Activity Overview
Catherine, Called Birdy immerses students in the world of a Medieval manor. Reading this novel, students will learn about life in the thirteenth century and, in particular, the challenges and difficulties faced by women. Have students show off the historical knowledge they have gained through the novel and/or related research by using storyboards to make a book about Medieval life. The sample storyboard shows a Medieval guide to life as a lady. Students may also present storyboards on life as a noble, life as a peasant, or Medieval life in general. Remember, Storyboard That allows you to easily convert the rulebook into PowerPoint slides or print it out and put it together as a booklet.
Ye Olde Guide to Being a Lady
- A lady must accept the husband that her elders choose for her.
- A lady should learn to make useful herbal tonics and poultices to tend to the sick and injured in her home.
- A lady should learn to sew. A lot. She might be expected to sew, spin, embroider, or weave items for the manor.
- A lady should be quiet and demure. She should not run, skip, scream, whistle, or laugh loudly.
- A lady must politely share with others. This includes sharing her cup and trencher with other guests at table.
- A lady should attend church services on Sundays and holy days.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Use the details from Catherine, Called Birdy to make a guidebook about Medieval life. Your book can be a guide for life as a lady, life as a noble, life as a peasant, or Medieval life in general.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify 5-10 rules that the characters in Catherine, Called Birdy had to live by.
- Create an image to depict each rule.
- Write a description of each rule in the black text box below its depiction.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rules | The rules are logical and can be applied to a general group of people within medieval society. All rules can be inferred from or are directly stated in the novel. | Most of the rules are logical and can be applied to a general group of people within medieval society. Most rules can be inferred from or are directly stated in the novel. One or two rules may be two specific or inaccurate to the time period. | Many of the rules are illogical and do not reflect the realities of medieval life. The majority of the rules are not rooted in the details of the novel. |
| Picture & Scene | The images clearly corresponds with the rules and use historically accurate character and setting details. | Most of the images clearly correspond with the rules. Some details may be historically inaccurate. | The images are a poor representation of the rules listed. The details are blatantly historically inaccurate. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the rulebook were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Rulebook is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
Activity Overview
Catherine, Called Birdy immerses students in the world of a Medieval manor. Reading this novel, students will learn about life in the thirteenth century and, in particular, the challenges and difficulties faced by women. Have students show off the historical knowledge they have gained through the novel and/or related research by using storyboards to make a book about Medieval life. The sample storyboard shows a Medieval guide to life as a lady. Students may also present storyboards on life as a noble, life as a peasant, or Medieval life in general. Remember, Storyboard That allows you to easily convert the rulebook into PowerPoint slides or print it out and put it together as a booklet.
Ye Olde Guide to Being a Lady
- A lady must accept the husband that her elders choose for her.
- A lady should learn to make useful herbal tonics and poultices to tend to the sick and injured in her home.
- A lady should learn to sew. A lot. She might be expected to sew, spin, embroider, or weave items for the manor.
- A lady should be quiet and demure. She should not run, skip, scream, whistle, or laugh loudly.
- A lady must politely share with others. This includes sharing her cup and trencher with other guests at table.
- A lady should attend church services on Sundays and holy days.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Use the details from Catherine, Called Birdy to make a guidebook about Medieval life. Your book can be a guide for life as a lady, life as a noble, life as a peasant, or Medieval life in general.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify 5-10 rules that the characters in Catherine, Called Birdy had to live by.
- Create an image to depict each rule.
- Write a description of each rule in the black text box below its depiction.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rules | The rules are logical and can be applied to a general group of people within medieval society. All rules can be inferred from or are directly stated in the novel. | Most of the rules are logical and can be applied to a general group of people within medieval society. Most rules can be inferred from or are directly stated in the novel. One or two rules may be two specific or inaccurate to the time period. | Many of the rules are illogical and do not reflect the realities of medieval life. The majority of the rules are not rooted in the details of the novel. |
| Picture & Scene | The images clearly corresponds with the rules and use historically accurate character and setting details. | Most of the images clearly correspond with the rules. Some details may be historically inaccurate. | The images are a poor representation of the rules listed. The details are blatantly historically inaccurate. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the rulebook were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Rulebook is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
How Tos about Catherine Called Birdy - A Medieval Rulebook
Create an interactive Medieval manor map with your students
Engage your class by building a hands-on map of a Medieval manor together. This activity helps students visualize daily life and understand the roles of different people in the manor, deepening historical empathy and knowledge.
Assign roles for each student to research and represent
Divide students into groups and assign each a specific manor role such as lord, lady, steward, cook, or peasant. By focusing on one role, students gain expertise and can share unique perspectives with the class.
Have students create mini-presentations or props for their roles
Encourage students to craft props or short skits representing their daily tasks and responsibilities. This makes the lesson interactive and allows students to creatively express their learning.
Build the manor map together on a bulletin board or large poster
Collaborate as a class to assemble the manor, placing each role in its correct location and adding labels or descriptions. This visual anchor reinforces spatial and social hierarchies within Medieval society.
Lead a discussion on how each role shaped life in Medieval times
Facilitate a class conversation about how each position contributed to the manor's functioning and how these roles connect to themes in Catherine, Called Birdy. Encourage students to reflect on challenges and privileges experienced by different people.
Frequently Asked Questions about Catherine Called Birdy - A Medieval Rulebook
What are some easy lesson ideas for teaching Catherine, Called Birdy in middle school?
Easy lesson ideas for teaching Catherine, Called Birdy include having students create storyboards depicting Medieval rules, making guidebooks about daily life in the thirteenth century, comparing the roles of nobles, peasants, and ladies, and using creative writing prompts based on the novel's characters and setting.
How can I help students understand Medieval life using Catherine, Called Birdy?
To help students understand Medieval life using Catherine, Called Birdy, have them research historical facts from the book, create illustrated guides or storyboards about daily routines, and discuss the challenges faced by women and other social classes in the thirteenth century.
What is a storyboard activity for Catherine, Called Birdy?
A storyboard activity for Catherine, Called Birdy involves students identifying 5-10 rules characters followed, illustrating each rule, and writing brief descriptions. This helps students visualize and summarize key aspects of Medieval society.
How can I use Storyboard That to create a Medieval guidebook lesson?
Using Storyboard That, students can select scenes, add text, and depict rules or customs from Medieval times as described in Catherine, Called Birdy. The finished guidebook can be exported as PowerPoint slides or printed as a booklet for classroom display.
Why is Catherine, Called Birdy a good novel for teaching about women's roles in history?
Catherine, Called Birdy is an excellent novel for teaching about women's roles in history because it realistically portrays the restrictions, expectations, and daily life of girls in the Medieval era, offering students insight into gender issues and social customs of the past.
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Catherine, Called Birdy
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