My fifth and sixth grade history students had a firsthand look at the art and science of bladesmithing today! We are studying life in colonial America and the importance of occupations such as blacksmiths and bladesmiths, tailors, candle makers, farmers, etc.

In colonial America, blacksmiths were essential, crafting and repairing tools, horseshoes, nails, and farming equipment that kept communities running.

Students saw how heat makes metal easier to shape and how hammering and heat treatment change its properties. This hands-on experience connected colonial craftsmanship with science concepts like heat transfer and physical changes, reminding us that history comes alive when we can see it, hear it, and experience it!

My sixth grade history class enjoyed a visit to City Hall last week in honor of Constitution Week. They recited the Preamble from memory as Mayor Bruggeman signed the official Constitution Week proclamation. Afterward, we enjoyed lunch and a historical tour of City Hall led by Matt Soloman, Texarkana’s historian.

Kandice Kimmel, Latin & History, Grades 5-8

All St. James Day School middle school students get to choose from a variety of electives. I teach a skill that is near and dear to my hear-cooking!

Teaching children to cook is an essential life skill that builds independence, boosts confidence, and promotes lifelong health. Also, children who help prepare food are more likely to try new ingredients, eat more fruits and vegetables, and become less picky eaters!

Learning to conjugate verbs in Latin is an important skill because it unlocks the structure of language, builds critical thinking skills, and connects you to thousands of years of history!

Ambulo means ‘I walk’ in Latin. We get the English words amble, ambulance, ambulatory, and perambulator.

“But, Mrs. Kandice, if ambulo means to walk, how did we get ambulance from that?”

I’m so glad they asked because it led to a fun and active demonstration of what an ancient Roman ambulance would have looked like. They demonstated how Roman soldiers likely had to walk (ambulare) with an injured commrade on a stretcher.