Experience today I want to observe and report. Word Chunking has become a very favorite “game” with my Latin 1 and 2 students. In both levels today, I noticed something that I was not aware of before, but now I am fairly sure has been there all along. When I read a Latin sentence for their groups to go to work on and give the meaning of, I am noticing the look, almost instantaneous, of very CLEAR understanding. I see this around the room–not in every set of eyes, but in enough to recognize it. They clearly, immediately understand, and I can tell from their eyes. But then, they struggle to find a way to let me know in English what it means. No regrets over that. That’s how the game works. They must struggle with their group mates to put their understanding into English.
But there’s the insight that I shared with my students today: it is clear from our work together that you understand the Latin as Latin. I can see it in your eyes! And then you struggle to find a way to let me know what it is. Optime! (excellent!). THAT is what we are aiming for: understanding in Latin without necessarily having to turn it into anything else.
I am so excited to see this in my students. I want them to know that despite the limits of the “game” I see the recognition in their eyes. There were knowing smiles around the room when I told them this.
Bob