Latin School of Chicago

For Students' Sake e World Cup simulation is just one of dozens of examples of how teachers at Latin think creatively about engaging their students with the curriculum. In every subject area, at every level, it is and has been part of the ethos of the school to continually enhance and enrich the academic experience by bringing material to life and challenging students to make real-world connections. is is innovation at Latin. It doesn't happen for innovation's sake and, it doesn't have to incorporate technology. Rather, it is part of a common mission to better serve the needs of students. According to sophomore Peter Gofen, simulations, role-play and gamification in his history and Latin classes – taught by Sara Landis, who regularly collaborates with Streicher – have helped him connect with those subjects on a deeper level. Whether conspiring in the overthrow of Nero, practicing the battle formations of the Punic Wars in Lincoln Park, or borrowing ideas from the ancient city of Changan in the founding of a new civilization for the ninth grade Global Cities course, Peter has most enjoyed opportunities where he can immerse himself in the content. "You aren't just studying a historical event," Peter said. "In simulations you have an objective; you are trying to solve a problem. It's fun, but it also helps you gain a better view of what is actually going on." For example, someone studying ancient Rome might ask why the Roman people didn't just get rid of the tyrannical Emperor Nero but Peter explained that a mini simulation in his Classic Civ class made students more aware of the context in its full complexity: "We realized it wasn't that simple." In the lower school, an initiative by the librarians to encourage a love of reading has transformed third graders Katie McDermott and Fowowe Onigbanjo into sophisticated literary critics – although they might not be aware of it. As part of a mock book award project, the third graders practiced using their growing reading, writing and discussion skills to decide on the winners of the Coretta Scott King Book Award – at the same time the real award process was happening. Students learned about eligibility and criteria for the award and examined titles using the criteria, before participating in the voting process and then picking a winner as a group. ey shared the title of the winner during a press conference (assembly). "It was really fun, but I had to think so hard about which book to choose because I liked them all," Katie explained. "My favorite was My Name is Truth. I loved that it was full of inspiration and feeling. You just felt like you could do anything after reading it." While Fowowe agreed with Katie's positive review of My Name is Truth, as someone who loves drawing, his first choice was My Pen. "I liked that it said you could change the world with drawing," he explained. Fowowe, Katie and their classmates also had the opportunity to Skype with a member of the "real" book award jury and share their opinions. "e mock award is an approach that allows for critical thinking, reflection and practice," said Lower School Librarian Elisa Gall. "By creating and articulating their opinions on something important to them (a renowned book award for children), students come to better understandings of literary criticism – not just what it is or why they should value it, but how they can participate in it." Every year the librarians run a different mock book award project at each grade level. Both Fowowe and Katie can't wait until next year, when they are in fourth grade and the assignment will be to make up their own book award as a grade. Legacy of Innovation Latin is not alone in supporting innovation in the classroom. Schools all over the country are embracing project-based learning and other trending educational approaches. At Latin, however, they have been part of teaching and learning for as long as anyone can remember – even if the terms were different. Retired faculty credit Edwin Van 24

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