Activity Overview
A great way to introduce your students to knights and the feudal system is for them to create a coat of arms for themselves, or for Don Quixote. Some questions to help create a coat of arms are listed below.
- In the top left panel, add an animal that represents you or your strengths. Be sure to give it a label.
- In the top right panel, depict yourself doing something you love. Also label this with a matching textable.
- In the middle cells, show your future self-doing a job that you think you’d like to do. Then show something that is of importance to you. Label both of these cells, too.
- In the bottom left cell, find a symbol that shows something you love or something that makes you feel good.
- In the bottom right cell, add a textbox and write “My Motto:” followed by something that you think represents who you are and how you think people should act.
The first five cells can be related, as in the example, but they don’t have to be. If you have many interests, that is fine.
Finally, add a scroll or other text box and, in bold letters, write out your last name.
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
Create a Coat of Arms for yourself.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the top left panel, add an animal that represents you or your strengths. Be sure to give it a label.
- In the top right panel, depict yourself doing something you love. Also label this with a matching textable.
- In the middle cells, show your future self-doing a job that you think you’d like to do. Then show something that is of importance to you. Label both of these cells, too.
- In the bottom left cell, find a symbol that shows something you love or something that makes you feel good.
- In the bottom right cell, add a textbox and write “My Motto:” followed by something that you think represents who you are and how you think people should act.
- Finally, add a scroll or other text box and, in bold letters, write out your last name.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
A great way to introduce your students to knights and the feudal system is for them to create a coat of arms for themselves, or for Don Quixote. Some questions to help create a coat of arms are listed below.
- In the top left panel, add an animal that represents you or your strengths. Be sure to give it a label.
- In the top right panel, depict yourself doing something you love. Also label this with a matching textable.
- In the middle cells, show your future self-doing a job that you think you’d like to do. Then show something that is of importance to you. Label both of these cells, too.
- In the bottom left cell, find a symbol that shows something you love or something that makes you feel good.
- In the bottom right cell, add a textbox and write “My Motto:” followed by something that you think represents who you are and how you think people should act.
The first five cells can be related, as in the example, but they don’t have to be. If you have many interests, that is fine.
Finally, add a scroll or other text box and, in bold letters, write out your last name.
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
Create a Coat of Arms for yourself.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the top left panel, add an animal that represents you or your strengths. Be sure to give it a label.
- In the top right panel, depict yourself doing something you love. Also label this with a matching textable.
- In the middle cells, show your future self-doing a job that you think you’d like to do. Then show something that is of importance to you. Label both of these cells, too.
- In the bottom left cell, find a symbol that shows something you love or something that makes you feel good.
- In the bottom right cell, add a textbox and write “My Motto:” followed by something that you think represents who you are and how you think people should act.
- Finally, add a scroll or other text box and, in bold letters, write out your last name.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Create a Coat of Arms
Incorporate Coat of Arms Projects Across Subjects Easily
Connect the coat of arms activity to subjects like history, language arts, or art by aligning project prompts with current lessons. For example, have students research historical coat of arms in social studies, write creative stories about their symbols in language arts, or explore heraldic design in art. This approach helps students see real-world applications and deepens cross-curricular understanding.
Set clear expectations with a class example
Create a sample coat of arms to show students each required element and label. Display your example on the board or digitally so students can visualize expectations. Discuss your choices to model thoughtful reflection.
Guide brainstorming with targeted questions
Ask students guiding questions such as, “What animal best shows your personality?” or “What activity makes you feel happiest?” Encourage them to jot down ideas in a graphic organizer to spark creativity and help them choose meaningful symbols.
Support creative expression with flexible materials
Offer a variety of supplies—colored pencils, markers, magazines for collage, or digital tools—to let students express their ideas visually. Allowing choice can boost engagement and accommodate different abilities.
Foster class sharing and reflection
Invite students to present their coat of arms to the class or in small groups. Prompt them to explain the meaning behind each symbol and motto. Encourage positive feedback to build confidence and a sense of community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Create a Coat of Arms
What is a coat of arms activity for students?
A coat of arms activity is a creative classroom exercise where students design their own symbolic shield, representing their personality, interests, and aspirations. It's often used to help students explore identity or learn about history, like the feudal system or knights.
How do you create a coat of arms in a classroom setting?
To create a coat of arms in class, students divide a shield template into sections, add symbols for their strengths, hobbies, future goals, values, and a personal motto, then label each section. Teachers can provide step-by-step instructions and examples to guide the process.
What should students include in their personal coat of arms?
Students should include an animal representing their strengths, an activity they love, a future career goal, something important to them, a symbol of what makes them happy, and a motto. Each section should be labeled, and their last name added in bold.
How does creating a coat of arms help students connect with topics like Don Quixote or the feudal system?
Creating a coat of arms helps students connect with historical topics by putting themselves in the shoes of knights or literary characters like Don Quixote, making abstract concepts personal and relatable through hands-on design.
What are some creative ideas or examples for student coat of arms symbols?
Creative ideas include using a lion for courage, a book for love of reading, a doctor's stethoscope for future ambitions, a heart for kindness, or a favorite quote as a motto. Encourage personal meaning in each symbol!
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