OK for Castles

You’ve probably seen castles in movies or TV, or maybe read a story that takes place in a castle. But what are castles really like? And are they different throughout the world? Try these activities to experience castles in a new way.

CONNECT:

• Learn about castles by watching and listening to this kid-friendly introduction to real castles at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AesgRREuCQI
• Discover the history of castles around the world at http://www.kidsdiscover.com/spotlight/castles-for-kids/?wpss-routing=results
• Read about one of these top 10 castles in fiction: https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/mar/05/jessamy-taylors-top-10-castles-in-fiction.

CREATE:

• Construct your own castle, and play games about castles at https://medievaleurope.mrdonn.org/castles.html
• What food did people in castles eat? Which might you eat now? Find out at https://www.dkfindout.com/us/history/castles/food-in-castles/
• Create a castle theme party and games using the ideas at https://www.thespruce.com/kids-knight-and-princess-party-games-2104593

CARE:

• It’s been said that a man’s home is his castle. Here is an age-appropriate checklist for kids to help keep the family’s castle in good shape: https://www.harryhelmet.com/train-em-early-how-your-kids-can-help-around-your-home/
• Children can also learn simple home repairs, as explained at https://www.stretcher.com/stories/10/10dec06e.cfm
• Pets are part of the home “castle, “ and they may have their own little “castles” such as a fishbowl or dog house. Here are age-appropriate ways for kids to help pets in those “castles”: https://www.familyeducation.com/pet-care-kids-age-appropriate-ways-kids-help

CAREERS:

Do you dream of castles in the air? Here are some down-to-earth careers that involve castles: writer, photographer, artist, actor – or film maker, historian, castle manager (probably in Europe), party planner. So while many castles are historic, castle-related jobs may be in your future.

https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/arts-humanities-careers/history/

https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/jobs-film-average-salary-career-paths/

And here are typical jobs in the middle ages: http://medieval.stormthecastle.com/medieval-jobs.htm

Which ones are still around?