The basics: Make sure they do all homework completely and study for quizzes. A world-class education requires world-class preparation by teacher and student.
Give them an agenda or calendar to keep track of assignments and check it regularly. They aren’t adults yet! A student without some sort of calendar or agenda will probably get zeros on HW and fail quizzes and tests. Sorry, but it’s true.
Watch grades on Pinnacle; the link’s 0n the right.→
Check my blog (link →) and make sure this site is used on a regular basis.
Have them translate model sentences, ATL and PTL sentences and stories to you. If it doesn’t make sense, it’s wrong.
Have your son or daughter make flash cards for all vocab words and word endings. Put Latin one side, English on the other, then you can quiz them.
Encourage them to come in for help as soon as they are confused.
I give HW most days, but it shouldn’t take them long
A “stage” or chapter lasts about 2 weeks or 5 class periods. On the 3rd day there is a vocabulary and English derivative quiz, on the last or 5th day is an end of stage (EOS) quiz. They have multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank and translation items. Advanced (Latin III+) may also have essays.
I offer extra help most afternoons and 2 mornings (7:50 am) a week. Students should sign up on a calendar in my room.
When a student is absent he should check the blog for what we did in class, then sign up in a timely manner to make up quizzes before or after school .
Like all languages , Latin requires memorization. Memorization starts in class but is completed at home. Simply reading over notes or vocabulary is not really studying. Most learning happens when you do something with the information: write it, sing it, say it, chant it, move it, type or play it. These things work!!!
Latin’s the hardest language, right? Isn’t it only for the most gifted students?
No, no, no, no!!!!! If that were true your humble teacher wouldn’t know any Latin at all. Like all academic classes, it requires preparation. Like all academic classes, it is easier for some than others. A hard working student will be successful regardless of his or her gifts!
For Parents
How can you help your kids excel in Latin?
Important Class Info
Latin’s the hardest language, right? Isn’t it only for the most gifted students?
No, no, no, no!!!!! If that were true your humble teacher wouldn’t know any Latin at all. Like all academic classes, it requires preparation. Like all academic classes, it is easier for some than others. A hard working student will be successful regardless of his or her gifts!