Romana, the wife of Roman citizen Carinus, from Durnovaria, 91AD, brings a comprehensive range of artefacts to life with a unique mixture of interesting facts and entertaining stories about the Romans in Britain. The children are encouraged to interpret clues, handle the many items, model articles of clothing and participate in simple role-play.
Activities include:
Roman Cookery, Making Wax Tablets and Styli, Role-play, Mosaic Work, Roman Games and Keeping Clean the Roman Way. If time allows, the day concludes with an improvised drama, before a real ‘taste’ of Roman Britain as the children recline in the Roman way to sample food prepared earlier.
This day supports Unit 6A of QCA History Schemes of Work - Key stage 2
Find out more:
Feedback from teachers:
‘Every activity interested the children…I particularly liked the games…’
‘Makes ‘Romans’ more real to the children.’
‘The children loved making wax tablets and cooking. They were engaged in all activities throughout the day. One particularly SEN boy was captivated.’
‘A fantastic day, thanks.’
‘It’s hard to imagine times in the past, especially for less able children, so experiences like this are invaluable.’
‘Many thanks for another wonderful day. I always learn something new.’
‘Children really found looking at and touching artefacts a valuable experience.’
‘It’s an invaluable day - puts all learning into a ‘real life’ experience. A day they will never forget. Especially for children that aren’t so academic.’
‘All activities excellent and children/adults thoroughly enjoyed them.’
Feedback from children:
‘Dear Romana, Thank you for Roman Day…I enjoyed making the wax tablets and the wine cakes…I liked dressing up and being a Roman boy for the day…Love from Galerius.’
‘Dear Romana…I really enjoyed doing the Mosaics and fiddling with the tiles, trying to get a pattern which I liked…I liked playing with the ball and we did 142 passes. The cakes were yummy. It was a brilliant day. Thank you, from Cornelia.’
‘Dear Romana, I loved Roman Day . I wish that Friday had never ended…My favourite part of the day was when we cooked the Roman food and we ate in the Roman way. Hope to see you again soon. Love from Brvtvs.’
‘Dear Romana, I had great fun. I thought you was really interesting. The most interesting part is when you talk about all the Roman things. I was really surprised when you walked in and saw what you looked like. From Lauren.’
‘Yesterday was amazing. Yours sincerely, Kalon.’
‘Thank you for a brilliant day. It was the best day of my life and I learnt loads and I will never forget this day. Love from Lucius.’
‘I really liked Roman day, especially the drawing. I wish the day never ended. My mum took a photograph of me in the Roman helmet. From Daniel, the gladiator.’
‘The Roman day yesterday was so good I didn’t want it to end.’ Matthew.
‘I loved Roman day. It was one of the best days of my life.’ Eleanor.