Fine arts

School clubs

sports

Well…schools were a lot different to the ones we have today. Much of the teaching was conducted outdoors and children were taught Language, ( reading, writing ) mathematics and science. But they were also taught

music. Not just listening to it but playing it. It was considered of equal importance to other abilities and

that’s hardly surprising…can you imagine your life without any music?

A scene from a vase Ancient music lessons

Boys and girls received the same basic education but boys could also hire tutors or join a master in

philosophy and science and continue his studies. Needless to say that even in a city like Sparta, where

being a soldier was the most important thing in their life, music was also considered important. It enabled

people to move better, have rhythm and express themselves in poetry and drama.

The market place in Thessaloniki

People met at the place

of the Agora ( market

place ) which was either

open or galleried like in

later Roman times.

People discussed

political issues,

philosophy and it was a

part of the culture. Part

of teenagers’ teaching

involved taking part in

talks and learn how to

argue ,close to modern-

time debate-clubs. The

ones that could stand

out hoped for a political

career!

Agora

An ancient play was by no means a simple thing.

Drama, theater, music and

dancing were considered more

than fine arts. They were part

of everyday life, religious

rituals and politics. People

attended theater plays pretty

much the same way we attend

church on Sundays. In order to

be educated, spiritually

aroused and motivated. They

talked about gods and people,

conflicts regarding ethical

laws and human laws.

Drama

The acoustics of ancient theaters enabled a lot of people to watch a play outdoors.

Children, teenagers and grown ups alike, were instructed to take exercise and maintain good health. The saying of the ancients was “Healthy mind in a healthy body”.

The gyms were full of boys and men. In the case of Sparta, boys and girls were trained alike.

The Olympic games are an example of how important sports were. During the games any cities in war had to

have a truce.

We now consider fine arts, music, sports as fine activities that keep children happy but other than that they are not real hard core education. Few hours are actually spend over them and in some cases the teachers are not considered educators at all ! How many teaching hours are given to these subjects in your curriculum?

Well, in my school we only devote 4 hours every week!

That’s 4 out of 35! That’s a big change!

They can use simple organic materials to

make…Creams and oils!

It’s actually a bracelet It’s relaxing and fun!

Like cards to send… Paint bottles…..