Introduction to Latin Part 1
In this 6-week course, students will learn the fundamentals of the Latin language, lots of English derivatives, and even some Ancient Roman history and culture. Together we will read the first 3 chapters of Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata.
Larissa Laver
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(233)
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What's included
18 live meetings
13 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursAssessment
This class is interactive and students will have the opportunity to read and translate aloud in class. Those who choose to participate in this way will receive immediate feedback and guidance with their Latin work. *Students will have an optional BLT (Big Latin Test). at the end of this course. Upon request, I am happy to provide grades for this as wellClass Experience
Beginner Level
This class is designed to introduce students to the world of reading Latin. Using Hans Ørberg’s text - which is written entirely in Latin! - students will learn to recognize various grammatical forms unique to the Latin language. In so doing students will strengthen their grasp of English grammar as well. We will be reading/translating Chapters 1-3 in this course. This course aims at mastery of nominative, genitive, and accusative cases, as well as the grammatical relationship between subject, verb, and direct object. Prerequisite: None. Students with limited exposure to Latin are also encouraged to enroll in this course as we will dive beyond words and roots to actually read in Latin from our very first meeting. The bulk of our class time will be spent reading and analyzing readings from the Lingua Latina textbook. We will also complete several exercises from the accompanying workbook (purchase links for both books are in the Learner Supplies tab). Students will have opportunity to read aloud, to translate, and to answer questions. We develop critical thinking and analytical skills through our study of Latin. We also sing songs in Latin!
Learning Goals
Students will distinguish Latin noun forms; students will expand their English vocabulary; students will reinforce their understanding of English grammar.
Syllabus
18 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Cap. 1.1
Intro to Latin 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Cap. 1.1
Singular and Plural Linking Verbs 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Cap. 1.2
Plural Nouns; Noun-Adjective Agreement 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Cap. 1.2
Introduction to Noun Declensions (1st and 2nd, nominatives only) 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The number “six” in Latin is “sex” (as in sextuplets or a sextet). Some students may chuckle at this. In the past I’ve simply encouraged students to get their giggles out the first time they see it, and then get over it, it’s just the number six. In eleven years I’ve had no real issues with this word/method.
The family in the textbook keeps slaves, and they are prominent characters in the story. This was a part of Roman culture historically, and I include a brief discussion of what slavery was like in the Roman world, especially as it contrasts to more modern pre- Civil War slavery in America.
The way the textbook teaches direct object accusative is with a fistfight among the children in the story. The title of the chapter is "the bad boy" so there's no defending his behavior, and I always make mention of how he could really use some sit-down-with-an-adult-and-talk-it-out sort of help to manage his stress rather than hitting a little girl for singing. At the end of the chapter, the girl who gets hit is sad because her brother, the one who hit her, is being punished and is hurting. I always emphasize that as a heartwarming story of compassion - even though he just hurt her for no good reason at all, she sees her brother crying and is sad for him. To me, that is beautiful and the sort of kindheartedness the world could use more of!
Supply List
Two books are required for this course: 1) A copy of Hans Øerberg’s textbook Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata: Pars I Famila Romana, available here: https://www.amazon.com/Lingua-Latina-Illustrata-Pars-Familia/dp/1585104205/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=lingua+latina+per+se+illustrata&qid=1588349771&sr=8-3 2) A copy of the accompanying Exercitia Latina workbook, available here: https://www.amazon.com/Exercitia-Latina-Exercises-Familia-Romana/dp/1585102121/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OC3X0H06Z5XZ&keywords=exercitia+latina&qid=1649275538&sprefix=exercitia+latina%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1 I receive no benefits or commissions from your purchase of these texts.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined April, 2020
4.9
233reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in History from Brandeis University
Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Language from Gordon College
Hello! I’m Larissa Laver and I’ve been teaching since 2008. I’ve worked with young children through young adults over the years: I have taught Pre-K through collegiate level courses and literally every grade in between at some point in my career. I mainly have taught Latin language from elementary through advanced levels, and occasionally teach Ancient Greek as well. I also teach Ancient Greek and Roman History courses, Classical Mythology, and the Homeric Epics. I have traveled extensively in Greece and Italy, and what I learned on those adventures often finds its way into my lessons.
I consider myself a lifelong learner and am always digging deeper to discover more about the world we live in, its history, peoples, languages, religions, cuisines, and more! I also love when my students challenge me with their amazing questions and observations. I spend much time reading and researching in the hopes of being a better citizen of the world and educator.
When I'm not engaged in academic pursuits, I spend my time with my amazing husband. Together we love to travel, play tennis, and hang out with our pet chickens! When I'm on my own, I love kickboxing, yoga (sometimes outside with the chickens!), and gardening (also with the chickens).Reviews
Live Group Course
$50
weekly3x per week, 6 weeks
45 min
Completed by 99 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-11
6-10 learners per class
