Latin being taught at TMS

There is something beautiful about the old languages, Latin, in particular, and students at Thermopolis Middle School (TMS) are keeping that beauty alive with an extra-curricular class in Latin.

Laura Stam offered to teach the class after several students expressed an interest in it last year and they are really enjoying learning one of the original languages of the world.

Stam was doing Latin with her daughter in an independent study situation last year and was sharing with TMS students.

“So many things contain Latin,” Stam said. “Its used in medical terminology, math, science and even music. If the students can understand Latin it creates a good foundation when it comes to the Romance languages.”

Our own English language relies heavily on Latin as well. Our grammar is based on Latin grammar as is our vocabulary, adding an advantage to the understanding of their core classes.

There are about 11 students immersing themselves in Latin, learning everything from grammar to vocabulary and are even reading Roman history in Latin, interpreting it as they go along.

“This really helps students in higher grades understand language and structure,” Stam said. “Its fun to watch them and the kids are loving it. We do recitation on Fridays, which is their favorite. They stand up and prove what they know without any help.”

Stam’s hope is the offering will continue and hopefully give these students a good foundation for understanding language in high school and beyond.