Hi All,
I wanted to share with you a wonderful opportunity I had this morning. The 4th Graders at my daughter’s school have been studying Medieval Europe since the beginning of the year. On Halloween every year they have a big "feast" where all the kids dress up and Knights, Lords and Ladies. The teachers decorate one of the gyms like the inside of a castle. The kids eat and dance and just have fun.
Yesterday I was contacted by one of the 4th grade teachers to come in today and speak to the kids about Heraldry. As I only had 30 - 45 minutes, I touched on tinctures, basic Ordinaries and a few charges. I had the opportunity to show them a couple full emblazonments, I used Kimon’s arms and my own. I also had the chance to explain why Arms need to be unique (identification purposes for the Armored Knight) and how Arms are still very much in use today. As a closing statement I explained the difference between a Coat of Arms and a supposed "family seal". I stressed the fact that just cause your last name happens to be Stewart doesn’t mean you have a right to use the Stewart Arms (in a fun a humorous way). I encouraged the children to learn more about Heraldry and the history of their own families.
I was honored when I was done to be asked back next year to make another presentation to them. I am hoping at that time to have some fun Heraldry related handouts and maybe a few papers for "design your own shield". If any of you would be interested in helping me devise things like this over the next year, I would welcome your assistance.
—Terry
Good tor you!!—most of us would welcome the opportunity!
I haven’t explored this much, but if the kids have computers:
That’s fantastic. I would have thoroughly loved a visit like this when I was in school. Kudos to the teacher for bringing you in as well. I always enjoy hearing about the teachers who go above and beyond to teach their students.