John relates an experience where he could see how CI gets into “the language parts of the brains”. It’s excellent:
Ben,
I just wanted to share what I experienced during a camping trip this week with my 7th graders, all of whom have studied Latin with me for less than one school year, 4 days a week. On this trip, I heard SO MUCH spontaneous Latin. When they were engaged in a fun activity and were asked questions, almost inevitably you could hear a few loud shouts of “ita” (yes) “minime” (no), “res absurda” (that’s ridiculous), etc. It just fell out of their mouths. For one activity, they had to create a word scavenger hunt using compass ortienteering directions (e.g. 75 paces at 130 degrees from North) for each letter, and one of the groups–the troublemakers–chose a Latin word, “ianua” (door). These students have also been studying Spanish or Mandarin for 3 years, but I heard little to none of these languages. It really re-affirms for me that I am getting through to the language parts of their brains, when they resort to Latin when they want to express enthusiasm and joy. When I said goodbye to the group, I was sent off with a giant chorus of “vale magister” (goodbye teacher).
John
John Piazza Cathedral School for Boys San Francisco, CA www.johnpiazza.net The Essential Marcus Aurelius