Lammas: The Rise of Rome
Sixth grade begins with the legendary founding of Rome—from twin brothers raised by a wolf to the birth of a republic that would shape Western civilization.
UU Principle Focus
7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
🎯 Learning Goals
- • Understand the legendary founding of Rome (Romulus and Remus)
- • Trace Rome's development from kingdom to republic
- • Compare Roman government to modern democracy
- • Master operations with positive and negative integers
- • Identify the three types of rocks and understand the rock cycle
- • Connect Roman harvest traditions to Lammas celebrations
Weekly Lessons
Week 1: The Founding of Rome
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Rome began with a legend of twins raised by a wolf. What stories does your family tell about beginnings? How do origin stories shape who we become?
📚 Language Arts
Read the legend of Romulus and Remus. Write a summary and discuss: myth vs. history. Vocabulary: legend, founding, civilization, republic.
✖️ Math
Review decimals and percentages. Introduction to integers: positive and negative numbers on a number line.
🪨 Science: Geology
Introduction to Geology: What is a rock? Three types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic. Begin rock collection.
✏️ Form Drawing
Roman geometric patterns—mosaics and borders
🧶 Handwork
Begin wheat weaving for Lammas; sketch Roman mosaic designs
📖 Story
Romulus and Remus: The Founding of Rome
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Ancient Rome for Kids
- Romulus and Remus Story
Shows:
- Engineering an Empire: Rome
Audio:
- SPQR audiobook excerpts
Week 2: The Roman Kingdom
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Rome had seven kings before becoming a republic. What makes a good leader? What happens when leaders abuse power?
📚 Language Arts
Study the Seven Kings of Rome. Create a timeline. Write about one king's accomplishments or failures.
✖️ Math
Adding and subtracting integers. Use number lines and real-world contexts (temperature, elevation, debt).
🪨 Science: Geology
Igneous rocks: formed from fire and magma. Examine granite, obsidian, pumice. Connect to Roman building materials.
✏️ Form Drawing
Continue Roman mosaic patterns—symmetry and repetition
🧶 Handwork
Create a simple mosaic with paper or tiles
📖 Story
The Rape of Lucretia and the Fall of the Kings
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Roman Kings Explained
- How Volcanoes Form Rocks
Shows:
- Pompeii: The Last Day
Audio:
- Tales from Ancient Rome
Week 3: Birth of the Roman Republic
🕯️ Hearth Circle
The Romans overthrew their king and created a republic where citizens had a voice. How is this like our democracy? (5th Principle)
📚 Language Arts
Learn about the Roman Republic: Senate, consuls, citizens. Compare to modern democracy. Write a comparison essay.
✖️ Math
Multiplying integers. Rules for positive and negative. Real-world applications.
🪨 Science: Geology
Sedimentary rocks: formed in layers over time. Examine sandstone, limestone, shale. Discuss fossils.
✏️ Form Drawing
Roman architectural drawings—columns and arches
🧶 Handwork
Continue mosaic project; begin Lammas bread preparation
📖 Story
Cincinnatus: The Farmer Who Saved Rome
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Roman Republic Explained
- Sedimentary Rocks for Kids
Shows:
- Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire
Audio:
- The Roman Mysteries series
Week 4: Roman Society & Daily Life
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Roman society had patricians and plebeians—rich and poor. How do we treat people of different backgrounds? (2nd Principle: Justice)
📚 Language Arts
Study Roman daily life: homes, food, clothing, entertainment. Write a 'day in the life' narrative from a Roman child's perspective.
✖️ Math
Dividing integers. Order of operations review with integers.
🪨 Science: Geology
Metamorphic rocks: changed by heat and pressure. Examine marble, slate, quartzite. The rock cycle introduction.
✏️ Form Drawing
Draw a Roman villa floor plan
🧶 Handwork
Bake Lammas bread; create a harvest altar
📖 Story
Stories of Roman Children and Families
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- A Day in Ancient Rome
- The Rock Cycle
Shows:
- What the Romans Did for Us
Audio:
- Roman Diary audiobook
Week 5: Lammas Celebration & Roman Harvest
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Romans celebrated Ceres, goddess of grain and harvest. How do different cultures honor the earth's abundance? (7th Principle)
📚 Language Arts
Research Roman harvest festivals (Cerealia). Compare to Lammas traditions. Write a reflection on gratitude for abundance.
✖️ Math
Review integers. Introduction to algebraic expressions: variables represent unknown quantities.
🪨 Science: Geology
Complete rock cycle diagram. Review three rock types. Nature walk to identify local rocks.
✏️ Form Drawing
Create a decorative border for Lammas celebration page
🧶 Handwork
Complete Lammas crafts; prepare celebration feast
📖 Story
Ceres and Proserpina: A Roman Harvest Tale
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Roman Gods and Goddesses
- Rock Cycle Song
Shows:
- Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall
Audio:
- Mythology by Edith Hamilton
🌾 Lammas Celebration
- 🟡 Bake Roman-style bread (panis) and share with family
- 🟡 Create a harvest altar honoring Ceres and the grain
- 🟡 Hold a Roman feast with period-appropriate foods
- 🟡 Display rock collections and geology projects
- 🟡 Present timelines and reports on Roman history
- 🟡 Reflect on gratitude for abundance and community
📚 Recommended Resources
Read-Alouds & Literature
- • The Roman Mysteries series (Caroline Lawrence)
- • City: A Story of Roman Planning and Construction
- • SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome (excerpts)
Reference
- • DK Eyewitness: Ancient Rome
- • Usborne Encyclopedia of the Roman World
- • National Geographic: Rocks and Minerals