About the Proverb Games

For each set of games, there is a set of 30 proverbs with commentary. Those proverbs are then used to create different games, some of which are paper-and-pencil games to print and play: crosswords, word scrambles, and word searches. There are also online flashcards, plus two games to play online: matching and concentration.

The proverb commentary is written in English, but all the games are in Latin and Spanish only. The idea is that by playing the games you will memorize the Latin and Spanish proverbs so that they can become as familiar to you as English proverbs. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind with each game... and remember: the most important thing is to read out loud as much as you can. Reading out loud AND writing by hand will help you learn the most.

Crosswords. Crosswords are like a fill-in-the-blank quiz, but with hints that are provided as you complete the crossword, giving you clues about some of the letters in the answer.

Word Scrambles. Word scrambles test your ability to "see" a word with the letters jumbled. To play this game look at each of the scrambled words one by one and try to find a word you can make with the letters. When you find one word, that will make it easy to discover all the other words. This game also gives you practice in writing out the proverbs, which helps with memorization. Remember to say the proverb out loud as you write it.

Word Searches. In the word search, there are two words missing from each proverb. The pair of words that are missing can help you in seeing the structure of the proverb and how the different words relate. Then, you can play the game in two different ways: (1) you can look for words in the puzzle (remember that the words can go backwards, forwards, or diagonally) and then use the words to complete the proverbs and/or (2) you can complete the proverbs and then search for the words in the puzzle. If you don't like word searches (some people love them, but some people do not!), you can just use the page as a fill-in-the-blank challenge.

Flashcards. Most proverbs have a two-part structure, and the flashcards are designed to help make you aware of that structure. You can practice the flashcards in both directions: look at the first part of the proverb and say the second part from memory or, vice versa, flip the deck so that you see the second part of the proverb and have to supply the first part from memory. Just click on the card to see the other side, and use the arrows to move through the deck.

Matching. Matching is like working with the flashcards, but with the matching game you see a set of pairs, and your job is to match the pairs. It's a fun way to learn to look for the words and phrases that help you recognize the pairs.

Concentration. Concentration is like matching but harder because you have to hold the Latin in your head in a kind of mental map of the overturned cards. It's not easy, but it's fun! If the default display is too hard, use the "settings" options to change the size of the board, displaying fewer cards.