Red Room: Medieval Faire & Folklore

Week 1 in the Red Room will be focused on the clothing, jewelry and accessories worn by people during Medieval Times. How one dressed during this time in history depended greatly on what place one held in society. A mere glance gave away whether you were a peasant, knight, nobleman or King. Accessories ranged from looking glasses (mirrors) to tiaras and crowns while jewelry could be simple or extremely extravagant.

Week 1 Sub Theme Objectives

1. Be familiar with the different types of clothing and accessories worn during the medieval times.
2. Have created at least one piece of clothing, jewelry or an accessory that would have been worn during medieval times.
3. Have participated in the role playing of different members of medieval society (i.e. peasant, knight, queen, king, wizard, etc.)

During week 2 students will be introduced to the world of tournaments and heraldry. Tournaments were like games. Knights would compete to win prizes such as horses, swords, or even the hand of the lady they loved.  Knights would come from miles away to compete in tournaments which could last up to several days. Like our football teams, knights also had uniforms so that they could be identified. Their “uniforms” usually included their coat-of-arms on their armor as well as their banner which they would carry throughout the tournament.

Week 2 Sub Theme Objectives

1. Be familiar with the terms tournament and heraldry.
2. Have created items necessary for a successful tournament (i.e. armor, swords, lances, flags, etc.).
3. Be familiar with the job of an armorer and the types of engraving they did.
4. Plan and participate in a Fusion Tournament.

Week 3 will be focused on some of the greatest legends that existed during Medieval Times: dragons! There are many stories throughout history that involve dragons. In these stories dragons are described as fierce, fire-breathing and enormous! During week 3 students will have the opportunity to participate in the creation of a dragon play. Through teacher guidance, students will come up with the words to be spoken by the actors, the design of the set, costumes and props. Students will volunteer to either be an actor or a part of the audience and will learn the roles of each.

Week 3 Sub Theme Objectives

1. Be familiar with the myths of dragons during medieval times.
2. Participate in the creation of a dragon costume.
3. Participate in a short play about a dragon where props, costumes and masks are needed.

During week 4 students will be lured into the medieval realm of wizards and magic. They will be given the opportunity to experience magic and learn about one of the most famous legends in medieval history: Merlin. Merlin was believed to have been a beloved advisor to King Arthur. It has been said that Merlin could speak to animals and possessed knowledge of the secrets of the ancients! He has been called by many names including Merlin the Magician, Merlin the Sorcerer and Merlin the Wizard.

Week 4 Sub Theme Objectives

1. Be familiar with the idea of a wizard and the magic it is believed he could do.
2. Be familiar with the wizard Merlin.
3. Have learned at least one simple magic trick to take home and perform for family.

Music: 5.1  Use music together with dance, theatre and visual arts for storytelling

History of Theater:

3.1 Identify theatrical conventions such as props, costumes, masks and sets.

3.2 Describe the roles and responsibilities of audience and actor.

Art: Armorers (engraving)

Armorers although known for making the armor that protected brave knights are also viewed as incredible medieval artists. Many suits of armor were covered in intricate designs engraved into the metal. Students will learn about and experience this great art throughout the month, with a particular emphasis placed on armorers and engraving during week 2.

Music: Medieval & Renaissance