November: Historical
Catherine, Called Birdy
Activity #1: (WRITING) The accepted roles for females have changed drastically
since the Middle Ages. Write a dialogue between Catherine and yourself in
which she explains her frustrations with her role as a female, and you tell
her how times have changed -- what life would be like for her today. Be
sure to maintain Catherine's voice and her unorthodox sense of humor.
Activity #2: (RESEARCH/ART) Put together a labeled collage or illustrated
chart that shows the differences in personal hygiene and sanitary conditions
between the Middle Ages and the present. Use the novel as a springboard
for your ideas, but research beyond the novel by using other informational
sources.
Activity #3: (COOKING) Prepare a Medieval feast for the class to share.
Working in pairs or individually, have everyone bring in a dish typical
of the era. (Remember that food was eaten without utensils.) Top off the
feast with a cake decorating contest. See who can bake the most creative
cake representing the Middle Ages -- dragons, swords, rats, castles, whatever!
Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman was published in 1994
by HarperCollins, NY NY.
For information on the author KAREN
CUSHMAN. | 
