How the class works
We learn Latin through comprehensible input — lots of understandable reading and speaking rather than grammar drills.
Students & Parents
For parents
Partnering in your student's Latin
A practical guide to how the classroom works, what homework looks like, and the simple things you can do at home to help your student thrive.
Tabula I · The essentials
What to know
You don't need a background in Latin to support your student. Here's the short version of how we work.
Homework, honestly
Expect light, meaningful work: mostly reading Latin your student already understands. Volume isn't the point.
How grading works
Frequent, low-stakes checks on understanding — not memorized charts under time pressure. Growth counts more than perfection.
Staying in touch
Questions about progress are always welcome. Reach out any time and I'll give you an honest picture.
Tabula II · Common questions
The answers families need first
Start here for grading, homework, catching up, and how much Latin you need to know at home.
Do I need to know Latin to help?
Not at all. The most useful thing you can do is show interest and let your student explain what they're reading.How is my student graded?
Assessment is frequent and low-stakes, focused on understanding rather than memorized forms under pressure.What if they fall behind?
Because we re-read familiar material often, catching up is built into the rhythm. Reach out and we'll make a plan.Is there a lot of homework?
No. Most nights are light reading of Latin your student already knows. Consistency matters more than hours.
Tabula III · What learning looks like
In class, and at home
Learning happens through understanding meaningful messages — not memorizing rules. Here's what that means on both sides of the school day.
In class
- Storytelling and acting out Roman myths and history
- Games and movement that reinforce vocabulary and concepts
- Cultural projects that connect language to real Roman life
- Comprehension-based activities rather than translation exercises
At home
- Light reading focused on understanding, not translation
- Occasional cultural research projects
- Curiosity about stories and progress instead of drills on forms
Tabula IV · At home
A five-minute routine that actually helps
You don't need to teach anything. These three small habits do more than an hour of drilling ever could.
Ask for a retelling (2 min)
Have your student tell you — in English — what happened in today's Latin story. If they can retell it, they understood it.Listen to a little Latin (2 min)
Play a short spoken-Latin clip in the car. You don't need to understand it; the point is training your student's ear.Notice, don't quiz (1 min)
Ask what word they liked or found funny. Curiosity keeps the door open far better than a pop quiz on endings.
Talk with your student tonight
- What story or Roman detail stayed with you today?
- What could you understand without translating?
- Where did you feel confident or need more support?
- What is one small thing you want to try next class?
Tabula V · Every learner
Neurodiversity & inclusive learning
As a neurodiverse educator myself, I'm committed to supporting all learners. These accommodations are a standing part of the classroom — please share any learning differences or strategies that work for your student so we can plan together.
- Movement breaks and fidget tools.
- Alternative demonstration methods for showing comprehension.
- Flexible seating options.
- Processing-time adjustments.
- Sensory considerations.
When to reach out
Contact me right away if…
- Your student expresses anxiety about speaking or participating.
- Your student seems frustrated with the pace of learning.
- Your student reports feeling lost or left behind.
- You have any concern about the classroom environment or activities.
Tabula VI · Academic progression
Where Latin leads
Two years of comprehension-based Latin sets students up to keep going with confidence — whether in Latin or any other language.
Middle school pathway
- 6th grade: foundation building through stories and culture
- 7th grade: increased reading comprehension and cultural depth
- 8th grade: preparation for high school Latin, with a continued focus on comprehension
High school preparation
- Placement into Latin II or III, depending on the high school
- A strong comprehension foundation for AP Latin
- Transferable language-learning strategies for any world language
Get in touch
Questions about your student? Let's talk.
I answer parent emails within a school day. Reach out about progress, placement, or anything happening at home that helps me teach your student better.
Have a 7th or 8th grader?
If your student is heading toward high school Latin, there's a placement pathway made just for you.
For parents of 7th & 8th graders