by Dwane | Apr 10, 2015 | Education, English, Latin, Visual Latin
I received this inquiry on Facebook: I haven’t purchased a Latin program for my kids. My oldest is currently in 3rd grade. I am ready to buy now, but still not sure which one. I’m feeling very overwhelmed by the choices. I just want to feel secure in...
by Dwane | Apr 10, 2015 | Motivation, Travel
We moved often when I was young. Dad was in the U.S. Air Force. Back then (in the 70’s and 80’s), redeployment was common. Until moving to Franklin, Tennessee, I had stayed no where longer than four years. Two years, actually, was the average. We...
by Dwane | Apr 9, 2015 | Education, Latin
Every now and then I get requests like this one. Hi! I want to put a Latin message on my daughter’s Graduation sign for our yard. Do you have any ideas? Thanks! Here is my reply: How about “Per aspera ad astra.” It means, to the stars through...
by Dwane | Apr 9, 2015 | Education, Latin, Latin in Literature
This question popped up on Facebook today: We just purchased Visual Latin and love it so far (on lesson 5 now). What Latin Bible do you recommend? I want to purchase one for my daughters who are studying Latin (along with me). Here is my reply: Glad to hear you are...
by Dwane | Apr 9, 2015 | Education
Excellent video about Roman urban development. David Macaulay is the author and artist behind the book, City: A Story of Roman Planning and...
by Dwane | Apr 9, 2015 | Education, English, Greek, Vocabulary
Chiropodist: a podiatrist. The word chiropodist has essentially dropped from English. It lost its job to podiatrist. A chiropodist was a hand and foot doctor. The word comes from the Greek words for hand, χείρ (pronounced, kheir) and foot, ποδός (pronounced,...
by Dwane | Apr 9, 2015 | Education, English, Latin, Vocabulary
Pedestal: In architecture, the lowest part of a column or pillar. The pedestal sustains a column and serves as its “foot.” A pedestal is a support structure, a base. We can use the word pedestal figuratively as well. When we put someone “on a pedestal,” we are...
by Dwane | Apr 8, 2015 | Ebook, Education, Latin
I received this question: Hi. After a student has completed Visual Latin 1 & 2, is there a particular program/level that you would recommend they move to? What is the next step after Visual Latin? Thanks! Here is my reply: Hi, Melissa! I do have some...
by Dwane | Apr 8, 2015 | Latin
I received this question: Will you have any materials or preparation information prior to the beginning of the online course scheduled to begin this fall? Here is my reply: Hi, Debra! If at all possible, try to get through the first 15 to 20 lessons of Visual Latin...
by Dwane | Apr 7, 2015 | Education, English, Greek, Vocabulary
Cephalopod: the squid, the octopus, or the cuttlefish. The Greek word, κεφαλή (kephale) means, head. Combine this word with the Greek word for foot, ποδός (podos), and you’ve got a cephalopod. That’s right. A cephalopod is a “head-footed” creature. Or, perhaps a...
by Dwane | Apr 7, 2015 | Education, English, Latin, Vocabulary
Pedal: A foot-operated lever. We use pedals all the time. We use them to power bicycles, vehicles, and other machines. Pedals also control sewing machines, pianos, and organs. Come to Nashville and you will even see “Pedal Taverns.” Pedal Taverns are bicycle...
by Dwane | Apr 7, 2015 | Ebook, Education, Grammar, Latin
This comment popped up on YouTube. Great videos. but I have a question. in lesson 1C you pronounced CAELUM /djelum/ or something like it. C like an CH. But in this one, you say it as K… why is that? and watching this lesson, i´ve got another question. why do we...
by Dwane | Apr 6, 2015 | The Future
Interesting move by Facebook, according to tech blogger, Peter Diamandis. As you read, you will notice they named their drone, Aquila. Aquila is Latin for Eagle. “A few weeks ago, Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg announced, “As part of our Internet.org...
by Dwane | Apr 6, 2015 | Education, Latin, The Future, Vocabulary
Optimism: the belief that all is for the best. From Latin optimus, meaning, the best. Optimus is the superlative of bonus, which means, good. Yesterday was Easter Sunday, the day Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ. If you take a long look at the history...
by Dwane | Apr 4, 2015 | Education, Motivation, Tip of the Week
Someday, your memory will begin to fade. I have noticed this depressing trend in myself lately. In fact, if my memory gets any worse, I will soon be able to plan my own surprise parties. I am not happy about this. This morning, while posting the “word of the...
by Dwane | Apr 4, 2015 | Education, Tip of the Week
One of my favorite quotes comes from The Pledge, by Michael Masterson. “Words matter. They help us define meaning. We think with words. We learn with words. Words are the fundamental tools we use for communicating. If we use them well, we can cut, and shape,...
by Dwane | Apr 4, 2015 | Education, English, Latin, Vocabulary
Resurrection: A rising again. The revival of the dead. Resurrection comes from the Latin prefix re (again) and the verb surgere (to rise). “I am the resurrection, and the life.” – Jesus Christ, John 11: 25. By the resurrection of Christ we have assurance of the...
by Dwane | Apr 3, 2015 | Education, Latin, Motivation, Visual Latin
I received this question: Hello! I am a planning on teaching either Challenge 1 or 2 for Classical Conversations which would include teaching Henle 1 or 2. I am finishing up Challenge A but hired a Latin tutor to teach my portion. Now that I missed out on a year of...
by Dwane | Apr 3, 2015 | Education, Latin
I received this question from a student: Hello Mr. Thomas, What is the next after the Lingua Latina advanced classes? Should I take Henle or Fables & Foundations? Here is my reply: Hmmm. I recommned Fables and Foundations (even though it is a new class) just...
by Dwane | Apr 3, 2015 | Education, Latin
A adult student in Japan has been watching the Lingua Latina recordings. He sent this note: I’m really surprised at the way you teach Latin. Your magic wand makes the “dead” language so alive and approchable that I always feel as if I were learning present-day French...
by Dwane | Apr 3, 2015 | Latin, Visual Latin
I received this email: I’m finding some inconsistencies in Lesson 37A. In the example sections of the present tense and present passive, it has the translations for the majority to be the translation for voco. Not much to say about this one. Here is my...
by Dwane | Apr 3, 2015 | Uncategorized
Brachiopod: a marine animal, similar to a mollusk. The brachiopods has a pair of tentacled arms used to capture food. Brachiopods are hinged at the rear end. The front opens when the creature is hungry and closes when it needs protection. In extremely dangerous...
by Dwane | Apr 3, 2015 | Education, English, Latin, Motivation
Impede: To hinder; to stop in progress; to obstruct. Yesterday, I blogged the word “expedite.” When you break it down, to expedite, is to un-shackle the feet. Once the feet are free, things happen faster. To impede someone is the exact opposite. The Latin verb...
by Dwane | Apr 2, 2015 | Education, Latin, Visual Latin
I received this question: I’ve see you say in various contexts that to learn Latin you need to commit about an hour a day. So far as I’ve explored Visual Latin (prior to the introduction of Linga Latina, I’ll grant you), it seems that each chapter...
by Dwane | Apr 2, 2015 | Education, Latin, Uncategorized
I received this email: Hi, I wanted to contact you to see if you had any suggestions for Classical Conversations Challenge Directors that need to be able to tutor Henle. I shared the online classes but they actually need to begin this adventure this summer. Have you...
