Knights & Castles: 50 Hands-On Activities to Explore the Middle Ages

This book contains accurate information served up in a series of fun activities for kids. Those few who were offended by it are obviously off the beam. The authors state that St. Joan heard voices - well, folks, that's the way it reads in universdity level books as well. Don't believe the naysayers - this is a great books for parents and kids who like to have fun learning.

I really liked this book. The craft activities were understandable and doable, including several things that would work well with a group. For example, the catapult design is the simplest I have seen, and that's an activity that kids are definitely interested in. I also felt that it would give an individual reader an excellent view of life in the Middle Ages, and some of the ways it influenced our language and lives today. I borrowed the book from the library, but plan to buy a copy. I did not feel that the book was anti-Christian, but it was trying hard to present a balanced view of the times and to put things in perspective. In my own teaching, I have struggled with explaining the moral issues of the past (such as the pre-Civil War history of the American South, where I live). It's often impossible to explain historic events in a way that pleases everyone. I liked that this book pointed out that there were great civilizations going on in other parts of the world during this time, but Europeans were not in contact with them. I know that I never heard about Cathay or Timbuktu growing up; there is much about world history that I only discovered once I became an adult. I learned several things from the book myself.

This book is an excellent tool to use. The projects: Build your own castle & catapult was LOVED by my 9 & 7 yr olds. The information was in a way that kids could read & understand it all. Very useful for all.

As a homeschooling parent, I am always on the lookout for interesting and fun learning resources. This book was not a disappointment for our family. The activities truly range in age ability and interest from 6-12. So while a six year old fashions her knight helmet (one of the activities included), her older brother might discuss or write his opinion in response to one of the several interesting discussion topics sprinkled throughout the book. And many of the activities are enjoyable for kids of all ages, including adults. The norm with kid activity books is to state they are for kids ages 6-12, while in reality, they are geared more towards kids in the 6-9 age range. This book is full of fun activities, interesting information, and food for thought for learners of all ages! Can't wait to bake and paint the bread!

This book really makes you feel like you are in Europe during the Middle Ages. Although a little of the book is for younger children, most of it is appropriat for all ages. All of the crafts are well explained. The only fault I find is that the books explaination of chess is off. Other then that, it is very worth while.