Find Out! Castles
Facts - Pictures - Quizzes

Find Out! Castles

"DKfindout! Castles" stands out among children's books about castles due to its comprehensive and engaging approach. It covers a broad range of topics related to medieval castles, including knights, jousting, sieges, drawbridges, and forts, which are presented in a visually appealing format with colorful pages and illustrations. The book is part of the DKfindout! series, known for introducing children to various topics in a fun and educational manner, making it both informative and supportive of schoolwork.

In comparison to other children's books about castles and knights, "DKfindout! Castles" offers a detailed exploration of castle design, from early motte and bailey styles to stone fortresses, and includes examples from around the world, such as castles in Japan and India. This global perspective, along with the book's focus on historical accuracy and age-appropriate content, makes it a reliable educational resource.

Other books in this genre may focus on specific aspects of castle life or history, such as Norman defenses or Tudor castles, providing a more specialized view. However, "DKfindout! Castles" is praised for its ability to bring the medieval world to life through a combination of facts, artifacts, and engaging storytelling, making it a popular choice for primary school children interested in history.

Author: Philip Steele

English author Philip Steele, born on May 17, 1948, in Dorking, Surrey, is known for his work in children's non-fiction. He studied at Felsted School and University College, Durham. Steele began his career as an editor in London before moving to Isle of Anglesey, Wales. He writes on history, geography, and cultural themes, focusing on engaging young readers. Steele has authored books like "Encyclopaedia of British History" and works in the DK Find Out! series.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: DK Find Out!
  • Format: Paperback
  • Print length: 64 pages
  • Dimensions: 18.8 x 0.8 x 24 cm
  • Reading age: 7-9 years old
  • Publication date: 6 Jun. 2019
  • ISBN: 978-0241358436

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Can Find Out! Castles help me teach a year two Castles topic?

Author: Philip Steele

To effectively teach a Year Two topic on castles, you can incorporate a variety of engaging activities and resources that cover historical, artistic, and practical aspects of castle life. Here are some ideas and resources to consider:

Teaching Ideas

  • Storytelling and Literature: Use books like The Very Last Castle and Tuesdays at the Castle to introduce children to castle themes through storytelling. These narratives can spark interest and provide context about life in castles.
  • Creative Writing Prompts: Encourage students to write imaginative stories using prompts such as "Locked in the Dungeon" or "The Dragon Approaches." This helps develop their writing skills while engaging with the castle theme.
  • Art Projects: Have students create their own tapestries or shields, which can be displayed in the classroom. This hands-on activity allows them to explore medieval art forms.
  • Castle Construction: Organize a project where students design and build their own castles using various materials. This could include discussions about the different parts of a castle, such as towers, moats, and walls.
  • Interactive Learning: Utilize virtual tours of famous castles (like Cardiff Castle) to give students a real-world view of castle architecture and history. This can be supplemented with videos that explain who lived in castles and their purposes.
  • Math Integration: Incorporate math by having students solve puzzles related to castle themes, such as calculating the number of knights needed to defend a castle based on its size or layout.

Resources

  • Knowledge Organisers: Downloadable resources that summarize key facts about castles can be useful for both teachers and students. These often include timelines of castle development and notable features of different types of castles.
  • Online Quizzes and Games: Websites like DKfindout! offer quizzes that can reinforce what students have learned about castles in a fun way.
  • Cross-Curricular Activities: Consider integrating other subjects by exploring the geography of where castles are located or discussing historical events related to castles, such as sieges or royal events.

By combining storytelling, creative projects, interactive learning, and cross-curricular activities, you can create an engaging and informative unit on castles for Year Two students.

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