11|29|25 - Knights and Castles: Build Your Own Shield!
Hear ye, hear ye, brave adventurer! Are you ready to journey back in time to the age of knights, castles, dragons, and daring quests? Knights were heroes who protected their kingdoms, rode mighty horses, and carried strong shields decorated with special symbols. Today, YOU get to become a knight by learning how to build your very own shield!
Grab your imagination and your crafting tools—it’s time for a medieval adventure!
Who Were the Knights?
Knights lived hundreds of years ago during the Middle Ages. They were trained to be strong, brave, and loyal. Their job was to protect the castle, help people in need, and sometimes go on epic quests.
Knights wore:
🛡️ Armor to protect their bodies
🛡️ Helmets to keep their heads safe
🛡️ Shields with colorful designs called crests or coats of arms
A knight’s shield wasn’t just for safety—it told a story about who they were!
What Is a Coat of Arms?
A coat of arms is a special design or picture that represents a knight, family, or kingdom.
Your shield might show:
A lion for courage
A dragon for strength
Stars or moons for magic
Your initials or a symbol you love—like a heart, tree, or lightning bolt!
Your shield is your legend.
Build Your Own Shield (Knight Craft Time!)
You don’t need metal or fire to make a mighty shield—just a few craft supplies and your knightly creativity!
Supplies:
🏰 A large piece of cardboard
🏰 Scissors (with adult help!)
🏰 Paint, markers, or crayons
🏰 Aluminum foil (for a shiny look!)
🏰 Glue or tape
🏰 Ribbon, rope, or an old belt for the handle
Steps:
Draw your shield shape
– Could be round, square, or classic pointy-bottom knight style.Cut it out
– Ask an adult to help with tricky edges.Decorate your crest
– Paint or draw your special symbols.
– Add foil to make it extra shiny!
– Outline with bold colors so your shield stands out.Attach the handle
– Tape or glue ribbon or cardboard strips to the back so you can hold it.Raise your shield high!
– You are now officially a knight of the crafting kingdom!
Awesome Knightly Activities
Once your shield is ready, try these adventures:
✨ Knight Training Course
Set up obstacles in your yard or living room (pillows, cones, tunnels). Practice bravery and balance!
✨ Royal Shield Parade
March proudly while showing off your shield. Have friends or family cheer you on!
✨ Dragon Defense Game
Pretend a friendly dragon is flying around (a parent waving a blanket works!), and use your shield for protection as you complete quests.
✨ Castle Storytime
Write a story about your knight character
What kingdom do you protect?
What creature do you befriend?
What is your knight name?
Heraldry Mix-and-Match:
Create mini shield cards with different animals, colors, and patterns. Mix them up to design new crest combinations!
Fun Knight Facts
▶️ Real knights started training at 7 years old as pages, then became squires at 14 before becoming full knights.
▶️ Knights followed a code called chivalry—be brave, be kind, protect others.
▶️ Castles often had moats, drawbridges, and secret passages!
▶️ Shields were made of wood covered in leather or metal.
▶️ Jousting was a favorite knight sport—like medieval bumper cars on horses!
Junior Knight Challenge
Can you complete the Knight’s Quest?
□ Build your own shield
□ Create your knight name
□ Draw your coat of arms
□ Write one rule for your personal code of honor
□ Go on one “mini quest” (like helping someone at home!)
If yes—you are now a true Junior Knight of the Realm!
