This week, both history classes discussed the various factors that affected the final years of the Medieval period in Europe. Initially this period was prosperous--as the years under strong feudal lords and kings were peaceful and the trade routes and discoveries of knowledge gathered by the Crusaders helped Europe thrive. But then several things happened to propel Europe into a period of calamity and despair. England and France were involved in a long series of wars, known as the Hundred Years War. It is in this war that we are introduced to French heroine, Joan of Arc, who died a martyr. The classes also learned about a force more destructive than any war--the plague! The plague was brought over from China on merchant ships, and spread through Europe via fleas and rats. Entire villages were wiped out, and in the end, one of every three Europeans was killed by this disease. The Lower Grammar class got creative in making and designing their own currency. As trade developed and became more sophisticated, a means of payment other than grain, livestock or other goods became necessary. The Upper Grammar class made knight/Joan of Arc helmets to help the kids with their costumes for the upcoming End of Unit celebration. Downstairs, the Five in a Row class read the book, "Me and My Family Tree." In this book, a little girl sketched out her family tree, including herself, her brothers and sisters, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins--and then explains how she came to be! The kids then made adorable family trees of their own, with their hands as the trunk and beautiful autumn colored leaves--with the names of their very special family members included!
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