17
Feb
Adventures as Annie: The Knight at Dawn
Magic Tree House Adventures is BACK! Thank you to everyone that has emailed and/or commented about the previous programs. I loved hearing your feedback. For those of you who are new here, Magic Tree House Adventures is a monthly public library program for ages 5-8. Each session is themed around a book in the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne in which there is a whole lot of history, science, activities, crafts, and plenty of fun. And I dress up as Annie. Braids and all.
For the first session we went back to the time of Knights and Castles as Jack and Annie did in The Knight at Dawn.
First… A Special Guest!
During the warmer months in Lawrence, I’ve seen a few men dressed in medieval wear practicing sword fighting in the park. I had no idea how to find these mysterious fighters, so I put it out there in the Twitter-verse, asking if anyone knew who they were. I received a reply within minutes. Thank you, Twitter. They’re a part of the Society for Creative Anachronism, and the Shire of Carlsby is located in Lawrence, Kansas. What luck! I reached out to them and one gentlemen agreed to visit the program and talk about what it was like to live back in the Middle Ages; the type of armor a knight wore, and what it was like to be a knight during that time. He brought helmets and chainmail, which he graciously allowed the kids to handle and pass around. It was awesome and they loved it. I’m so grateful they were able to make it.
Where Are We? Who Are They?
A Magic Tree House Adventures staple. “Where Are We? Who Are They?” is a 10-minute slideshow presentation/discussion where I flash a picture up on a projector and ask the kids what is going on in that particular image. For example, for this session the first picture was a picture drawn during the Middle Ages and I asked, “What year was this picture drawn? And what is going on in the picture? Do you think it was made last year?” We discussed The Middle Ages, the Feudal system, castles, parts of a castle, knights, tournaments, and battles.
Marshmallow Catapult, Castle Construction, & Sword Making
After “Where Are We? Who Are They?” the kids were divided into three groups and rotated between the various activities. These activities were marshmallow catapults, castle construction, and sword making.
Marshmallow Catapult
I talked very briefly about catapults and the physics of a catapult during the “Where Are We? Who Are They?” discussion. I told the kids to imagine a spring. When you press down on the spring that is called “potential energy”. It’s stored energy waiting to be released. When it is released and the spring bounces up, that is called “kinetic energy”. The result is movement. It is the same with a catapult. Press down (potential energy) and release (kinetic energy). What better way to test out what was discussed than flinging marshmallows at a castle? I created our own version of storming the castle using homemade catapults and poster board castles. I created several popsicle stick catapults using this guide. We used books and audiobooks to experiment with different shooting heights. I found it worked the best when the catapult was on a slope.
The only problem was that it was so fun that they didn’t seem to want to take turns. It was a hit.
Castle Construction
Another activity station was “castle construction” where the kids created 3-D castles using colored construction paper, tape, scissors, and paperclips. The idea came from the images on K8Art First, the kids cut or drew battlements (gaps on the top of a castle wall), then they rolled the ends of the paper together into a cylinder and taped it. The towers were secured together with paper clips.
Sword Making Station
There were three rules for the sword making station: 1) No hitting 2) No hitting 3) No hitting. If someone did decide to hit a peer, the sword would be taken and never returned. Needless to say… There was no hitting! This station was a little more difficult for the younger kids, but everyone was able to get their sword finished in the little time we had.
Here is how we made this craft..
We used polyethylene pipe insulation (similar to what pool noodles are made of) purchased from a hardware store and cut into the length of a little less than a yard. The only other material needed for this craft is aluminum foil. I pre-cut sheets that were about a yard before hand, so the kids wouldn’t have to bother with it.
We wrapped the foam using a sheet of foil and squeezed it together afterwards so it would be secure. I only used one sheet of foil for each end of the foam sword.
After that is complete, the handle of the sword was made by folding a sheet of foil the size of the sword enough times so that it is the same width of the sword.
Position the folded piece of foil on the sword where you’d like the handle to be.
Then twist the folded foil around the foam sword couple times.
Mold into a handle as you see fit. All I did for this example was fold in the edges.
Journals
Just like in the past, when the program was over each child received their own Magic Tree House Adventures Journal. These journals are meant to mimic Jack’s journal, listing facts about the program. They also have worksheets found on the Magic Tree House website. Here’s a preview of a few of the pages. If you’d like a copy of this journal, let me know in the comments or shoot me an email and I’ll send you a PDF copy.
It felt good to be Annie again and travel back in time again with the library kids. Next month we’ll be heading off to a deserted island in Pirates Past Noon. ARR! As always, if you have ideas of what has worked in the past with your students or patrons regarding Magic Tree House lessons/programs, please share!
image source: middle ages artwork
I love your ideas. They are so creative. I can’t wait to do the marshmallow catapult with my student. Could you please send me a copy of the journal you use? Thank you.
Absolutely! Will send now…
I’d love to receive a copy as well. What a great program!
Sure thing! I’ll send one now
Hi! My name is Christina and I teach first grade and am very interested in receiving a copy of any of your journal activities that you would not mind sharing…we are just now starting the Magic Treehouse series and my students love it!!! Thanks so much!
Christina– I’ll be sure to send one to you today!
This is such a great idea
could you please send me a copy of the journal? Thanks!
Sure thing, Betty! Will send to you today!!
This is great! Can you send me a copy too?
These are all wonderful ideas!! Thanks for sharing. Would love if you could send me a copy of the journal. Can’t wait to do these projects with my kiddos.
Heidi, I’ll be sending you a copy after I type this comment
This is very creative! Would you send me a copy of the journal? Thanks!
Hey Christine- I’ll send one your way right now!!
Wow! This is a great unit plan. Would you please send me a copy of the journal? Thank you!
These are great ideas! Perfect for our kids summer book club! I would love a copy of your journal please. Thanks!
This is terrific! During the summer I keep my kids busy with thematic weekly activities and this year we’re having a magic treehouse summer. I would love to get a copy of the journal to add to it. Thanks!
Soo great! I can’t wait to try these ideas out. I would love a copy of your journal. It is so beautifully done.
Thanks!
I love this! Our curriculum is based on the MTH books and my kids love it! I would love a copy of your journal- thank you!
Your ideas are extremely creative! I can not wait to start reading The Magic Tree House series with my daughters whom I homeschool. Would you please send me a copy of the journals you use for this series?
Thank you,
Kimberly
Hi Kimberley,
I’ll send you an email today! I hope you’re girls enjoy the series as much as the library kids do. Thanks for reading
I would love a copy of the journal. Very cool.
Please send me a copy of your journal. You have great ideas! I’ll use them in my classroom!
Would you please send me a copy of your journal for The Knights at Dark. Great ideas!
Thanks
I love this. I was able to download the info. from the magic tree house. I would love the copies of your Middle Ages book though. Thanks so much.
Tricia
Would love to receive a copy of your journal for a The a Knight at Dawn . Thank you so much!
Hi, I would love a copy of your journal. It looks great. I’m a first grade teacher and I am leading an after school program on The Magic Tree House series. This journal for The Knight at Dawn would be perfect! Thank you.
This is GREAT Rebecca! I would love a pdf of the journal to use with my son, he’s just discovered The Magic Tree House series and is LOVING them! Do you have any other journals that you’d be willing to share too? Thanks SO MUCH in advance, hope you are well!
I would love the pdf file for the journal. We are about to start on this book series after the first of the year.
Thanks
Send me a copy please.
Please send me a copy
Very creative! Great ideas! Please send me a copy of your journal. Thanks!
I love your ideas to use with this book. I am planning to use this for a One Book, One School event. Would you mind sending me a copy of your journal PDF?
I love this post. I am a homeschool mama of 5 and I just started the Magic Treehouse series with my kids. I would love a copy of your journal. Thanks for this post!!!
I’d love the PDF’s for any of the adventure journals! My boys love MTH!
Love this post!!! I would like to receive a copy of the pdf,thanks
I would absolutely love a copy of your journal pdf if you can email it to me that would be awesome!
This is awesome. Would you please send me a copy of your journal. I am teaching Magic Tree House Camp in July and this would make a great resource. Thanks so much.
I’ve introduced this series to my great nephew and niece this summer during weekly “auntie camps”. They love it and are really getting into doing crafts and activities tied to the books. I would love to get a copy of the journal (and any others you may have for the early books).
Thank you.
I would love a copy of the journal to make with my homeschool co-op class! Plan on doing the marshmallow catapult as well.
I would love a copy of the journal. I am running a Magic Tree House Club at a public library and this would be great for the kids to take away with them.
I would love a copy if you still have one.
I would love to have a copy of you journal. Thank you for sharing.
Will you please email me the journal? Thank you!
Mandy Walden
Can I please get a copy of the journal you used? I appreciate it!
I would love to receive a copy of the journal! I am creating a family fun night based on a medieval theme for our school. Thanks so much!
These look great. Could you please send me a copy of the journal? Thanks!
Will you please send me a copy of the journal please? I love the parts of a castle.
I’m a first time visitor and love the ideas here. I would love a copy of your journal if you are still providing that. Thanks!
The journal is such a great idea! I would love a copy if you are still providing it! Thank you!
WOuld love a copy of your journal! THanks!
Could you send me a copy of the journal? Thank you!!!
Could you send me a copy of of your journal? Thank you!!
I am working on Knight at Dawn with my class. Love your ideas. I would love a copy of your journal! Thanks.
Hello!
I would love to include your journal in our Magic Tree House Book Club. Could you please send a copy of your journal. Thank you!
I have taught second grade for many years and am excited to be reading Knights at Dawn to my class. I would love a copy of the journal to share with my class.
Thanks!
Hi there! I teach 2nd grade and we are about to begin a unit on The Knight at Dawn. I would love to have a copy of the journal you made. Would you mind sending me one?
Thanks so much!
Amy Mathis
Hi! I would love a copy of the book you made if still available! I am teaching a unit on Knights/ Magic Tree House book! Thank you!
I would love a copy of the journal. I have a book club at the library. Our next meeting is on the 19th.
Thanks,
Lisa
Hi!! Oh my gosh these ideas are amazing! We homeschool, and have recently realized that my 6 year old loves the idea of time travel. She has changed her “when I grow up” dream from being a cosmetologist to inventing a time machine. We recently began the MTH series, and thanks to pinterest I have stumbled across your site. I haven’t gotten a chance to look around much- but I am hoping you have some other awesome ideas for the other books. Anyway, I was wondering if you’d be willing to share the PDF for the Knight at Dawn. Thank you so much!
I am home schooling and have just finished the magic tree house Dinosaurs before dark. I am hoping to start the Knight at dawn soon. Could you send me copy of the journal you made. It looks really fun. Eternally grateful.
Can I get the PDF copy? Thanks
I’m leading a book club at school – thanks for the great ideas! Would you please send me the PDF copy of the journal for The Knight at Dawn? Thank you!
I am starting a Magic tree house book club at our library. I feel lucky to have found your great lesson plans and activities. Could you send me a PDF copy of the journal for The Knight at Dawn? Thank you so much!
Could you send me the journal pages please, it looks great. Thanks in advance. BW
I”d love a copy of your journals. Great idea think they will work well for our unit study!
Thanks for sharing
This is a wonderful resource. Thanks for sharing. Would you mind sending me a copy of the journal if available? Thanks so much! This would be perfect for our Knight unit in Cub Scouts!
Using MTH to teach my science and social studies standards this year…would love the opportunity to use your journal to help my first graders on this journey through MTH. Thanks for creating another fun way to teach using MTH!
Rebecca-
I have started a Magic Tree House Club in our library system…great idea! Are you still sending copies of your journals? I would love and appreciate a copy, if possible. Thanks for all your great ideas!
You have such wonderful ideas! I teach enrichment classes to 1st and 2nd graders. The classes are for students who receive their education through Home School. One of the classes, I have the pleasure of teaching, is titled: Magic Tree House.
Each time we read 2-3 chapters, write about them, and then work on art projects.
I love your ideas and would love to incorporate them into my class. May I have a copy of your plans?
I have saved boxes and collected boxes from our neighbors (all vary in size), so that I can have a group of kids building a castle at one station, making a flip book at another, and if I can one or more of your wonderful ideas.
Thank you for sharing your fabulous ideas!
Hi Jackie!
Thank you for the kinds words. I don’t have a copy of my outlines available to distribute, but encourage you to use whatever ideas you find here and also checkout the Magic Tree House Fact Trackers and the Magic Tree House Teacher Resource Center. Good luck with your programs! Thanks again!
Hi there! I would love a PDF of the journal if you are able to send it still. I love your ideas and look forward to using them with my students. Thanks so much!
I would love a copy please
I would love a copy of the journal please.
Would love a copy?
I would love a copy of your PDF journal if possible!
Hello from Thailand! may we please have a copy of your journal for our homeschool??
I would love to have a copy of your journal please … thanks
I really like all your ideas I would to use them in our class room.
I would love to have a copy of some journals in the magic tree house books
Thank you
Great idea! I would love to use this with my students. Could you send me a copy? TIA!
Could you please send me a copy of the journal book? I would love to use this with my students in summer school. Thanks in advance!!
Please send a copy of the journal book!! Thank you for all the awesome ideas!!
Love this idea and is perfect for our Magic Tree House Book Club. Can you please send me a copy of the journal book? Thank you so much for your wonderful ideas/
Could I please get a copy of the Knights at Dawn journal? We are going to use this book as a book study with some of my 2nd grade students. Thank you!
Tricia
Could you please send me a copy of your journal?
Thank you!
I am teaching medieval times in my school class and would LOVE a copy of your journal. Would you share with me?? Thank you so much!!
We just purchased this book today. Would love to have a copy of your journal if it is still available. Thank you!
Could I get a copy of the journal?
Thanks
May I please have a copy of the journal. Thank you for the ideas you shared.
Love the idea of each child getting a journal like Jack!, I teach middle schoolers who are on the spectrum and most are reading on or below a second/third grade level. This summer our theme is Midevil times, and I can’t wait to read this with them! Could you send me a copy of your journal?
Thank you!!!
I am teaching a summer school class on the first four books in the Magic Treehouse series and would love a copy of your journals for those books. Thank you so much.
This looks awesome! I would love to include your journal in a STEAM program on knights. Would you be able to send me a copy please?
Could we please get a copy? Thanks
Hi, your ideas are so creative! Would you send me one, please? Thanks!
Great job on all your ideas for this book. We are reading this book for next month’s kids book club. Could you please email a copy of the journal. Thank you.
I love all your ideas. Cant wait to make the catapult so I can include science with the reading. Could you please send me a pdf of the journal? Thank you for all the wonderful ideas. Off to the craft store!
Could you send me a copy of the journal. Thanks so much!
I am holding a Magic Tree house Book Club and would love a copy of your journal for The knight before dawn. Could you please send me a copy?
Thanks