How can the Schoolroom activities work with your curriculum?
Most obviously, the schoolroom supports study of the Romans (in either the Roman Britain or Graeco-Roman Egypt versions), the Greeks (in the Graeco-Roman Egypt version) and the Egyptians (in the Graeco-Roman Egypt version). But that’s only the beginning:
Reading
By reading a Dryden translation of Homer’s Iliad on papyrus rolls and practising reading it aloud, students not only enhance their reading skills but also develop fluency in reading ancient texts. This activity can provide valuable exposure to classical literature and help students understand the cultural and historical context in which these texts were created.
The task also offers a multidisciplinary approach, combining elements of language acquisition, literary analysis, and historical understanding.
Additionally, it can foster an appreciation for the linguistic and artistic intricacies of ancient texts and their translations, thereby promoting critical thinking and cultural awareness among students.
Writing on a wax tablet
The activity of writing on wax tablets with a stylus, using ancient writing materials to make learning poetry more interesting, can be directly related to the secondary school curriculum. Exploring ancient writing materials like wax tablets and stylus can help students understand the historical and cultural context of poetry. It allows them to appreciate the techniques and tools used by ancient civilizations in preserving and transmitting knowledge.
The activity of copying poems from walls onto wax tablets involves close reading and comprehension of poetic texts. Students can analyze the structure, language, themes, and morals of the poems they copy, thereby enhancing their literary analysis skills.
Mathematics
This activity provides historical context and cultural understanding of how numerical systems have evolved over time, emphasizing the importance of mathematics in different civilizations. By engaging students in practical exercises that involve carrying out addition, subtraction, and multiplication using counters and counting-boards, this activity enhances their computational skills. It allows them to explore alternative methods of performing arithmetic and develops their problem-solving abilities.
Additionally, this activity encourages students to think critically and analytically about the Roman numeral system, its limitations, and the challenges it presents for basic arithmetic operations. They are likely to encounter unique strategies and techniques that were used by ancient mathematicians to overcome these challenges.
Through this exercise the students not only gain a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts but also develop historical and cultural perspectives. They learn to appreciate the significance of mathematical systems in different time periods and cultures, broadening their knowledge beyond traditional numerical systems.
Writing on ostraca
This activity offers students a unique opportunity to engage with ancient writing practices and materials, allowing them to explore the historical context and significance of such artifacts.
The incorporation of moral education through the selected poems aligns with the secondary school curriculum’s focus on character development and ethical values. By studying and reflecting on the virtues and values cherished by ancient societies, students can gain insights into the shared human experiences across different time periods and cultures.
Advanced Mathematics
The activity of performing calculations in Roman numerals can be a valuable addition to the secondary school curriculum, particularly in the context of advanced mathematics. By exploring Roman numerals, students can develop a deeper understanding of number systems and mathematical operations.
Roman numerals offer a unique perspective on mathematical calculations, allowing students to practice complex arithmetic operations such as division, multiplication, and combining fractions in an alternative format. This exercise challenges students to think critically and apply their knowledge of mathematical concepts in a different way.
By engaging in activities like calculating compound interest on a loan or combining fractions using Roman numerals, students can enhance their mathematical proficiency while gaining a broader appreciation for the historical and cultural aspects of mathematics.
Latin
By offering exercises for students at all levels, from beginners to advanced learners, the activity accommodates a wide range of proficiency levels and ensures that all students can engage with the language. This promotes inclusivity and encourages students to challenge themselves at their own pace.
The activity promotes teamwork by pairing students together to work on the Latin exercises. Collaborating with a partner fosters cooperation and communication skills, and students can learn from each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Latin exercises also help strengthen literacy skills. Latin has complex grammar and rich vocabulary, and studying the language requires students to develop strong reading, writing, and analytical skills. By engaging with Latin texts and exercises, students improve their understanding of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, which can benefit their overall language proficiency and critical thinking abilities.
Introduction to Greek pottery and the Greek alphabet
By studying Greek pottery, students can delve into the stories and historical significance behind these artifacts, gaining insights into various aspects of ancient Greek life, such as mythology, daily activities, and social customs. This activity encourages students to analyze the scenes and symbols depicted on pottery, enabling them to understand the cultural context and narratives associated with these objects.
By mastering the Greek alphabet, students not only acquire a new writing system but also enhance their understanding of language structure, historical origins, and cultural heritage. The ability to recognize and write Greek letters can also lay a foundation for the study of ancient Greek literature, philosophy, and history.
Through the combined exploration of Greek pottery and the Greek alphabet, this activity promotes interdisciplinary learning by intertwining art, history, language, and culture. It offers students a hands-on experience where they can not only discover fascinating aspects of ancient Greek civilization but also express their creativity by decorating their own pottery shard with Greek letters. This activity encourages critical thinking, artistic expression, and a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of ancient Greece, making it a valuable addition to the secondary curriculum.
Spoken Latin
Studying spoken Latin can help students develop effective language learning strategies that can be applied to other languages. By grappling with a different language structure and vocabulary, students learn to adapt and employ various techniques for acquiring and retaining information. These strategies can be transferred to other subjects and future language learning endeavours.
Practising spoken Latin also helps students develop a deeper understanding of the language. It improves their pronunciation, intonation, and fluency, enabling them to communicate effectively in Latin. By actively using the language, students also expand their vocabulary and grammatical knowledge.
Graffiti workshop
The graffiti workshop offers a unique opportunity for students to explore and understand the historical and cultural significance of graffiti, focusing on Egyptian or Roman examples. By delving into the ancient practice of graffiti, students can gain insights into the thoughts, emotions, and everyday lives of people from the past.
The workshop can align with subjects such as history, social studies, art, and even language studies. It allows students to examine primary sources, as they analyze and interpret the messages conveyed through ancient graffiti. This not only promotes critical thinking skills but also encourages a broader understanding of historical contexts.
Through the practical sessions, students have the chance to engage in hands-on activities, creating their own graffiti-inspired artwork. This artistic component of the workshop can link to art classes and foster creative expression while still maintaining an educational focus.
Reed pen making
Reed pen making is an activity that offers an engaging and interactive way for secondary school students to explore the history of writing implements and ancient writing techniques. By turning a piece of bamboo into a functional pen, students gain a hands-on experience in craftsmanship and develop an understanding of the practical skills involved in creating a tool for written communication.
This activity provides insights into the origins of writing instruments and the significance of written communication throughout human civilization. Students can learn about the development of writing tools and techniques, comparing them to modern-day pens and understanding the evolution of writing technology.
Reading ancient schoolroom 