So You Think You've Got It Bad? A Kid's Life in a Medieval Castle
#1 of 4 in So You Think You'Ve Got It Bad? Series
What’s inside...
Part of Nosy Crow's list of publishing in collaboration with the British Museum, developed in consultation with some of the world's leading experts on medieval history. A kid's life in a medieval castle might sound like fun, what with all those cool battles and massive feasts, but actually living there had its fair share of challenges and hardships.
Discussion points
What similarities and differences can you see between your life and the life of a child living in a medieval castle?
How do you think you would handle the daily tasks of a medieval child?
What role do you think you would have enjoyed most in a medieval castle, and why?
How do you feel about the challenges kids faced during medieval times compared to the challenges kids face today?
If you could ask a medieval child one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, give your child a brief overview of the medieval era to set the context.
Encourage your child to imagine they are living in a medieval castle while discussing, to make it more relatable and engaging.
Ask open-ended questions that encourage critical thinking and personal reflection to deepen their understanding of the past.
Relate the discussion back to modern times, helping your child draw comparisons between their life and a medieval child's life.
Praise your child’s responses to boost their confidence and promote a positive reading and learning experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Historical Contexts
Explanation: The book provides insight into what life was like for children in medieval times, contrasting it with modern-day living.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate the advancements and conveniences of contemporary life, fostering gratitude and perspective.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Tolerance
Explanation: By exposing readers to the hardships faced by kids in medieval castles, it cultivates empathy towards those who lived in different times and under different circumstances.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to empathize with diverse backgrounds and histories, which is essential in a globally connected world.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The daily challenges faced by children in medieval times are highlighted, showing how they adapted and thrived.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges, applicable to tackling schoolwork and personal obstacles.
Example Lesson: Curiosity about History
Explanation: The engaging tales of medieval life spark interest in history and learning about other eras.
Real-World Application: This curiosity can lead to a lifelong love of learning and exploration of different historical events and periods.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: Comparisons between past and present in the book encourage readers to think critically about how history shapes our world.
Real-World Application: Children learn to assess information, draw comparisons, and make informed opinions about historical and modern issues.