The Latin names for body parts provide hundreds of interesting derivatives to help students remember new vocabulary. For lively lessons, teach the Latin names of the human body from head to toe. Doing so will tap into your students’ prior knowledge and open a new world of words to use and enjoy.
Think you’ve never heard the Latin words for sheath and tail? Not only do you know these words, but every one of your students knows them as well. You also know the words for loaf of bread, wine skin, seed and witness.
Latin roots make our sexual and reproductive vocabulary more engaging and comprehensible for middle school students. Make awkward lessons relaxed and inclusive. Make dry lessons exciting and fun.
Every system of the human body can be understood more deeply through Latin roots. From the skeletal system, to the cardiovascular, to the digestive, to the respiratory, opportunities abound for teaching English vocabulary through Latin roots.
If you are including the basics of psychology in your health lesson plans, the careful placement of Latin roots will increase student interest and productivity. Every psychologist uses Latin words and phrases to describe the inner workings of the human mind.
Sociologists also use Latin terminology to describe human behavior. Your students’ enthusiasm will shine through with the knowledge of a few basic terms.
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