This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
Living History Through Literature is a project-based course series offered to 5th through 9th grade students. These courses will weave the study of literature into a meaningful and engaging encounter with a specific era of history. In LHTL: Medieval History: Red Falcons of Tremoine, it is twelfth-century England, and we meet 15-year-old Leo.
Total classes: 6
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 5th to 9th
Suggested credit: 1/2 semester Medieval Literature or Literature. Follow with Door to the North: Living History Through Literature (Medieval Era 8) to receive one full semester of credit
Description
Living History Through Literature is a project-based course series offered to 5th through 9th grade students. These courses will weave the study of literature into a meaningful and engaging encounter with a specific era of history. In LHTL: Medieval History: Red Falcons of Tremoine, it is twelfth-century England, and we meet 15-year-old Leo who does not know his parentage. The Crusades are on, and the heir to the house of Wardlock has been killed. Abbot Michael knows the secret of Leo’s past, and he seeks to use his wisdom and endurance to help Leo. This is a stirring tale of suffering and courage, as well as love and forgiveness. Students will study the historical context of the novel and participate in engaging literature discussions. In this project-based course, students will engage in short quizzes and in projects of their choice. Project options will include fiction writing, preparing period-specific food and/or costumes, creating lap books, recreating scenes from the novel (Legos, clay, K’nex, digital drawing, hand-drawing, etc.), building a timeline, mapping, and more.
Outline
Class 1: Overview of Historical Context and Novel Introduction
Class 2: Literature Discussion; Project Introduction
Class 3: Literature Discussion; Cultural Overview
Class 4: Literature Discussion; Fiction Writing Tips
Class 5: Literature Discussion; Final Project Instructions
Class 6: Literature Analysis and Historical Connections; Student Project Showcase
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: Red Falcons of Tremoine, by Hendry Peart [Bethlehem Books, 2007], ISBN-10: 1932350152 or ISBN-13: 978-1932350159. Your student will need either PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote to create a Final Project. Google Slides and Keynote can be found free online.
Homework: Weekly quizzes and reading assignments. Each week, students will work on one project-based assignment that will culminate in a final novel project submission (due at the end of week 6). Homework (including novel reading) will take 1.5-3 hours per week. Parents are encouraged to support younger students by reading texts aloud and helping with project planning and execution. An answer key is not included with this course, but instructor access is usually available.
