Description
Enter the medieval period and the Crusades
Students get a fascinating glimpse into European history and the Third Crusade. They will learn about the struggles surrounding Jerusalem, the events that led to the Third Crusade, and several of the pivotal figures involved, including King Richard I, Saladin, and the history that led to Roger and Alice's adventure.
No boring history lessons here. Just fascinating tidbits that help students understand the world surrounding the events of the book, bringing it to life in their imaginations.
Gloria Skurzynski — A writer who persevered
Students learn about the incredible author, Gloria Skurzynski. Her remarkable life growing up in the Great Depression and the steel industry, her struggles to become a published author, and the incredible accomplishments and awards she made throughout her career.
Words that matter — making learning fun, not dull
Vocabulary is woven into this guide through varied, engaging activities designed to build real word retention. Students encounter words in context, work with them through word searches and activities, and develop the kind of rich vocabulary that strengthens both reading comprehension and their own writing. No rote memorization — just words that stick because students actually use them.
- Words are used in context, giving them real meaning
- Multiple Choice activities
- Dictionary work, improving their research skills
- Activities that build retention through engagement, not just memorization
Reading like a writer — building true literary appreciation
This study guides the student deeper than simple comprehension to teach students how great literature is created. Through carefully designed activities, students explore the literary techniques that make The Minstrel in the Tower so memorable and effective, including:
- Similes — See how authors use similes to help us envision things in the story, by comparing them to something we are familiar with
- Flashbacks — Spot clues an author plants ahead of time, developing habits that make students stronger, more attentive readers
- Synonyms — See how authors use words that have the same or similar meaning to add nuance and interest to stories
- Descriptive Writing — Explore descriptive language, learning how authors create clear images in our imaginations with their writing
- Alphabetizing — How to sort and organize language consistently
These are foundational ELA skills that build the literary appreciation children carry into more advanced study.
Christ-centered character study — lesson by lesson
Each chapter of Roger and Alice's journey offers a wonderful opportunity for meaningful character growth. This guide draws out the moral and spiritual dimensions of the story, exploring themes such as:
Each theme is tied directly to Scripture, so faith and literature grow together — not separately.
Learning that brings ELA to life
Families have loved how Progeny Press guides bring books to life for over 30 years — and The Minstrel in the Tower is no different. This guide includes a variety of hands-on, cross-curricular activities, including:
- Legends — Learning what legends are, and examining some popular medieval stories and legends
- Multimedia extras — Additional reading, such as Francis, the Poor Man of Assisi, or watching classic representations of Robin Hood
- Occupations — Discuss the difference between Jesters and Minstrels
- Geography and Map work — Locate and learn about Europe and The Holy Land
- Creative Writing — Have students use their imaginations and write music, poetry, and research assignments
- Wordsearch — Fun visual activities that reinforce spelling, pattern recognition, and vocabulary
- Art projects — Complete various art projects such as learning about and design your very own heraldry
- Craft projects — Bring the story to life with fun tactile activities
These aren't filler activities. Each one is intentionally connected to the story, the historical setting, or the biblical themes — making learning feel like an adventure, not a checklist.
Keep them reading, long after the last page
This guide includes a curated reading list to keep the love of literature going long after the last page closes. Featuring more works by Gloria Skurzynski as well as other books that share the themes, setting, and spirit of The Minstrel in the Tower, it's a wonderful way to build out a complete homeschool reading curriculum.
- Write your answers directly in the book
- Durable perfect-bound, heavy gloss cover
- No computer or software needed
- Answer key on perforated, removable pages
- Fillable fields, audio clips & interactive activities
- Print the whole guide, single lessons, or class sets
- Reusable file for multiple children or students
- Best experienced with free Adobe Acrobat Reader on a computer
- A copy of The Courage of Sarah Noble novel
- A copy of The Courage of Sarah Noble study guide workbook
- A Bible (digital or physical)
- A dictionary (student-friendly or online)
Created for beginning learners, this guide introduces critical thinking and introduces early ELA techniques and concepts.
- Homeschool families looking for Christian literature curriculum
- Schools looking for top quality ELA materials
- Parents wanting to build reading comprehension and character
- Co-ops and small group instruction
These guides work well on their own or alongside your preferred grammar and writing program.
What grade level is this designed for?
Recommended for grades 1–3, giving elementary students a fantastic introduction to the world of literary analysis in a grade appropriate way.
Is this a Christian literature curriculum?
Yes. Our faith-based curriculum integrates Christian worldview discussion with strong literature study and writing instruction.
Does the workbook include a complete answer key?
Yes. A full detailed answer key is included on perforated pages for easy removal before giving the book to students.
Is there space to write directly in the workbook?
Yes. Each lesson provides built-in space for students to record written answers, supporting organized learning.
May I copy pages for classroom or co-op use?
Yes, this guide is reproducible for classroom, co-op, and homeschool instruction.
What type of binding does the guide use?
Perfect bound in a full-size 8.5x11 format with a heavy gloss cover and quality interior paper for durability.
- Premium Print Format — Durable, perfect-bound 8.5x11 guide built for long-term classroom and homeschool use.
- Answer Key Made Simple — Full answer key on perforated pages, easy to remove before student use.
- Student-Friendly Design — Built-in space for written answers supports active learning and organized responses.
- Reproducible for Classroom Use — Approved for copying for Christian schools, co-ops, and group instruction.
- Open-and-Go Teaching — No devices needed. Just the book, a pencil, and a positive attitude!
- Trusted for Over 30 Years — Chosen by homeschool families, Christian schools, and educators nationwide.
- A copy of The Courage of Sarah Noble novel
- A copy of The Courage of Sarah Noble study guide CD
- A computer with a CD drive
- A Bible (digital or physical)
- A dictionary (student-friendly or online)
Created for beginning learners, this guide introduces critical thinking and introduces early ELA techniques and concepts.
- Homeschool families looking for Christian literature curriculum
- Schools looking for top quality ELA materials
- Classes wanting to print class sets of the worksheets
- Parents wanting to build reading comprehension and character
- Co-ops and small group instruction
These guides work well on their own or alongside your preferred grammar and writing program.
What grade level is this designed for?
Recommended for grades 1–3.
Is Progeny Press a Christian curriculum?
Yes, our faith-based literature study is Christ-centered and includes biblical application lessons. It can also be adapted for secular use by treating the Dig Deeper questions as moral/value discussions.
Does the CD study guide include an answer key?
Yes, a full detailed answer key is included as a separate file on the CD.
Is the study guide printable or fillable on screen?
Both! Print the entire guide or individual pages, or complete it digitally using the fillable form fields, audio clips, and taking advantage of the javascript enabled interactive activities. For the best experience, we strongly recommend using Adobe Acrobat Reader on a computer.
What devices can open the PDF study guide?
The PDF works on Mac and Windows using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Because this guide includes fillable fields, audio clips, and JavaScript-based interactive features, a computer with Adobe Acrobat Reader is strongly recommended for full functionality; mobile devices may not support every interactive feature and default PDF viewers may experience unintended performance.
Can I use this guide with multiple students?
Yes, you can use or reuse the study guide for your own children or co-op students. Public and private school teachers can use it within their classrooms.
Do I need any special software?
Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) is strongly recommended to get the full benefit of this guide's fillable fields, embedded audio, and interactive JavaScript activities. A basic PDF viewer can open the file, but won't support all interactive features.
- Permanent Master File — The CD keeps a permanent backup copy in case of a computer crash or new device.
- Works on Mac & PC — Compatible with both major operating systems.
- Interactive & Multimedia — Fillable form fields, embedded audio clips, and JavaScript-powered activities bring lessons to life — best experienced with free Adobe Acrobat Reader on a computer.
- No Costly Software — PDF files open in the free Adobe Acrobat Reader program.
- Print What You Need, When You Need It — The whole guide, single lessons, or full classroom sets.
