Language Lesson Plan 1 for Elementary and Middle School Students By Lindsay Jenkins, FJCL Regional Leader Activity Length Prediction: 4 5 minutes Objective: Students will learn basic Latin language, including greetings, the first declension, and personal verb endings. Materials: ● Colored pencils/markers ● Sticky name tags, post-it notes, or labels ● Sheet of Roman names Introductions (10-15 mins) ● Teach them how to say “salve!” ● Sit in a circle and pass out a list of Roman names. ● Have each student choose a Roman name. Then, have everyone introduce themselves, stating their new name in Latin ("Mihi nomen est _______.") and their favorite animal. Name Tags (5-10 mins) ● Have the students write their newly-selected Roman names on a sticky name tag, post-it note, or label―this will serve as their name tag. ● Allow them to decorate their name tag with markers until everyone has finished or the allotted time has passed. First Declension Dance & Personal Verb Endings Song (15-20 mins) ● Introduce basic ideas of declensions. (N.B. The depth of discussion will depend on the age group.) Begin with a first declension noun (e.g. cena or familia) and the following dance: ● -a- put right hand on mouth, -ae- put left hand on left eye, -ae- put right hand on right eye, -am- put right hand on stomach and rub it like you’re hungry, -ā- put left hand on open mouth like a yawn, -ae- put right hand on right eye again, -arum- put
left hand on right arm, -īs, as, īs- is grouped together in one motion; put hands on hips, with the first -īs- swing hips to the right, with -as- push butt out (Kids love this one!), and with the final -īs-, swing hips to the left. Eventually, the class will get a rhythm going. ● Introduce the basics of personal verb endings by singing the endings to the tune of the “Mickey Mouse” theme song (i.e. M-I-C-K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E). So, it would be O-S-T-M-U-S, T-I-S-N-T. Make sure you know the tune! Closing & Goodbyes (5 mins) ● Depending on how much time is left, you can do the dance and/or song again if they want. ● Make sure they stay engaged, as the littles love to move around a lot. ● Before they leave, teach them how to say “vale” and make sure they had a fun time!