Today we looked at the art of illumination; popular in the Middle Ages. 

I set the stage by letting the girls read  this informative booklet  online about the history and art of illuminated manuscripts.   (Link is a pdf file that opens with Adobe.). 

Then as they colored their own illuminated letters, I read to them from Marguerite Makes A Book.  I'd forgotten I had this treasure on my bookshelves, so it never made it to the coffee table with the other Middle Ages selections.  It turned out well though, because by forgetting it, I was able to bring it out as a surprise! 

Kendra's Coloring (Colored Pencil) of an Illuminated Letter:

Kaira's Colored Pencil Coloring from the Template:

Kaira's own freehand illuminated Initial:

Copywork to fit the theme (writing a definition of Illumination):

 (Hmmm... I think it is time for me to give Kaira a refresher lesson in how to hold the pen...)

A tip of the hat to Barbara, of A Bit of Bubbly.  Her blog post reminded me that I had a copy of the Story Of the World Vol. 2 Activity guide with the template for the illuminated letter!