Imbolc: The High Medieval Period
Rome falls, but from the ashes rise monasteries, Charlemagne's empire, and the feudal system. As Imbolc brings the first light of spring, we see civilization slowly rebuilding.
UU Principle Focus
3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth
🎯 Learning Goals
- • Understand the fall of Rome and the transition to the Medieval period
- • Appreciate the role of monasteries in preserving knowledge
- • Study Charlemagne and the Carolingian Renaissance
- • Solve multi-step equations and inequalities
- • Understand plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes
- • Connect Imbolc themes of returning light to historical renewal
Weekly Lessons
Week 1: The Fall of Rome
🕯️ Hearth Circle
In 476 CE, the last Roman emperor was deposed. Great things end. How do we handle endings? What new things can grow from what falls?
📚 Language Arts
Study the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Causes: invasions, economics, politics. Write an 'obituary' for Rome.
✖️ Math
Two-step equations: 2x + 3 = 11. Combining inverse operations. Real-world applications.
🌋 Science: Earth Science
Earth Science: Plate tectonics introduction. The earth's layers. Continental drift.
✏️ Form Drawing
Designs showing transformation—Roman to Medieval
🧶 Handwork
Begin Imbolc crafts; Brigid's crosses
📖 Story
The Last Emperor: Romulus Augustulus
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Fall of Rome Documentary
- Plate Tectonics for Kids
Shows:
- The Dark Ages
Audio:
- The Fall of Rome podcast
Week 2: The 'Dark Ages' Begin
🕯️ Hearth Circle
After Rome fell, learning declined in Europe. But was it really 'dark'? How do we find light in difficult times? (3rd Principle)
📚 Language Arts
Discuss the term 'Dark Ages'—why historians now prefer 'Early Medieval.' What was preserved? What was lost?
✖️ Math
Two-step equations with negative numbers. Checking solutions. Word problems.
🌋 Science: Earth Science
Earthquakes: why they happen. Fault lines. Measuring earthquakes. Safety.
✏️ Form Drawing
Early medieval interlace patterns
🧶 Handwork
Continue Brigid's crosses; candle making
📖 Story
Monks Who Saved Civilization
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Early Medieval Europe
- Earthquake Science
Shows:
- How the Earth Was Made
Audio:
- How the Irish Saved Civilization
Week 3: Monasteries: Keepers of Knowledge
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Monks preserved books and learning through the Dark Ages. Who are the 'keepers of knowledge' today? How do we preserve what matters?
📚 Language Arts
Study medieval monasteries. Illuminated manuscripts. The Rule of St. Benedict. Create an illuminated letter.
✖️ Math
Multi-step equations. Combining like terms. Distributive property review.
🌋 Science: Earth Science
Volcanoes: types and formation. The Ring of Fire. Famous eruptions.
✏️ Form Drawing
Illuminated letter designs—Celtic and medieval styles
🧶 Handwork
Create an illuminated page; wool felting
📖 Story
The Book of Kells and Lindisfarne Gospels
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Medieval Monasteries
- Volcano Documentary
Shows:
- Secrets of the Castle
Audio:
- Cadfael mysteries excerpts
Week 4: Charlemagne: Light in the Darkness
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Charlemagne united much of Europe and promoted learning. What does it mean to be a leader who brings light? How can we lead?
📚 Language Arts
Study Charlemagne and the Carolingian Renaissance. His empire and reforms. Write about his legacy.
✖️ Math
Equations with variables on both sides. Solving and checking. Real-world scenarios.
🌋 Science: Earth Science
Mountains: how they form. Types of mountains. Famous mountain ranges.
✏️ Form Drawing
Carolingian designs and crown motifs
🧶 Handwork
Metalwork or jewelry inspired by medieval designs
📖 Story
Charlemagne: Father of Europe
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Charlemagne Documentary
- How Mountains Form
Shows:
- The Story of Europe
Audio:
- Medieval history podcast
Week 5: Vikings: Raiders and Traders
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Vikings were feared as raiders but also skilled traders and explorers. How do we see beyond stereotypes? (1st Principle: Worth)
📚 Language Arts
Study Viking culture: raids, trade, exploration, mythology. Compare to what we learned in 4th grade. Write a balanced view.
✖️ Math
Review equations. Introduction to inequalities. Graphing on a number line.
🌋 Science: Earth Science
Erosion and weathering. How landscapes change over time. Water, wind, ice.
✏️ Form Drawing
Viking knotwork and ship designs
🧶 Handwork
Viking-inspired crafts; prepare Imbolc altar
📖 Story
Vikings: Beyond the Raids
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Vikings History
- Erosion Explained
Shows:
- Vikings documentary
Audio:
- Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
Week 6: Feudalism Emerges
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Without strong central government, feudalism developed. Lords, vassals, serfs. Is this system fair? What do we owe each other? (2nd Principle)
📚 Language Arts
Study the feudal system. Create a diagram. Write from the perspective of a lord, knight, or serf.
✖️ Math
Solving and graphing inequalities. Compound inequalities introduction.
🌋 Science: Earth Science
Soil formation and types. The importance of soil. Composting.
✏️ Form Drawing
Heraldic designs—coats of arms
🧶 Handwork
Design a family coat of arms; complete Imbolc crafts
📖 Story
Life in the Feudal System
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Feudalism Explained
- Soil Science for Kids
Shows:
- Secrets of the Castle
Audio:
- Castle Diary audiobook
Week 7: Imbolc: First Stirrings of Spring
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Imbolc celebrates the first signs of spring—hope returning. After the 'Dark Ages,' light began to return to Europe. Where do you see hope?
📚 Language Arts
Write about hope and new beginnings. Connect Imbolc themes to the Carolingian Renaissance. Poetry about light returning.
✖️ Math
Review all equation and inequality concepts. Assessment and games.
🌋 Science: Earth Science
Review earth science. Create a presentation on plate tectonics, earthquakes, or volcanoes.
✏️ Form Drawing
Brigid's cross designs; spring emerging from winter
🧶 Handwork
Complete Imbolc altar; blessing of seeds
📖 Story
Brigid: Goddess and Saint of the Flame
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Imbolc Traditions
- Earth Science Review
Shows:
- Planet Earth
Audio:
- Celtic mythology
🕯️ Imbolc Celebration
- 🟡 Create Brigid's crosses from straw or paper
- 🟡 Light candles to welcome returning light
- 🟡 Bless seeds for spring planting
- 🟡 Display illuminated letters and medieval crafts
- 🟡 Share earth science presentations
- 🟡 Reflect on hope, renewal, and new beginnings
📚 Recommended Resources
Read-Alouds & Literature
- • How the Irish Saved Civilization
- • Castle Diary (Richard Platt)
- • The Door in the Wall (Marguerite de Angeli)
Reference
- • DK Eyewitness: Medieval Life
- • Usborne Medieval World
- • National Geographic: Volcanoes