This year, Mrs. Larson's sixth-grade social studies class engaged in a range of educational activities focused on ancient civilizations. The year commenced with a unit on Ancient Greece, where students delved into the contributions of the Greek civilization to modern society, including their government systems. A highlight for many students was the opportunity to compare the original Ancient Olympic games with their contemporary version.
Currently, the class is working on an Ancient Rome unit. Activities in this segment include Roman plays, where students participate in reenactments, bringing to life stories from the Colosseum's Gladiator Games. Mrs. Larson noted, "Students love to put on the gladiator gear," reflecting the enthusiasm in the classroom.
In addition to theatrical endeavors, the class researched various governmental systems. Students evaluated the pros and cons of these systems and presented their findings through debates. Mrs. Larson observed, "Students are getting very good at their arguing skills and how to articulate their feelings towards historical and current topics. They are also getting very good at researching and using reliable sources."
Looking ahead, as the class moves into the fourth quarter, Mrs. Larson outlined the focus will be on finishing the Ancient Rome material, enhancing geography skills, and starting Passion Projects related to their Inquiry unit.