Crafting with heraldry: Fun with coat of arms templates
Did you know that coat of arms were like the ancient ID cards of knights and nobles? These unique designs, often displayed on shields, were used in medieval times to identify warriors in battle and to represent families or individuals. A coat of arms includes symbols and colors that tell a story or represent certain family traits. Think of them as personalized emblems that were both practical and artistic.
As you take this journey into the past with your kids, using a coat of arms template can be a great way to spark their imagination. Below, you’ll find a blend of craft ideas, educational activities, and related books, all seamlessly integrated with the use of blank shield templates. These templates not only offer a fantastic canvas for creativity but also open doors to a world of learning and discovery!
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The history of coat of arms: A glimpse into medieval identities
Coat of arms have a rich and colorful history that dates back to the medieval times. Originally, they were used by knights as a way to identify themselves in battle. Imagine a sea of armored warriors where everyone looks the same; coat of arms on shields and banners helped tell friends from foes.
Each coat of arms was unique to the person or family it represented, much like our modern-day logos or team emblems. The designs often included animals, mythical creatures, colors and shapes — each with its own special meaning. For example, a lion might represent bravery, while the color red could stand for strength or passion.
Over time, these symbols became deeply tied to family heritage, passed down through generations. They were a source of pride — telling stories of ancestors’ achievements and characteristics. Kings and queens would also grant coat of arms to individuals as a reward for their bravery or service.
Understanding the history of coat of arms adds depth to the crafting and learning activities that follow, making the experience more enriching for both you and your child. It’s a fascinating way to connect with the past and bring the stories of medieval knights and nobles to life.
Craft ideas with a coat of arms theme
Encourage your child’s creativity and historical curiosity with these engaging craft ideas. Utilizing blank shield and crest templates, these activities are not only fun but also a great way to learn about medieval heraldry.
- Design your family crest: Using a blank crest or shield template, encourage your child to think about what symbols, colors, and animals represent your family. They can draw, paint, or use collage techniques to create a family crest.
- Medieval shield: Transform cardboard into a medieval shield using a shield template. Kids can decorate their shields with foil, paint, and markers, emulating the knights of old.
- Coat of arms mosaic: Cut small pieces of colored paper or fabric and glue them onto a blank coat of arms template to create a mosaic effect. This activity is great for fine motor skills and creativity.
- Heraldry storytelling: Have your child create a fictional coat of arms and then tell a story about the knight or noble it belongs to. This is a fantastic way to blend art and creative writing.
- Clay crest medallions: Use air-dry clay to create coat of arms medallions. Press a crest template into the clay to create an imprint, and then paint it after it dries.
Learning activities: Exploring heraldry using shield clipart
These learning activities are designed to deepen your child’s understanding of the historical and symbolic significance of coat of arms. From color meanings to heraldic flag designs, each activity is an opportunity to explore the fascinating world of medieval heraldry.
- History of heraldry: Explore the history of coat of arms and what different symbols and colors represented in medieval times. This can be a great history lesson for kids.
- Color meanings: Teach your children about the meanings of different colors used in heraldry. For example, red represents courage and strength, while gold symbolizes generosity.
- Heraldic animal match: Create a matching game with different animals found in heraldry, like lions, eagles, or dragons, and their symbolic meanings.
- Medieval timeline challenge: Create a timeline that includes major events from the medieval period. This can include the establishment of famous coat of arms, battles or the reigns of notable monarchs. It’s a great way to visualize the era and understand the development of heraldry over time.
- Design a heraldic flag: Have your kids design a flag for a made-up medieval kingdom. This can involve researching authentic symbols and colors used in historical flags and coats of arms.Enriching reads for young knights and maidens
Books on coat of arms and medieval life
To further complement the hands-on activities, here are some specially selected books. They provide a captivating insight into the life of knights, the intricacies of medieval society, and the rich history behind coat of arms, making them perfect for young readers eager to learn more about this fascinating era.
- Knights and Castles: A Non-Fiction Companion to Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #2: The Knight at Dawn by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce. A fantastic journey into the world of knights and castles for young readers.
- The Usborne Internet-Linked Medieval World by Jane Bingham. This book offers a vivid look at medieval life, complete with internet links for further exploration.
- The Making of a Knight: How Sir James Earned His Armor by Patrick O’Brien. A captivating story that brings the process and ceremony of becoming a knight to life.
- DK Eyewitness Books: Knight by Christopher Gravett. An illustrated guide to the life of knights, complete with real-life pictures and interesting facts.
- If You Lived In The Days of the Knights by Ann McGovern. This interactive book invites young readers to imagine life in medieval times, answering all their curious questions.
