Salvete Parentes!
Hello Parents! Welcome to the
Grade VI Latin Open House!
Presented this evening by Ms. Jenny Mykytenko
Educational Background
and career choice
• BA in Classics (Latin & Ancient Greek) from
College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA
• MS in Education from Mount St. Mary College,
Newburgh, NY
• MA in Teaching and Foundations, Fairfield U
• Why teach Latin? Why middle school? - Sharing
my passion/knowledge with others; helping
young minds grow
Benefits of Latin
• The stereotype = One has to be smart to take Latin; The
reality = Latin helps one become smarter!
• Improves or enhances numerous academic skills
(vocabulary, reading, writing, terms, etc.)
• Is found across the disciplines/connection-making
• 21st century skills. Latin promotes higher order thinking
(including opportunities for metacognition) and helps
develop lifelong skills. (school goal)
• Latin is the basis for the Romance languages
• Latin not dead/found in everyday use (alphabet,
derivatives, expressions, Roman numerals, abbreviations,
etc .)
• Allows us to better understand ourselves, as we compare
and contrast our own culture with the Roman culture &
customs… The past serves as a link to today
6th grade Curriculum Overview
• Vocabulary, Grammar, and Culture
• Grammar: Approach is progressive and
sequential… Basic expressions to basic sentence
structure. This year, students will grasp the
grammatical fundamentals of the language and
practice using specific linguistic terminology.
• Culture: Rome to Pompeii
• More than a language… Making personal and
meaningful connections to the learning
*Benchmark Assessments 3x a year to demonstrate
student growth*
Beginning of Year Content/Themes
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Basic Latin greetings and phrases (e.g. Quid agis hodie?)
Roman naming system
Life in ancient Rome/Daily life
Maps (Roman Empire, city of Rome, Roman Forum)
Famous sites (Colosseum, Circus Maximus, etc.)
Famous Romans (Julius Caesar, Augustus, etc.)
Classroom terms (wall = murus, window = fenestra)
Counting and Roman numerals, related derivatives
Calendar (days of the week and months)
Mythology/Gods and Goddesses
Timeline/major events in Roman history
Cambridge Latin Series, Unit I
5 chapters (stages) covered this year. Set in Pompeii:
• The Family (Caecilius)
• Roman Villa (in villa)
• Daily life/Business (negotium)
• Pompeiian Forum (in foro)
• The Theater (in theatro)
(User-friendly set-up; stories appeal to this age-group)
*Teacher developed units go above and beyond material found
in the primary textbook. The unit packets students receive
typically include vocabulary lists, derivative practice, grammar
explanation and related exercises specific to each unit, story
comprehension questions, and a review sheet for the test.
Students will receive hand-outs from time to time, in addition to
the packets themselves. These papers are to be kept in their
binders throughout the year and serve as additional resources
and learning guides.
Understanding the structure of the language…
Latin consists of patterns and endings and does
not rely on word order (also, there are no
articles):
subject DO V
DO subject V
Canis felem videt.
Felem canis videt.
The dog sees the cat. The dog sees the cat.
In addition to knowing the vocabulary, attention
to details, patterns, and endings is key.
*Pronunciation is mainly phonetic; “V” sounds like a “W”
Personal pronouns are not necessary. The endings on
verbs are used to identify who is doing the action, and
also establish when the action occurs (i.e. tense):
Present tense personal endings and full verb examples…
-o
-s
-t
- mus
- tis
- nt
video = I see/I am seeing
vides = you (sg.) see
videt = he/she/it sees
videmus = we see
videtis = you (pl.) see
vident = they see
videbam = I was seeing (imperfect tense)
videbo = I will see (future tense)
Activities & More
• Opportunities for group work/cooperative
tasks
• Creative and relevant projects
• Educational Videos
• Games
• Different learning styles recognized… Sing
songs, perform skits, illustrate ideas
• Celebrating accomplishments
Tips for succeeding in Latin
• Maintain good study habits
• Pay attention in class, study every day, be willing
to learn from mistakes
• Consistency! Develop a study routine/schedule
• Make or utilize resources: add post-its to
textbook, Quizlet, study buddy sessions
• Strategies: flashcards, sing to learn, consider
what works well in other classes and apply here
• Seek extra help if applicable
Grading and Expectations
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Come to class prepared
Be respectful
Homework consistency and completion
Maintain good study habits/Keep up with vocab…
finding the “right” strategies
• Quizzes/checks for understanding on important
concepts leading up to tests at the end of each unit.
Tests given approximately every few weeks. Tests must
be signed. **Please visit my homework website!**
• Extra help can be scheduled, if needed
• Grades: viewable via Powerschool Portal
Contact information
• E-mail address =
jenny.mykytenko@ncps-k12.org
I believe strongly in working together to create a
positive personal experience and successful
academic year for your child 
Your child is participating in an
exciting, ongoing legacy!
The Roman world = an essential
piece of the past
Latin students = an essential piece of
the future
Thank you for coming this evening!
Multas Gratias et Valete Omnes!