Middle Ages Part 1
In this unit, students begin an exciting journey back in time to explore life during the Middle Ages, a period in European history that lasted from about 500 to 1500 AD. Through engaging readings, discussions, and activities, students will learn how this era shaped government, culture, religion, and daily life.
Students will discover what happened after the fall of the Roman Empire, how different kingdoms developed across Europe, and the important role the Catholic Church played in uniting people and preserving learning. They’ll meet fascinating figures such as Charlemagne, learn about feudalism, and gain an understanding of how knights, castles, peasants, and kings all fit into medieval society.
Key Learning Goals:
Understand how Europe changed after the fall of the Roman Empire.
Explain the feudal system and how it organized society.
Recognize the role of the Church in education, leadership, and community life.
Identify the daily life and responsibilities of people in different social classes.
Explore early medieval rulers and their influence on European history.
Reading and Writing Focus:
Students will practice identifying main ideas, supporting details, and cause-and-effect relationships in informational texts. They will also respond to comprehension questions, write summaries, and complete short research or writing assignments to deepen their understanding.
Discussion and Vocabulary:
Rich vocabulary and discussion questions encourage students to think critically about how people lived and what values and beliefs shaped the Middle Ages.
By the end of Part 1, students will have a strong foundation for Part 2, where they will continue exploring later developments in the Middle Ages, including knights, castles, and the rise of towns.
Objective: Students apply knowledge of medieval architecture, society, and Catholic influence to create a castle.
Instructions:
Research castles from the Middle Ages.
Draw your own castle with labeled parts (moat, drawbridge, keep, chapel, walls, towers).
Include a Catholic connection: add a chapel in the castle and describe a saint or religious practice that would have been important to the inhabitants.
Extension Options:
Write a short story about a day in the life of someone living in your castle.
Create a 3D version using cardboard or building blocks.
Catholic Enrichment Box:
“Castles often included chapels where knights and nobles prayed. Research one saint who might have been honored in your castle chapel.”
Objective: Explore the role of knights and chivalry in medieval society.
Instructions:
Research the life of a knight in the Middle Ages.
Create a “Knight Profile” sheet including:
Name of your knight
Coat of arms (draw and color it)
Code of chivalry rules
Weapons and armor
Catholic connection: How might faith have guided your knight’s actions?
Extension Options:
Write a diary entry from the perspective of your knight.
Present your knight to the class with a short oral report.
Catholic Enrichment Box:
“Knights often followed a code of chivalry, which included protecting the Church. Reflect on how knights’ faith influenced their courage and service.”
Objective: Understand medieval economy, trades, and daily life.
Instructions:
Create a medieval marketplace scene on a poster or booklet.
Include at least 5 different stalls (e.g., blacksmith, baker, apothecary, tailor, scribe).
Draw people buying, selling, and working.
Catholic connection: Include a church nearby and describe how religion influenced market life.
Extension Options:
Label each stall with medieval currency and prices.
Create a “day in the life” story of a merchant or shopper.
Catholic Enrichment Box:
“Many marketplaces were near a church, and merchants often celebrated holy days with special festivals. What might a medieval market celebration look like?”
Objective: Explore culture, food, and celebrations in medieval times.
Instructions:
Plan a medieval feast or festival.
Include:
A menu with at least 5 items
A description of entertainment (musicians, jesters, games)
Costumes or decorations
Catholic connection: Include a saint’s day or feast day celebration.
Extension Options:
Create a timeline showing preparation for the feast.
Compare a medieval feast to a modern celebration.
Catholic Enrichment Box:
“Feasts and festivals were often tied to the Church calendar. Choose a saint’s day and explain how people would celebrate in medieval times.”