Middle Elementary Takes Their History Lessons Into the Woods

Some of the most profound work that the children do happens during recess. Fort building has always been a social learning opportunity for Abintra's students.  For Middle Elementary, it recently took on added dimensions.

Our cultural studies included the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.  We examined the many legacies that Rome has left to the modern world: word roots, mythology, the names of the planets, roads, aqueducts, indoor plumbing, public baths, and tile mosaics, to name just a few.  The Romans also left us with the idea of a representative democracy, emperors, senators, and consuls.  Additionally, public responsibility, slavery and the treatment of slaves, and the rights of women made an impact on our modern culture.

Middle Elementary children took their history into the woods.  They began building a system of forts based on their understanding of Roman culture.  The forts included a store and headquarters where goods were manufactured, stored, and sold; a storage fort for large goods; a black-smithing fort; combat training grounds and dormitories; and "I think there's even going to be public housing for the homeless!" (in the words of one of the participants).  They devised a system of governance and participation among themselves - who was in charge of what, when would they work on the forts as a team, and when would they work as individuals.

There were several meetings that took place to hash out the differences of opinions and the details of the operation. Everyone walked away feeling that they had been heard and that their participation mattered.

Community collaboration and positive discipline in action!