The word renaissance has quite significant meaning. If we explain to our children the definition of what renaissance means, it would be an excellent catalyst for teaching about the Renaissance. Incorporating some fun Renaissance activities can help you reinforce your history lessons.
What was the Renaissance?
Renaissance means rebirth. When it comes to the Renaissance period, there was a rebirth of learning. Renaissance, in its rebirth, brought a renewing of education, art, science, literature, music, and even culture. It was known as a time of coming out of the darkness.
The Renaissance (14th to the 17th century in Europe) is known as the gateway from the Middle Ages to what we know as modern times. Since the Middle Ages are called the Dark Ages, it would only make sense the Renaissance is known for bringing the culture out of the dark.
The People of the Renaissance
Have you ever heard of the term Renaissance Man? That reference came straight out of this period – that fact flew over my head. When you think of the times that produced the men of the Renaissance, you can understand the meaning behind the term Renaissance Man.
Some men came out of this period who indeed could be described as Renaissance men, men who were experts in many disciplines.
For instance, Leonardo de Vinci (1452–1519) was an artist, master painter, sculptor, inventor, scientist, -architect, engineer, and writer even. Michelangelo (1475–1564) was an expert painter, architect, and sculptor.
Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) was a mathematician, astronomer, scientist, physicist, and philosopher. Isaac Newton (1643–1727) was an English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, theologian, natural philosopher, and alchemist.
When you use hands-on activities for studying the Renaissace in your homeschool, you can bring your kids through a great Renaissance experience.
If you are looking for a Christian history curriculum that teaches history through the Renaissance period, I highly recommend The Mystery of History Volume III – The Renaissance, Reformation, and Growth of Nations.
Scroll down for a huge list of free Hands-On Activities and printables for Studying the Renaissance period.
Renaissance Activities
Grab these hands-on activities for studying the Renaissance to create an experience for your kids rather than another dull history lesson.
- Renaissance and Reformation Game Cards | Learned Lessons LLC
- *E-Learning* Renaissance and Reformation Customizable Escape Room/Breakout Game | Loquacious Learning
- Renaissance Activity Illustrated Timeline | Education with DocRunning
- Distance Learning Renaissance Interactive Vocabulary Activity Set Google Ready | Instructomania with Mr and Mrs P
- Art: Renaissance Activity – Create a Modern Mona Lisa | Addie Williams
Renaissance Activities for Middle School
- Renaissance Project! Important People of the Renaissance Portrait and Obituary | One Teacher’s Adventures
- The Renaissance: Escape Room – Social Studies | Escape Room EDU
- Renaissance Men Cootie Catchers | TES.com
- DIY Medieval/Renaissance Costumes from Household Supplies | Creative Kids
- Renaissance Italy City States Map Activity – Google Classroom Distance Learning | Literacy in Focus
- The Renaissance Task Cards and Activities Bundle | Science Spot
Renaissance Games for Students
- STEM Renaissance Activities Dome Building with Brunelleschi | Education with DocRunning
- Renaissance Color Interactive Notebook Pages Graphic Organizers for Renaissance | Education with DocRunning
- No Prep Renaissance Word Search Puzzle | Puzzles to Print
- Renaissance Art History Crossword Puzzle | ArtsyCat
- FREE Renaissance Quiz Game Question Cards | Student Handouts
Renaissance Activities for High School
- Renaissance ESCAPE ROOM | Amped Up Learning
- Renaissance Unit | The Hermit Crabs Homeschool
- FREE Renaissance Quiz | Help Teaching
Famous People of the Renaissance
Use these free Renaissance men resources for your Renaissance lessons.
- Famous Artist Videos (Da Vinci/Michelangelo/Raphael) | Createful Art
- Renaissance Activity (Leonardo Da Vinci, Martin Luther, Copernicus etc) | Science Spot
Leonardo da Vinci
- Printable Leonardo da Vinci FREE Flipbook | Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers
- STEM: Build a Da Vinci Parachute Activity | Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus
- A Quick Leonardo da Vinci Unit Study for Your Homeschool | Journey Westward
- FREE Printables and Resources About Leonardo da Vinci
Raphael
- Learning About Raphael and the Italian Renaissance and Create a Fresco FREE Printable | Life Beyond the Lesson Plan
Michelangelo
- Michelangelo Soap Sculpture Activity FREE Printable | Research Planet
- Hey Kids, Meet Michelangelo (FREE Printable) | Making Art Fun
- Famous Artist Series: Michaelangelo FREE Resources, Printables and Unit Studies
Galileo Galilei
- Let’s Study Galileo: Science & Truth Mini-Course (Scroll down to the large red “Click here” image) | Captivating Compass
- FREE Printables and Resources About Galileo Galilei
Isaac Newton
- 20-Page FREE Isaac Newton Quotes & Copywork | Captivating Compass
- FREE Printables and Resources About Isaac Newton
In Conclusion
Our kids can surely memorize facts about this significant period, or they can learn about the Renaissance in ways they can remember and enjoy. These hands-on activities, along with studying the Renaissance men of the period will help them get a well-rounded knowledge base of the time.
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Jeannette is a wife, mother and homeschooling mom. She has been mightily, saved by grace and is grateful for God’s sovereignty throughout her life’s journey. She has a Bachelor in English Education and her MBA. Jeannette is bi-lingual and currently lives in the Tongan Islands of the South Pacific. She posts daily freebies for homeschoolers!
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