Multi-Faceted Learning is Always Occuring at St. James!

by Jennifer Jordan, History and Latin Teacher

This school year, middle school students have the opportunity once a week to supplement in-school the after school activities of Quiz Bowl and Science Olympiad. The fall term focuses on Quiz Bowl, as we have more fall competitions, with Science Olympiad taking the reins in the spring. Since school began, the fifth grade class has been spending 45 minutes each Monday afternoon challenging itself to a variety of academia trivia questions. Not every student participates in the after-school programs, and this short period gives everyone a taste of the activities. The tools vary— one week, we may play a whole-class Quizlet; another week, we may try the “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader” board game. Sometimes, the class reinforces a concept they are learning in science or math. Either way, students are gaining knowledge of common trivia while also practicing the skill of thinking quickly on their feet. It’s a win-win!