Materials for the class

Images about the tortoise formation, cardboard, string, black/gold/silver markers, cutter, silhouette of a shield, tambourine, sponge balls

Layout of the classroom

Phase 1-2: the activity will be performed in the classroom.

Phase 3-4: the activity will be performed in the gym/school yard.

Phase 1

The teacher introduces the topic: she/he will speak about the Roman Empire in general and then about its army. She/he will explain its composition, soldiers’ equipment, battlefield techniques.

Phase 2

Then the teacher explains what the tortoise formation is using images.

Each child receives a cardboard and has to draw the silhouette of a shield on it. The teacher crops it with the cutter. The child decorates the shield with the markers and creates a handle with the string.

Phase 3

The children play in the gym/school yard. They walk freely listening to the tambourine rhythm (some children play the role of enemies). When the teacher decides it, the children have to align in a tortoise formation: the enemies have to hit the formation with the balls. The activity is repeated so that each one can play different roles (both Roman soldier and enemy).

Phase 4

The teacher recalls the activity and points out pros and cons of the tortoise formation.