Make your room into a Benedictine monastery

Note: Tell office not to interrupt your class

General Objective:

To introduce the student to the Medieval Period by demonstrating the role and impact of religion in everyday life.

Preparation:

Separate room into four different areas

copy directions for each of the areas (Scriptorium, Chancel, Dormitory, Workhouse)

make enough copies so that every person in the group has their own to read at each station

copy the illuminated "M" sheet

put the paper towel/rags and the water in the Workhouse

put the box/basket and "bedding" in the Dormitory

using masking tape, tape off the "beds"

face the tables, desks, etc.. for the Chancel to the wall lined up. Make sure everyone in the group has a place to sit. Make the chairs uncomfortable.

Put the desks for the Scriptorium in a circle so they can pass the materials or use one table

Put the markers, et al, copies of the "M" and blanks sheets of paper next to the instructions for the Scriptorium

Instructions:

When students enter the room, Gregorian Chants are playing. Greet them at the door and tell them, in a very quiet and calm voice, that the activity they are going to do today requires silence and no possessions. Have them stack their things in the corner. Number them in four groups. Devise some "punishment" if a student speaks during the activity instruct them about the punishment. (I've pretended not to hear them if they make a slight mistake but usually they do not talk) Warning: Do not let them stay in the room if you have to make them stop the activity because they will sabotage.

Start a group in each one of the areas. Each area will have a group to begin. Instruct each group to read the instructions for the (name them Scriptorium, Dormitory etc..) and they must follow the instructions. Each group will remain in that area for ____ amount of time. You decide. 8-15 minutes is an acceptable range. Tell them you will ring the bell to change stations. No talking. Ring the bell to signal changing of stations. The activity is over after each group has been to all of the stations.
 
 

Debrief:

Gather in a large group sitting on the floor. Ask first about the stations just on an informational level; then carry the level up Bloom's scale. Responses will deal with issues of isolation, individual accomplishment, security, finally many will say no way they could live this life, others will say how comfortable. Relate to Sparta and Athens and differences in personality and group vrs. Individual issues.

Accompanying Activity:

After Monastery activity. sit on floor and watch 30 minute film on five major religions and use grid to take notes for comparison. Emphasize the role of religion in everyday life during the Middle Ages whether it be Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, or Judaism.