We had the opportunity to review the physical set of First Form Latin Complete Set from Memoria Press.
Whenever I review Memoria Press (MP) products, I always feel like I must disclose I am a fan of everything Memoria Press. That is not to say I cannot be unbiased, because I can. I just like many of the products published by Memoria Press.
Memoria Press is especially known for its Latin curriculum, which is only one of the many subjects covered by its publication. Along with using its Latin curriculum, we also use its Literature and Poetry studies, some of its science and curriculum for other subjects. I guess it is all right to say I am a fan of the company. Now, that is done.
We had the opportunity to review First Form Latin Complete Set, which includes the following:
Latin Grammar, Year One CD
Latin Grammar, Year One Instructional DVDs
Latin Grammar, Year One Quizzes & Tests
Latin Grammar, Year One Teacher Manual
Latin Grammar, Year One Student Text
Latin Grammar, Year One Workbook
Latin Grammar, Year One Teacher Key (Workbook, Quizzes & Tests)
Latin Grammar, Year One Flashcards
That is everything you need to start on your learning Latin. The curriculum is geared towards students in fourth through ninth grades. If you use MP complete academic grade packages, the program is introduced to students in the fifth grade.
We have done Latin on and off for a couple of years, but have never covered it as a regular subject in our school. I decided it would be the foreign language we study in high school for language credit going through all of the forms (through fourth) for high school credit.
Latin is one of those subjects you know is important, but somehow, never gets included in your school. I never took Latin in school. It wasn’t until I attended college that I realized how much I missed from not being more familiar with the language. I think Latin is an important language to know. Depending on who you ask, you will get varying opinions, but as for me. I see its value. There are so many references and connections to the English language in our every day. If you don’t know Latin, you may not realize that fact. Much of our language is based on Latin roots. Understanding Latin provides a better understanding, which leads to being more knowledgeable. I want my children to know “stuff,” so they are going to learn Latin.
The books are well constructed and I like that the student workbook is spiral bound, which makes it easier for writing. The Teacher Key is spiral bound on its longside, which made flipping through the book easier for finding the answers to the exercises and quizzes.
One of the pluses about using the curriculum is that the parent does not have to know Latin or teach it to the student. DVD instruction by Latin teacher Glen Moore takes the pressure off of the parent and teaches the student Latin. This was great for someone like me who is not familiar with Latin. I was able to learn something along with my children.
We studied Latin five days a week. On Monday, River and Lily watched the video lesson. They would write the new words that were presented.
On Tuesday, I gave them the option of watching the DVD again for review, and they would listen to the pronunciation CD. They used the flashcards to practice the new words.
On Wednesday, they completed the student book and practiced with the flashcards.
Thursday was more review.
Friday was review and then they took their quiz.
A good suggestion was to have a dedicated binder for the work your child completes during their study. Some of the sheets used by the student are reproducible, but if you have more than one student using the program, each student should have his own student book. I purchased a book for River to use.
So far, First Form Latin has worked well for us. I think the fact we are learning something new and we are doing it together adds to the enjoyment. I was really pleased that I have been able to finally get my children going on learning Latin.
Yes, you may purchase just the student and teacher books, but having the DVD resource, the pronunciation CD and the flashcards were definite benefits. It is amazing how much can be learned from listening to a CD in the car, which we were able to do. My children completed their book work at home (even though they could have done it in the car) and listened to the CD as we drove yo where we had to go. They were also able to watch the DVD lessons in the car.
I plan to have them continue through the fall working through the book until completion. Once they are finished, I will move them into Second Form.
If you are wondering why anyone should study Latin, read an explanation by Cheryl Lowe.
Something that is so good about the First Form Latin series is if you never studied Latin in your life, you may still jump in and learn the language with this program.
You may purchase the First Form Latin Complete Set for $125.
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