This week, the second and third grade class was treated to a wonderful visit from Dr. Margaret Pigott (Sophie's grandmother) and her 671-year-old friend Geoffrey Chaucer (played by Sophie's grandfather, Dr. Ed Wolff.) Mr. Chaucer read from one of his most famous works, The Canterbury Tales. With this reading we heard the difference between Middle English and modern English.  Mr. Chaucer also explained to us the origin of his poem; in the Middle Ages people would travel on pilgrimages over great distances and would tell stories to pass the time.  Dr. Pigott and Dr. Wolff also introduced the class to the social hierarchy and some of the foods of the Middle Ages.  In this way, the children learned about the differences between life in the Middle Ages and present day.  In the questions that followed the presentation, it was clear that it had been a most informative and successful presentation, which added so much to our year-long study of the Middle Ages.

 

Dr. Pigott and Dr. Wolff are both retired professors of Medieval Studies.  Dr. Pigott taught at Oakland University for 35 years and Dr. Wolff taught at the University of Detroit for 55 years.  We are so grateful that Sophie's grandparents came to share their expertise with the class. It was a very memorable and enjoyable experience.