Middle School Gifted and Talented Unit Plans

Medieval Times:Travel Back to the Middle Ages!(Middle Ages) Unit of Study

By Gail Hennessey

I loved teaching about the Middle Ages and would like to offer teachers my notes, activities and resources that I found of value when I taught the subject.

Perhaps, these additional resources might be of interest:

1. Want a fun activity to review vocabulary terms for a unit of study on the Middle Ages?Looking for an enrichment activity in history? Try my Medieval Puzzler: Secret Message Review Activity. The activity involves students working individually or in groups to review vocabulary terms connected with Medieval Times. Then,a following direction activity is next where students place letters from the different terms into boxes found at the end of the activity page. Once all the boxes are filled, a "secret message" about the Middle Ages is revealed! The teacher page includes additional information to share about the "secret message". It's a fun way to reinforce important vocabulary for a unit of study on the Middle Ages! If you prefer to offer a vocabulary box, I have included this as well.... Medieval Secret Message Review Activity

2. One of the oldest lasting examples of graphic communication is the Bayeux Tapestry.It dates back to 1083. Bayeux Tapestry Reading

3. Students have always ask me..."Why do we have to learn this stuff about ancient Greeks or Middle Ages?" My answer-much of what we have today was because of things developed by people that lived long ago.

This reading activity shares with kids how the pencil they are using, the writing system they are using, the eyeglasses they are wearing are just some of the many things we have today thanks to previous cultures of the past. I've included several comprehension questions and two extension activities. The Past Shapes our Present Reading Activity

4. Great addition to a unit of study on the Middle Ages: Use this informative Reader's Theater Script to learn about the Black Death, a disease that killed almost 1/2 the population of Europe(1347-1351). The fun/informative play uses the format of Simon, a victim of the Black Death being a guest on Ms. Bie Ografee's talk show. A studio audience asks questions about his experiences during the time(the medical beliefs,cause, the effects the Black Death had on Europe, etc.Great for study on the Middle Ages or science unit on bacteria/contagious diseases. A Visit with Simon, a Viction of the Black Death: Reader's Theater Script

5.Learn about the Crusades with this fun and informative play. Students will have fun acting out the different parts, especially those of Sir Bartholomew. There are 10 audience questioners. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, the format is that of a talk show host with a studio audience that ask Ms. Bie Ografee's guest questions about the time period. Included: cause, different crusades(ie: People's Crusade, Children's Crusade and the Third Crusade) and the important results of this period in history. There is a DiD You Know? fun facts,comprehension questions, a teacher section with extension activities and links I thought might be of interest to the teacher. There is also a key to the comprehension questions. A Visit with a Crusader, A Reader's Theater Script

6. History of Pretzels: https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/PRETZELSReading-Passage-2484346?st=54ece3996759f455af224558d4b1904b

* Perhaps, you might be interested in "following me". I send monthly notes and some times have specials. Click by the green start by my photograph.

Key words: Middle Ages, Dark Ages, Medieval Times, Medieval Ages, castles, unit on Middle Ages, knights, feudalism, rise of towns

$4.34

Medieval Times:Travel Back to the Middle Ages!

By Gail Hennessey

I loved teaching about the Middle Ages and would like to offer teachers my notes, activities and resources that I found of value when I taught the subject.

Perhaps, these additional resources might be of interest:

1. Want a fun activity to review vocabulary terms for a unit of study on the Middle Ages?Looking for an enrichment activity in history? Try my Medieval Puzzler: Secret Message Review Activity. The activity involves students working individually or in groups to review vocabulary terms connected with Medieval Times. Then,a following direction activity is next where students place letters from the different terms into boxes found at the end of the activity page. Once all the boxes are filled, a "secret message" about the Middle Ages is revealed! The teacher page includes additional information to share about the "secret message". It's a fun way to reinforce important vocabulary for a unit of study on the Middle Ages! If you prefer to offer a vocabulary box, I have included this as well.... Medieval Secret Message Review Activity

2. One of the oldest lasting examples of graphic communication is the Bayeux Tapestry.It dates back to 1083. Bayeux Tapestry Reading

3. Students have always ask me..."Why do we have to learn this stuff about ancient Greeks or Middle Ages?" My answer-much of what we have today was because of things developed by people that lived long ago.

This reading activity shares with kids how the pencil they are using, the writing system they are using, the eyeglasses they are wearing are just some of the many things we have today thanks to previous cultures of the past. I've included several comprehension questions and two extension activities. The Past Shapes our Present Reading Activity

4. Great addition to a unit of study on the Middle Ages: Use this informative Reader's Theater Script to learn about the Black Death, a disease that killed almost 1/2 the population of Europe(1347-1351). The fun/informative play uses the format of Simon, a victim of the Black Death being a guest on Ms. Bie Ografee's talk show. A studio audience asks questions about his experiences during the time(the medical beliefs,cause, the effects the Black Death had on Europe, etc.Great for study on the Middle Ages or science unit on bacteria/contagious diseases. A Visit with Simon, a Viction of the Black Death: Reader's Theater Script

5.Learn about the Crusades with this fun and informative play. Students will have fun acting out the different parts, especially those of Sir Bartholomew. There are 10 audience questioners. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, the format is that of a talk show host with a studio audience that ask Ms. Bie Ografee's guest questions about the time period. Included: cause, different crusades(ie: People's Crusade, Children's Crusade and the Third Crusade) and the important results of this period in history. There is a DiD You Know? fun facts,comprehension questions, a teacher section with extension activities and links I thought might be of interest to the teacher. There is also a key to the comprehension questions. A Visit with a Crusader, A Reader's Theater Script

6. History of Pretzels: https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/PRETZELSReading-Passage-2484346?st=54ece3996759f455af224558d4b1904b

* Perhaps, you might be interested in "following me". I send monthly notes and some times have specials. Click by the green start by my photograph.

Key words: Middle Ages, Dark Ages, Medieval Times, Medieval Ages, castles, unit on Middle Ages, knights, feudalism, rise of towns

$4.34

Ancient Greeks: Let's Explore the Greeks(Unit with Activities and Links)

By Gail Hennessey

Covering the Ancient Greeks? I taught a unit on Ancient Greece for 32 years and would love to share my notes, activities and resources I used with my students with those who are looking for materials on this period of history.

You may find these resources of interest as well:

1. Want a fun activity to review vocabulary terms for a unit on ancient Greece? Looking for an enrichment activity in history? Try my Ancient Greek Secret Message activity. The activity involves students working individually or in groups to review vocabulary terms on the Ancient Greeks. Then,a following direction activity is next where students place letters from the different terms into boxes found at the end of the activity page. Once all the boxes are filled, a "secret message" about the ancient Greeks is revealed! The teacher page includes additional information to share about the "secret message". It's a fun way to reinforce important vocabulary for a unit of study on the Greeks! If you prefer to offer a vocabulary box, I have included this as well.... Greeks, A Secret Message Review Activity

2. Part of my Country in Focus Webquest series(includes comprehension questions): Greece,Country in Focus, A Webquest and Extension Activities

3. Travel to Greece(Reading activity in the Content Area): Comprehension questions included: Greece, Travel To Greece Reading in the Content Area

4. History of the Olympics:

Learn about the history of the games which began in ancient Greece, both past and present with this informative webquest. There are 10 questions as well a number of fun facts. Extension activities are also included(and the key).The webquest can be completed in one class period and is geared for upper elementary and middle school students.Can be used before a vacation, for a Friday activity,during the upcoming games or if you are studying the ancient Greeks. History of the Olympics: A Webquest/Extension Activities

5. Socrates: With this biographical reading passage, students will learn about the Socrates, the famous Philosopher of Ancient Greece. Nicknamed the "Great Questioner", this reading introduces students to Socrates. There is also a Did You Know? section, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extensions and links.

This resource is part of my new series, "Let's Meet..." famous people in ancient history. More titles are being added later in the week.Socrates

6. Aesop: https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Aesop-Fable-Writer-from-Ancient-GreeceReading-Passage-3976379

7. Woman Astronomer: Aglaonike: https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Womens-History-Famous-Women-in-Ancient-History-AglaonikeGreek-astronomer-4016319?st=5d7be61d42a835c60fd282f95388badb

8. Artemisia, Female Naval Commander during the Battle of Salamis. https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Womens-History-Famous-Women-in-Ancient-History-AglaonikeGreek-astronomer-4016319?st=5d7be61d42a835c60fd282f95388badb

9. First Female Doctor of Ancient Greece(Agnodice): https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Womens-History-First-Female-Doctor-of-Ancient-GreeceAgnodiceReading-Passage-4021604

* Please consider following me(click by Green star by my picture. Thanks!

$4.50

Ancient Greeks: Let's Explore the Greeks(Unit with Activities and Links)

By Gail Hennessey

Covering the Ancient Greeks? I taught a unit on Ancient Greece for 32 years and would love to share my notes, activities and resources I used with my students with those who are looking for materials on this period of history.

You may find these resources of interest as well:

1. Want a fun activity to review vocabulary terms for a unit on ancient Greece? Looking for an enrichment activity in history? Try my Ancient Greek Secret Message activity. The activity involves students working individually or in groups to review vocabulary terms on the Ancient Greeks. Then,a following direction activity is next where students place letters from the different terms into boxes found at the end of the activity page. Once all the boxes are filled, a "secret message" about the ancient Greeks is revealed! The teacher page includes additional information to share about the "secret message". It's a fun way to reinforce important vocabulary for a unit of study on the Greeks! If you prefer to offer a vocabulary box, I have included this as well.... Greeks, A Secret Message Review Activity

2. Part of my Country in Focus Webquest series(includes comprehension questions): Greece,Country in Focus, A Webquest and Extension Activities

3. Travel to Greece(Reading activity in the Content Area): Comprehension questions included: Greece, Travel To Greece Reading in the Content Area

4. History of the Olympics:

Learn about the history of the games which began in ancient Greece, both past and present with this informative webquest. There are 10 questions as well a number of fun facts. Extension activities are also included(and the key).The webquest can be completed in one class period and is geared for upper elementary and middle school students.Can be used before a vacation, for a Friday activity,during the upcoming games or if you are studying the ancient Greeks. History of the Olympics: A Webquest/Extension Activities

5. Socrates: With this biographical reading passage, students will learn about the Socrates, the famous Philosopher of Ancient Greece. Nicknamed the "Great Questioner", this reading introduces students to Socrates. There is also a Did You Know? section, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extensions and links.

This resource is part of my new series, "Let's Meet..." famous people in ancient history. More titles are being added later in the week.Socrates

6. Aesop: https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Aesop-Fable-Writer-from-Ancient-GreeceReading-Passage-3976379

7. Woman Astronomer: Aglaonike: https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Womens-History-Famous-Women-in-Ancient-History-AglaonikeGreek-astronomer-4016319?st=5d7be61d42a835c60fd282f95388badb

8. Artemisia, Female Naval Commander during the Battle of Salamis. https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Womens-History-Famous-Women-in-Ancient-History-AglaonikeGreek-astronomer-4016319?st=5d7be61d42a835c60fd282f95388badb

9. First Female Doctor of Ancient Greece(Agnodice): https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Womens-History-First-Female-Doctor-of-Ancient-GreeceAgnodiceReading-Passage-4021604

* Please consider following me(click by Green star by my picture. Thanks!

$4.50

Ancient Romans

By Gail Hennessey

WANT a STUDENT VERSION? Just send me an email and I will be happy to send it along.

Let’s Learn about the Romans!

Did you know that the idea of “sealed with a kiss” comes from Romans who signed every contract with a kiss? Did you know that a good luck symbol to ancient Romans were snakes? Or, that being pale was a sign of wealth to ancient Romans because it showed you didn't need to work outside(some women actually applied white chalk to their faces to get the look of being pale). I taught a unit on the ancient Romans to my 6th graders and thought you might find my notes, activities and resources of interest. I have a short 7 map question activity, lots of links and lots of activities to use with a chapter study on the ancient Romans. I also included a webquest activity.

You may also find these resources of interest.

1. Want a fun activity to review vocabulary terms for a unit on ancient ancient Mesopotamia? Looking for an enrichment activity in history? Try my Ancient Roman Puzzler:Secret Message Review Activity. The activity involves students working individually or in groups to review vocabulary terms for a unit on ancient Rome. Then,a following direction activity is next where students place letters from the different terms into boxes found at the end of the activity page. Once all the boxes are filled, a "secret message" about the ancient Romans is revealed! The teacher page includes additional information to share about the "secret message". A great way to review vocabulary terms! If you prefer to offer a vocabulary box, I have included this as well.... Ancient Roman Puzzler, A Secret Message Review Activity

2. Studying the Ancient Romans? Looking for a Friday Activity to introduce students to countries of the world? Part of my Country in Focus Series, this web quest covers the country of Italy and the ancient Romans. Students will learn about the contributions of the people from Italy, famous people, places to visit and more. There are 11 web questions, a map skill activity on Italy, a Did You Know? fun fact section, comprehension questions and a Teacher Page with Looking for an internet activity that includes 10 extension activities, additional links and the keys. https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Italy-and-Ancient-RomeCountry-in-Focus-A-Webquest-3762286

3.
This resource is part of my series, "Let's Meet..." famous people in ancient history.

With this biographical reading passage, students will learn about Julius Caesar, Famous Leader of Ancient Rome and One of the Greatest Military Leaders in History.

There is a Did You Know? section, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extensions and links.https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Julius-Caesar-Reading-Passage-Activity-5496471</a>

My Let's Meet... series is growing. Currently, I also have the following in the series:

Hatshepsut, Ramses, Socrates, Hammurabi, Aesop and Hannibal, Aristotle, Alexander the Great, Archimedes and more

* Perhaps, you might like to follow me. Click by green star by my photograph.

$4.75

Ancient Romans(Unit of Study)Notes, Extension Activities/webquest

By Gail Hennessey

WANT a STUDENT VERSION? Just send me an email and I will be happy to send it along.

Let’s Learn about the Romans!

Did you know that the idea of “sealed with a kiss” comes from Romans who signed every contract with a kiss? Did you know that a good luck symbol to ancient Romans were snakes? Or, that being pale was a sign of wealth to ancient Romans because it showed you didn't need to work outside(some women actually applied white chalk to their faces to get the look of being pale). I taught a unit on the ancient Romans to my 6th graders and thought you might find my notes, activities and resources of interest. I have a short 7 map question activity, lots of links and lots of activities to use with a chapter study on the ancient Romans. I also included a webquest activity.

You may also find these resources of interest.

1. Want a fun activity to review vocabulary terms for a unit on ancient ancient Mesopotamia? Looking for an enrichment activity in history? Try my Ancient Roman Puzzler:Secret Message Review Activity. The activity involves students working individually or in groups to review vocabulary terms for a unit on ancient Rome. Then,a following direction activity is next where students place letters from the different terms into boxes found at the end of the activity page. Once all the boxes are filled, a "secret message" about the ancient Romans is revealed! The teacher page includes additional information to share about the "secret message". A great way to review vocabulary terms! If you prefer to offer a vocabulary box, I have included this as well.... Ancient Roman Puzzler, A Secret Message Review Activity

2. Studying the Ancient Romans? Looking for a Friday Activity to introduce students to countries of the world? Part of my Country in Focus Series, this web quest covers the country of Italy and the ancient Romans. Students will learn about the contributions of the people from Italy, famous people, places to visit and more. There are 11 web questions, a map skill activity on Italy, a Did You Know? fun fact section, comprehension questions and a Teacher Page with Looking for an internet activity that includes 10 extension activities, additional links and the keys. https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Italy-and-Ancient-RomeCountry-in-Focus-A-Webquest-3762286

3.
This resource is part of my series, "Let's Meet..." famous people in ancient history.

With this biographical reading passage, students will learn about Julius Caesar, Famous Leader of Ancient Rome and One of the Greatest Military Leaders in History.

There is a Did You Know? section, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extensions and links.https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Julius-Caesar-Reading-Passage-Activity-5496471</a>

My Let's Meet... series is growing. Currently, I also have the following in the series:

Hatshepsut, Ramses, Socrates, Hammurabi, Aesop and Hannibal, Aristotle, Alexander the Great, Archimedes and more

* Perhaps, you might like to follow me. Click by green star by my photograph.

$4.75