Saladin, Robin, Peter and Eleanor

Happy Monday! For our football fans, we hope yesterday’s game got you all fired up for another week of learning! We are now in our 20th week and we are continuing our discussions on the Crusades with a focus on Saladin and his influence and passion for Jerusalem. Our middle schoolers will get to know who Eleanor of Aquitaine is and why she is considered, “one of the most powerful, respected and fascinating people in the Middle Ages.” We’ll also meet Peter the Hermit and his contributions to the First Crusade.

For our literature focus, we’re enjoying Robin Hood and his adventures. I (Cheryl) asked my Primary student last week on his thoughts about Robin Hood as we read through the beginning chapters.  He eagerly shared their discussion in class and how they all agreed that “Robin Hood is a villain to the rich but a hero to the poor.” Sounds like a spot-on summary of his character to me!

We hope you enjoy your students at home this week as you engage in learning together. Feel free to use the supplemental resources below.

Resource Links:

Who is Saladin? | quick biography for kids

Who is Peter the Hermit? | find out more about who he is and his role i the First Crusade

Eleanor of Aquitaine | 10 interesting facts including a photo of her only known, surviving artifact

Robin Hood County | take a virtual tour of places that Robin Hood may have lived

History of Sherwood Forest | origins of this royal hunting forest

View an Imaginary Castle | and find out more about life in the Middle Ages

Medieval Paper Dolls Craft | a fun find by one of our parents that includes other dolls from other time periods also

Video Links:

*Parents, please preview for your students first.

Saladin | short video biography

An Overview of the Crusades | part 2 of the Khan Academy series. Part 1 here.

Eleanor of Aquitaine | a (longer) discussion by BBC in Our Time

Disney’s Robin Hood | Disney’s story book version

Robin Hood Lullaby for Babies | perfect for our littlest of littles

SLO Classical Academy is not affiliated with any of the above-mentioned websites, businesses or organizations.