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.
As the sixth grade home room teacher I get the privilege of taking the sixth grade class to Mo Ranch every spring. Mo Ranch is nestled on 500-acres along the spring-fed Guadalupe River in the heart of Texas Hill County in Hunt, Texas. Our group participates in the Environment Leadership Program and it is truly an unforgettable outdoor experience! The objective is to promote growth in group cooperation and leadership skills, self-confidence, and self-worth through challenging activities in a supportive environment.
