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Class: Latin 8
Objectives:
• Students can understand comparative adjectives and use them in a sentence.
• Students can use resources to find Latin words for English concepts.
• Students can present Latin sentences in a way that is meaningful to other students.
Rationale: In most textbooks, comparative and superlative adjectives are found way at the end. It is often
seen as an “advanced grammar” topic. However, I learned at a conference I recently attended that no
grammar is “too advanced” for learners, there is just stuff we’ve decided to teach earlier and stuff we
decided to teach later. As long as a teacher is doing a good job communicating with the students, they will
be able to “get” any concept in a spoken setting even if it is not explicitly stated to them. That’s why I feel
confident about teaching this lesson now even though the book doesn’t teach it for twenty more chapters.
I also think this activity will combine the eighth graders’ interest in challenges with their
enjoyment of searching random terms in the dictionary. I think with proper scaffolding the eighth graders
will be very successful at this activity.
See how they’re very similar? You can basically do this to any
adjective in Latin. Take “fortis,” brave. The comparative is “fortior.”
How about “laetus,” who can do that one for me? Yes, it’s “laetior.”
So, this is the basic sentence structure that you often see. Blank is
something-er than blank. Rylee is happier than Cooper. Now in
Latin, to say this “than blank” part, we use “quam” plus the
accusative. So to turn this part of the sentence into Latin, I would
say “quam Cooperum.” See, quam plus the accusative.
One last thing before I explain the rules to the game. We all know
the adjective “bonus,” right? What’s that mean? It means good,
right, awesome. You would think that the comparative of “bonus”
would be this, right?
I’m going to write the word “bonior” on the board but there’s no
way I’m going to pronounce that in front of a class of eighth
graders. I’ll probably save some time for inevitable giggles. Sigh.
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Ayla Wing – Resume
Okay, well, the ancient Romans anticipated that being too much for
y’all to handle. See, the word “bonus” is irregular, so the
comparative doesn’t follow the rules. The comparative of “bonus” is
actually “melior.” I will write this on the board. Do you guys know Standard 4.1 -- learning
the word “ameliorate”? It means to make something better. Wow! new words like
“ameliorate.”
Okay, so now that you know the quick and dirty rules about
comparative adjectives, and now that you know the word “melior,”
I can explain the rules to the game!
I will point to the first blank. What case is this blank? Yes, it’s
nominative! I will point to the second blank. Now what case is this
one? Yes, it’s accusative, don’t forget!
So I’ll say one. Meā Quidem Sententiā, canes sunt meliores quam
feles. Now what did I just say?
I will give them a second to respond. They might not know the
words “canes” or “feles.” In my experience, students
have a very powerful and
controversial reaction to
this statement.
Yes! I said “IMHO, dogs are better than cats.” Now here’s the second
part of the game. When Romans agreed with somebody about
Standard 2.1 -- “tecum
something, they would say “tecum sto.” I will write that on the
sto” was a Roman
board. What does that mean? Yes, it means “I stand with you.” So if
practice
you agree with me, right now, that canes sunt meliores quam feles,
stand up right now and say “tecum sto.”
I will wait for students to stand up and declaim their opinions, and I
will high five the students who stand with me.
Excellent, excellent. Don’t tell anyone but you guys are my favorites.
Alright, so, in a few minutes we’ll move our chairs around so that
we’re sitting in a circle, but for now, take some time to decide what
your sentence is going to be, what you’re going to say is better than
something else. Feel free to consult one of the paper dictionaries in
the back or one of the online ones that I emailed you yesterday.
Also consult me! I’m going to give each of you a slate and some
chalk, once you’ve got your sentence write it down.
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Ayla Wing – Resume
Transition: I will pass around the slates and help kiddos with any translation or creativity blocks
they may be having.
When it looks like everyone is wrapping up with their sentences I will say Okay everyone, put
your chairs in a circle and bring your slate with you!
Okay, now it’s time for a rousing game of Meā Quidem Sententiā. Standard 1.2 -- students
Who can refresh the rules for us? are writing and speaking
Latin!
Right! The person whose turn it is is going to read their sentence,
and if you agree with their opinion you stand up and say “tecum
sto!” High fives are optional but encouraged.
A quick note -- some of you looked up some crazy terms, feel free if
you see some confused faces in the crowd to explain what your
words mean. And if you’re confused about something, don’t be
afraid to *very politely* ask!
Then, for the rest of class, we will play Meā Quidem Sententiā and
hopefully laugh and bond over everything we have in common!
Transition to the end of class: Okay everybody, good work today! I’ll see you tomorrow, good
bye!
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