Saint James the Apostle Students Travel Back to Ancient Roman Times

Saint James the Apostle sixth graders culminated their study of ancient Rome by stepping back in time and experiencing a taste of what life was like in the Roman Empire. The journey back to ancient Rome began in early December when the class was divided into groups. Each student researched a specific aspect of ancient Roman society. Most of the research was done in class using books and iPads. The students also worked independently to create PowerPoint presentations. Dressed in Roman costumes, the students shared their research using presentations, props and a “hands on activity” with the class. The goal of the project was for the students to gain a better appreciation for what it was like to have lived in the Roman Empire. Over a three day period the students became senators, emperors, patricians, plebeians, merchants, craftsmen, gladiators, soldiers, Roma Amor dancers, the goddesses Minerva, and even an early Christian. The students learned to use the Latin alphabet to write on scrolls they had constructed, in addition to crafting jewelry, a soldier’s shield, a mosaic, and painting pottery. The project concluded with the class celebrating the Roma Amor festival where classmates learned the Roma Amor dance and feasted on foods eaten by ancient Romans.

Saint James the Apostle School has been serving the parishioners of Saint James the Apostle Church in Springfield and surrounding communities since 1953. Saint James the Apostle School offers students from PreK-3 through grade eight a Roman Catholic faith-based education which acknowledges each child’s individual ability to achieve their fullest potential academically, socially, and spiritually.

Pictured from left to right: Natalyah Cadiche, Grace Roethlin, Sophia Ilagan, Yvonne Agyapong, Goda Pocius