Teaching about the Absolute Rulers of Europe during the Age of Absolutism can be one of the most boring studies you will do in the World History classroom. Since we can’t change the content, change up the strategies you use to teach the lessons. This will keep students engaged. It will also help them look at the period in history through a totally new lens.
Resources for Teaching the Absolute Rulers of Europe
Centers and Response Group Activity
This is one of my all-time favorites! In it, students get to move from location to location to learn about the different rulers of Europe during the time period. Rather than just having centers in each corner of the room, I set mine up as a walking tour so that students travel from Spain to France to England to Austria and Russia as they learn about the greatest rules of that time period. Definition cards help students review topics such as the Thirty Years War and the Elizabethan Era. Student handouts help to organize collected data and information throughout the tour. Students will practice the skills of primary source analysis, image analysis, historical thinking, historical inquiry, cause and effect, and comparison.
Interactive Lecture on Absolutism in Europe
Now, if you’re looking for a more direct approach to teaching the Absolute Rulers of Europe, consider an interactive lecture. You will provide the basic foundation of the unit yet questions and other prompts bring students into the learning process. This helps to keep them engaged throughout the lesson. The presentation will address the changes, conflicts, and chaos of the era. It will also thoroughly investigate the rulers of Spain, France, England, and Russia.
Absolutism to Revolutions – Who Am I? Game Cards
This resource can be used in a variety of ways to help your students review the Absolute Rulers and key concepts of the period. Set up an archeology dig in your classroom. Or, have students team up to play a Who Am I? round with a game show atmosphere.
Political Cartoon Analysis
Set up small groups in which your students can analyze primary sources on the Age of Absolutism. Political cartoons are both fun and engaging yet practice necessary skills. These skills include critical thinking, historical inquiry, and simple analysis.
Execution of Louis XVI Primary Source Analysis
Believe it or not, you can engage students with primary source if they are visual. This primary source analysis focuses on the gory beheading of Louis XVI. This British priest’s account of Louis’ execution also shares unknown facts that will have your students asking for more!
Try these engaging activities in your Absolute Rulers and Age of Absolutism unit!
Happy Teaching!
