Martin Luther and the Reformation Unit Study

Martin Luther and the Reformation - Submitted by Gena M.

Library List:
Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed the World by Paul L. Maier (elementary)
Martin Luther: Father of the Reformation by Barbara A. Somervill (junior high)
Martin Luther by Sally Stepanek (high school)
Spy for the Night Riders by Dave and Neta Jackson (historical fiction for elem./ junior high)
Kingdom of the Birds by Hilda Demuth-Lutze

Movies:
Luther (2003, PG-13)
Martin Luther (1953)

Resources:
A Night of Reformation: Celebrating the Reformation With Family and Friends by Pam Forster - Doorposts

Websites:
Love to Learn Place - Many ideas for celebrating Reformation Day
TeacherHelp - Numerous links
The Holiday Zone - Printables, art activities, etc.
Church Time Line - History
The Hall of Church History - History, includes info other reformers
Selected Works of Martin Luther

Art activities:

Make a Luther Rose
Stained Glass, Illuminated Letters, Coat of Arms, Lavender Sachets, Parchment Scrolls, Costumes of the period. See The Holiday Zone or Doorpost's A Night of Reformation for ideas.

Music:

1. Sing or play "A Mighty Fortress is our God" in English (or in German!) Learn some of Luther's other hymns.
2. Listen to other period music: Chant, German Renaissance music.
3. Listen to more modern German music, like polkas.
4. Learn some German folk songs.
5. Study about German composers such as Bach or Brahms.

Geography:

Label a map of Germany with the cities which were important in Luther's life: Eisleben, Wittenberg, Worms, Eisenach, and Wartburg Castle.

Foreign Language:

1. Latin-the language used by the Catholic Church. Luther studied it, wrote the 95 Theses in Latin. Learn some Latin phrases, such as the Five Pillars of Reformation Faith: 'Sola Scriptura' - By Scripture Alone, 'Sola Gratia' - By Grace Alone, 'Solo Christo' - By Christ Alone, 'Sola Fide' - By Faith Alone, 'Soli Deo Gloria' - Glory To God Alone.
2. German-the language Martin Luther translated the Bible into. Learn a few German words, such as God (Gott), Church (Kirche), Love (Liebe)

Timeline:

•Make a timeline of Luther's life. Here are some dates and events to include: 1483 (born), 1505 (almost struck by lightning, leaves law to become a monk), 1508 (begins teaching at University of Wittenberg), 1510 (visits Rome), 1517 (posts 95 Theses), 1521 (Diet of Worms), 1525 (marries Katherine von Bora), 1534 (completes translation of Bible into German), 1546 (dies).
•Definitions: Define the following words: Protestant Reformation, Monk, Nun, Catholic Church, Heresy, Sacraments, Penance, Indulgences, Relics, Purgatory, Diet, Recant, Pilgrimage, Excommunicate.
• Writing prompts
•Memorization and/or Copywork: "A Mighty Fortress is Our God", Luther's prayers or speeches, the Five Pillars of Reformation Faith, verses from Romans which helped Luther understand true Christian faith in Christ alone (Romans 1:17, 3:23, 3:28, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9-10, 11:6).
•The Middle Ages: Do some research on the food, clothes, diseases, government, education, religion, music, art entertainment, knights, explorers, etc. See Medieval Life or World History.
•Artists: Study some of the famous artists of the period such as Cranach, Durer, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Bruegel the Elder and the Younger, Raphael.
•Other Protestant Reformers: Study some others such as Martin Bucer, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, William Tyndale, John Wycliffe, John Hus, Phillip Melanchthon, John Knox, The Huguenots, The Anabaptists.
•Architecture: Look at St. Peter's Basilica, cathedrals, stained glass windows.
•Drama: Act out some scenes such as John Tetzel selling indulgences, Martin Luther climbing the steps of Santa Sanctorum and praying on each one, asking Martin Luther to recant at the Diet of Worms, and the kidnapping of Martin Luther and being taken to Wartburg Castle. Or write a play about Martin Luther's life and perform it at a Reformation Party.
•Cooking: Make food from the Medieval period or German food.
•Reformation Celebration Party: Hold the party on October 31 to commemorate the day that Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the Wittenberg church door. Find some wonderful ideas from Doorpost's A Night of Reformation and also at Love to Learn Place.