Latin — Blog — Seven Hills Online Classical

As a teacher of homeschool students, I often get asked about my thoughts on this educational path from families considering homeschooling as well as parents of students in traditional schools. Simply put, I believe that homeschooling has the potential to foster a lifetime love of learning in ways that traditional schooling may not.

One of the reasons why homeschooling is highly effective at promoting a love of learning is that it allows children to explore their interests and passions in a way that's often impossible in a traditional classroom setting. By enabling your child to pursue the subjects they find most fascinating, they are more likely to become deeply engaged with the material and develop a genuine enthusiasm for learning.

Moreover, homeschooling provides children with a level of flexibility that's not easily achievable in a traditional school. Whether it's the ability to learn at their own pace, travel with family to places studied, take breaks when needed, or delve into a particular subject without the constraints of a rigid curriculum, homeschooling can be tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of each child.

However, homeschooling can be challenging. Parents may find it tough to balance teaching and arranging classes with other responsibilities, and finding the right resources and support systems to help their child thrive can be a daunting task.

Despite these challenges, I strongly believe that homeschooling is one of the best ways to encourage a lifelong love of learning in your child. By providing a personalized education that fosters curiosity, exploration, and a deep appreciation for knowledge, homeschooling equips children with the skills and attitudes needed to succeed in school and beyond.

With the right resources, support, and commitment, homeschooling can offer your child a rich, rewarding educational experience that will stay with them for a lifetime.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of homeschool students learning Latin. The language of the ancient Romans has been used for centuries as the language of scholarship, law, and science. In this blog post, we will explore why homeschool students are learning Latin and the benefits of studying this ancient language.

Why are homeschool students learning Latin?

Homeschool students are learning Latin for a variety of reasons. For some, it is a way to gain a deeper understanding of the roots of the English language. Many English words are derived from Latin, and learning Latin can help students to expand their vocabulary and improve their writing and communication skills. The same students often study Romance languages such as Spanish or French, in which the grammatical understanding as well as vocabulary gained from studying Latin is of great help.

As Latin was the language of the Roman Empire, it had a significant impact on the development of Western culture. By studying Latin, homeschool students can gain insights into the history, literature, and art of the ancient world. A full understanding of the ancient world and the roots of western culture must always include the diversity represented in the ancient world. Many voices and histories have been overlooked in classical education, and it is a priority of Seven Hills Online Classical to present a more holistic picture of the ancient world and all of its diversity.

Many homeschool students come to Latin with an avid interest in ancient mythology. They have learned about the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece and Rome and seek to read some of the original texts. Latin is sometimes called a “dead language,” but the language is very much alive in the creative writings of students and their continued interest in the subject. This creativity and “play” approach to Classical Studies is one element of what we seek to present at Seven Hills Online Classical.

Finally, some homeschool students are learning Latin as a way to prepare for college. Many colleges and universities require students to take at least one year of a foreign language, and Latin is often a popular choice because it can help students to build a strong foundation in grammar, vocabulary, and translation skills. I personally can attest to learning English grammar via Latin, and feel that learning the art of translation has helped my writing in English.

Learning Latin can be a valuable experience for homeschool students. Whether it is to improve language skills, gain cultural context, explore ancient mythology and literature, or prepare for college, the benefits of studying Latin are numerous. As the popularity of homeschooling continues to grow, it is likely that more and more students will choose to learn this ancient language.