My name is James Bloom and I've been studying Latin since 6th grade. In 9th grade I founded my high school’s first Classics Club.

 

Because of my longstanding love of Mythology, I created classes for 2nd – 4th graders called “Greek-Roman-African Mythic Makers” at various community centers throughout New York City, such as the Washington Heights Y and the Association to Benefit Children. My classes always begin with a myth, followed by a creative art project inspired by the myth. For example, I share the story of Medusa, Pandora, Persephone, Anasi the Spider, and others, and then we create art projects such as Medusa’s Masks, Pandora's Box, Persephone’s Pomegranate Bracelet, the Belt of Hippolyte, Greek Hoplite Shields, and more. Although most of my elementary-aged students have never heard a Greek, Roman, or African myth before and have little knowledge of, or exposure to, ancient or classical culture, they are captivated by the stories and loved creating the projects.