Should your kids be learning Latin?
Well, two thirds of the English Language comes from Latin roots, so it would suffice to say, YES. There are many benefits of learning Latin. From reading comprehension, to spelling, and increased vocabulary, Latin is an enriching language and can even be applied to learning other modern languages as well.
Latin has many great benefits, including but not limited too the following:
- Increased Reading Comprehension
- Better Vocabulary
- Improved Spelling
- Effective Communication Skills
- Increased Critical Thinking Skills
- Higher GRE and LSAT scores
- Increased chance of admittance to Medical School
- Ability to read primary sources
- Understanding of common day words and phrases
Latin can help develop critical thinking skills and communication skills. It will increase attention to detail and problem solving skills. Studies have shown increased Standardized Test scores for those who know Latin.
“How does Latin do this?” You may ask. Latin is a very organized language. While learning it, you learn parts of speech, grammar, and verb conjugation. This means students of Latin are constantly reflecting on how to say the same thing in different ways. This increases effectiveness in communication in English.
Our thoughts and ability to understand is limited to the language we know. When we learn new words and concepts we are able to better grasp things unknown to us. Learning Latin opens the doors to learning many languages (Spanish, French, Italian, etc.) In turn this helps our mind gain new ways to express and comprehend new ideas, concepts, feelings, theories, cultures, and history.
Latin also is a great foundation for anyone wanting to go into the legal, medical, or animal health fields. Many legal, scientific and medical phrases or terminology stems from Latin. In fact, students with Latin experience have a better chance at getting into medical school than students with a biology degree. Likewise, LSAT scores increase when students know Latin.
Latin is fun to learn. While some people may believe Latin is difficult to learn, it is accessible to everyone. It has nearly an identical alphabet to English, and because so many English words are rooted in Latin, many words and phrases are already known. Through reading ancient stories and texts, Latin opens the doors to meeting characters like Zeus, Hera, Hercules, and Athena. Some of the greatest stories told like the Aeneid can be enjoyed in it’s native language and even modern stories like Harry Potter can be found in Latin.
Latin also benefits students of theology as many early church writings and bible translations were preserved in Latin. Language carries so much more than vocabulary words it carries culture and context necessary for deep theological study.
Need more reasons? Memoria Press outlines 10 great reasons to incorporate Latin into your home school curriculum.
Latin is still all around us today in phrases like Etc. (et cettera), presidential “veto” (I forbid), and many state mottos (ad astra per aspera). The foundation of western society was originally expressed in Latin. Without a foundational understanding of the words and language, reading and understanding history will be difficult and nuances will be lost.
Finally, Classical Conversations gives the best reason to study Latin: “Latin grows your ability to think in both the big picture and the small—and gives you the dexterity to easily switch between those views”. This is a skill that is desperately needed in current and future generations. What better way to introduce your kids to critical thinking skills, language skills, communications skills, and grammar skills than through coloring?!
So now the only question is, why wouldn’t you learn Latin?