medieval homeschool history

Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time Sun King Fun Medallion

December 28, 2022 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

For the Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time book, we’re making a sun king fun medallion. Be sure to grab more Geronimo Stilton Books ideas and crafts on my page.

Let’s take a trip with our mouse guide Geronimo to the Court of Versailles in 1682 CE in Back in Time, The Second Journey Through Time to meet King Louis XIV and learn about Palace of Versailles.

Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time Sun King Fun Medallion

Did you know that King Louis XIV (that’s #14 in Roman Numeral) was known as “The Sun King”?

It was a nickname that he gave himself.

And Louis XIV chose the sun as his personal emblem.

The sun is the symbol of Apollo who is the god of peace and the arts.

King Louis named himself such because he wanted the realm to revolve around him like the planets revolve around the sun.

Be sure to grab Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time book.

Facts about the Sun King Louis XIV

Louis ruled for 72 years, he was just shy of 5 years old when it passed to him.
King Louis XIV died of gangrene on September 1, 1715.
Louis XIV built his extravagant Palace of Versailles after the civil war known as the Fronde when he had to flee from his palace in Paris at just 12 years old, He fled to the family hunting lodge 13 miles outside Paris.
He was very strict in his protocols at court and every moment of the day was precisely organized and planned out.
The king was an excellent ballet dancer.
He died at the age of 76 and was succeeded by his grandson King Louis XV.
A U.S. state is named after him. Louisiana was given its name by French explorer René-Robert Cavelier for King Louis.

Then you’ll want to add a few more hands-on activities to understand about the French.

Hands-on Ideas to Understand the French Empire

For example, look at the hands-on ideas below.

Besides, hands-on activities makes learning stick so be sure to include a few more with this book.

Too, look at more Geronimo Stilton Book crafts.

Geronimo Stilton Book Activities

Next, look at these other crafts to go with the books.

Now, let’s learn how to make this fun sun king gold medallion.

I hope you enjoy our journey with Geronimo and also making your very own medallion.

Hot glue is a fun medium for art projects because you can use it for a lot more than just attaching two objects.

It can be put into silicone molds to create shapes that harden once it dries or used free handed like we are going to do today.

How to Make a Sun King Medallion Craft for Kids

Since your child will create their medallion freehanded I am giving you some loose instructions and tips to help them create it.

You will need:

Hot glue gun
Glue
Gold and black paint
Plastic bead chain or string
Silicone mat

Directions:

Gather all your supplies and don’t forget that silicone mat. It is the best material for peeling off your glue creations and is heat safe!

Your child can create any shape medallion that they would like.

Additionally, they can design their own crest to represent themselves, the family, or they can try to recreate a King Louis sun medallion like this one.

The most important thing is to build up your layers by creating a first layer and letting it cool.

Use toothpicks and craft sticks to try and add a little shaping or detail to the glue when it is partially cooled but not all the way.

But if it’s too liquidly it will just keep pooling.

Then add layer after layer until it is thick and shaped like you want it. We tried to get a general sun shape.

Once the entire thing is completely cooled and hardened, peel it off the silicone and paint it gold with craft paint.

It will probably take 2-3 coats to get good coverage.

When it is almost dry use a paintbrush to dry brush on some black craft paint to age and patina your medallion, so it looks like an old treasured relic.

Brush off excess, you just need a bit.

Allow the paint to dry fully.

Measure a piece of chain or string to create a necklace that can be slipped on and off over your head.

Flip the medallion over and hot glue the length of chain or string to finish your necklace.

What do you think?

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

December 20, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

The Journey Through Time Book (Geronimo Stilton Special Edition) is our book for adventure today. And we’re doing a knights armor engraving craft. Be sure to grab more Geronimo Stilton Books ideas and crafts on my page.

Was King Arthur real? Most historians believe he was just a fictional character from folklore and legend.

But that doesn’t stop him from being a very fascinating part of the Medieval period.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

With dashing and chivalrous knights, Camelot, jousting, castles, and kings is it any wonder that our favorite time traveling mouse zoomed right into the Middle Ages among the likes of King Arthur and Excalibur.

We are visiting this time period through Geronimo Stilton’s The Journey Through Time, the first book in the Journey Through Time series.

And Geronimo Stilton also makes stops in prehistory with the dinosaurs and in Ancient Egypt.

About The Journey Through Time Book (Geronimo Stilton Special Edition)

The story is fun and captivating but as always, the author weaves so much amazing information into it.

Readers learn fantastic vocabulary from the period, medieval fashion, castle architecture, and the feudal system.

Too, they will even be reading an excerpt from an Alfred, Lord Tennyson poem.

Just because these books are colorful and whimsical it’s no reason to discount the quality they add to your child’s reading time.

In addition, Safari Ltd Toobs have a fantastic knights and dragons set that make for a great addition to a study or to this book.

They can be used to set the mood for introducing a new unit theme, in sensory bins, dioramas, or even as pawns in place of standard board game pieces.

Additionally, we learned that knights had a code of chivalry to be followed.

The Knight’s Code of Chivalry was a system of morals.

Further, the code declared all knights should protect others who could not protect themselves like widows, children, and the elderly.

Facts About Knights and The Knight’s Code of Chivalry

The word “knight” comes from an Old English word meaning “servant”.
Knights were sworn to uphold their duty to God, to the church, and to their liege lord.
Earlier anyone who proved themselves brave and honorable in battle could be awarded knighthood by the king but later it was decided they had to descend from nobility.
Young boys could begin their knight training at just 7 years old. They were sent away to live and train and were called pages.
At 13 years old, they could become a squire as they continued their education and training.
They were finally able to be dubbed a knight at 21.
William Marshal was one of England’s greatest knights and was considered the greatest tournament knight of his time.
Women could be knights as well. For example, the Order of the Hatchet (Orden de la Hacha) in Catalonia was a military order of knighthood for women.
A knight would be punished with public humiliation for breaking the code.
Knights armor weighed between 45 and 55 lbs.

Geronimo Stilton Book Activities

Next, look at these other crafts to go with the books.

In honor of King Arthur and his wonderful Knights of the Round Table we are creating a Medieval Knight in a full suit of armor.

This method is a simpler version of the intricate metal engraving that was done on jewelry, metal plates and more by goldsmiths of the Middle Ages.

How to Make a Knights Armor Engraving

You will need:

A cardboard piece
Aluminum foil
Hot glue gun/glue sticks
Black craft paint
Paper towel
Toothpick tape
Pencil/pen

Start by sketching out a simple knight in armor shape on your cardboard.

After you are satisfied with it in pencil you can go back over it with a pen to make it easier to see.

Trace over the lines with hot glue.

Be sure that you make the lines thick enough that they will leave an impression in the foil.

You don’t have to add a lot of detail at this point, just the general shape is enough.

Allow to cool and harden.

Once the glue is hardened, cover your cardboard in foil and wrap around the back. Tape into place.

Carefully, run your fingers over the raised surface to press the foil into it.

You will want to go back and forth over it several times.

Once your outline is fully showing through the foil take a toothpick and gently scratch in a few details to give your knight more interest.

Squirt a little black paint right onto your completed design.

Spread it gently with a paper towel and let it sit for a couple minutes and wipe it off.

The black should stay inside the indentions and create some dimension making the design stand out a bit and age it a bit.

Allow the paint to dry and your knight engraving is ready to go on display.

You can use the same technique to write your name, engrave a castle design, or anything else you like.

How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

December 18, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, how to upcycle a monopoly game history turned medieval monopoly game is a fun twist to learn history. Also, look at the other history games on my page.

Have you ever looked at an old board game in your stash or maybe at a yard sale and think about upcycling it? Me too.

How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

So, I took an old unused monopoly game that we had and converted it into a medieval themed version with castles for properties.

Also, I added Safari Ltd Knights and fun cards with references for the time period.

Since, we are learning about the Middle Ages so for this game I decided to make it medieval themed.

However, you could take this idea and make it match any branch of history you want to include in your studies.

These super fun Safari LTD Knights and Dragons have been used for sensory bins, dioramas, block play, counters, and now game pieces.

Teaching Medieval History

Next, look at some of these medieval facts to use in your unit study.

Most of the peasants wore plain clothing which was made from heavy wool to keep them warm in cold weather. The wealthy, of course, wore nicer clothing made from fine wool, velvet, and silk.
Not many people attended school in the Middle Ages. Most peasants learned a job and survival from their parents, apprenticeship, or the guild system.
London’s population went up 500% between the 12th and 14th centuries.
Marriages were often arranged. Noble girls were often married at just 12 years old and the boys at 14.
We got our modern piggy banks from medieval people who had saving accounts termed “pygg” meaning the type of clay the jars they were kept in were made from.
The first castle in England was the Tower of London’s White Tower Castle.
The largest castle in the world is The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork.

How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

Hands-on Middle Ages Activities

In addition, look at some hands-on activities.

Medieval Stained Glass Craft
Catapult Stem Challenge
Medieval History for Homeschool Middle School
Medieval Chemistry and Homeschool History – Fun Hands-On Activity
Free Renaissance Lapbook
Free Glass Blowing Lapbook
Da Vinci’s Edible Spine
Da Vinci’s Parachute

Also, here are some rules I want you to know about before you turn a monopoly game board into a medieval themed board.

Monopoly Medieval Themed Board Rules

First, rather than collect Boardwalk, Park Place and the other familiar properties. we are going try to collect Medieval Castles from all over Europe.

Also, try to collect some cool Medieval collections like banners and a library and see who ends up with the most spoils at the end.

I used as much of the board as possible and stuck with the same rules to make it easier to transition to a new game.

The property stickers will fit right under the colors so you can keep them and I made the matching property cards so players can keep track of the properties they own.

You can add a little color to the top of the cards with markers if you like to make it easier to spot them.

The rules are pretty much standard monopoly, including whatever house rules you would like to incorporate.

For example, house rules like whoever lands on free parking gets the money in the center, allowing players to buy property on the first trip around the board.

I have left out houses and hotels to simplify and keep with the time period and I did away with rent on the properties with the exception of when a card is drawn from chance or community chest which requires rent.

Too, grab my other fun history games to add to your learning day.

Fun History Games

Look at them below.

Now, let’s look at how to make the game.

How to Make A Monopoly Game to Medieval Game

You will need:

An old monopoly board
Sticker paper
Cardstock
Knight figures
paper cutter

We are reusing the board, money, and dice.

If you like you can keep the community chest and chance cards to glue your new cards to so that the backing is stronger and will be easy to identify the stack,

If not, you can just write a C for chance or CC for community chest on the back of the card.

First, we painted over the Monopoly in the center.

Later we will add some of the stickers which I included in the printables to decorate it some. Sand it a bit so the paint sticks better. If you like, you can leave the center of the board as is.

Too, each printable I created tells you whether it should be on cardstock or sticker paper.

Use them for creating the new board labels.

Cut out all of your cardstock and sticker pieces, you can use scissors but a paper slicer makes it easier.

Place all your sticker labels on the board/

The collar amounts correspond with the correct spot.

Additionally, free parking is free steed parking.

Socks is jail, go to the stocks is obviously the go to jail spot.

Besides, you can place the Medieval Collections on any of the railroad spots, as well as the two utilities.

How To Upcycle A Monoply Game to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

Setup your game board just like you would for traditional Monopoly.

And use your knights, dragons, etc. as your moveable tokens.

How To Upcycle a Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

What a fun way to learn about Medieval times.

Grab the Free Printable Cards and Stickers

Finally, how to grab the pages because it’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access my subscribers library and this freebie.

However, not all of my freebies are in the library (wink).

I like to keep up to date with what is valuable to you so I can give you more printables.

Some freebies you must sign up again on the form below even if you are already a follower.

It’s the only way I have of freely delivering them to you. Just follow the steps below.

► 1) Sign up on my list.
► 2) Go to your inbox and confirm your email from the automatic reply I sent you.
►3) Last, look for my reply AFTER you confirm your email.

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft

November 15, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This Geronimo Stilton Time Travel book has your kids going back in time through the Medieval time. If you love the Geronimo Stilton Books, you’ll love this medieval stained glass window cling.

Let’s ride off with brave Geronimo Stilton through the Medieval Period straight into Camelot.

This first book in the series takes you through prehistory with the dinosaurs, and through Ancient Egypt and the Great Sphinx of Giza, and finally into Camelot.

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel: How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft

The Medieval period is where we are going to hang out today with a colorful hands-on activity that you will love.

After reading Geronimo Stilton: The Journey Through Time (Geronimo Stilton), we decided to make a stained glass window craft.

This is a DIY window cling that you can use over and over and move it around as you like.

Start with a simple design like a window with big areas to fill in.

However, once you get the hang of it you can create beautiful flowers, swords, a coat of arms and more to deck your windows out in style.

About the Geronimo Stilton Time Travel Series

And the time travel series are a unique series. Like most all the books they have unique sections and pictures full of facts for the time period.

They are filled with maps that show your child where events are taking place.

Also, facts about the time period, detailed and labeled buildings, in this case a castle.

Throughout the reading there are important tidbits woven in like what they ate and wore during the time period.

So, the series is more than just fun reading, but a way to make science, history, and geography a meaningful part of the story.

Again, we’re focusing on only one section of the book.

History Middle Ages Hands-on Activities

Then, add a few more activities and fun items.

And you can create a simple and easy Middle Ages unit study that your royal knight will thoroughly enjoy.

Make a Coat of Arms Activity
How to Make a Codex
Build a fun Medieval Catapult to work in some STEM
These Safari Toob Knights and Dragons add to any unit study to encourage dramatic small world play but also they can be used in dioramas and sensory bins.

In addition, here is a fun role-playing costume.

Too, you’ll love these other Geronimo Stilton activities to go with the books.

Other Geronimo Stilton Chapter Book Activities

Finally, here are some tips to keep in mind before doing this craft.

How to Create a Medieval Stained Glass Window Craft

Before you get started, know this.

Keep a couple wet q tips on hand to clean up drips and overflow.
Start with a simple design for your first one, keep it large and with minimal detail.
Don’t use paint in place of food coloring or it will not have the translucent effect. You can use liquid food coloring though if that’s what you have on hand.

List of supplies.

Black craft paint
White craft glue
Gel food coloring
Dish soap
paint brushes
Gallon ziploc bag
paper
Paint palette or a paper plate

Start by designing your window by drawing it with a pencil on a sheet of white paper or cardstock.

Once you are happy with the design darken the lines by drawing over them with a black marker.

Slip your drawing inside a gallon sized ziploc bag.

To create the leaded paint lines, mix black paint into white craft glue.

This part does not need to be translucent and we want thicker lines here.

Just add enough paint to the glue to turn it black. Add 2 drops of dish soap and mix well.

Smooth out your plastic bag and “draw” over the outlines of your picture with the black glue mixture.

You will need to let this dry probably overnight so that it is completely dry and will not smear for the next step.

Once the black lines are dry you can add your color.

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel Stained Glass Craft

To do this, mix a drop of gel food color and a very small drop of dish soap to a couple teaspoons of glue.

Repeat this for as many colors as you would like.

Fill in all the open spaces.

Make the spaces solid or swirl to get a different effect.

Be sure to add a thick layer of paint so that your cling is sturdy and doesn’t fall apart when peeled off.

Use a wet q tip to clean up drips off the black paint if needed.

You will need to let this next step dry for a day as well.

Once everything is dry, carefully peel the window off the plastic bag.

Clean the window where you want to put it with a bit of windex and leave slightly damp.

Apply your stained glass to the window.

It will stick until you peel it off and can be stored in a plastic bag when not in use.

If you have them, separate multiple window clings with pieces of waxed paper.

What do you think? Ready to try another fun Geronimo Stilton activity?

Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult STEM Challenge for Medieval Unit Study

August 23, 2022 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Your kids will love making this fun pumpkin catapult stem challenge where you’re doing a fall unit study or medieval unit study.

This pumpkin catapult stem challenge will incorporate science, technology, engineering, math, and history into one fun activity.

This is a cool activity that will definitely earn you a lot of cool mom points.

A medieval times unit study is the perfect time to try out this hands-on activity to teach weaponry that was used during the period as well as those STEM skills.

Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult Stem Challenge for Medieval Unit Study

You don’t have to make yours as large as this one, but I found this pack of huge craft sticks at Hobby Lobby.

So, I thought they would put a fun twist to it.

Instead of using little marshmallow pumpkins, we were able to launch larger decor pumpkins (they are just inexpensive stuffed ones from Dollar Tree).

Also, if your child enjoys history, consider adding the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia and Usborne Encyclopedia of World History.

They both contain wonderful illustrations and information that is easy for children to understand.

And they are a great addition to round out any unit study.

Medieval Catapult Facts

Before, after, or during your activity give your child some of the research questions below to find in books or online.

What are the 4 Types of catapults? trebuchet, mangonel, onager, and ballista.
What were catapults used for in Medieval Times? Siege, vaulting things over castle walls
What time period is considered Medieval/Middle ages? 500 to 1400-1500 CE
What event marked the beginning of the Middle Ages? The fall of Rome 476 AD
What is the hierarchy of feudal society during this time? Monarchs, Lords/Ladies (Nobles), Knights, and Peasants/Serfs

Vocabulary Words for Medieval Unit Study

Then, here are a few vocabulary words for this unit.

Projectile
Force
Fulcrum
Lever
Peasant
Vassal

Furlong
Squire
Clergy
Plunder
Troubadour
Guild

Catapult Science

Next, learn about some of the science of the catapult.

When you draw back the craft/popsicle stick, potential(resting) energy is being built up.

After you release it, it becomes kinetic (moving) energy.

Finally, gravity pulls the launched object back down.

This stem activity shows Newton’s three laws of motion.

Newtons 3 Laws of Motion

Newton’s law of inertia– An object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an external force.
Newton’s law of force and acceleration– When an external force acts on an object, it produces an acceleration (change in velocity) in the object in the direction of the force.
Newton’s third law- The law of action and reaction states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

You can try using different objects with different sizes and weights.

Change the thickness of the fulcrum to achieve different results.

And add a measuring tape or yard stick to figure out the various distance. Then, record your information.

Here is how to put together your own pumpkin catapult stem challenge. You will need:

Jumbo craft sticks
Rubber bands
A large metal or plastic lid
E6000 or hot glue
Pumpkins

If you want to add these fun knights and horses you can grab these Safari Toobs.

They are also great to use in diorama, sensory bins, as models for drawing, and in dramatic small world play.

How to Make a Medieval Catapult

You can paint or use markers to color your popsicle sticks if you like as your first step or keep them natural like this one.

Just be sure to let them dry thoroughly before putting it together.

Starting by making a stack of craft sticks.

I ended up using 14 of the jumbo sticks to create more leverage for the catapult, placing rubber bands securely on each end about 1 ½” from the end.

Stack two jumbo craft sticks and place a rubber band only over one end, 1 – ½” away from the end.

Open the two craft sticks that are banded at one end and slip the large stack of sticks through, pushing them about ¾ of the way up close to the rubber band.

Next, take a larger rubber band and crisscross it over a few times where your two stacks of sticks intersect.

Use hot glue or something like e6000 (which will take longer to set) to affix your lid to the end of the top craft stick.

Press it in place firmly and let it dry all the way. Be sure that you use plenty of glue so that it is very secure to the craft stick.

To launch you just need to press down on the back and release,

Let the launching fun begin!

You are ready to lay siege and launch objects over castle walls ( or at least over the ottoman) in a battle for riches and power.

Add a few more items to your study to really give it some hands-on fun like this 3d Puzzle Castle or these knight decorations to kick off a new Medieval unit study.

medieval homeschool history

Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time Sun King Fun Medallion

Facts about the Sun King Louis XIV

Hands-on Ideas to Understand the French Empire

Geronimo Stilton Book Activities

How to Make a Sun King Medallion Craft for Kids

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

About The Journey Through Time Book (Geronimo Stilton Special Edition)

Facts About Knights and The Knight’s Code of Chivalry

Geronimo Stilton Book Activities

How to Make a Knights Armor Engraving

How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

Teaching Medieval History

Hands-on Middle Ages Activities

Monopoly Medieval Themed Board Rules

Fun History Games

How to Make A Monopoly Game to Medieval Game

Grab the Free Printable Cards and Stickers

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft

About the Geronimo Stilton Time Travel Series

History Middle Ages Hands-on Activities

Other Geronimo Stilton Chapter Book Activities

How to Create a Medieval Stained Glass Window Craft

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel Stained Glass Craft

Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult STEM Challenge for Medieval Unit Study

Medieval Catapult Facts

Vocabulary Words for Medieval Unit Study

Catapult Science

Newtons 3 Laws of Motion

How to Make a Medieval Catapult

Other Fall Unit Study Resources

Categories

Archives

medieval homeschool history

Facts about the Sun King Louis XIV

Hands-on Ideas to Understand the French Empire

Geronimo Stilton Book Activities

How to Make a Sun King Medallion Craft for Kids

About The Journey Through Time Book (Geronimo Stilton Special Edition)

Facts About Knights and The Knight’s Code of Chivalry

Geronimo Stilton Book Activities

How to Make a Knights Armor Engraving

Teaching Medieval History

Hands-on Middle Ages Activities

Monopoly Medieval Themed Board Rules

Fun History Games

How to Make A Monopoly Game to Medieval Game

Grab the Free Printable Cards and Stickers

About the Geronimo Stilton Time Travel Series

History Middle Ages Hands-on Activities

Other Geronimo Stilton Chapter Book Activities

How to Create a Medieval Stained Glass Window Craft

Geronimo Stilton Time Travel Stained Glass Craft

Medieval Catapult Facts

Vocabulary Words for Medieval Unit Study

Catapult Science

Newtons 3 Laws of Motion

How to Make a Medieval Catapult

Other Fall Unit Study Resources

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