Diamond 9: What problems faced Elizabeth I in 1558?

This great diamond 9 activity has been designed to help students studying the problems facing Elizabeth I, when she became Queen in 1558 . It has been designed to be used with the full spectrum of leaners, but is particularly useful for stretching the critical thinking skills of the more able. If you are looking for a main stream resource, then please check out my card sort on this topic, which can be found in my TES shop. This resource has also been bundled and discounted with other resources on this topic.

When you purchase this resource you will be able to download a fully editable Microsoft Word document which can be differentiated further if you wish. The resource includes nine diamond shaped cards which include one of the key problems facing Elizabeth when she became Queen. Once students have cut the cards out, they are set three tasks including:

1. Remove any problems that you don’t think are important. Record and explain why you have removed them.
2. Arrange the remaining diamonds to show any links that you can find between them. Record and explain your reasons.
3. Make a smaller diamond shape using the four most important problems facing Elizabeth I in 1558. Record and explain your reasons.

At each stage students should be feeding back to their group or the class to explain their choices. This is absolutely critical if you are going to develop the critical thinking skills that you are looking to develop via a diamond 9 activity. Once students have sorted the cards, you can extend their understanding of the topic further by discussing or explaining in an extended piece of writing which problem was the most significant or important.

The aims and objectives for this lesson are:

Theme: The reign of Queen Elizabeth I, 1558 - 1603
Know: What problems faced Elizabeth I when she became queen in 1558?
Understand: Which problems were linked to money, religion, poverty, defence, relations with other countries, marriage?
Evaluate: Which problems posed the greatest threat to Elizabeth I?

WILF – What Am I Looking For?
Identify & describe: What problems did Elizabeth I?
Explain: Which problems were linked to money, religion, poverty, foreign relations, marriage and defence?
Analyse: Which problem posed the greatest threat to Elizabeth I?

If you like this resource then why not check out my other resources on this topic in my TES shop. You can also follow ‘The History Academy’ on Twitter, Google Plus, YouTube and Facebook for the latest updates or even to get in touch and chat about how you have used this resource or to ask questions. We aim to produce cheap and affordable resources for either the price of a good cup of coffee or a happy meal so that you can spend more time doing the things that you want.

Anyway, have fun and stay in touch via social media for the latest updates.

Kind Regards

Roy