Materials

• Textbook
• Preferred teacher resources
• Overheads or pictures of Charlemagne
• Notes on the Age of Charlemagne, including information on Charlemagne’s personality and accomplishments
• Primary source readings about Charlemagne
• Teacher-selected worksheet, reading, or other activity

Instructional Activities

1. Begin the class by reviewing the content from previous sessions.
   
   
2. Begin a discussion of Charlemagne by asking students why and how someone gets to be known in history as “the Great.” Provide examples such as Alexander and Ramses II, as well as others students may have studied. Ask what characteristics these people share. (Responses should include military skill, leadership ability, long lasting accomplishments, and similar traits). Then ask what can be assumed about Charlemagne’s reign and/or personality.
   
   
3. Show a picture of Charlemagne and discuss notes on him that includes his personality, accomplishments, and the Age of Charlemagne.
   
   
4. Introduce a primary source reading about Charlemagne that can be found in most texts or primary source supplements. Read and discuss it with students.
   
   
5. Assign a teacher-selected worksheet, reading, or other reinforcement activity.