Ancient Rome Activities for Kids

In this set of activities adaptable for grades K-3, parents and educators will find ideas for teaching about ancient Rome. These activities are designed to complement the BrainPOP Jr. Ancient Rome topic page, which includes a movie, quizzes, online games, printable activities, and more.

Classroom Activities for Teaching About Ancient Rome

Architecture Tour

Research photos of ancient Roman ruins on the Internet. You may also wish to explore websites that show virtual reconstructions of ancient Rome. Then take a walking tour of your community and have students bring sketchpads with them. What influences from ancient Roman architecture do children see in modern buildings? You may want to point out columns, arches, or rotundas to get them started. Have students sketch examples of buildings so that later, they can share and describe their drawings with the whole class.

The Forum

Remind children that ancient Romans often gathered in the Forum to hold discussions and share opinions about a topic. Have students prepare a topic they would like to discuss with the whole class. Then, gather in the “Forum” of your classroom and have students take turns sharing their ideas. For the event, you may wish to have students dress up in tunics with togas or stolas. You may even want to set up a marketplace in the Forum where students can sell or trade items such as fruit, vegetables, jewelry, and artwork.

Family and Homeschool Activities for Teaching About Ancient Rome

Museum Visit

If possible, visit a natural history museum or an art museum and browse the ancient Roman artifacts or artwork. Be sure your child brings a notebook or a sketchpad on the trip. What does each piece tell us about ancient Roman life or culture? Who might be the people depicted in sculptures, paintings, or even the coins? Discuss with your child. Have your child select a favorite artifact and research it further online. Encourage your child to create a similar piece using clay or paint and include ancient Roman symbolism in it.

Roman Gods and Goddesses

The ancient Romans honored many gods and goddesses, such as Neptune, the god of the sea, or Ceres, the goddess of the hearth. Have your child make up his or her own god or goddess and create a story about him or her. What does the god or goddess control or lead? Encourage your child to share the god or goddess’ information by creating a picture book, blog post, piece of artwork, puppet, and/or short video.