Engage Kindergarten students with this fun Latin body parts worksheet. Learn manus, pes, caput, and corpus through a hands-on cut-and-paste activity that makes Latin come alive
As a Latin teacher, I aim to make lessons meaningful and memorable, especially for young learners. For Kindergarten students, Latin works best when it connects to something they can see, touch, and experience. That is why I created the Simple Latin Body Parts Cut-and-Paste Worksheet, which introduces four essential words: manus (hand), corpus (body), pes (foot), and caput (head).
Simple Latin Body Parts – Manus, Caput, Corpus, Pes
The Classroom Experience
During one lesson with my Kindergarten students, I distributed the worksheets and glue sticks. As the students cut and pasted the words, they began to physically associate each Latin word with their own bodies. When they placed manus, they wiggled their hands. For pes, they tapped their feet. When they matched caput, they pointed to their heads.
Through this simple activity, students were able to connect the language to a real, concrete experience. The Latin words became meaningful because the children could see and feel them in context.
What the Resource Offers
This cut-and-paste worksheet provides a hands-on introduction to basic Latin vocabulary.
- Students match four Latin words to the correct body parts.
- Works especially well for Kindergarten and early elementary students.
- Can be used as an introduction, review, or short activity.
- Helps students recognize connections to English words (manual, corpse, pedal, capital).
Why Learning Body Part Vocabulary Matters
Body part vocabulary is foundational for early Latin study. It allows students to begin recognizing patterns in the language and see its influence on English. By understanding words like corpus or pes, students start to notice how Latin has shaped words they already know, which supports language awareness and retention.
How I Use This Resource
- Kindergarten–2nd grade: Students cut, paste, and move as they match words, reinforcing learning through action.
- Grades 3–5: Can be used for review, pairing the activity with discussion of English derivatives.
- Homeschool or co-op classes: Short, low-prep, and flexible for different learning environments.
What Makes It Valuable
- Clear and simple, appropriate for the youngest learners.
- Hands-on and engaging for kinesthetic learners.
- Affordable and easy to integrate into any Latin program or homeschool curriculum.
Final Reflection
This activity demonstrates how Latin can be both meaningful and accessible for young students. By connecting words to real experiences, students develop stronger comprehension and retention. Teaching Latin becomes a process of building understanding, not memorization.
If you want a structured, engaging way to introduce Latin vocabulary to early learners, this resource provides a meaningful and effective approach.