Igraine the Brave Extension Activities
- Grades: 3–5
About the Book
Igraine dreams of becoming a famous knight just like her great grandfather, but the truth is, life at the family castle is rather boring. Until the nephew of the baroness-next-door shows up. He's got a dastardly plan to capture the castle and claim as his own the wonderful singing spell books that belong to Igraine's magician parents. To make matters worse, at the very moment of the siege, her mom and dad botch a spell, turning themselves into pigs! Aided by a Gentle Giant and a Sorrowful Knight, it's up to Igraine to be brave and save the day—and the books!
• Create spells: Have students create spells and define what change(s) will occur as a result of the spell.
• Write 21st Century Rules of Chivalry: Students write their own 10 Rules of Chivalry and what the effect would be on humankind if these rules were to be followed.
• Create a map: Trace a map of Wales. On it, place the Elfin River, Whispering Woods, Pimpernel Castle, Darkrock Castle, Giant Carleff, and the rocks where the Sorrowful Knight lived. Draw a path depicting Igraine’s travels from place to place, beginning and ending with Pimpernel Castle. Note why she took that particular path. (E.g. Why did she go to Darkrock Castle first?)
Like the knights of old, you are on a great quest. Your quest is for information about castles near the birthplace of Igraine. On your journey you will see many castles and interesting rock formations that were not far from where Lady Igraine grew up.Take some time to look at the pictures. They will help you to visualize the settings in the novel. Step 4 will give you some background about what it means to be a knight, and how to become one. You will keep a journal of your findings. Use complete sentences restating the question in your answers.
Step 1: Author Search
Visit Cornelia Funke's Web site.
At the bottom of the screen, click on Biography & Bibliography. Read the biography and answer the following questions: Where was Cornelia Funke born? Give the city, region, and country. Write the information in your foldable above the tab, “Cornelia Funke.” Search the Web site further and list at least three other books Ms. Funke has written. Write that information also above the tab, “Cornelia Funke.”
Step 2: Castle Search
Visit the Welsh Castles Index Web site. Browse through the different castles and write down your favorite. Write why you picked that castle and give three facts about it. Write the information in your foldable above the tab, “Welsh Castles.” Go back to a search Web site and search for Tintagel Castle. What famous person was born here? Write three facts about this castle. Write the information above the tab, “Tintagel Castle.”
Step 3: Search Gargoyles
Visit the Gargoyles of Notre Dame de Reims Web site and the Gargoyles of Notre Dame de Paris Web site. Choose three gargoyles and list one fact about each. Write the information above the tab “Gargoyles.”
Step 4: Arthurian Legend
Visit the Knights Code of Chivalry Web site. List your five favorite codes from Knights Code of Chivalry and Vows of Knighthood and explain why they are your favorite. Write them above the tab, “Knights Code of Chivalry.” Visit the Squires Web page to find answers to the following questions: List three of the skills squires were required to learn. List two duties squires had to do. At what age does a squire usually become a knight?
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