Homeschool: September

The official start of the new homeschool year began in September.  Mr. B's lit class (that he's not taking but I am making him learn about anyway.... long story) is studying medieval literature.  I thought it would be fun to tie in some other areas of learning around this time period so I have been looking for some additional medieval curriculum.  As it turns out there is an actual medieval village just down the road from my house!  So off we went for a day at Camlann.

We were greeted upon arrival by a guard who explained the community and encouraged us to interact with the villagers.

 

The blacksmith was busy at work. 

All villagers maintained their characters to the fullest and were eager to answer questions about historically correct day to day life.

Mr. B had the opportunity to learn how to shoot a traditional long bow.

He hit the target several times!

We decided to experience an authentic medieval meal at the local inn.  The food was all delicious but the room was very smoky since everything was cooked over a fire in the kitchen and there was no breeze to help air out the smoke.

We were given spiced drinks and a plate of super delicious cheeses and pear slices.  (The cheeses were really really good.)

We were lucky that the village inn provided metal flatware for us to use, since they are a costly extravagance for a simple inn of the time.  The stew was comprised of a broth with root vegetables and herbs.  We were each given a large piece of bread and told to use our fingers to create a well in the center of the bread and then to use the bread as the bowl for our stew.  Yum!  (I may have to try this at home... less dishes to wash if we eat our bowls) 

After lunch we headed back to the blacksmith's hut to explore some more and Mr. B did another round of archery.  

 

Though I wasn't allowed to take interior photos of the shops and houses we visited, there was quite a bit more to the village that what I've documented: a traditional home with servant who answered all our questions, a scribe shop who also sold some books and allowed us to try our hand at writing with a real quill (she was very impressed that we knew our letters!), candle maker (we could have made candles but it was taking too long for her wax to melt), and a clothier who showed how wool was transformed into fabric.  The village also has festival weekends where visitors can watch medieval games take place.

 

Overall it was a great experience.  Mr. B learned quite a bit about medieval life and really appreciates our modern day conveniences and food variety!