(SAN DIEGO, Calif.) January 14, 2010 – Fourth-grade students marched onto The Cambridge School campus dressed as a serf, baker, knight, court jester, a queen and other historical figures, bringing the Middle Ages to life. Surrounded by a crowd of spectators of fellow students, parents and friends, the students performed a courtly dance and a 14th century troubadour song on their recorders, accompanied by a harp and drum. They also recited excerpts from the “Song of Roland,” a poem about Charlemagne’s knights, and recreated a medieval sword fight, with Joan of Arc triumphing in the end.
In fourth-grade history, students spend the entire year focusing on the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation. The Medieval Faire helped the students understand more fully the flow of history and richness of a time period they normally would not have been able to realize to this depth,” said Naomi Ching, fourth-grade teacher. “They also had an opportunity to make those connections to science, music and culture of the times, as well as the history.”
For weeks prior to the big day, Mrs. Ching incorporated science into the history lesson by having the students build their very own replica of a variety of historical catapults, which they demonstrated at the Medieval Faire. They also gained experience researching, writing and then presenting interesting facts about their particular historical figure from a first-person perspective. For a day, they became Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc, Charlemagne, Queen Margaret of Denmark, Anna Comnena and Marco Polo.
“I liked doing the presentation the best because we didn’t present on someone else, we became them,” said Nicholas Barefoot, fourth-grade Cambridge student.
Students and parents then feasted on parsley bread with herb butter, chicken with milk and honey, lemon rice with almonds, and other Medieval dishes. They completed the day with games led by Mrs. Ching and an archery lesson taught by Dr. Reuben Settergren, a parent at The Cambridge School.
When asked about their favorite part of the day, the students’ responses varied from presenting their historical characters and demonstrating their catapults to feasting on Medieval dishes and practicing their archery skills.
“My hope is that the students will come away with a sense of joy and wonder that will cause them to forever be fascinated and intrigued by the Middle Ages,” said Mrs. Ching. “I hope that the time spent researching, practicing and memorizing will light a spark and a love of history that will carry them through the rest of their lives.”
To learn more about the classical and Christian education offered at The Cambridge School for grades Pre-K thru fifth-grade, call 858-484-3488 or email info@cambridgclassical.org to RSVP for The Cambridge School Open House on Friday, January 22 from 8:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. or Info Night Thursday, January 28 from 6:30-8:00pm.