<bt>The Latin program at Providence Elementary has grown this school year to include the fifth grade as well as expanded sessions in the third and fourth grades. Students begin classes learning and using basic spoken Latin: e.g., greetings, weather, classroom objects, numbers and counting. Since so many English words come from Latin — about 65 percent — learning this vocabulary will helps to expand students' English vocabulary.
"I love when we get to speak in Latin," said third-grade student Tiffany Smith.
Because learning from the past is so important, students also have the chance to investigate ancient culture and history, and to explore connections between the modern world and the language, life and customs of the ancients. To highlight these connections, an effort is made to coordinate the topics that are being studied in other classes with similar topics in Roman life or Latin language.
"It's fun because we learn new things," said third grader Matthew Stuart. "It's different."
Latina vivit! Latin lives! Since Latin is so prevalent in the world around us, Latin teacher Danielle Rinella makes every effort to present Latin lessons in a lively manner. Reading modern stories in Latin, playing Latin games like FORUM!, presenting skits, making crafts and singing songs all help to excite students about Latin and to encourage them to look for its influence in the world around them.
"I get excited when we have Latin because it's fun," said third grader Marc Parker.