📜 Medieval Monk Day: Bringing History to Life Through Experiential Learning
Our 8th grade students recently participated in Medieval Monk Day, an immersive program designed to deepen understanding of monastic life and its impact on education, community service, and cultural preservation.
Throughout the day, students engaged in hands-on activities that highlighted key aspects of medieval monastic practice: • Scriptorium writing and illuminated lettering • Bread and cheese demonstrations exploring monastic self-sufficiency • Chant practice introducing the role of music in daily routines • Monastic chores emphasizing discipline and communal responsibility • Almsgiving and service reflections • A simple monastic meal to experience gratitude and moderation
Students also studied the historical role of oblates, gaining insight into how children learned, worked, and contributed within monastic communities.
A memorable highlight came from two faculty members who volunteered to wear tonsure-inspired hairstyles, adding authenticity and sparking thoughtful discussion about monastic identity.
This program offered a meaningful blend of history, culture, and experiential learning—demonstrating our commitment to making the past engaging, relevant, and accessible for today’s students.
