Seventh graders arriving at Chris Endres’ social studies classroom Jan. 7 found themselves in a castle of the teacher’s Middle Ages kingdom.
“This is impressive” one boy said as he and classmates took in the classroom transformed using wall coverings projecting a gray castle and a window with a “view” of jousting taking place outside.
They found their teacher had become a king complete with robes and a crown.
With that setting, the 30-minute class turned into an action-based lesson on life in the Middle Ages.
The king, addressing the students as “younglings,” explained life of the time with the help of student volunteers along with older school drama club members in the roles of nobles, peasants and a viking.
No matter who entered the room, the king made sure they paid their taxes to help support his life of luxury.
The female nobles taught two female class volunteers lessons in the fundamentals of good posture – displayed by balancing a book on one’s head – and curtseys. The male class members engaged in activities needed to serve as knights to protect the kingdom. They tossed “boulders” and practiced sword fighting.
The king’s sword fighting skills were called to action when an invading Viking made it into the castle, bursting through a door to screams of surprise from spectators. The ensuring sword fight drew a loud round of applause.
The bottom line, Endres told the students, was “it’s a rough life in medieval times.”
Endres said the lesson he planned was an active way for his students to engage in history.
“My goal is to begin a love of studying medieval history. My approach is to bring history to life by using music, engagement and action to capture the attention of my students,” he said.
The drama was repeated to his social studies classes throughout the day.
A native of Mount Sterling, Ohio, Endres graduated from John Carroll University. He has been a teacher 12 years. Ten of those years have been with the Bethel Local Schools.
“So many students will not be able to ever visit a foreign land in their life. This is bringing that time and country to them,” he said.
