Materials
two paper plates
brown and yellow construction paper
scissors
stapler
glue
buttons
crayons or markers
Instructions
1. Gather the children in a circle. Share the books about castles. Discuss the
pictures showing specific items found in castles. Discuss the differences in
functional items used during medieval times to household items used today.
For example, people in medieval times used a mortar and pestle to grind
food; modern people use food processors.
2. Place four pre-assembled items in the center of the circle. Choose three items
that would be appropriate for use in medieval times (for example, a horse, ox,
and cart) and one contemporary item (a car). Or, choose three contemporary
items and one medieval item.
3. Ask the children to identify what doesn't belong in the group and why. Show
the children enough sets of items so that they understand the objective.
4. Place the materials in a learning center for exploration. Children may sort the
items into appropriate bins (put a picture of a contemporary house on one
bin and a castle on the other) or in an actual dollhouse and castle.
5. If desired, change the groups of items on a daily basis. Discuss the children's
findings at closing circle or as the children leave every day.
