Far beyond my tutorial for a painted book brick I have plenty of ideas for a fantastic King Arthur and medieval study. Also, look at my post 4 Week Free Middle Ages Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas.
So, step into a world of brave knights, enchanted forests, ancient prophecies, and timeless quests for truth and virtue.
The legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table has captivated readers for centuries.
And it’s the perfect springboard for an engaging, cross-curricular unit study that combines literature, history, writing, art, and hands-on creativity.
Whether you’re homeschooling a middle schooler enchanted by swordplay or a high schooler ready to explore the deeper themes of honor, betrayal, and redemption, this unit study offers something for everyone.
Additionally, with versatile resources and thought-provoking activities your student will explore not just the myths — but the meaning behind them.
BOOKS TO READ ABOUT THE MIDDLE AGES
9 Medieval History Books & Resources For Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To
Add a few of these books to your Middle Ages or Medieval unit study.
King Arthur is one of the greatest legends of all time. From the magical moment when Arthur releases the sword in the stone to the quest for the Holy Grail and the final tragedy of the Last Battle, Roger Lancelyn Green brings the enchanting world of King Arthur stunningly to life. One of the greatest legends of all time, with an inspiring introduction by David Almond, award-winning author of Clay, Skellig, Kit's Wilderness and The Fire-Eaters.
This covers people and events and covers a larger period of time.
Kids can re-create a long-ago world of kings, castles, jousts, jesters, damsels, magic fairies, and Robin Hood—all they need are their imaginations, materials they can find at home, and the activities in this book. Dressing up in a coat of armor made from plastic milk jugs, whipping up a batch of curds and whey, writing secret messages in invisible ink, and telling time with a sand glass made from soda bottles are just some of the fun projects. Every activity is illustrated, and sidebars highlight colorful facts about life hundreds of years ago.
This newly updated book will introduce you to world history, from prehistoric times to the start of the 21st century. Find out about dinosaurs, the first humans, Ancient Egypt, the Aztec Empire, Medieval Europe, the First World War and many more fascinating subjects.
Set in the fourteenth century, the classic story of one boy's personal heroism when he loses the use of his legs.
The Knights of the Round Table were in their glory. When an unknown stranger visits the castle and asks Kin Arthur's favor, he is allowed to serve in the kitchen for his meat and bread. Little does anyone suspect that he is of noble blood and will soon be knighted by the famous Sir Lancelot. Lush illustrations bring the reader into the book, as Sir Gareth meets adventures and battles to free a princess from the fearsome Red Knight of the Plain.
In this 1978 Caldecott Honor Book, award-winning author and illustrator David Macaulay explores the history and construction of castles in a richly illustrated resource for curious young readers. The word itself conjures up mystery, romance, intrigue, and grandeur. What could be more perfect for an author/illustrator who has continually stripped away the mystique of architectural structures that have long fascinated modern man? With typical zest and wry sense of humor punctuating his drawings, David Macaulay traces the step-by-step planning and construction of both castle and town.
I like to incorporate a wonderful and informational book to support our topic while making it fun and engaging. The Middle Ages, choose your own adventure style book is fantastic for middle elementary.
The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood was written and illustrated by Howard Pyle and published in 1883. It is the best known version of the story of Robin Hood which had been popular throughout the previous century. Pyle popularized Robin Hood, his adventures, and his band of merry men in a way that influenced most later depictions in writing, drawing, and film. The book consists of a series of episodes pitting the outlaw Robin Hood, Little John, Friar Tuck and the rest of his band against corrupt authorities epitomized by the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.
Then, look at these ideas for a quick unit study.
LANGUAGE ART IDEAS
First, choose one or more of these to serve as the spine for your study:
- King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table by Roger Lancelyn Green
- Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory
- The Once and Future King by T.H. White
- The Legend of King Arthur – Comic
- The Squire’s Tales series by Gerald Morris -Modern Retelling
- Research the code of chivalry and write an essay about each point.
- Write daily entries as a knight of the Round Table, include – a quest experience, castle life, interactions with Arthur or Merlin.
- Write a new adventure for one of the knights. Include a moral lesson and a test of virtue.
- Rewrite a portion of an Arthurian tale from another character’s perspective -Mordred, Morgan le Fay, Guinevere…
- Write a persuasive essay-Was King Arthur a good king? Use evidence from texts.
- Research the historical accuracy of Arthurian legend, try to prove or disprove it.
- Invent your own knight and write a tale of his (or her) quest.
- Create a Medieval Newspaper-Have students create a fictional newspaper from Arthur’s time and include articles like- a battle report, jousting tournament announcement, a court gossip column, an interview with a knight, a medieval food review.
Next, here are ideas for history and geography.
HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY
- Create a timeline of Arthurian events vs historical events.
- Create a medieval map of Arthur’s Britain.
- Make your own kingdom by designing a fantasy map like we did here and this mythological map.
- Read articles on Tintagel Castle, Camelot, and Glastonbury.
- Research the role of knights, heraldry, and tournaments.
Then add a few science idea and some fun art projects.
SCIENCE
- Play a fun Medieval game like this Medieval History Card Game
- Medieval medicine and the plague,here is a black plague simulation activity.
- Explore some Medieval Chemistry and Homeschool History – Fun Hands-On Activity
- Metallurgy: how swords and armor were made, watch a bladesmith create a medieval sword.
ART PROJECTS
- Choose an excerpt from an illuminated manuscript text and create a decorated page in medieval style using calligraphy and gold accents.
- Design a sword (Excalibur or personal weapon) with meaningful symbols. Label each part with a trait (e.g., “justice” on the blade).
- Sketch or sew simple medieval costumes (tunics, cloaks, crowns).
- Challenge your child to learn How to Make a Knight Templar Helmet for Fun Medieval Times Crafts.
- Build a cardboard or LEGO model of a medieval castle, LEGO Camelot, or Round Table.
- Research heraldic symbols, design personal or character-based coat of arms, explain each symbol’s meaning
Finally, look at this fun painted book brick.
HOW TO MAKE A KING ARTHUR PAINTED BOOK BRICK
Next, book bricks are a favorite way of mine to make a simple inexpensive art piece and dress up a garden or walkway. We made this Swiss Family Robinson book brick with a traditional brick, for King Arthur I wanted a larger surface so we went with a flat paver.
In addition, you can use any version of King Arthur that you like or encourage your child to make up their own unique cover for it, this hardcover children’s one is a favorite of mine.
First, you will need:
- Paver brick
- Craft paint
- Paint pens
- Paint brushes, assorted sizes
- Clear sealer
First, clean your brick well to remove any dirt or dust so that your paint adheres well.
Once the brick is clean and dry, cover it with 2 coats of white paint on the top, all 4 sides, and also the back.. Allow to dry.
Now you can paint the front, back, and “spine” of the book brick whatever the main color of your chosen book version is.Leave the top, side, and bottom edge white to act as pages. Allow this to dry to the touch.
Now the real fun begins, adding details. Use a sharpened pencil to draw out the main images and words of the book first.
Once you are satisfied with the look you can begin to go over your lines with a fine tipped brush or paint pen.
To get the lines around the frame of the book I just used a scrap with a straightedge and a paint pen.
Then, continue drawing over your pencil marks and adding any other detail you like, using your book as just inspiration or recreate it entirely.
Also, son’t forget to decorate the back spine as well.
Next, finish it off by quickly sketching straight lines with the pencil all around the white sides to create the look of pages.
Lastly, take your brick outside and give it 2-3 good coats of clear sealer to protect it from the elements and let this final step dry.
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