Friends, Romans, Lethbridge pupils (From Swindon Advertiser)

Friends, Romans, Lethbridge pupils

10:59am Thursday 15th June 2006 in

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YOUNGSTERS at a Swindon school got into character for a feast of Roman activity.

Children's author Caroline Lawrence dropped into Lethbridge primary this week to talk about her work and all things Roman.

The Year 4 pupils, many of whom dressed up, spent the day with the author, whose Roman mystery stories are being dramatised for a BBC TV series.

Teacher Laura Whateley said: "It was brilliant. The children came in the next day saying it was the best day in school ever.

"She really made the children laugh, talking about things like sponges on sticks which the Romans used after going to the toilet and all the sorts of things that children love."

The author spoke to the youngsters about her work and afterwards the eight and nine-year-olds had fun writing their own stories.

They also had a go at making clay sculptures of Roman kitchens.

Mother-of-two Vivienne Wise, who arranged the visit, said: "The Year 4s are studying Romans at the moment and they had a really fun day.

"Her books are great because they are really interesting for children but also very accurately set within a historical context."

Caroline also held a question-and-answer session with the pupils.

Vivienne said: "The children were really interested to ask questions and she said they asked some really good questions."

Vivienne's children, Oliver, nine, and seven-year-old Lucy, go to the school and Oliver is in one of the classes that spent the day with the author.

"He really enjoyed it," she said. "I couldn't believe how many children dressed up, even though it wasn't compulsory. I think about 90 per cent of them did it."