The
ProcessThe
Process
The Door in the Wall - Medieval England
As Robin De Beuford "travels" through the novel, Door in the Wall, he is surrounded by Medieval England. Your group will help the readers gain insight into the life and times of Robin by informing them on the following topics listed below. Before we review those topics, let's take a minute to go over some ground rules. Let's go through what you group will deliver, how long you have to do this, suggested resources and then the topics you will select.
| Deliverables | Time Line | Valuable Links | Topics |
You will have three weeks to prepare your presentations and will be allowed adequate class time to meet with your group. The fourth week, presentations will be made to the class.
Things you must deliver:
1. A presentation with visual aids lasting 10-15 minutes with participation by everyone in your group using PowerPoint.
2. A list of five vocabulary words with definitions you expect students to understand after hearing/viewing your presentation
3. Six questions you expect students to answer after hearing/viewing your presentation
(three multiple choice with four choices, two true and false and one short answer)
4. A bibliography of all sources used in your presentation
Week one:
Week two:
Week three:
Week Four:
Six links that will be valuable for everyone are listed here:
Michigan eLibrary - Medieval History reference page
http://mel.org/humanities/history/HIST-medieval.htmlThe Online Reference Book for Medieval Studies
http://orb.rhodes.edu/Castle on the Web Glossary
http://www.castlesontheweb.com/glossary.htmlMedieval Glossaries
http://netserf.cua.edu/glossary/home.htmGlossary from Utah Museum of Fine Arts
http://www.utah.edu/umfa/glossary.htmlProTeacher Middle Ages / Renaissance index
http://www.proteacher.com/090074.shtml
Okay, now that we have reviewed our plan of action, it's time to review the categories and make your selections.
TOPICS
The feudal system was a strict social structure that defined each
person's place in the world according to social class. As the
son of a nobleman, Robin De Beuford is expected to become a knight
and serve the king but feels that he will make a sorry page because
of his disability. Understanding the route to becoming a knight
and what was expected of them will be very helpful to the readers.
MILITARY EXPERTS: Knights in Shining Armour and Chivalry
Resources to help you:
While Robin is under Sir Peter's service the castle is besieged by Welsh. It becomes evident their food supply is low and the well near dry if they have a chance to survive without surrendering someone had to go for help. Explaining how castles were both "protection" and "prisons" will aid students in understanding Robin's dilemma.
ARCHITECTS: Castles
Resources to help you:
Robin's destiny is changed in one stroke: he falls ill and loses the use of his legs. Fearing a plague, his servants abandon him and Robin is left alone. What can you tell students about the plague and why it was so fearsome?
SCIENTISTS: The Black Death, or bubonic plague
Resources to help you:
The feudal system formed the core of medieval society. Students will learn about this society from the novel, but they can expand their knowledge with your help.
SOCIOLOGISTS: The Feudal System
Resources to help you:
Edward III is the king of England when this story takes place. Provide informative facts for the students reading Door in the Wall that will help them learn more about Edward III. Can you discover why Mrs. deAngeli placed her story in this time period and what convinced her that she had chosen correctly?
HISTORIANS: Edward III and Queen Philippa.
Resources to help you:
Robin writes a letter to his father. Mrs. deAngeli originally intended this letter to look like illuminated text but was not happy with her work and did not place it in the book. Provide the readers of Door in the Wall with an understanding of how illuminated manuscripts were produced.
ART HISTORIANS: illuminated manuscripts
Resources to help you:
Once you have selected your topic (with a second choice ready) talk with your teacher to find out who you will be working with in your group ... and get ready to step into history!