Students learn about the important figures and events of the English Reformation and its unique character. Then they explore the events and outcomes of the Catholic Counter-Reformation. Next, they create a timeline of significant events from the Reformation and Counter-Reformation eras and choose one event to defend as the most significant. Finally, they write a letter to a figure of the era, listing several questions they would like to have answered.
Students are introduced to the Protestant Reformation and the idea of resistance and adaptation to new ideas. They examine the term “Counter-Reformation” by reviewing an explanation of the prefix counter- and then respond in a shared table to predict what the Counter-Reformation was.
Teacher MovesPresent the lesson overview and objectives, highlighting that students will study both the English Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation. Discuss student predictions about the Counter-Reformation and frame the rest of the experience as an opportunity to investigate their ideas further.
Students view an image of Henry VIII and watch English Reformation to learn about key people and events in the English Reformation. They complete a graphic organizer with notes on Henry VIII, Thomas Cranmer, Queen Mary I, and Queen Elizabeth I. Then they read Mary I to understand why she was called “Bloody Mary” and post a response explaining her nickname and how her actions relate to the Protestant Reformation.
Teacher MovesIf students have studied the broader Reformation, facilitate a compare-and-contrast discussion of how the English Reformation differed from movements elsewhere in Europe, emphasizing Henry VIII’s political and personal motives versus doctrinal concerns. After students post about Mary I, share strong examples and guide discussion to clarify how her persecution of Protestants illustrates the complexity and danger of the era.
Students watch a segment of Protestant Reformation focused on the Catholic response to Protestantism, then read How Did the Catholic Church Respond to the Challenges Posed by the Protestant Reformation? to examine the Counter-Reformation. Using a graphic organizer, they take notes on reforms within the Catholic Church, new religious organizations, the use of military force, and the Roman Inquisition. They then write a short paragraph on a class wall explaining what they see as the positive and negative elements of the Counter-Reformation, supporting their opinion with evidence from the article.
Teacher MovesReview student posts, share exemplary responses, and lead a discussion about differing interpretations of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation over time. Prompt students to consider how people living during the events, and historians writing decades or centuries later, might view the same actions differently. Encourage interested students to pursue additional research on topics such as new religious orders, military conflicts, and the Roman Inquisition.
Students reflect on what they have learned about the Protestant Reformation, including the English Reformation, and the Counter-Reformation. They create a timeline with 6–10 significant events from both movements, either directly on a digital canvas or on paper and upload a photo. Afterward, they choose one event from their timeline that they believe is most significant and post a brief written argument defending their choice with evidence. They then read classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with questions or positive comments.
Teacher MovesInvite students to share and compare their timelines and written arguments. Facilitate a whole-class discussion about which events were most significant and why, encouraging students to debate respectfully and support their claims with historical evidence.
Students write a short letter addressed to one historical figure from the Reformation or Counter-Reformation, asking at least two questions they would like that person to answer. They then read classmates’ letters and reply to at least two posts by attempting to answer the questions from the chosen figure’s perspective.
Teacher MovesUse student responses to identify understandings and misconceptions, and to guide follow-up discussion.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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