The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child, Activity Book 2: The Middle Ages: From the Fall of Rome to the Rise of the Renaissance
#2 in Story of the World Series
on Goodreads (229)
What’s inside...
This comprehensive curriculum guide and activity book for grades 1-6 includes map activities, coloring pages, games, projects, and more. It covers a full year of history study when used with accompanying materials, and features engaging activities like cooking projects, crafts, and science experiments. Each activity helps bring history to life, from coloring a Viking warrior to creating Aztec jewelry. The book is filled with a variety of activities such as cooking projects, crafts, board games, science experiments, puzzles, and projects. It includes review questions, cross-references to illustrated encyclopedias, and extensive book lists. Illustrated throughout with black-and-white drawings and maps, this curriculum guide and activity book provides a full year of history study when combined with the Textbook, Audiobook, and Tests.
Discussion points
What differences can you spot between how people lived in the Middle Ages and how we live today?
Why do you think the fall of Rome was a significant event in history?
How do you think the invention of the printing press changed the world?
What qualities do the heroes in these stories have? Do you see any of those qualities in yourself or someone you know?
If you could meet one of the historical figures from this book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine living in the Middle Ages and discuss how daily life would differ from today.
Compare and contrast the heroes in the book with modern-day heroes, discussing values and actions.
Use a globe or map to locate areas discussed in the book, linking historical events to real-world locations.
Bring history to life by possibly creating a simple project or artwork together that represents a scene from the book.
After reading, ask your child to summarize the story in their own words to boost comprehension and recall.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding historical causality
Explanation: This book teaches children that historical events often have causes and effects, helping them understand why things happened in the Middle Ages.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop critical thinking skills. They learn to ask 'why' and 'how', not just in history, but in their daily interactions and observations.
Example Lesson: Appreciating cultural diversity
Explanation: The book presents various civilizations of the Middle Ages, from Europe to Asia, showcasing the diversity of cultures and their contributions to the world.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and appreciate differences among people and cultures in their community and globally, promoting inclusiveness and tolerance.
Example Lesson: Importance of resilience and adaptation
Explanation: The book highlights how societies adapted to changes and challenges during the Middle Ages, including invasions and plagues.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by learning to adapt to changes in their own lives, like moving to a new school or dealing with challenges, fostering resilience.
Example Lesson: Value of innovation and discovery
Explanation: It covers advancements made during the Middle Ages, like the compass, which played a pivotal role in navigation.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and innovative, understanding that their discoveries and ideas can have a significant impact on the world.