Last year, when I taught my students the Latin days of the week, it just didn’t click. I had the lesson planned, the materials ready, and my expectations high — but the kids weren’t really learning them. The words felt random, and I moved on too quickly. I remember walking away from class feeling like I had failed — like my students’ lack of understanding meant something was wrong with me or my teaching.
But here’s what I’ve learned: sometimes a lesson doesn’t land, and that doesn’t mean you’re a bad teacher. There are so many factors at play — the students’ developmental stage, how much background knowledge they have, even what kind of day they’re having. A “flopped” lesson is just a snapshot, not the whole picture of your teaching.
This year, I approached the same lesson differently — not by throwing it out, but by sticking with it. In classical education, we talk about mastery — the idea that we don’t just “cover” a topic, we return to it until it is truly learned. This year, every Latin class period begins with the days of the week until we have them down!
Now, we use them in context:
“Hodie est Martis!” (Today is Tuesday) OR Hodie est NON Martis (Today is not Tuesday)
“Cras est Mercurii!” (Tomorrow is Wednesday)
We connect them to birthdays, field trips, and special events. When I ask, “Quid agis?” (How are you?), students can respond, “Sum bene!” or “Sum pessime!” and practice saying how they feel. These simple phrases, paired together, suddenly make Latin meaningful — they aren’t just memorizing, they’re using the language.
Making It Stick: Practical Ideas for Teachers
If you’ve ever walked out of class discouraged by a “failed” lesson, here are some suggestions that have been given to me, and I have found to be accurate:
- Use Class Time Consistently
Even if you don’t see students every day, you can make a big difference by reviewing every time you do meet. For me, that means every Latin class period starts with the same warm-up: days of the week, a quick question (Quid agis?), and a chance to respond. That repetition builds comfort and confidence. - Partner with Homeroom Teachers
If you teach in a school setting, talk to the homeroom teacher. Could they display the Latin day of the week on the board each morning? Could they occasionally ask, “Quid agis?” during circle time? Small connections throughout the week can make your lesson stick even when you only see students once or twice. - Connect to Everyday Life
For homeschool families, there’s an even bigger opportunity to weave Latin into daily life. Say the days at breakfast. Write them on a calendar. Practice emotions while talking about how everyone is feeling before dinner. Language comes alive when it leaves the textbook and enters the real world. - Use Visuals and Tools
Resources like my Ancient Rome Latin Pocket Calendar and Latin Days of the Week Fun Activities Pack have been game-changers. Students love flipping the pocket calendar to see the Roman date and Latin day, while the activities pack turns abstract vocabulary into interactive matching, drawing, and writing exercises. Using multiple angles helps students internalize the words, not just memorize them. - Be Creative with Review
Repetition doesn’t have to be boring. Here are some simple review ideas:
- Call-and-Response: Teacher says, “Lunae!” Students shout, “Monday!”
- Movement: Have students stand up when they hear today’s day.
- Games: Hide the days around the room and have students find them in order.
- Student Leaders: Let a student be the “timekeeper” and announce the day each class.
The Gift of Time
One of my biggest takeaways has been this: some lessons need time to breathe. Last year’s “failure” was not the end of the story — it was just the first step. This year, by slowing down, repeating regularly, and connecting the lesson to real life, students are finally learning the days of the week.
If you’ve ever left class thinking, “That didn’t go how I hoped,” give yourself permission to pause and revisit it later. Reflect. Adjust. Make it richer. Then try again. You might be surprised by how much better it goes the second — or third — time around.
Classical education reminds us that true mastery is not quick — but it is worth the wait. And with the right tools and small, consistent connections, even lessons that once felt like failures can become lasting successes.
Connecting the Dots: Deepening Our Classical Christian Journey
As we’ve explored, embracing the ebb and flow of teaching moments—especially those that don’t go as planned—is integral to the classical Christian approach. It’s about fostering a love for learning, rooted in the understanding that mastery comes through repetition, reflection, and real-life application.
To further enrich this journey, consider delving into our previous discussions on integrating classical education with daily life. For instance, in our post on Classical Christian Classics, we delve into the significance of the trivium and how it shapes our approach to teaching and learning. This foundation can offer valuable insights as you continue to navigate the challenges and joys of classical education.
Remember, each lesson—successful or not—is a stepping stone towards cultivating a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subjects we teach. Keep embracing the process, and let each experience guide you closer to your educational goals.
Comments
One response
Thanks, Rachel. This is helpful. 🙂