HOT TOPIC: Castles
Volume 2, Issue 31 - April 23, 2006"Castles offer so many connections to curriculum, from art and architecture to geography and history, including science, math, health and the language arts. Traditionally this kind of study was limited by the access we had to materials within the four walls of our classrooms. In the 21st century classroom there are no limits as the resources on the Web provide unlimited possibilities for integration across the disciplines. Consider Linda Ricchiuti’s Castle Builder WebQuest at http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/activity/castle_builder/. Looking for a more creative approach? Check out Build a Medieval Castle found online at http://www.yourchildlearns.com/castle.htm. Prefer a social studies based activity? Check out The Case of the King Who Was Crazy for Castles at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngkids/9608/ludwig/. There is much to make use of online!
The resources in this week’s issue will provide you with substantive content on castles and palaces from every area of the world, including not only a look at the structures themselves but the cultures in which they exist, the history, customs, social structures and legend which combine to create the awe and mystery of these imposing edifices.
Once you survey these castles of the world, consider the critical thinking activities you can develop for your students as they compare and contrast the castles of the different continents. And the culminating event in your classroom can range from castle-building to your own original virtual field trips to a full-blown medieval fair right in your school. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination – enjoy!"
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