Noughts and crosses - The Romans

In Year 4, a creative and interactive way to combine the classic game of noughts and crosses with a history lesson on the Romans is introduced. Pairs of pupils are invited to play using a simple 3 x 3 grid and different coloured pens to distinguish their moves. The game is not just about strategy but also about testing their knowledge of Roman history. Each player is asked a question in turn, and if they answer correctly, they get to place a mark in their chosen grid space. The aim is to align three marks in a row, following the traditional rules of noughts and crosses.

The questions cover a range of topics about the Romans, from key historical figures like Boudica and Julius Caesar to Roman innovations such as aqueducts and Hadrian's Wall. For example, students might be asked to name the language spoken by the Romans, identify the Roman emperor who invaded Britain in 55BC, or confirm whether the Romans introduced rabbits to Britain. The answers to these questions are provided, including Latin, gladiator, and the fact that the Romans occupied Britain for 500 years. This educational twist on a familiar game not only makes learning fun but also encourages students to engage with historical facts and understand the impact of the Roman occupation on Britain.