Crisis of 1066, Medieval History Comprehension, Claims to Throne, Digital-Print

No-prep medieval history comprehension activity on the Crisis of 1066, perfect for middle and high school classrooms. This digital and printable resource helps students understand the succession crisis following the death of Edward the Confessor through primary source analysis, claim comparison, and persuasive writing tasks. Students evaluate claimants—Harold Godwinson, William of Normandy, Harald Hardrada, and Edgar the Ætheling—using visual tools, reflection prompts, and map-based tasks. A complete solution key and editable slides are included for easy classroom use.

What’s Included:

• Editable slide presentation (PPTX)
  Introduces the 1066 succession crisis, key claimants, and major events with visuals and prompts for classroom discussion
• Comprehension and source analysis worksheet (PDF & digital)
  Includes claim comparisons, battle summaries, reflection questions, and primary source tasks
• Hands-on cut-and-paste timeline activity
  Students physically sequence key events from 1066 and annotate them with causes, consequences, and locations using maps
• Claims to the Throne analysis chart
  Compare strengths, weaknesses, and legitimacy of Harold, William, Hardrada, and Edgar
• Motte and Bailey castle source task
  Investigate Norman control through primary images and historical context
• Scaffoled Persuasive writing extension task
  Students write a speech defending their chosen claimant using PEEL paragraph structure
• Solution key
  Provides model answers for all comprehension and source questions to support marking or peer review
  

Skills Developed Through This Activity:

• Historical comprehension and recall
• Source analysis and critical thinking
• Comparative reasoning Evaluate different claims and arguments
• Geographical understanding Use maps to trace invasions and key battles
• Persuasive writing Construct arguments using evidence and rhetorical devices

How to Use this Activity in your Classroom:

• Use slides to introduce the succession crisis and claimants
• Assign the comprehension worksheet for individual or group work
• Discuss events and claims using the visual map timeline and claim charts
• Assign persuasive writing as a summative task
• Use the solution key for fast feedback or peer review
  

How to Use this Activity in your Classroom:

• Use slides to introduce the succession crisis and claimants
• Assign the comprehension worksheet for individual or group work
• Discuss events and claims using the visual map timeline and claim charts
• Assign persuasive writing as a summative task
• Use the solution key for fast feedback or peer review
  

Extension Activities with the Resource:

• Speech writing task: Deliver a persuasive speech as your chosen claimant
• Create an illustrated timeline of the 1066 crisis events
• Role-play debate: Each student defends a different claimant
• Castle design task: Build or draw your own motte and bailey castle
• Interactive map activity: Trace the paths of each claimant’s invasion

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Learn more about this product’s features, care instructions, and other useful details to help you make an informed choice.