Who Was the Real Bloody Mary? (Lesson Plan)

Lesson Plan -Who Was the Real Bloody Mary?

Elective Home Education (EHE) offers the flexibility to tailor lessons to your child’s interests, pace, and learning style. Our lesson plans are designed to support this approach, providing structured yet adaptable resources you can use at home. Each plan includes a mix of reading, discussion, creative tasks, and extension ideas, giving you the freedom to explore topics in depth or keep things light, depending on your child’s needs on the day.

These lesson plans should be used as a guide to get things started, not a strict curriculum. One of the great things about home education is that parents and carers can follow their child’s interests and adapt learning to suit their style. If a particular topic sparks curiosity—follow it! Use these plans to inspire, not constrain, and feel free to skip, expand, or replace sections based on what works best for your learner.

This lesson plan is designed to go with our Info Zone Topic on Who Was the Real Bloody Mary?

Who Was the Real Bloody Mary?
Overview	This home education lesson explores the life, challenges, and legacy of Mary I of England — often called "Bloody Mary." Learners will investigate her story, the origin of her nickname, and how history remembers her.
Learning Objectives	- Understand the life and reign of Mary I of England - Explain why she was called "Bloody Mary" - Think about whether the nickname was fair - Practice critical thinking about history and how people are remembered
Estimated Time	45–60 minutes
Starter Activity	Discuss with your parent/tutor or write down: "Do you think people are always remembered fairly in history?" Look at a portrait of Mary I (above). What does her face tell you? Does she look kind, strict, powerful, or something else?
Read and Learn	Read our Info Zone topic about Who Was the Real Bloody Mary? either aloud with someone or quietly on your own. Then answer or discuss these questions: Who were Mary’s parents and how did this affect her early life? Why did Mary believe so strongly in the Catholic faith? What were the big problems Mary faced when she became queen? Why do some people today think her nickname is unfair? What is one thing you found surprising about Mary’s story?
Activities	Comprehension Questions: Why was Mary declared illegitimate during her childhood? What religious changes did Mary try to make as queen? Who did Mary marry and how did people react to it? What were phantom pregnancies? Who became queen after Mary died? Creative Writing: Imagine you are Mary I writing a letter to the people of England. What would you want them to understand about your actions and beliefs? Timeline Challenge: Put these events in the correct order: Mary is declared illegitimate Mary becomes queen Mary marries Philip II Mary's phantom pregnancies Elizabeth I becomes queen
Deeper Thinking	Big Question: "Was Mary I truly ‘Bloody Mary,’ or was she just a queen trying to do her best?" Write or talk about the reasons you agree or disagree. Extra Thought: Have you ever heard a story about someone that later turned out not to be true? How did it make you feel when you found out the truth?
Creative Projects	- Draw a portrait of Mary I showing how you think she really felt inside. - Create a poster that shows both sides of the story: why some people called her “Bloody Mary” and why others defended her. - Design a new nickname for Mary that you think would suit her better.
Review & Reflect	Ask the learner: What’s one new thing you learned today? What surprised you the most about Mary I? If you could go back in time and talk to Mary, what would you ask her?
Extensions & Homework	- Watch a video about the Tudors or Mary I - Research Elizabeth I and make a list comparing her to Mary I - Create a short story imagining what might have happened if Mary had a child who became king or queen