Day 2: Taking on Roles
Students are assigned a job that fits their role daily to simulate the feeling of a real medieval world. With simple materials, peasants can "bake bread," squires can prepare for knighthood, etc. Class participation grades can be given by observing their attention to their task. A diligent "serf" can get a better grade than an inattentive princess.
Some interesting side effects:
Some interesting side effects:
- Students came in at lunch and after school to finish their job-voluntarily.
- A "ransom" video was made.
- A scandal of princesses switched at birth impacted unity ceremonies.
- Class loyalty strengthened.
- Other teachers "complained" about the overflow of our project into their environment.
- For seven days, over 200 eighth graders were completely engaged in history.
Students blogged about their experience in character:
"Today was a very exciting day for the Visigoths. I had to help make weapons and armor for my great kingdom of Gotham. I made a some swords and shields as well. After all that I also helped the peasants with making bread for the horrible Vikings who stole are Bishop. After all that I was instructed how to do a dance for our alliance ceremony."
-Ian B.
"Today was a very exciting day for the Visigoths. I had to help make weapons and armor for my great kingdom of Gotham. I made a some swords and shields as well. After all that I also helped the peasants with making bread for the horrible Vikings who stole are Bishop. After all that I was instructed how to do a dance for our alliance ceremony."
-Ian B.