I am not the best candidate to review a Latin program. Unlike Spanish, of which I had 8 years of 'formal' instruction, my instruction of Latin was sporadic at best. Between grades 1 and 12 I attended 8 different schools each with their own scholastic goals, some which paralleled what
is now called classical education and some which just tried to keep the kids off the street. To those who took the effort to teach Latin, I am indebted, as what little I picked up has been invaluable.
Over the years we have had the opportunity to review a number of Latin programs. Academically they may have been marvelous programs, but they looked so dreary, I didn't even try to pitch them to our kids, as it would have been a no sale. No so with Latin for Children. Engaging and incremental,
these textbooks are filled with clear explanations, illustrations, exercises, and tests. Workbook format, each of the 32 chapters contains songs and chants that enable students to easily learn over 240 of the most frequently occurring words and grammar. The collaborative efforts of three Latin teachers, these books are the fruit of seven years of research and testing.
I suppose what makes Latin for Children so appealing to us is that it is idiot-proof. With easy to understand grammar sections learning Latin is not only painless but also enjoyable. Who uses Latin? Doctors, theologians, botanists and lawyers to name just a few. Not only is it the root of many popular foreign languages, nearly 50% of English words are derived from Latin words. Not too bad for a dead language!
If your children are interested in learning Latin, Latin for Children is an excellent place to start.
Bundle A includes 1 of each: Primer workbook, Answer Keys (the actual text with answers in bold print), History Reader (Latin stories from history), Activity Book (games and puzzles that reinforce the new Latin vocabulary and grammar), and Pronunciation CD. The Pronunciation CD is an audio CD that contains Dr. Perrin pronouncing each vocabulary word--first the Latin, then the English equivalent--which is then repeated by his children. All 240 vocabulary words are presented, chapter by chapter, first with the Classical pronunciation then in the Ecclesiastical pronunciation.
Each child will need their own Primer workbook and Activity Book, so if you are teaching more than one child at a time, you will need to purchase these additional items. If you have never studied Latin, we recommend starting with Bundle A. Each book (Primers B & C) is a succession upon the previous book. They are intended to be taught sequentially beginning with Primer A (target grade: 3rd) and moving up the alphabet, one book per school year.
Please note: Timberdoodle's bundle does not include the Latin for Children DVD some of you are familiar with since we do not feel that it is a necessary component.
The Latin for Children Primer series is an engaging, incremental, & creative line of textbooks filled with clear grammatical explanations, illustrations, exercises, tests, and a sizable and useful reference section. Each text comes with a plethora of mnemonic aids (songs, chants) that enable students to learn vocabulary (over 240 of the most frequently occurring words) and grammar with ease and delight. The texts are graphically engaging, featuring a crisp, classical look professionally designed.
Each primer bundle has available:
Answer Keys -- features the actual text with answers in bold print
History Readers -- Read Latin stories from history that are geared towards what is being learned in each Primer.
Activity Books! -- Play games and puzzles that help to ingrain the Latin vocabulary and grammar from each Primer.
These books are the collaborative effort of three Latin teachers, and are the fruit of seven years of research and testing.
Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware), these books have made Latin the favorite subject of many students around the nation.
Integrated with Shurley Grammar
Latin Stories Integrated with Veritas History Curricula
Classical or Ecclesiastical Pronunciation (your choice inside texts)
Integrated and Clear Explanations of Grammar in Every Chapter
240 High-Frequency Latin Words in Each Text
Workbook Format, 32 chapters (proposed teaching timeline: one chapter a week), perfect-bound book
Tests, Games and Puzzles in the Text
Professional and Classical Lay-out and Design
Quickly-rising Latin series among classical schools and home schools
While there are DVDs and Chant CDs available from the publisher we have opted not to sell them at this time as we felt they were unnecessary for the program. Should you wish to purchase them you may do so directly from the publisher.
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