Roman Life: Homes
Roman Life Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Roman Life is a series that explores the establishment of the Roman Empire and highlights notable figures such as Augustus, Virgil, and Homer. It delves into the characteristics of the Roman age, examining the lives of various social classes, as well as men, women, and children. Readers will gain insight into what it was like to live as a Roman, observe the influence of the past on present lives, and understand the changes that have occurred since then. Homes, on the other hand, focuses on the development and shifts in home life during the Victorian Age. This book looks at the impact of the Industrial Revolution on home life and discusses the daily lives of different classes. It also explores the features and characteristics of the Victorian age, highlighting how social and economic changes affected the lives of different social classes and genders.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think living in a Roman home would be different from our home today?
What kinds of activities do you think children in ancient Rome did in their homes?
Why do you think the homes in ancient Rome were built the way they were?
Can you imagine what a day in the life of a Roman child might have looked like? What would be similar or different to your day?
What part of Roman home life surprised you the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to visualize Roman homes by asking them to draw a picture of how they imagine a Roman house and family life.
Make connections between the book and your child's daily life, such as comparing their bedroom to a Roman child's living space.
Ask your child to think about how the information in the book might relate to what they have learned in school or seen in movies about ancient cultures.
Use the book as a starting point for a creative activity, like building a model of a Roman home with materials you have around the house.
Promote empathy by asking your child how they would feel living in a Roman home, fostering a deeper understanding of historical perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding historical context
Explanation: The book delves into the architectural styles and domestic routines of ancient Romans, providing young readers with a detailed glimpse into Roman homes and daily life.
Real-World Application: Children can compare and contrast past and present lifestyles, enhancing their historical awareness and appreciation for different cultures and time periods.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and community
Explanation: Through descriptions of communal living spaces and family-oriented activities in Roman homes, the book highlights how integral family and community were in Roman society.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of strong family bonds and community cooperation, encouraging them to invest time in family activities and community participation.
Example Lesson: Creativity and innovation
Explanation: The text explores how Romans used innovative solutions for everyday problems in their homes, such as heating and water systems.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively and appreciate human ingenuity, potentially sparking their interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness
Explanation: Details about the materials and techniques used in Roman home construction showcase the resourcefulness of the Romans.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of using available resources wisely, promoting sustainability and the importance of adaptation.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: Introducing children to the rich cultural heritage of ancient Rome, the book fosters a respect and fascination for history and different cultures.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages openness and curiosity about world cultures, which is crucial in nurturing informed and empathetic global citizens.