For many students, learning a new language can be seen as scary or even overwhelming, especially one that isn’t spoken very often in today’s world. Starting from scratch, even after already learning another language, can be challenging. But Mr. Taylor’s class is a fun and exciting way to learn about Latin. After just a few weeks, you will even be starting to say that it is one of your favorite classes!
Mr. Taylor’s class teaches not only the language but also the lifestyles of the Romans in ancient times. This allows us to notice just how much of our daily lives has been shaped by their thinking and systems, while also showing us more about the languages we speak today. For the new eighth graders, it is their first time learning a new language other than Spanish at school. This opens a window of opportunity and comprehension as the students learn this new and intriguing language.
Of course, learning from the textbook can be hard sometimes, especially when it comes to a language with tricky pronunciations and words to master. But Mr. Taylor finds creative ways around this. He creates fun and engaging games to help students learn and remember new vocabulary and facts, most of which are essential to the whole class. Best of all, there are snacks for the winners, making learning both rewarding and delicious!
However, the Latin experience is not limited to the classroom. There is also the Roman Senate! The Senate allows students to participate and learn about the Roman Republic and how it operated. As a bonus, students can even get extra credit just for coming and watching one of the meetings! But fundamentally, we are allowed to shape our Latin class and have a voice in how the class evolves.
Yet, through all the games and the fun, Latin is a lifelong skill to learn. It connects directly to fields like medicine, where Latin roots are everywhere, and deepens our understanding of the English Language by showing us the origin of our words. And, of course, Latin shows us new perspectives on life. Being an eighth grader, most of my life had been spent learning Spanish. Latin has shown me how these languages can be entirely different, yet look slightly the same. Latin can also affect future tests for colleges – by opening new pathways to innovative thinking and theories.
But in all totality, Mr. Taylor provides fun, engaging, and practical ways of learning Latin, and makes what seems daunting and impossible, actually easy and possible. Mr. Taylor teaches us this lifelong skill and how it allows us to interact with a world we are just beginning to learn. At The Oakwood School, Latin is a very fun and tasty language to learn, which may shape our future. I feel grateful to for Mr. Taylor teaching us.
