GeorgetownPreparatory School

Latin I

Course Objectives

The primary purpose of Georgetown Prep's Latin I course is to lay the groundwork for developing a skill in reading Latin with ease and understanding. In the beginning your son will invest most of his time in memorizingthe vocabulary, declensions and conjugations. As he begins to studyLatin syntax, the relationships of words to each other,and applies it to translating both Latin into English and English into Latin, he will experience a new type of “mental workout”. This mental training in areas of observation, analysis, attention to detail, and concentration will soon make him a better student and he will quickly see how the study of Latin enhances his understanding of the English language and the Romance languages.

Instructors: Mrs. GribbinE-Mail:

Mr. Danver

General Information:

1) Required material which must be brought to class everyday:

  • 3-ring binder (1½ " Better binder (durable) at Staples is the best choice )
  • Avery Big Tab Pocket Insertable Plastic Dividers - 5 tabs (Colored vocabulary sheets, Class Notes, Homework, Handouts, Tests. Keep loose-leaf paper in Class Notes and Homework sections)
  • 1 pack ( at least 200 sheets) of loose-leaf paper
  • (500 total) 3X5 index cards
  • Wheelock's Latin (7th Edition)
  • Finalsite. All students must check Finalsite for homeworkassignments and

supplementary material

2) Grading.

  • Tests (every C-day)40%
  • Quizzes (five per cycle, E-B days)40%
  • Class work & Homework 20%

SURVIVAL TIPS for YOUR SON

  • STUDY ALL VOCABULARY EVERY NIGHT

Repetition is the only way to learn vocabulary. Vocabulary acquisition takes time and effort. Putting vocabulary into the permanent memory is more challenging than grammar forms. Study aloud. Enunciate the word clearly and exaggerate the pronunciation. Write out the required information while you are saying the information aloud. In this way you will hear, see, say and write each word!

  • KEEP IN TOUCH

I am more than happy to help your son at any time. At the first sign of confusion, please come see me. I want each one of you to experience success in Latin.

  • COMPLETE ALL WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

Written homework is assigned to provide additional practice outside the classroom. Remember to “practice” the way you want to “perform”. Homework done with neatness, organization, and a sense of purpose will provide high returns on a quiz, test, midterm, and final exam.

  • PLAN AHEAD AND MARK YOUR TEST DAYS IN YOUR PLANNER.

Tests will be given every C – DAY (every 7 class days!) Write the letter days in your planner so that you will “see (C)” when a Latin test is approaching.

  • KEEP YOUR BINDER ORGANIZED.

All written work must be done carefully, accurately, and neatly. Handwriting must be legible. If you know cursive, use it. Latin develops accuracy, precision and attention to detail and sloppy, incorrect work is inconsistent with success in Latin. Save all handouts, quizzes and tests. Keep all handouts and loose leaf paper neatly organized in your Latin 3 ring binder.

  • TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES!

LUG – Latin Under God meets everyday after school in M105 from 2:55 to 3:10. LUG is not a punishment. LUG is open to ALL Latin I students. You may attend as often as you wish. LUG is an opportunity to review a specific chapter of vocabulary and add an extra vocabulary quiz grade to your daily quiz average.

  • GET BACK ON TRACK FROM AN ABSENCE

If you are absent from class you should contact a friend before the next class. Ask him about the upcoming vocabulary quiz and study the assigned words before you return to school. Also ask him about the written homework.When you return to school you must take the scheduled quiz in class that day and you must take the quiz that you missed (because of your absence) as soon as possible either before school, during lunch, or after school. Be a responsible man when it comes to making up your work.

  • SEMPER PARATUS Always prepared! It is important for you to prepare for quizzes and tests. Completing all homework assignments and reviewing vocabulary and paradigms are excellent ways to prepare yourself for class.

"There is no GIANT step that does it. It's a lot of LITTLE steps."