some suggestions for studying the Middle Ages as a family
Today’s podcast episode explores a little more deeply how we can use literature as the backbone of our study. Reading together lends itself so well discussion, exploring, building relationships. And learning. Especially history. So to go along with today’s episode, I’ve developed a list of resources and a short list of books that might be awesome to use if your family wanted to study the middle ages. Novels, story books, reference books.
So here, first, are some resources that I mention in the episode.
This book, Teaching the Classics you could read to yourself, or to your older kids aloud, or use as a co-op book (I’ve used just the syllabus, but apparently the DVD is also excellent). It gives parents so many tools for how to talk about what you read together. It gives kids opportunity to think deeply.
Reading Your Way Through History is a remarkable and free resource for choosing literature in different eras, and cross references historical eras with a few other amazing books, including The Book of Virtues.
Let the Authors Speak is my MOST used book in my homeschool career. It’s out of print, but you can get it from used book sellers. It is a massive list of literature put into chronological order by century. Compiled by a homeschool mom, we have NEVER had a bad recommendation from her. She’s a genius.
The middle ages is one of those eras that has captured our imagination. We personally own a couple of dozen books set in the middle ages, and there are plenty out there. I’m recommending a few gems here, if you’re interested in not getting overwhelmed by the volumes you could choose from. Okay I went a little heavy on the Barbara Willard, but she really grabbed my kids attention.
David McAuley Books
MEDIEVAL: a post about studying the middle ages as a family
Augustine came to Kent by Barbara Willard (In 597 a young boy accompanies a group, including Prior Augustine, to evangelize England)
Son of Charlemagne by Barbara Willard (780s - the relating of the life of Charlemagne through one of his sons)
If All the Swords in England by Barbara Willard (late 1100’s, story of the martyrdom of Thomas Becket)
Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Gray (1200’s story about a wandering minstrel)
St. Thomas Aquinas, the Dumb Ox by Mary Fabyan Windeatt (1200’s, the story of the Saint for children)
Big John’s Secret by Eleanore Jewett (early 1200’s, during the Crusades, a squire encounters St. Francis of Assisi)
A Door in the Wall by Marguerite D’Angeli (1400’s - a young squire’s life is changed in the midst of the bubonic plague when he becomes crippled and needs care)
by Tomie DePaola: Francis of Assisi, The Knight and the Dragon, Brother Francis of Assisi, Clown of God
DOVER BOOKS - historical colouring books, great stocking and easter basket gifts!
knights and armour, life in a medieval village, jousts and tournaments, medieval fashion, castles, tapestries, illuminated alphabet
Eyewitness Books have great historical and science series, and are readily available from local libraries and used book stores. The are excellent models for paragraph writing. They work really well for multi-age teaching as they are so visually appealing for younger children. FYI, so worth getting hardcover when available.
Here are a few of our favourites:
Ancient Egypt Ancient Greece Ancient Rome Ancient Civilizations
Arms and Armor Castle Knight Viking
Of course, the other resources we need are the basics for any rich learning environment, and I’ve outlined them in this blog post.
Happy reading together!!
