Unforgettable Approach to History

November 7, 2007

Teacher, Students Transform O’Dea Classroom into Ancient Greece

Transforming their classroom into ancient Greece and themselves into Greek citizens assures that sixth-grade students at O’Dea Core Knowledge Elementary will always remember this history lesson.

The study of ancient Greece is normal part of the O’Dea’s core knowledge curriculum on world history, but there is nothing ordinary about the way in which Kaili Young, sixth grade teacher, teaches the unit.  Dressed in Greek costume, wearing laurel wreaths on their heads Young and her students follow Greek customs, culture, social norms, history and mythology from 1:10 until 2:55 p.m. each day.

During the eight-week unit, which starts in November, students read the Odyssey, compete in the Olympics, debate politics, reenact the Peloponnesian war, and participate in a Pan-Hellenic quiz bowl.  The unit culminates with a festival where students present projects in art, sculpture, songs, games, cuisine and more.

“At the end of the day, kids don’t remember everything they read out of a text book,” Young said.  “But there are things about this experience they will never forget.”

The unit on ancient Greece is one of four units taught using a simulation teaching method.  Students will also study Immigration, Industrialization, and the French Revolution in the same way. 

For more information, contact Young, at 488-4450.