The Mystery of History and Enrichment4You.com have teamed up to
create this CD-ROM full of crafts and coloring pages designed by
the talented Jean Henrich. The CD features 8 craft projects, in
handy PDF format, from around the world during the Middle Ages
and a collection of beautiful coloring pages. The projects included
correspond to the Mystery of History Volume II lessons and use
full color photos and instructions to assist students in the following
crafts:
- medieval siege tower
- faux metal Indian bell
- Islamic tile
- Byzantine icon
- Viking Runestone
- Maori Plaque or Pendant
- Japanese Sagemono
- Mesoamerican Clay Stamps
The craft projects are a bit advanced and some may require special
purchases from a craft store. The supply list might seem a bit
intimidating, but if your family enjoys crafts like these, you
might have the supplies already on-hand. The projects are more
fitting for older students and may still require adult assistance.
I don't think younger students would be able to participate very
much, though they can help with small touches and will still be
able to enjoy the coloring pages. Though challenging, the finished
projects are impressive. The completed projects are equivalent
to a half-credit in art for High School Students.
The spectacular coloring pages can be enjoyed by all ages. These
are works of art in and of themselves. The coloring pages include
several categories, including Byzantine, India, Islamic, and Medieval
coloring pages.
These pages also contain advice on displaying the artwork and
including creative media options rather than just colored pencils
or crayons. Each coloring page contains a brief description
of the artwork and how it is suited to the historical time period
being studied. The pieces are authentic to their context and not
your typical coloring book pages.
The CD-ROM is reasonably priced at $14.95. When you consider that
the coloring pages are reproducible and can be used by all of your
students, the coloring pages alone would be worth it. The craft
projects are well presented and interesting, making it all the
more worth the price. Though it is nice to have, it is not by any
means necessary. Students can still have an enriching history class
using only Mystery of History Volume II. But if you have hands-on
students, it would be a fun addition to your lessons.
Product Review by Jennifer Harrison, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine,
LLC, November, 2011
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