| Letter for Latin Parents |
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| August, 2007 Latin I Lumberton High School Dear Parent or Guardian, I am happy to welcome your child to Latin I this semester. As you know, Latin is a course which demands consistent study. Although your student will rarely have a written homework assignment to turn in, he should expect to study Latin every school day. He should practice writing out vocabulary and forms and review the material done in class. I will be happy to give him credit for this practice if he will bring it in. There will be weekly tests to encourage daily study and to chart his progress. I am convinced that anyone who studies effectively and consistently will do well in Latin. The reasons for learning Latin well are compelling. Briefly, a study of Latin gives students a tool for increasing English vocabulary and for understanding the English language. Translation strengthens the same critical thinking skills that are nurtured by math. A study of Roman culture and mythology broadens one's cultural literacy. Finally, the Romans wrote wonderful literary works that are both relevant and beautiful today. IO! Linguam Latinam!* Each week students will learn approximately twenty words with emphasis on their English derivatives as well as components of Latin grammar. There will be many opportunities for translation. Through lecture students will learn about an aspect of ancient Roman culture (e.g. housing, marriage, the baths) and a prominent figure in Roman mythology. They also will read and summarize ten pages of parallel material in English. We play many games and sing songs to make this learning fun and lasting. I encourage students who are insecure with the material to stay after school for extra help. You have found my website at www.geocities.com/nck12mcleanp where you may check for assignments and helpful links including an online workbook for our text. The weekly tests constitute half the nine-weeks grade. Weekly parallel reading summaries also count as one large test grade. Daily grades come from individual and group translations and from quizzes. Only seniors may be exempt from the final exam under the following conditions: a senior with an A average who has missed three or fewer days, and a senior with a B average who has missed no more than two days. I look forward to meeting you at one of our PTSA open houses this semester. My planning period goes from 8:10 to 9:30, and I will be glad to meet with you or talk on the phone then or after school. Yours truly, Peggy McLean *YAY! Latin! |
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