The Middle Ages

by Ruth Brocklehurst

From the Battle of Hastings to the Wars of the Roses, this book tells the unique story of Medieval Britain.
Full of intriguing facts, illustrations, photographs, detailed reconstructions, paintings, maps and family trees.
Includes links to websites to find out more information via the Usborne Quicklinks Website as well as lists of places to visit throughout Britain.

Genres: History, Childrens

63 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2008

About the author

When she wasn't riding her bike or making things out of loo rolls and scraps of fabric, Ruth spent her childhood reading about detectives and historical figures. She has written and edited countless books for Usborne - some about detectives and historical figures; some about dinosaurs, scientists and astronauts.

Reviews

[Maria Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are exploring topics such as dress and diet in the Middle Ages with your class and are looking for a book to aid with such lessons, then unfortunately this book falls short. However, some aspects of social history such as learning and pastimes are covered and these are useful to engage children to think about some of the comparisons that can be made between their lifestyles and those of people half a century ago. This book discusses a wide range of topics from the Norman Conquest and the Crusades, to religious life and life in the country. The teacher could show their class the many timelines, maps with keys, and family trees that are in the book and encourage the children to research and make their own.

The book has obvious uses within history lessons, but it can be used effectively across the curriculum in key stage 2. Despite the omission of a glossary, the book is a good example of non-fiction children’s literature (with captions, headings, a contents page) and can therefore be used to think about some of the differences between this genre and fiction. The class could also learn how to properly use the index. The language is relatively easy to understand, and where some contemporary terms are used they are explained. Where explanations are not provided this book could be ideally used to introduce children to dictionary work; with the children guessing what they think the words mean prior to this exercise. It provides an excellent model for well-written English since there is no colloquial language. Many of the topics covered could also be implemented into literacy lessons (war , plague, taxes, famine) where the children are asked to write storyboards, newspaper reports, letters of complaint or even prayers. The class could find some of the artwork and sculptures in the book on tablets, and use descriptive language to convey what they think is going on. An amusing way of engaging the class using this book would be for the children to get into character as knights, priests, kings and peasants and ‘hotseat’ providing the class with reasons why they are deciding to conquer, levy taxes, or revolt.

The text might even inspire the class to carry out research tasks within ICT lessons; perhaps looking to see the meanings and origins of their family names, or what their family’s coat of arms looks like. The children could also design their own coat of arms in art lessons, or make their own Doomsday Book or sculptures. The book would also be a useful reference for a school play (maybe Robin Hood) where the children cast as peasants or King Richard could learn more about their roles.
The Middle Ages is a perfect text for guided reading; the group could discuss what they think is happening in the Bayeux Tapestry depicted on pages 6 and 7, or they might be prompted to think of alternative ways to say that soldiers ‘charged north’. And perhaps the teacher could also play some medieval music to set the scene and have a little fun with it!

[Rosetti's Muse]

excellent short book with fine amusing illustrations.. intended for younger readers but helped me ease back into the period after a long break..highly recommended😁😁