Story of the World, Vol. 2: History for the Classical Child: The Middle Ages
#2 in Story of the World Series
What’s inside...
The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child, Volume 2: The Middle Ages, by Susan Wise Bauer, is a captivating guide that provides a storybook-like journey through the history of various cultures around the world from 400 to 1600 CE. This revised edition is designed for children and parents to explore history together, covering continents and major people groups with maps, illustrations, and tales from each culture. The book is a part of a four-volume series and serves as a comprehensive resource for history study when paired with associated activity books, audiobooks, and tests. Recommended for Grades 1-6, this volume helps children understand the impact of different cultures on our lives today and the historical events of the Middle Ages.
Discussion points
What are some similarities and differences between your life and the lives of children in the Middle Ages?
Why do you think people built castles and what are their functions?
How did the roles of different people in society (like kings, knights, and peasants) affect how communities functioned?
What can we learn from the challenges faced by people during the Middle Ages?
How do you think stories from the Middle Ages have influenced our modern world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create an immersive reading environment by playing medieval-themed music in the background while discussing the book.
Encourage your child to draw or create a map of a medieval town or castle they learned about, helping them visualize and connect with the content.
Use a globe or map to locate where different events from the book took place, linking history with geography.
Compare historical events from the book with current events to help your child see the relevance of history in today's world.
Ask your child to imagine that they are a character from the book. Encourage them to describe a day in their life and the challenges they might face.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding historical context
Explanation: The book delves into the historical events of the Middle Ages, providing children with a foundational understanding of significant periods and cultures.
Real-World Application: This allows children to better appreciate the depth of history and its impact on the modern world, enhancing their cultural and global awareness.
Example Lesson: Importance of resilience and innovation
Explanation: Through stories of various historical figures and societies, the book highlights how challenges were met with resilience and innovative solutions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of perseverance and thinking creatively when faced with obstacles, skills that are applicable in school projects and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: The narrative includes dilemmas faced by historical figures, emphasizing the moral implications of their decisions.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to think critically about right and wrong and understand that their choices have consequences, promoting ethical behavior in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Diversity and tolerance
Explanation: The book covers a wide range of cultures and religions that coexisted during the Middle Ages, teaching about diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to be more open-minded and tolerant towards people from different backgrounds, which is crucial in their social development.
Example Lesson: The importance of leadership
Explanation: Historic leaders and their governance styles are explored, showcasing various aspects of leadership.
Real-World Application: Such stories inspire children to develop leadership qualities and understand the responsibilities involved, which can be applied in leadership roles at school and other group activities.