International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

ISSN 2220-8488 (Print), 2221-0989 (Online) 10.30845/ijhss

Parvoli Romani (Little Romans): Teaching Latin in Grades 2, 3 and 4
Patricia Davis-Wiley, Roy V. Miller

Abstract
This article describes an exploratory Latin program offered for children in grades 2, 3 and 4 in a small, urban elementary school in East Tennessee and the results of a research study conducted to investigate its efficacy. Results of the analysis of the qualitative data, collected from direct classroom observations and individual classroom teacher interviews, report that the pilot Latin program positively impacted the 66 children who received Latin instruction in a variety of ways including: stimulation of their higher-order thinking and reasoning skills; an appreciation for Roman culture, literature and language; and the interconnectivity of Latin and English. Implications of this study suggest that administrators and educators should consider the importance of Latin study, especially at the elementary school level, in improving academic skills in general and language skills in particular.

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