Teaching Methods & Classroom Activities

The CRAFT of Comprehensible Input

🎭 Storytelling & Acting

What We Do: Students act out Roman myths, historical events, and original class stories, bringing characters like Caesar, Cicero, and mythological figures to life.

Why It Works: Language acquisition happens naturally when students are engaged in meaningful, compelling narratives. Grammar and vocabulary emerge organically through context.

Student Impact: "There is an amazing culture associated and all of your fun games and stories about the Romans helped show me that."

🏃‍♀️ Movement-Based Learning

What We Do:

• TPR (Total Physical Response) for vocabulary acquisition

• Gesture-based grammar instruction

• "Roman soldier marches" while learning military terminology

• Classroom movement games that reinforce concepts

Why It Works: Physical movement enhances memory retention and keeps kinesthetic learners engaged. Movement also helps manage energy and attention.

Neurodiversity Support: Especially beneficial for ADHD and other neurodiverse learners who need physical outlets.

🎲 Interactive Games & Activities

What We Do:

• Circling with Balls: Students answer comprehension questions using soft balls—keeps everyone alert and engaged

• Character Interviews: Students become Roman historical figures and answer questions in character

• Cultural Simulations: Roman banquets, gladiator schools, Senate debates

• Comprehension Races: Teams compete to demonstrate understanding of stories

Why It Works: Games lower anxiety, increase engagement, and make repetition enjoyable rather than tedious.

📖 Comprehensible Reading Program

What We Do:

• Read adapted Latin novellas as a class

• Create original class stories based on student interests

• Focus on meaning-making rather than translation

• Gradual progression from heavily supported to independent reading

Why It Works: Reading for comprehension (not translation) builds genuine language proficiency and cultural knowledge.

🏛️ Cultural Integration Projects

What We Do:

• Design Roman villa floor plans with Latin labels

• Create authentic Roman feast menus

• Research and present on Roman daily life, customs, and history

• Connect Latin vocabulary to modern derivatives

Why It Works: Culture and language are inseparable. Understanding Roman culture makes Latin vocabulary and concepts more memorable and meaningful.

Assessment Philosophy

Comprehension-Based Assessment: Tests focus on understanding, not perfect production. Students demonstrate comprehension through various modalities.

Growth-Oriented: Progress tracking emphasizes individual growth rather than comparison to others.

Low-Stress Environment: Assessment methods designed to show what students CAN do, not what they can't.