Salvete Parentes!
Hello Parents! Welcome to the
Grade VII 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
Advantages of Latin
• The stereotype = One has to be smart to take Latin; The reality =
Latin helps one become smarter
• Lifelong skills, including 21st century skills (promotes higher order
thinking… problem-solving, critical thinking, reflecting,
communication, metacognitive opportunities, etc.)
• Improves or enhances numerous academic skills (vocabulary,
reading, writing)
• Interdisciplinary benefits
• Latin is the basis for the Romance languages (Italian, French,
Spanish, Portuguese, Romanian)
• Allows us to better understand ourselves, as we compare and
contrast our own culture with the Roman culture
• Sententiae Antiquae – Latin in everyday use
• Making personal and meaningful connections
Curriculum: Approach, Content, and
Outcomes
• Vocabulary, Grammar, and Culture
Cohesive and pragmatic unit design. Primary Textbook =
Cambridge Latin Series, Unit 1 (aligned with teacher made
unit packets)
*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.
Curriculum: Approach, Content, and
Outcomes continued…
• Sequential and progressive approach
• Culture: Roman world (stories set in Pompeii and get to
explore Roman entertainment, education, customs)
• Grammar: continued understanding of the language
structure; more complex sentences…
Ex. Iulius in villa splendida prope Nuceriam habitabat.
• Attention to detail, patterns, and endings is key
• Understanding of Terminology (e.g. declension, conjugation)
• An emphasis on translation and comprehension skills
*Benchmark Assessments 3X a year to demonstrate student
growth*
Activities and More
• Opportunities for group work/cooperative
tasks
• Creative and relevant projects
• National Latin Exam Intro Level
• Games
• Educational Videos
• Different learning styles taken into account…
Sing songs, perform skits, illustrate ideas
8th grade placement
• Latin 8 or Advanced Latin 8
• Traditional pace versus a more in depth experience with
the content and material
• Taken into account for placement = Student performance
on a qualifier exam (other factors include scores on unit
assessments, work ethic, and determination)
• Everybody learns differently and at different paces. 8th
grade placement is about the most suitable academic
placement for each individual (i.e. Teachers carefully look at
the evidence to place each student into the level where
he/she is likely to feel most comfortable and meet with the
most academic success).
• Decisions will be made in the second half of the year
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
(e.g. 10-vocab/10-concept review/20-homework)
• 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
•
•
•
•
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 arranged 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!