (including Paul) around 29 A.D and chronologically continues through the early church and moves into the Middle Ages, covering the years through about 1456 A.D. Grades 4-8. 715 pages.
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This collection contains all kinds of resources to supplement your Mystery of History study, including coloring and notebooking pages. They also include components to create four folderbooks (like lapbooks)"one per semester. Finally, challenge cards which include questions for each lesson can be used as flashcards, memorization tools or components for homemade games. Each CD-ROM includes printables for a single-family use. Adobe Reader required. Grades 4-8.
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Robin Hood Literature Study
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![636117: Robin Hood Literature Guide, 6th Grade, Teacher"s Edition](http://ag.christianbook.com/g/product/6/636117.gif "636117: Robin Hood Literature Guide, 6th Grade, Teacher"s Edition")
The Story of the World Curriculum
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The Middle Ages, is the second of a four-volume series and covers the major historical events in the years 400 to 1600 CE, as well as including maps, illustrations, and tales from each culture.
Each Story of the World volume provides a full year of history study when combined with the Activity Book, Audiobook, and Tests―each available separately to accompany each volume of TheStory of the World Text Book. 424 pages. Grade 1-6th. |
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This comprehensive, 8.5" x 11" curriculum guide and activity book contains map activities, coloring pages, games, projects, review questions, cross-references to illustrated encyclopedias, and extensive book lists. Children and parents love the activities, ranging from cooking projects to crafts, board games to science experiments, and puzzles to projects. 464 pages. Grades 1-6.
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Looking for a brief study? This book has information articles which are followed by some comprehension questions.
The Middle Ages"" (A.D. 5001300) covers one of the darkest periods in European historyfrom the collapse of the Roman Empire through centuries of chaos, destruction, and barbarian rule. The civilizing power of the church, the rise of feudalism, the growth of monarchical rule, the dramatic rebirth of towns and cities, and the formation of the world's first universities are among the events vividly documented in this richly illustrated text. Challenging map exercises and provocative review questions encourage meaningful reflection and historical analysis. Tests and answer keys are included. Grade 7-12, 32 pages. |
