Artworks on ...castles
Artworks on - Series
What’s inside...
The book focuses on Warwick Castle but includes examples of other castles as well. It provides projects such as designing your own heraldry, making a siege weapon, and designing a drawbridge, supported with photographs of children investigating the subject.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life was like living in a castle?
How do the different colors and shapes used in the artwork make you feel?
Can you imagine a story that might take place in one of the castles shown in the book?
What would you do if you were the ruler of a castle?
How do you think the people built castles long ago?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to describe their favorite castle from the book and what details stood out to them.
Encourage your child to use their imagination by asking them to think of what daily life, events, or adventures might occur in the castles depicted.
Ask your child to create their own artwork inspired by the styles and themes from the book.
Discuss the historical and artistic significance of castles and how they have changed over time.
Use expressions of emotion and body language actively to show enthusiasm about the topics discussed, which helps maintain the child’s interest.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: History and Culture
Explanation: Through detailed illustrations and engaging narratives about castles, children learn about historical architecture and the cultural significance of castles across different epochs and regions.
Real-World Application: This lesson nurtures curiosity about world history and cultures, encouraging children to explore more about different architectural styles and their historical contexts in their surroundings or in books.
Example Lesson: Creative Thinking
Explanation: The book encourages children to imagine what life would have been like living in a castle. It prompts them to invent stories and characters that could inhabit these grand structures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply creative thinking in their play, storytelling, or art projects, enhancing their creative expression and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding Symbols of Power
Explanation: Castles are portrayed not just as residences but as powerful symbols of medieval times. The book discusses how castles were used to assert dominance and provide protection.
Real-World Application: This understanding helps children recognize how different structures or tools serve various purposes in society, encouraging them to consider the significance of modern buildings and institutions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Preservation
Explanation: The book touches on the current state of ancient castles and the efforts to preserve them. It highlights the importance of maintaining historical monuments for future generations.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of preserving cultural heritage, prompting them to respect and care for historical sites they may visit or learn about.
Example Lesson: Architectural Basics
Explanation: Children are introduced to basic architectural concepts and terms related to castle constructions, such as turrets, moats, and drawbridges.
Real-World Application: This knowledge provides a foundation for academic subjects like history and science, and can inspire observational skills when they encounter buildings in everyday life.