Why Latin?
We teach Latin for our language curriculum in year 3/4 and year 5/6. Many find it difficult to understand why we would choose Latin. I strongly believe that Latin is the very best choice we can make for all children. This is why.
1.We do not know what language children will go on to learn. However, Latin is the base of all European languages. So, what every happens at Secondary School children will have a strong grounding. This would not be so with Spanish, French, German, Italian etc.
2.Latin is a classical language. This means the focus is on reading Latin. This makes it more accessible for all. Other languages require reading, writing, speaking and listening.
3.Latin has a highly accessible letter sound link. Each letter spells one sound.
4.Latin is everywhere today. Exit is a Latin word. Much of the language we use is based on Latin. Pater is father, think paternity. Mater is mother, think maternity. Salve is hello (v is pronounced w) think salute. This is why we have these words today. Latin unlocks vocabulary we have everywhere.
5.Stories from Latin and still used today in cartoons, films, books, television shows.
Latin offers powerful knowledge that unlocks the world. Children will start to look at the world around them differently and spot links. This natural curiosity is highly motivating and incredibly engaging. I hope your ideas about Latin have now started to shift. Unless, you already loved Latin. In which case, gratias tibi. (think gratitude)
Minimus
Minimus is a unique Latin course for younger children.
It's based on a real family who lived at Vindolanda in 100AD: Flavius, the fort commander, his wife Lepidina, their three children, assorted household slaves, their cat Vibrissa - and Minimus the mouse.
Resources can be found on this website and at http://www.minimuslatin.co.uk/
