4 GUIDELINES FOR TEACHING LATIN

[Michie]

The quid, the quomodo, and the qua de causa for Latin—what to teach, how to teach it, and why—is likely a much bigger topic than any one post can cover. But begin to attempt to cover it we must. Classical teachers, school leaders, and their boards almost always agree that Latin (and less often Greek) is non-negotiable in their academy. This opinion, however, is too often held without either knowledge of any classical language or a clear vision of the purpose of such study in a classical school. Absent that basic foundation, schools end up leaving teachers to experiment and wander.

Occasionally novice teachers alight upon brilliance, and mature schools with a solid tradition of Latinitas are to be admired, but more often than not schools fall short of what could be accomplished in the teaching of Latin. That disserves students and enervates the school’s classical culture. The study of Latin can be a dynamo of rigor, richness, and genuine philology—love of speech and reason. At the same time, there are a number of deadly mistakes to avoid. Let’s tackle the deadliest and reroute according to the best practices.

1. Give Latin the time it needs.​

Continued below.

Cana Academy — 4 Guidelines for Teaching Latin

The quid , the quomodo , and the qua de causa for Latin—what to teach, how to teach it, and why—is likely a much bigger topic than any one post can cover. But begin to attempt to cover it we must.

www.canaacademy.org

 

[Bob Crowley]

I've been doing Latin in a U3A course (University of the Third Age). I'm guilty of not spending anywhere near enough time on it too. It's full of conjugations and declensions.

I've listed this joke before but Cicero was giving a speech in the Roman Senate.

One bloke got there about 15 minutes late. He sat down next to another senator and asked "What's he been saying?"

"I dunno" said the other senator, "he hasn't got to the verb yet!"

 

[johnnypapa]

Ecclesiastical Latin Course, no prior knowledge of Latin required...

Latin Class

No prior knowledge of Latin is required. Completion of the course will provide a foundation in basic Latin grammar and vocabulary, and assist the students in following along with the Church’s liturgy and prayers. To get started, all you will need is a copy of the book, "A Primer of Ecclesiastic

churchofsaintagnes.org

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

I've been doing Latin in a U3A course (University of the Third Age). I'm guilty of not spending anywhere near enough time on it too. It's full of conjugations and declensions.

I am where I should know all the verb endings in all tenses, voices, moods and persons. For some reason I find subjunctive most difficult..