Bayeux Tapestry French Reading Comprehension | Differentiated History Activity

Bring medieval history into your French classroom with this differentiated reading comprehension activity about la Tapisserie de Bayeux!

Students will discover how the famous embroidery was created, what it reveals about the Norman Conquest of England, and why it is sometimes described as a medieval comic strip. The readings also introduce Harold Godwinson, William the Conqueror, the Battle of Hastings, and the Tapestry’s current loan to the British Museum.

Three versions of the reading allow students at different proficiency levels to explore the same subject. Because the content and comprehension questions are aligned across all three versions, you can differentiate instruction without assigning completely different activities.

What is included in the Bayeux Tapestry reading?

• Three differentiated French readings:
  • Novice High (2 pages)
  • Intermediate Low (3 pages)
  • Intermediate Mid (3 pages)
• Vocabulary support for each reading
• 10 true-or-false questions in English
• 10 vrai ou faux questions in French
• Five short-answer questions in English
• Five short-answer questions in French
• 10 multiple-choice questions in English
• 10 multiple-choice questions in French
• Complete answer key
• Curated video, website, and interactive-resource links
• Teacher information and terms of use
• 20-page printable PDF

Topics covered

Students will learn about:

• The difference between a tapestry and an embroidery
• The linen, wool thread, vegetable dyes, and stitching techniques used to create the Bayeux Tapestry
• The disputed succession to the English throne
• Harold Godwinson and William the Conqueror
• The Norwegian invasion of England
• The Battle of Hastings in 1066
• The Tapestry’s Latin inscriptions and visual storytelling
• Its missing final section
• Its preservation and temporary exhibition at the British Museum

Perfect for

• French 2, French 3, and French 4
• Novice High through Intermediate Mid learners
• Differentiated reading groups
• French culture and history lessons
• Medieval history or art units
• Reading comprehension practice
• Independent work or sub plans
• Partner and small-group activities
• Cross-curricular French and social studies lessons

Students may answer the questions in French for a greater challenge or use the English versions when the lesson’s main goal is reading comprehension and cultural understanding.