Think Latin Is Dead? These 5 Facts Will Surprise You
Latin may not be spoken every day, but it’s far from gone! From science to stories, here are five fun facts to show kids how Latin still lives on.
1. Latin Lives in English Words
Did you know that over 60% of English words come from Latin? Words like “animal,” “family,” and “important” all have Latin roots. So, if you speak English, you’re already using Latin every day!
2. Scientists and Doctors Still Use Latin
Biology, medicine, and even law still use Latin terms. “Homo sapiens,” “circulatory system,” and “habeas corpus” are just a few examples that come straight from ancient Rome.
3. Latin Is the Key to Romance Languages
If your child wants to learn Spanish, French, or Italian, starting with Latin can make it easier. These languages are all based on Latin, so the words and grammar will feel familiar.
4. Latin Is All Over Movies and Books
Harry Potter spells like Expelliarmus or Lumos? Those are inspired by Latin! Writers use Latin to give their stories a magical, old-world feel.
5. You Can Still Learn Latin—And Have Fun Doing It!
Latin isn’t just for scholars. With modern platforms like Dinolingo, kids can explore Latin through animated lessons, games, and songs that turn a classical language into a playful learning journey.
Activities for Curious Kids
Latin Word Hunt
Have kids go on a “Latin root” scavenger hunt around the house. Can they find items like aqua (water), luna (moon), or terra (earth)?
Word Family Tree
Choose a Latin root like scrib- (to write) and build a word tree: “scribble,” “describe,” “inscription.”
With Dinolingo, children aged 2–14 can explore Latin at their own pace. It offers a full library of interactive content—animated videos, songs, printable worksheets, and more. Learning paths are tailored to pre-readers, elementary, and middle school kids, all through a gamified system full of surprises and rewards. It’s also available across web, Android, and iOS.
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