Your child will hardly ever speak Latin, but it has other hurdles: endings, several meanings per word and long chapter lists. The short answer: to learn Latin vocabulary, learn the whole dictionary entry and every meaning, in small batches. Five tips for parents.
Latin Vocabulary: 5 Tips for Parents
1. Learn the whole dictionary entry
amicus, amici, m. means more than “friend.” The genitive and gender are part of the word, and for verbs, the principal parts. Learn them from day one, or they'll be missing when it's time to translate.
2. Every meaning, not just the first
Many Latin words have several meanings: petere means “seek, ask, attack.” On the vocab quiz, they often all count. When you quiz, say the Latin word and have your child list every meaning. If one is missing, mark the word.
3. English is the bridge
Latin roots are everywhere in English: aqua in aquarium, videre in video, portare in portable and transport, liber in library. Hunting for these together is fun and helps your child memorize Latin vocabulary.
4. Think in word families
Many words belong together: amare (to love), amicus (friend), amicitia (friendship). Know one and the others are easier to figure out. Have your child hook each new word onto one they already know.
5. Small batches, in Latin too
A chapter often brings 20 to 30 new words. Same rule as any language: 5 to 10 words a day, plus a quick review of the days before. Why words fade otherwise is in our article on how to memorize vocabulary.
The Dictionary Entry at a Glance
Four parts to learn together:
A Latin Vocabulary App
With VocaScan, an iOS app for the iPhone, your child snaps the vocab page from their Latin textbook and the app turns it into a quiz. It works with any textbook and any language, Latin included. Weak words get their own quiz, and if you enter the test date, reminders arrive 7, 3 and 1 day before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Latin vocabulary so hard?
Each word comes with more to learn: forms, gender, several meanings. Small batches and regular quizzing make it easier.
How many Latin words a day?
5 to 10 new words, like any other language, with a short daily review.
How do I quiz my child on Latin vocabulary?
Say the Latin word, your child gives the full dictionary entry and every meaning. More tips: how to quiz your child on vocabulary.
Latin Too, in One Scan
With VocaScan, your child snaps the Latin textbook page and practices with quizzes.
Download on the App Store