Accidentally Homeschooling...and beyond

Memoria Press has been offering Christian schools and homeschool families classical curriculum since 1994. For years, I have been hording their catalog and magazines, The Classical Teacher. This company is so confident of the quality of their program, they offer a 60 day money back guarantee. After seeing First Form Latin, I can see why.

What is it?

First Form Latin is a one year Latin program written by Cheryl Lowe, the author of Latin Christiana. She has been developing a four year high school Latin program. The first two are available, with the third year in the wings. My complete kit included the following items:

1. The Teacher Manual
2. Pronunciation CD
3. Sturdy Pre-made Flash Cards
4. Quizzes and Tests
5. Student Workbook
6. Teacher Manual with Workbook and Test Key
7. Student Text
8. Instructional DVD

I have added my commentary in italics to it's lists of features:

• Designed for students and teachers with no Latin background Yes! This is me. I did experience high school Latin for a short time period, but not enough to have any confidence. Paperboy had 1 year of Latin, but not so organized. He 
• 8x8 inch Student Text, small, concise, unintimidating with 34 two-page lessons on facing uncluttered pages The simplicity and brief lessons with small bits of Roman history and culture blended well. Each lesson begins with the introduction of 7 or 8 Latin rules that will be taught.The short Latin sayings in each lesson were the ones easily recalled, Latin was not a dead language here!
• Limited vocabulary of 185 words The vocabulary cards are included.
• Full-size Student Workbook with 4-6 pages of exercises per lesson Thorough and challenging for Paperboy.
• Vocabulary derivatives and detailed explanations of Latin sayings
• Grammar catechism for daily rapid-fire review
• Milestone markers for each grammar objective
• Everything-you-could-possibly-need teacher manual
• Organized for easy access
• Student Text inset with answers in color
• Chalk-talk scripted lessons This was invaluable to me.
• Recitation schedule
• Pronunciation reminders
• Workbook with key I wish this was in larger print, but the half-sized page was manageable.
• Unit tests and lesson quizzes booklet
• FYI section for extra background

My thoughts:

High School Latin is ideally taught in a co-op setting. Our homeschool group offered this for years. Now that I have high schoolers, it's not an option. The instructor has since passed away and we have not found another instructor. This First Form Latin would work best in a group setting, but if that is not possible, it meets the need of a full year of Latin. The materials included, equipped me, but I still would love to hire a Latin teacher. The teacher's manual with it's scripting is exactly what I needed to overcome my phobia of Latin. This package is available without the DVD and flash cards for $55.00. Please purchase the complete kit for $115 if you are serious about teaching your students Latin, THE DVD IS INVALUABLE! Yes, I am screaming that.
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