Student Activities for Catherine Called Birdy
Essential Questions for Catherine, Called Birdy
- In what ways does Birdy grow and mature during the year she describes in her journal?
- How did marriage in the 13th century differ from marriage today?
- How does Birdy balance her own desires with her duties to her family and society?
- How do family and society help shape our identities?
- How did the mindset of Medieval Europeans differ from the mindset of people today? How is it similar?
Historical Context
Students reading Catherine, Called Birdy will likely require a little background on life in Medieval England. As Catherine explains in her journal entries, her life in the manor house is strictly controlled. For Catherine, acting “like a lady” holds a different meaning than it does today. Being a lady did not simply mean acting like a polite female; a lady was a specific upper-class position in the ranks of English nobility and held different responsibilities and expectations than life as a lower-class female. Catherine is both empowered and restricted by this position.
Her privileged position as Lady Catherine is due to her father’s position as a knight. While he is only a minor knight, he is still lord of the manor on which he lives. His position is a result of the feudal system which dominated English life during the Middle Ages. In this hierarchical system, all power flowed down from the king, and with it, land, money, and food. The king parceled out his property among his favorite nobles who owed him loyalty and yearly taxes in exchange. This system was repeated on a smaller scale between greater and lesser nobles, eventually working its way down to the peasants, who collected no tax themselves, but owed allegiance and rent to their ruling nobleman. With this strict social structure, each member of society knew his or her place in the community and the expectations and responsibilities that came with it. Although this structure could provide comfort to some, it restricts Catherine and creates both external and internal conflicts for her, adding to the novel’s central tension.
Before beginning Catherine, Called Birdy, students may also benefit from research on the following aspects of Medieval society:
- The Church and Religion
- Hygiene
- Marriage Customs
- Medicine
- Holidays and Celebrations
- Daily Chores
How Tos about Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
Engage students with a Medieval diary writing project
Encourage students to write their own diary entries set in Medieval England, just like Birdy. Ask them to imagine daily life, challenges, and hopes while using authentic details from the era. This activity helps students connect personally with history and literature.
Research and choose a Medieval occupation for each student
Invite students to explore different Medieval roles such as knights, bakers, healers, or peasants. Have each student pick an occupation and include realistic tasks or responsibilities in their diary entries. This deepens understanding of social structure.
Model how to incorporate historical vocabulary
Show students how to use Medieval terms and phrases in their writing. Provide a glossary and encourage using words like 'manor', 'feudal', or 'almoner' to create an authentic voice for their diary characters.
Discuss empathy and perspective-taking
Guide students to reflect on feelings and viewpoints of people in the Middle Ages. Ask questions like: What might they worry about? What freedoms or restrictions would they have? This builds historical empathy and critical thinking.
Share and celebrate student diaries in a 'Medieval Day'
Organize a classroom event where students read excerpts from their diaries, dress up, and share what they learned. This creates excitement and strengthens connections to literature and history for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions about Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
What is Catherine, Called Birdy about?
Catherine, Called Birdy is a historical novel by Karen Cushman that follows the diary of Lady Catherine, a spirited teen living in Medieval England, as she navigates family expectations, arranged marriage, and her search for identity.
How can teachers use Catherine, Called Birdy in the classroom?
Teachers can use Catherine, Called Birdy to explore themes of identity, gender roles, Medieval history, and family dynamics through engaging activities, discussions, and cross-curricular projects.
What are some lesson ideas for teaching Catherine, Called Birdy?
Lesson ideas include character analysis, diary writing, comparing Medieval and modern marriage customs, researching feudal society, and creating storyboards of key events from the novel.
Why is Catherine, Called Birdy important for understanding Medieval society?
The novel provides insight into daily life, social hierarchy, and expectations for women in the Middle Ages, making it a valuable resource for connecting literature and history in K-12 classrooms.
What topics should students research before reading Catherine, Called Birdy?
Students should research The Church, hygiene, marriage customs, medicine, holidays, and daily chores to better understand the historical context of the story.
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