Using Latin with the able child |
| Resources for the Literacy Hour |
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Useful addresses
Introduction
At Roseacre, we have introduced Latin into the curriculum for able children across Key Stage 2. Pupils are currently using the Minimus course. Work is linked to the Vindolanda web site. The 12 week plan has been incorporated into the Literacy Scheme of Work. Teachers are welcome to use the plans which are copyright to Roseacre Junior School.
Minimus
| Minimus is a Latin course for young learners which, since its launch last year, has been taken up by more than 750 primary schools nation-wide. The course is based around a family who live at Vindolanda. The family includes Flavius, the fort commander, his wife Lepidina, their three children, assorted household slaves, their cat Vibrissa - and Minimus the mouse! |  |
 | Through Minimus' adventures, the children acquire a taste of the Latin language and of Roman history while reinforcing their literary skills through comparisons with English. It can be used as an introduction to Latin for the able child, promoting a real understanding of how English grammar and sentence construction works. |
| Vindolanda is located near Hadrian's Wall and is presently the site of extensive excavations. The course features many of the artefacts and writing tablets from the Vindolanda excavations. There is full support for the non-specialist teacher in the Teacher's Resource book and via Inset training. |  |
Useful addresses
Cambridge University Press are the publishers of Minimus in the UK and US. Search for the resources at:
http://uk.cambridge.org/catalogues/
JACT (the Joint Association of Classical Teachers)can be contacted for information on grants and training. The JACT web site is a good place to start research on any Classical topic:
http://www.jact.org
The Roman site at Vindolanda has its own new and impressive web site. http://www.vindolanda.com
The Hellenic Bookservice stock Minimus, as well as a range of classical books.
hellenicbooks@btinternet.com
Minimus' favourite books are the Roman detective novels of Lindsey Davis - he features on her website!
http://www.lindseydavis.co.uk