Knights Becoming and a Lady in Waiting

Knighthood: Page Training

Because nsremom asked me about our "knighthood" training and because I know a few more of you out there with multiple boys, I'm going to try to explain our vision for knighthood here.  Please understand that we're still working on this so a lot of it is pretty vague yet and none of it is kid-tested. :)

The idea for knighthood came when we were (well, I was) trying to find some sort of rite of passage for boys.  I grew up in an all-girl household and my DH has just one sister, so raising a herd of boys was a bit daunting, to say the least.  When we started studying the Middle Ages, though, there it was, laid out for us.  Three distinct steps.  Perfect.

I like that the page (level 1) doesn't start until age 7.  It's helped me to relax a bit with the boys.  Before age 7, boys stayed with the rest of the children and acted like children.  They would learn basic home skills, manners, and often learn their catechism.  A few might be taught the very basics of reading and writing, but that was rare.  They were BOYS.

At age 7, they became pages.  They ran errands, performed HUMBLE services, learned to wait, practiced more detailed manners, and learned reading, writing, manners, numbers, singing, dancing, reverence for God and how to use a sword.  Hey, you have phonics, handwriting/ writing, manners, math, music, Bible and P.E.! *laugh*

Although it isn't really what a knight in training did, the craftsmen would train boys as apprentices at age 7 as well, so we let the boys choose one skill that they want to focus on (since I do NOT want them practicing swords all day long --- smilies not working *sniffle*).  I have a feeling Prince Berryboy is going to make that skill art, as he loves art.  We'll see.

This is the age when boys were drilled in their manners and Bible and I intend to do the same.  If necessary, they can catch up later in math and reading.  You can't seem to ever catch up in manners and Bible. :)

The shield idea came when I was reading Jaminacema's blog and she wrote about having quilts for each of her girls (or maybe all the children).  Quilts aren't my thing.  They're not my boys' thing.  So I thought we'd do shields.  Still working on the details because I have once-again overcommitted myself over the summer. *wry smile*

That's years 7-13 in a nutshell.  I'll post on Squire/ Journeyman the next time.

Oh, I was asked if I used any sort of package curriculum or if I made this up.  There are books out there on this subject, but I've made my own so far.  Some of those books are:

• Raising a Modern-Day Knight by Robert Lewis ($10.49 at ChristianBook.com).  I don't use this one because it is focused on the fathers and, well, my DH is a bit passive at best in this area.
• Official Knight's Handbook by Usborne Books ($11.49 at ChristianBook.com).  I just now learned about this one and may try to take a look at it later.

The other books are about the man becoming a knight for his wife (which I do like!) or the woman waiting for her knight (which I also like) and are not relevant to this.

Hope this helps. :)

A grand idea

5:39 PM, Jun. 5, 2006 .. Posted by authorDonna

What a fabulous idea. You are so right about waiting until a child is past 7 to educate. It is so easy to burn our children out and make them hate learning. Home schooling is a calling and it's main purpose is to train up children to be Godly adults. Believe me, from an old, retired homeschooler, you're on the right track.

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10:17 PM, Jun. 5, 2006 .. Posted by WaitingontheLord

This is really interesting! Thanks for sharing!
As for Yahoo Avatar - after you sign in to the Avatar page look on the right side of the page. The third button down says "Export." Click on that and it will give you a code to put on your page. Hope that helps.
Have a beautiful day!

What fun

10:32 PM, Jun. 5, 2006 .. Posted by BStrouse

I am going to read part of this to my son. He will love the idea. He turns 7 on Saturday. He is so in to knights, castles, dragons and all. I want to share a great book called The Making of a Knight by Patrick O'Brien it is a great book. Thanks for the modern Christain spin on Knights.
B.

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10:56 PM, Jun. 5, 2006 .. Posted by nsremom

Thanks for expanding. LOVE the idea. :)

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9:55 PM, Jun. 7, 2006 .. Posted by eakrabel

That is a wonderful plan! My hussband has read "Raising a Modern Day Knight", and I recently purchased another book for him called "King Me" by Steve Farrar, but I'm not sure he's read it yet. I would love to share your ideas with him for our Elijah.