What ARe we doing here?

 Often students (and parents) are both frightened and excited about their first Latin class. My goal is to overcome the fright and join in the excitement.

Latin, like any other language can be learned in many ways.  Often adults recall endless rote memorization of conjugations and declensions and using these to decode sentences.  This is great if you like puzzles, but it doesn't teach you how to read, synthesize and speak or compose in the language.  The other end of the spectrum would be to learn the language through storytelling without considering the grammar (sheltering the grammar).  This is engaging and immersive but often neglects the beauty of the grammar as we learned our first language.  

I teach somewhere in the middle of these two pedogogies.  Engaging readings, conversations, questions and answers draw the student into the language. However, just as we learned our own grammar as we encountered it (remember mom saying that it is "went" not "goed"?) we learn the Latin grammar as we encounter it. 

Most students and parents love the fact that I give little to no homework outside of learning the vocabulary words. Most of what needs to be taught can be done in the classroom. The most effective way to learn the vocabulary is to use the Picta Dicta app provided to your student by Trinity.  Time is given in class to complete all assignments and to prepare for grammar quizzes.​

If you have questions about this site or need to contact me, please do so at magistraseidman@gmail.com

How to use this site

If you are a homeschool teacher who would love direction and confidence, click the Homeschool Latin tab above. 

If you are using the LLPSI books, look at the Lingua Latina page for video and other resources for each chapter.

If you need to review grammar chants, check out the Grammar Resources tab.

Reading Latin has novellas and readers.  Please reach out to me if you need help finding the right fit for your reading level.  Nothing worse than getting a book too easy or too difficult. 

Finally, because I am passionate about Classical education, you will find a cornucopia of Classical Resources (some of which may need updating).

Tools - Charts

Why Study Latin?


Why study Latin?
  • Studying Latin, a highly organized and logical language, much like studying math, sharpens the mind, cultivates mental alertness, creates keener attention to detail, develops critical thinking, and enhances problem solving abilities.
  • Since about two thirds of English words are derived from Latin, studying Latin provides invaluable insights into English vocabulary, the structure and meaning of English words, especially of longer and more complicated ones.
  • Studying Latin, the quintessential language of oratory, affects positively the way we create discourse in English and helps us to express ourselves with more effectiveness and confidence. Learning Latin is also particularly beneficial for people who intend to study law, given the numerous Latin terms and phrases in legal discourse.
  • Studying Latin, with its highly organized grammar, makes us coordinate ideas, reflect on the various ways to say the same thing, and thus to write and speak better in English.
  • Latin provides a key to the Romance languages, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese etc. Latin is the universal language of western civilization. Actually, Latin provides the blueprint for any language we may be learning later in life: German, Russian, Chinese, or any other one.
  • Since medical terminology, mostly derived directly from Latin, is essential for everything in the medical field, learning Latin is extremely valuable for those who intend to become doctors and other health professionals.
  • Latin is the language in which the most sophisticated thoughts of the western world were expressed, and studying it allows learners to get a better grasp of their own present and thus gain a more profound understanding of manifold aspects of our lives and culture.
  • Furthermore, Latin is all around us. Look at your dollar bill. Think of a president’s veto. Consider how often we use the expressions AM and PM. Bachelor, Master, Dean – all these come from Latin. Expressions like Et tu Brute also cannot be understood without their Latin context.
  • Studying Latin leads to an increase in scores on standardized tests, such as the SAT.
  • Studying Latin and Classics in general can boost the chances for a successful medical school application: “According to Association of American Medical Colleges, students who major or double-major in Classics have a better success rate getting into medical school than do students who concentrate solely in biology, microbiology, and other branches of science” (Princeton Review).
  • Studying Latin and Classics helps maximize LSAT scores. According to The National Jurist (April 2014), “The law school applicants with the highest grade point averages and LSAT scores studied the classics in college.”
  • Just two examples of people who have studied Latin and have achieved great success in today’s world: J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, and Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg.
From the University of Kentucky Classics Website https://mcl.as.uky.edu/cla-latin

My favorite Simple Latin readers

Picture
Order these by clicking here:pictadicta.com/latin-readers
   
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Click to set custom HTML

Classical activities during the Coronavirus Quarantine! 


Upcoming:
  • 3/22, 12:00-1:00 pm EST
    Plagues in Ancient Rome, a live stream session with Darius Arya, a Roman archaeologist Please register here.
  • 3/23, 2:00-3:00 pm EST
    The Roman Soldier, a live stream session on the daily life of Roman soldier, soldier attire and equipment, and famous battles, with Richard Campbell, a member of Legio XX and Roman soldier reenactor. Please register here.
  • 3/24/20 2:00-3:00pm EST
    Latin and Minecraft, a live stream session with Magister Jessie Craft, Latin teacher and Minecraft educator,
    • Register here!
    • Links to join the live stream events will ONLY be sent to those who RSVP on this website.
      Dates will be updated as confirmed

●Grammar Practice:
○ Ed Puzzle
○ Conjugeumus
○ Magistrula

● Cultural/historical digital resources:
○ Magister Craft videos
○ Legonium

● Vocab practice
○ Gimkit - vocabulary review

● Reading
○Story Resources

● Online Latin Dictionaries for the packet or stories:
○Latinitium
○Whitaker’s Words

● Creativity
○SCRIBO contest: write a short story, poem, or comic.See website for rules.
○Virtual Museum Assignment
SUMMER FUN
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