Description:

Influential author and academic Dorothy Sayers said, “The best grounding for education is the Latin grammar. I say this not because Latin is traditional and medieval, but simply because even a rudimentary knowledge of Latin cuts down the labor and pains of learning almost any other subject by at least 50 percent.” Studies also show that Latin students consistently outperform all other students on the verbal portion of the SAT and continue to maintain a higher GPA in university. This comprehensive and rigorous class presents Latin in an engaging and enjoyable manner. Students will solidify their understanding of English grammar by learning to conjugate and decline Latin words. Students will also translate Latin sentences in a logical progression, using all eight parts of speech. The relevance of Latin in history and ancient and contemporary culture will be explored, and English vocabulary will increase through the study of derivatives. 90% of all polysyllabic English words come from Latin! Readings adapted from Latin literature will also develop logic and problem solving skills. Training in Roman culture, myths, and history will be done through arts integration and hands-on projects. Students will be required to memorize noun and verb endings, as well as about 275 Latin words. Students should expect to spend about 3 to 4 hours each week on homework outside of class. Access to email and the internet is required. One high school language credit.

Previous Latin experience not required. For students who would feel more confident having learned some basic Latin before taking this class, a no-cost, twelve week self-paced introductory course is available to take over the summer. Contact the instructor for more information. 

Live remote class will be offered for students who are absent from class. 

Latin I overview:

There is no doubt that Latin is hard, and there are easier foreign language options out there. But as I always tell them on the first day of Latin I, “This may be one of the hardest classes you will take at Connections, but when you are twenty-five and your frontal lobe has fully developed, you’ll come back and thank me!”.

In Latin I, it is not just about Latin, although they do learn a lot of Latin. Your student’s English vocabulary will increase, thanks to the fact that 90% of English polysyllabic words come from Latin, patterning and problem-solving skills transfer from Latin to math and music, logic and reasoning skills will develop, and they will have a richer understanding of ancient history and how it affects us today. Plus, they learn new technology, lots of study skills, how to work as a team, how to read and follow a rubric, time management (some will still be working on this!!!), appropriate social behavior in a group, and how and when to ask for help from a grownup other than a parent.