GETTING OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT…
EXPECTATIONS & SUGGESTIONS FOR
SUCCESS AND ENJOYMENT IN LATIN CLASS
DIMIDIUM FACTI, QUI COEPIT, HABET.
(WELL BEGUN IS HALF-DONE) - GET OFF TO A GOOD
START!

Get organized early: be prepared, ask
questions, know how the book is arranged,
know how to check the HW website, etc.
Latin, like other languages and many
subjects, builds upon itself. So, whatever we
learn at the beginning, will be applicable
again and again in the
future.
SEMPER PARATI - (ALWAYS PREPARED)

The scouts’ motto holds true in many situations
in life, especially now in school. So, I expect
you to be prepared by always bringing the
following materials to class on time: a supply of
pencils/pens, paper* (your composition book),
your Latin textbook, your Latin binder and/or
folder, your homework, and your enthusiasm.
A great portion of your participation grade
depends on being prepared.
CARPE DIEM - (SEIZE THE DAY!)


Make the most out of class.
I expect you to immerse yourself only and completely in
the study of Latin and the Romans during class. I.e., get
involved and participate with your whole being. Do NOT
do work for other classes in Latin class. Avoid crosstalking and making other types of disruptions of the
lessons. And I don’t even need to say
that it is against school
policy to text or use cell
phones during class.
Again, make the most out
of class, and you will learn
many beneficial and
interesting things.
VERBA, VERBA, VERBA (VOCABULARY, VOCABULARY, VOCABULARY)

In real estate, they say it’s all about
“Location, Location, Location.” Well,
in language classes, it’s all about
learning and using the vocabulary
words. You will find that Latin is
especially useful for strengthening
our English, since nearly 2/3 of all
English words derive from Latin, and
90% of all English words longer than
two syllables come from Latin. So,
make your vocabulary flash cards and
learn the words by heart, and you can
find uses for them for the rest of your
life.
ANIMADVERSATE - (FOCUS YOUR MINDS)
Be sure to stay focused in class! The
study of Latin requires deep
concentration at times and much
problem solving. Many researchers
have likened the study of Latin to a
mental game of concentration which
electrifies different centers of the
brain. So, what I need you to do,
when things get complicated, is to
stay engaged and not give up on the
thought or daydream. As always,
raise your hand if you don’t
understand a concept.
CAVE CANEM OPERA DOMESTICA DEVORANTEM
(BEWARE OF THE DOG EATING YOUR HOMEWORK)
Doing homework, like practice
drills in sports or practicing an
instrument, is an essential piece
in the study of any language.
Homework allows for the review
of concepts studied in class, and
prepares you for quizzes, tests,
and other assessments. Latin
homework is never busywork
and should be done as part of
your routine in this class.
Homework is also worth a lot of
points, so don’t let your dog eat
it!
PANEM ET CIRCENSES – (BREAD AND CIRCUSES)
Allegedly, this is all the
people wanted in Rome: to be
fed and to have entertainment.
I do not mind you eating food in
class, if you clean up after
yourselves – in fact, we should
have the occasional Roman
banquet. But, any trash left
over, and you will lose this
privilege. Also, you are NOT to
leave class to go get food in the
café or anywhere else. As for
entertainment, one of the joys
of learning Latin is to study the
exciting culture of the Romans.
We will have a culture period
during the last ¼ of our block
days.
EGO SUM CIVIS MUNDI
Latin will help give you a context
or the “big picture” perspective of the
world we live in, not just of western
culture. Latin trains you to make
connections with the ancient and
modern world, whether by helping you
to break apart word roots, prefixes and
suffixes, or by exposing you to lessons
in history or thought. Now in class,
act like good citizens. We are a
community of learners, but we all
learn in different ways and at varied
speeds. Let’s support ourselves as
learners, and not ridicule others for
making mistakes (mistakes are part of
the learning process) or even for
getting things right. As a teacher, I will
always encourage improvement and
success.
(I AM A CITIZEN OF THE WORLD)
IN ABSENTIA – (IF/WHEN ABSENT)
You are responsible for any
work missed due to an
absence or for leaving
the room. See the
student handbook for
the district policy on
make-up work. Keep
bathroom visits, trips to
the locker and the nurse
etc., to a minimum.
I am always available for
extra help.
VITA BREVIS, ARS LONGA – (LIFE IS SHORT,
ART IS FOREVER)
I hope you enjoy learning Latin and the
study of the Romans. It may be
challenging at times, but most
rewarding. The word “art” comes from
the Latin word meaning “a learned skill”
or something that requires training.
The art of the Romans takes many
forms: sculpture, painting, architecture,
city planning, military excellence,
fashion (jewelry,hairstyling, etc), political
science, mythology, poetry, literature,
etc. And Roman art and thought has
played a huge role in shaping societies
and governments for thousands of years
(E.g., we have a senate; we have a
republic or representative democracy;
and our legal system is rooted in the
Roman system, etc). So, Latin will help
give you “the big picture” context and
perspective.
VENI, VIDI, VICI (I CAME, I SAW, I CONQUERED!)
Be confident in what you’re
learning! My job is to help make
you confident. Face each sentence
or exercise head on, or in coach
language, “tackle” the challenges.
If you comprehend (see root of this
word!) and own the information,
you will appreciate it more.
And there should be a thrill in
figuring things out. As always,
please ask questions or seek me
outside of class for extra help.
Bonam Fortunam!