IPG INTRODUCTION TO LATIN GRAMMAR

02/28/15

1.) Objective: By the end of class, TSW be able to identify the six cases used in the
declension of Latin nouns/adjectives, as well as their basic grammatical function.
TEKS (LOTE) 114.22 a.1 (F): recognize the importance of acquiring accuracy of
expression by knowing the components of language, including grammar.
(Emphasis added.)

2.) Big Picture: Knowledge of basic grammatical elements is essential for

understanding of any language; this is particularly true for ancient languages, which
do not afford the same opportunity for spoken immersion learning as modern
languages do. The knowledge of the six grammatical cases in Latin declension is
one of the most important building blocks for developing understanding in written
and spoken Latin communication; a thorough mastery of these six cases is required
before the student can make sense of any subsequent instruction. Moreover, a
thorough understanding of grammar (both English and Latin) is essential for
effective communication in school, work, and ones personal life.

3.) Assessment: Students will be given a formative (oral, random selection)

assessment at the beginning of class to determine whether they are familiar with
basic grammatical concepts (e.g. direct object, indirect object, possession,
subject/predicate distinctions, etc.). Students will also be assessed throughout the
lesson with questions regarding the function of words in sample sentences, provided
on a handout issued at the beginning of class. A final assessment will be given at
the end of class in the form of an exit slip: all students will be asked to put away all
notes, and to list the six grammatical cases and their functions on a sheet of paper,
which is to be delivered to the teacher upon leaving the classroom.

4.) Hook: Students will be presented with an English paragraph with mangled
syntactical order. The grammatical mistakes will be used to highlight the importance
of word order in English. This will then furnish a comparison point for the
importance of understanding the grammatical cases in an inflected language.

5.) Input: Students will be presented with a handout summarizing all of the
information which will be presented in the lecture portion of class.

6.) Materials/Resources: Handouts, blackboard.

7.) Grouping Patterns: Students will be put into groups of three to complete an
exercise in which they identify the nouns of sample English sentences, and explain
which cases (in Latin) would express those relations.

8.) Ending Summary/Reflection: Students will be asked to recall the importance

of word order in English (as demonstrated in the hook), and compare that to the
inflected nature of Latin syntax. Students will repeat aloud (as a class) the six
grammatical cases employed in a Latin declension. Students will be asked at
random to provide a brief summative explanation of each. After this closure/review,
students will be asked to remove everything from their desks except a blank sheet
of paper, on which they are to write down the six cases and their functions; they will
give this sheet of paper to the teacher as they exit the classroom.