Speak like an expert - Castles

Engaging children in a dynamic learning activity, "Speak like an expert" encourages them to delve into the world of castles and share their knowledge with peers. In this exercise, students prepare a one-minute presentation on what they've learned about castles. They could choose from various topics such as the architectural features of Windsor Castle, the defensive mechanisms like a portcullis or a drawbridge, the historical significance of Motte and Bailey castles, the strategic importance of moats, or the lives of notable figures such as William the Conqueror.

After delivering their presentations, the children's partners award them up to 10 points based on the quality and content of their presentation. They then engage in a discussion to provide feedback and explain the reasoning behind the awarded score. To add an element of fun and competition, the score is multiplied by points corresponding to the chosen topic from a table – for instance, discussing a moat earns a multiplication by 4, while speaking about Windsor Castle multiplies the score by 2. This activity not only aids in reinforcing their understanding of medieval history and the function of castles but also develops their public speaking and critical evaluation skills.