Description
Seventh Grade marks the first time we explore history in such an extensive way. In fifth grade we covered different civilizations – India, Persia, Egypt and Greece in small six-week lessons. In sixth grade we focused on Ancient Rome and the very beginning of the Middle Ages. Now, during seventh grade we will take on the enormous task of exploring the late Middle Ages, Crusades, Renaissance, and Age of Exploration. Our journey this year will span many countries and many years in history. Critical thinking has continued to deepen during the past two years and this year represents a historical marker for the child as well as the history they are studying. Just as a whole new age was born during this period in history – so an entire new age is born for the child that is studying it – and these lesson blocks give them the tools to explore and enjoy that new age – to reach beyond their limits – just like the creative leaders of the Renaissance.
During this block the student will study the Late Middle Ages & Crusades. During this time the lands of Europe were transitioning from a locally focused country population to a world where he kings start to organize smaller localities into national powers.
This purchase also includes the following Living Lesson videos…
Middle Ages 1: Introduction & Castle Painting
An introduction to the Middle Ages – leading on from the Fall of Rome.
Painting castles (with some information on castles) for cover pages.
Middle Ages Lesson #1: Introduction & Castle Painting
Middle Ages 2: Attila the Hun / The Franks / Clovis I
We learn a little bit about Attila the Hun and how the Romans fought his armies alongside the Frankish armies. We hear of the first Christian king of the Franks – Clovis I. Draw the Feudal System pyramid with discussion on each different ‘class’.
Middle Ages Lesson #2: Attila the Hun, The Franks, Clovis I
Middle Ages 3: Monks and Monasteries
We learn about monasteries and monks – in particular St Benedict and the Benedictine rule. Write out our own ‘Benedictine Rule’ using illuminated letters.
Middle Ages Lesson #3: Monks & Monasteries
Middle Ages Lesson 3: Illuminated Writings to Go with the Lesson
Middle Ages Lesson 3: Steps to Humility
Middle Ages 4: Charlemagne
We learn about the ‘Father of Europe’, Charlemagne, or Charles the Great – the harsh way he dominated other tribes of Europe, and the inspiring way he encouraged education in the Middle Ages. Draw a picture of Charlemagne.
Middle Ages Lesson #4: Charlemagne
Middle Ages Lesson 4: Charlemagne Drawing
Middle Ages 5: The Islamic World in the Middle Ages
We look at the grandeur, wealth, territories and religion of the Muslim people in the Middle Ages – paying particular attention to one of the greatest caliphs, Harun al-Rashid. Dictation on Charlemagne.
Middle Ages Lesson #5: The Islamic World in the Middle Ages
Middle Ages Lesson 5: Dictation
Middle Ages Lesson 5: Robin Hood Poem
Middle Ages Lesson 6: Knights in the Middle Ages
In this lesson we learn about what it was like to become a knight in the Middle Ages! The written work is an essay comparing Charlemagne’s court and Harun al-Rashid’s court.
Middle Ages Lesson #6: Knights in the Middle Ages
Middle Ages Lesson 7: The Crusades
In this lesson we hear all about the Crusades, focusing in particular in the peasants’ crusade and the first crusade. Our written work is a diary entry of a knight (following on from Lesson 6) and designing our own shield of honor.
Middle Ages Lesson #7: The Crusades
Middle Ages Lesson 7: Medieval Heraldry Symbols
Middle Ages Lesson 8: The Crusades: Part II
In this lesson, we learn more about the crusades – this time looking at the saddest one of them all, the Children’s Crusade of 1212. The written work includes a dictation on the crusades.
Middle Ages Lesson #8: The Crusades: Part II
Middle Ages Lesson 8: Crusades Dictation Word List
Middle Ages Lesson 9: Eleanor of Aquitaine
In this lesson we hear about one of the most interesting queens who ever lived, Eleanor of Aquitaine! This is the first half of her life. For the written work, we will draw a portrait of Eleanor using watercolor pencils.
Middle Ages Lesson #9: Eleanor of Aquitaine
Middle Ages Lesson 9: Eleanor of Aquitaine Drawing
Middle Ages 9B: Queen Eleanor
In this lesson we hear the rest of the story of Queen Eleanor. The written work includes instructions on how to write a letter to Eleanor…
Middle Ages Lesson #9B: More About Queen Eleanor
[Middle Ages 10: 100 Year War
In this lesson we hear about the 100 year war and some of the kings who ruled at their time, as well as touching on the ‘Black Prince’ of England. For the written work we will draw up a table of comparisons between the Middle Ages and Modern Life.
Middle Ages Lesson #10: The Hundred Year War and More
King Arthur and the Half Man
Middle Ages 11: The Bubonic Plague
In this lesson we learn about the Bubonic Plague / Black Death, which ravaged Europe in the late middle ages. For the artistic work we will draw a ‘plague doctor’ using charcoal.
Middle Ages Lesson #11: The Bubonic Plague
Day 12 of the Middle Ages: Joan of Arc: Part I
In this lesson we hear about the incredible Joan of Arc (part one) and how, at just 16 years old, she joined the French war against the English and Burgundies. After the lesson we then create a stained glass window (paper version) of Joan of Arc. This art project could be done over two days.
Middle Ages Lesson #12: Joan of Arc Part I
Joan of Arc Main Lesson Book
Joan of Arc Window: Sample 1
Joan of Arc Window: Sample II
Day 13 of the Middle Ages: Joan of Arc: Part II
In this lesson we hear the second half of Joan of Arc’s story. For the written work we create old parchment paper, and write a news article about the life of Joan of Arc.
Middle Ages Lesson #13: Joan of Arc Part II
Middle Ages Wrap Up: Day 14
Middle Ages Wrap Up:Dictation on Overview of the Middle Ages: Word List
Middle Ages Wrap Up_Dictation: Overview of the Middle Ages
Extra Living Lesson
Seventh Grade: The Middle Ages & Crusades: Main Lesson
Your Teacher for this Block: Danielle Gair
Danielle Gair is a Waldorf class teacher who lives with her young family in Cape Town, South Africa. She has taught a complete 7 year cycle with one class and is currently teaching a vibrant, fun-loving class of 6th graders. She became a Waldorf teacher because she strongly believes that children should be taught in a way that inspires and engages them, and that education is about more than just ticking off boxes. Danielle earned her Bachelor in Education at the Centre for Creative Education in Cape Town and continues to learn more about her trade and anthroposophy every day. Her passion is the beauty of maths, ancient history and English. When she isn’t teaching, Danielle spends her time with her husband and two young children doing art projects, going to the beach or exploring the mountains and forests of Cape Town.
