I usually learn as much as the kids do in our homeschool. The “all things middle ages” that we have been researching this school year has been quite educational for me. Recently, I realized that I want my sons (I have 4 of them) to be knights. Not the modern ones such as Paul McCartney or Elton John, but the kind of knights from the middle ages. Well, minus the jousting.
As a knight in training, a boy would start off as a page at 7 years old, (I have a 7 year old). He would be responsible for some chores, he received an education and learned to read Latin. He was taught manners, and learned and practiced skills that would serve him later. Not a bad start, huh?
At age 14, (I have a 14 year old, too), the page became a squire. This was his time of apprenticeship with a trusted knight. Real one on one tutoring and hands-on studies happened here. Practical life skills and life or death lessons were learned. Responsibilities were increased.
When the knight in training turned 21, (oh yeah, got one 21, too), he was ready to become a noble knight. But first, before he was dubbed, he had to vow to keep The Code of Chivalry. This is the real reason behind my wanting my boys to become knights. These young men swore to protect the weak, fight wrong, seek justice, be loyal to friends, and be fair to all people. They promised to be true, gentle, faithful, and brave. They pledged to honor and respect women, to be generous, and to dare to do right. I want my sons to develop the character needed to be able keep to this code.
I have daughters, too. One is my own, and one that we pretend is mine. I do not want them to ever be helpless damsels in need of being rescued. I want them to be well educated, trained, and practiced in their callings, too. I think this Code applies to them as well. And definitely should apply to their future husbands.
Here’s the link to the Code of Chivalry and everything else middle ages: http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/knights-code-of-chivalry.htm
And here’s the link to free lapbooks on knights which includes a simplified knight’s code: http://www.homeschoolshare.com/knights_lapbook.php and knight connections http://www.homeschoolshare.com/connections__middle_ages.php
And here’s a random pic that showed up on my Facebook newsfeed , seems to be appropriate.
betty jo
Still Learning Something New 
Good one. So many things have changed since the middle ages, some not necessarily for the better. I must be sure to remember introducing the knight’s code to my son when he is older.
I realized I’ve slipped up a bit when I read ‘Chivalry isn’t dead, it just followed wherever being lady-like went’ from my own newsfeed to my boys & they asked me what chivalry meant. Whoa. However, I was pleased when as I explained the definition, they sald “oh, I do that” & “I do that, too.” So maybe I’ve done okay training them in the way they should go, just not so good teaching them certain vocabulary words. Lol! I probably would have never have read that little blurb to them had we not known your studies were focusing on the Middle Ages, so thanx B.J., for opening up an interesting conversation in our own home. Again. 🙂
🙂
I’m in complete agreement. Of course, you can tell that simply by my blog name. 😉
Yes, Christy, it’s obvious that we are in agreement. I’m going to check out you blog now. betty jo
Love this post. I have a son turning 16 this year and will be starting college in the fall. I am proud of his academic accomplishments, but I get a warm feeling when I meet someone from 4H or cheer gym who says “I love your son,such the gentleman.”
Thanks for stopping by my blog, Chirshelle. And, you’re so right. Nothing gives us moms a warm feeling like being told our son’s are gentlemen!
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We homeschooled till our kids went to college – they’re grown now. But our son was always fascinated by knights, and castles and everything medieval. From this interest, my husband read the book “Raising a Modern Day Knight”, and it made a great impact on us…
When our son was married (2+ years ago), my husband created a special weekend gathering of men for our son. Each man had been married many years and each took a time with Alex to talk to him about what it means to be a man, and a husband. Then at the end of the weekend, they gave him a signed plaque as a tangible symbol of becoming a man. Alex was married the next weekend.
You can never go wrong highlighting the principles of knight-hood!
Lori, thank you for sharing that. The weekend man gathering sounds wonderful.