Middle School Latin

A Premium World Language Course
1 year
Available to Grades 6-8
Prerequisite: Middle School Latin I

Students continue their language-learning adventure by progressing to this next level of middle school Latin. The instruction is equivalent to that found in the second semester of high school Latin 1. Since mastering a classical language presents different challenges from learning a spoken world language, students learn Latin through the ancient, time-honored classical language approaches of repetition, parsing, written composition, and listening exercises. These techniques, combined with a modern multimedia approach to learning grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, provide students with a strong foundation for learning Latin. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept; reading comprehension activities; writing activities; multimedia culture, history, and mythology presentations; and interactive activities and practices that reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on engaging with authentic classical Latin through weekly encounters with ancient passages from such prestigious authors as Virgil, Ovid, and Lucretius. Students learn ancient high classical styles of pronunciation and grammar instead of generally less sophisticated medieval styles, making it possible for students to comprehend the most Latin from the broadest range of time periods. Students should expect to be actively engaged in their language learning; become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases; comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns; understand and analyze the cultural and historical contexts of the ancient sources they study; and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored.