In battle, knights wore helmets that covered their faces. How could anyone tell who was who? Every knight painted a special design on his shield called a coat of arms.
A coat of arms used bright colors and symbols — pictures that stand for something. A lion meant bravery. A tower meant strength. A star meant honor. Families kept the same coat of arms for hundreds of years and passed it down from parents to children.
Today you get to be a castle designer AND a knight! You will plan a castle and create your very own coat of arms that shows what makes you and your family special.
1. Why did knights need a coat of arms?
2. What is a symbol?
3. What did a lion stand for on a coat of arms?
Draw a line or write the letter to match each symbol to its meaning: B (bravery), S (strength), H (honor).
| Symbol | Meaning (B, S, or H) |
|---|---|
| Lion | |
| Tower | |
| Star |
You need: building blocks, boxes, or craft sticks — anything you can stack!
Build a castle with: thick walls all the way around, one tall keep in the middle, and a gate that opens. If you have string, make a drawbridge that lifts!
When you are done, test it: could your castle keep people safe? Show a grown-up and explain each part.
Draw a big shield. Divide it into four parts. In each part, draw a symbol that tells about YOU — your family, a favorite animal, something you are good at, and something brave you have done.
1. What symbols did you choose for your coat of arms?
2. What does each symbol say about you?
3. What colors did you use and why?
Write T for true or F for false in each circle.
| I did it! | Circle one |
|---|---|
| I built or planned a castle | YES / NOT YET |
| I designed my own coat of arms | YES / NOT YET |
| I can explain what my symbols mean | YES / NOT YET |