AMENIA, N.Y. — This week, Olivet Academy Amenia’s middle school students stepped outside the usual classroom routine with two hands-on activities that brought their lessons to life.
7th Graders Step Into the Roman Senate
On Wednesday, October 21, the 7th graders in Mr. Shane Murphy’s class traveled back to ancient Rome by acting as members of the Roman Senate. Students split into groups such as the optimates and the plebeians, then negotiated, made deals, and even “bribed” one another to win votes.
One group’s plan, written on poster paper, promised to share money with the plebeians and help pay for games at the Colosseum, with an exchange rate of “10 people = 1 coin.” Through the role play, students saw firsthand how politics, power, and persuasion shaped decisions in the Roman Republic.
6th Graders Bring Spanish Class to the Cafeteria
On Thursday, October 22, the 6th graders in Iraziry Urdaz’s Spanish class took their lessons into the cafeteria. Holding colorful posters decorated with flower vases, students took turns presenting in Spanish while classmates, teachers, and the kitchen staff listened.
The presentations gave students a real audience to practice speaking a new language with confidence. A special meal was also served for the day, making it a memorable afternoon for everyone.
From negotiating in the Senate to presenting in Spanish, these activities showed how much students learn when they put their knowledge into action.
