Let me tell you about my least favorite subject as a homeschool teacher — it’s Foreign Language. I took French in High School and College but after years of study, I can only say a couple of phrases. Bad Student. Now, it’s bad teacher. However, my ‘bad’ status was redeemed when I had the opportunity to review First Form Latin. from Memoria Press, I was ecstatic! I wanted my middle-school daughter to learn Latin but didn’t know where to begin.
Memoria Press makes it SUPER easy to teach your kids Latin with all of the resources provided in the First Form Latin Package. I was relieved to discover 8 handy materials — student workbook, student textbook, CD, Audio CD, flashcards, Quizzes/Tests, Teacher Textbook and Answer Key. Score!
COMPLETE SET OF FIRST FORM LATIN
This First Form Latin Complete Set includes the following eight items:
TEACHER
Teacher Manual– The teacher’s manual gives step-by-step instructions so you’re not intimated by the process. Not sure how to pronounce any Latin words? No problem. You can play the Pronunciation CD noted below. The Teacher’s Manual also includes Student Text inset with answers in color. Plus, “Chalk Talk” scripted lessons, recitation schedule, extensive teaching notes, and an FYI section.
For example, Lesson one instructs the teacher to say the greeting in Latin and then the student’s appropriate response. Next, the teacher is instructed to ask the student(s) to open their workbook and go through Questions 1-5. The lesson goes on explaining long vowels, short vowels, digraphs and diphthongs if you need a refresher (like me!). It then continues with the next set of questions along with a detailed explanation of each type of pronunciation.
Teacher Key (for Workbook, Quizzes, & Tests) – Teacher keys are wonderful! They contain the answers to the workbook and quizzes/tests.
STUDENT
Student Text – The student textbook is small and concise with easy-to-follow 34 two-page lessons. It lines up perfectly with the DVD and easy-to-use workbook format.
Student Workbook – The student workbook contains from 4 to 6 pages of exercises per lesson. These exercises teach concepts through lots of practice and mastery.
Quizzes & Tests – This booklet has reproducible weekly quizzes and unit tests to ensure your student(s) is remembering the new concepts with each lesson.
Pronunciation CD – I was thankful for this CD. I had no idea how to pronounce Latin words…Latin is foreign to me. 😉 The CD includes all vocabulary and grammar forms for each lesson.
Flashcards – These are a lifesaver when you want to build your student’s memory for the vocabulary, Latin sayings, and grammar forms.
DVDs – There are 3 discs, with 9 hours of 15-20 minutes per lesson. The DVDs are tremendously helpful for those who have never been exposed to Latin. The teacher is former Highlands Latin School teacher, Glen Moore. They also include on-screen notes, illustrations, diagrams, and recitations.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Memoria Press is the way to go when learning a foreign language like Latin. I am so impressed with it that we will continue lessons until all of them are completed, even if it’s through the summer. My daughter struggles with longer lessons so we will take our time and split out our lessons 2 or 3 times a week. I am thrilled with these products.
Even if you are not a classical homeschooler, review their products and see for yourself how well-suited they are for your needs. Check out more of Memoria Press materials below.
MORE MEMORIA PRESS PRODUCTS
- Traditional Spelling I
- Traditional Spelling II
- Music Appreciation I
- Prima Latina
- Latina Christiana
- First Form Latin
- Second Form Latin
- Third Form Latin
- Fourth Form Latin + Henle I
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