What is Classics Club?Classics Club was created over 20 years ago to

provide a club atmosphere for elementary students

It is being revitalized to provide a place for K-6 students to develop experiences similar to those in NJCL

We call it “parva” NJCLClassics Club is designed for students in public,

private, and homeschool groupsIt is an enrichment activity, for in the classroom

or after school

What is included?Members receive an activity packet, with activities in

Ancient GeographyClassical ArtClassical Mythology Greek and Roman Culture Greek and Roman History Latin Grammar Latin Vocabulary Olympics – Greco-Roman Sports

Students chose 2 activities from 6 of the categories to complete to earn stickers for their standard

When 6 stickers have been earned by the students, they receive a certificate of completion & ribbon

Sample Activities ART Challenge Activity: Mosaic

Students create a mosaic.

LATIN VOCABULARY Challenge Activity: Picture Dictionary Students create a picture dictionary with animal and nature words

from the Exploratory Latin Exam

ANCIENT GEOGRAPHY Challenge Activity: Make a Travel Brochure Students create a travel brochure advertising visiting locations in

Ancient Greece which were important to heroes (Hercules, Theseus, Perseus)

OLYMPICS -- GRECO-ROMAN SPORTS Challenge Activity: Olympic Games II Students develop and celebrate their own set of Olympic games,

creating modern equivalents (ex: Friscus for Discus)

The Pilot ProgramGroups who had shown interest from across

the country were invited to participate9 groups participated81 students were membersIn June, surveys were sent to those who

participated and those who did not

Non-ParticipantsReasons for not participating

lack of school/district supportlack of timelack of student interestconfusion on part of sponsor about the

programAll who responded to this survey indicated

they would like to participate in the future

Participants

Public schools – 2 Private or Parochial schools – 1

Homeschool groups – 3 Homeschool family – 1

How was the program used?

Latin class – in class program

1

Latin class – after school program

2

Enrichment program (no Latin in school)

2

Classics related course – after school program

1

Other (NME prep course) 1

Participants were satisfied to extremely satisfied about cost of the program quality of materials

Overall experience with Classics Club: 2 - satisfied4 - extremely

satisfied

Participants were asked to provide their opinions of Activities:Ancient Geography

One group felt activities were too difficult. (grades 4-6) Another recommended incorporating changes over time and utilizing Google maps.

Classical Art

One group felt they needed more direction for activities.

Classical Mythology

Greek & Roman Culture

One group commented that while the topics varied, students felt they spent more time researching than applying skills

One group felt activities were too difficult. (grades 4-6)

One group felt there were not enough activity options.

Latin Grammar

Greek & Roman History

One group felt activities were too easy.

Another group did not complete because not all students study Latin.

Latin Vocabulary Olympics

One group felt activities were too easy.

Another group did not complete because not all students study Latin.

One group said not enough activity options.

3 groups did not complete this activity.

Additional FeedbackMonthly meetings were not sufficient for a club to

complete activitiesMore details and directions, especially in Classical Art.Offer some cooperative learning activities, more

application activities (ex: acting out Latin Grammar sentences)

Integrating parents more fully into the programThis is difficult, as some Classics Clubs involve one sponsor

and many childrenWorking with the community

We are thinking about an optional “Community Service” Badge

Students want more competition.One school created a school competition and judged

activities based upon Academic Merit, Creativity, and Overall Presentation.

The website was never fully implemented. We plan on incorporating competitions through the website.

Additional CommentsThe club helped one student gain interest in

Latin and go from a D to a B the next quarter. He loved the activities. 

The students really liked the opportunity to demonstrate their skill sets without the pressure of grades! 

Great ideas for activities with learning ideas nicely embedded. 

The kids who did attend were so excited and went around saying "Salve!" to everyone. They love mythology!

SummaryOverall, Pilot Program members seemed

pleased with the programAreas to work on: Olympics, Latin Grammar,

Latin Vocabulary, & Greek & Roman HistoryProviding additional resources, clarifying

directions, websiteCommunity involvementCompetition

Food for thought:Several groups seemed interested in using the

program to help revitalize Latin programs in danger of closing

Several pilot program groups mentioned using older students to help facilitate the program

Some finished projects!

Photo courtesy of Courtney Hasner, Sponsor for J.P. Stevens High School & SubRosa Latin Academy

These students were able to enter projects into the NJJCL State Convention – look at all their awards!

Thank you to…

Pilot Program Sponsors

Yolanda BeltonCourtney HasnerDonna Metler Dana MillerSusan RohrbachCatherine Stancil 

* While we had other Sponsors, these are the ones who responded to our survey. Without them, this presentation would not be possible!

Classics Club Committee Members

Zee Poerio, Classics Club ChairPenny CipoloneChristine Pham HahnKrystal KubichekLexie PhelanKris TracyMary Weaver