First Latin: A Language Discovery Program

First Latin: A Language Discovery Program is a series by Marion Polsky that is combination text and combination activity book. In terms of Latin textbooks, this is the most simplistic and novice-friendly text you will find. I selected it over other options such as Minimus and Latin is Fun, two very popular texts for beginner Latin learners, because it uses Roman culture as its plumbline for introducing language. For example, the unit on food discusses Roman dining practices in English while peppering the text with Latin words for a few things. This beginner-friendly blend of Latin and English allows even a teacher who has never before seen Latin to introduce the language to students. While most other textbooks are centered on grammar, the text focuses on the culture and vocabulary. A greater focus on vocabulary allows students to reap the benefits of being exposed to the language without the labor of working through grammar.

This text is a wonderful source for 6th graders, or really any middle school or upper-elementary grade level. It has plenty of creative illustrations to keep students engaged, yet maintains a simplistic enough Latin vocabulary and English passages on culture that students can easily follow along.

Potential Lesson Plan:

Standard: Standard 6-2, Indicator 6-2.3

Objective: The student will compare modern American culture with Ancient Rome and analyze the importance of cultural sharing.

Materials: Paper and pencil.

Outline: Students will read the section on page 6 titled, "Why Is it Important for Us to Learn About the Ancient Romans?" Students will then list out three cultural connections between American culture and Roman culture based on their reading. They will then consider the following hypothetical: Why would a modern culture borrow things from an ancient culture? Students will discuss this question among each other. The teacher will then pose the same question to the class and have each group answer the hypothetical.