This lesson looks at the development of English society between the departure of the Romans in the 400s and the Norman Conquest. Starting with a short picture essay on the appearance of the real King Arthur, most likely a leader of the Romano-Britons against Anglo-Saxon invaders, it proceeds to look at the Heptarchy (seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms), the Norse raids and occupation of much of Britain, and the efforts of Alfred the Great and his successors in stopping, and then pushing back the Danes. Highlights include picture essays on the Danish invasions and Alfred's system of defensive settlements, known as burhs, to protect his kingdom.
This is a self-contained PowerPoint that develops slide by slide while other notes for the students scroll down the side. It can be run as a timed presentation on its own, presented slide by slide for discussion, or integrated into your other lectures. There are also extensive pictures with captions mixed in to illustrate the lesson and capture students’ interest. This packet also contains a student reading, flowchart, and the author’s own research notes which contain lots of details and interesting trivia to spice up your class.
For more information on my flowcharts and approach to teaching history, please view my profile or visit my website at www.flowofhistory.com

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For the last 27 years, I have taught at University High School, in Urbana, Illinois. During this time I have created a 4-year world history curriculum that breaks down as follows: Subfreshmen (7th and 8th grades combined): Prehistory and ancient civilizations, including India, China, and Japan. Freshmen: Western civilization and the Islamic world to 1500 Sophomores: World history from 1500 to 1945 Seniors: the world since 1945. All of these, except the senior course are required. The elective senior course is consistently filled to capacity of 30, usually with a waiting list.
