Name that Tudor
3 Jul 2008
In this interactive game, players must guess the identity of eight famous Tudors, using the nine pieces of biographical information (or clues) given. Reading each clue gradually reveals a picture of the mystery Tudor.
The challenge is to guess the person’s identity using as few clues as possible and without revealing the complete picture. The game can be played individually, as a whole class or small group.
Previous learning
Children will enjoy the game most if they have read a selection of different reference materials on the Tudors and know some background information on Tudor times.
Key learning outcomes:
Year 5
- To compare information texts and identify how they are structured;
- To write factual texts;
- To reflect on own writing, edit and improve it.
Year 6
- To appraise a text quickly;
- To establish, balance and maintain viewpoints in non-narrative;
- To use ICT programs to present text/communicate information.
Shared learning and teaching
Sharing the resource
- Hold a discussion about Tudor times. Who can the children name who lived in the Tudor period?
- Read through the instructions for the On-screen resource.
- Investigate how each clue opens and the effect this has on the reader.
- Look at a clue and discuss the language used. Elicit that the clues are written in the first person, so feel autobiographical. Are they?
- As a class, work through the clues for one mystery Tudor. After reading each clue, pause to let the children guess the identity. But give them only one guess each – will they risk making an early guess, or wait until the end?
- Continue playing the game together, or let the children play later, individually or in groups.
Responding
- Reflect on the clues given. How has the author built up the description within the clues? Are some more difficult than others?
- How does this game help to find out about the Tudor period or to remember key points of reference?
- Once all the identities are revealed, place the people on a Tudor timeline or family tree – see the photocopiable below.
Group and guided activities
- Invite the children to write clues for another Tudor character or another famous person, then to ask others to guess the identity. Write the clues in the first person in italic handwriting – eg, like the handwriting sample from the Tudor period (see Poster 1 ‘The Earl of Essex’s speech’).
- Hotseat the Tudor characters to find out more about them.
- Using a set of clues from the On-screen resource, ask groups to use them to present a character profile. They could rewrite the clues in the third person or prepare a slideshow about their Tudor character, recording the clues and using as a soundtrack.
- Alternatively, ask them to present the information orally, as a persuasive argument, giving evidence to support the person’s importance in history. Encourage them to further research their character, using books or the internet. They could present their argument using PowerPoint, or as a short video.
- Create freeze-frames showing the characters in the situations mentioned in the clues – eg, Sir Francis Drake’s funeral at sea.
Further reading
Tudors Felicity Hebditch (Evans Brothers Britain Through the Ages series, ISBN 978 02375 25729). www.tudorhistory.org – includes a ‘Who’s Who in Tudor History’, and information on the Tudor monarchs and Henry’s six wives.
Plenary
- Together, play the children’s version of the Name that Tudor game. Discuss what makes a successful clue and the order in which the clues are given.
- Using the information gleaned and the Tudor family tree, compare the Tudor family with the royal family – or everyday families – today. Are there any similarities and differences between the two periods? Why?
Name that Tudor
An interactive game where players guess the identity of eight famous Tudors, using the biographical information given. Reading each clue gradually reveals a picture of the mystery Tudor. The challenge is to guess the person’s identity using as few clues as possible and without revealing the complete picture.
Tudor family tree
A family tree worksheet to be used with the Name that Tudor On-screen resource in Literacy Time PLUS for Ages 9 to 11, July 2008
