As we undertake a new school year, consider honing your Latin reading discipline. Many of us tend not to read Latin “for pleasure,” instead focusing only on that which is required for teaching or our academic interests. Jason Slanga has written a compelling post arguing for the benefits of Latin pleasure reading. The challenge starts soon, so have a look and get reading!
As for myself, I’ve started Harrius Potter et Philosophi Lapis. I’ve never actually read any Harry Potter books (gasp!) so I thought reading it in Latin would be as good a place to start as any. I read it right before bed and I’ve found my fluency increasing as I read more. The unfamiliar modern words force me to use context as much as possible (I rarely crack a dictionary because it would break the flow.) The process feels a lot different than traditional translating (and it should!) and helps me to empathize more with my students who face the unfamiliar on a more regular basis. I strongly encourage you to try for yourself!