First Form Latin Complete Set {Review}
Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.
I have always felt intimidated about teaching a foreign language. When given the opportunity to review a Latin program from Memoria Press, I knew it was time to face my fears.
I received First Form Latin Compete Set which is a beginner program for older students with little to no Latin experience. My high school son, Sam, was my intended student for the program. I hoped Jacob, my middle school son, would want to join in too.
We received the full set, which included:
- Teacher Manual
- Student Text
- Student Workbook
- Test & Quiz Book
- Teacher Key
- Pronunciation CD
- Flashcards
- Instructional DVDs
The student workbook is a consumable item. I did not immediately order a second workbook for Jacob as he wanted to first see the materials and what the course involved.
Right away I liked the teacher manual. The introduction validated my feelings of intimidation and offered encouragement that I can learn along with my kids. The lesson plans included inserts of the student text, making it easier to work together.
The teacher manual suggests a weekly schedule to include: video lesson, workbook, oral drill, test or quiz, and review. I purchased a lesson plan for the course and found it extremely helpful to have the lessons broken down into a visual weekly schedule.
Our experience:
The focus of First Form Latin is grammar and some usable vocabulary. We began the week by watching the video lesson. Each day we continued by reading the assigned student text and completing the workbook questions. Jacob and I found the pronunciation CD helpful.
Sam quickly grasped the written introduction material by learning the long vowel sounds, consonants, and conjugation tense. Some days he took more of a leading role and used the teachers manual more than me.
As both the boys are becoming comfortable with pronunciation, they are practicing with the flashcards. I often hear them using favorite phrases throughout the day. I’m a little more attentive when I hear a cry of, “Vini, Vidi, Vici.” It’s always good to know what teen boys feel they have conquered.
Our Conclusion:
Several days the boys began lessons without me. Sam is determined to understand some hidden code of linguistics so he might teach himself other languages. He likes how the lessons are put together and how they build on each other. As Latin was not his first language choice, I was delighted by his admittance that he’s enjoying it and feels it’s a really good curriculum.
Jacob is enjoying the materials and wants a workbook. He likes the video lessons and flashcards, but feels he would benefit from more time on the lessons for better mastery. That said, he’s equally anxious to move quickly through the lessons. Apparently it’s proving fun to share a language with his brother that their younger sister doesn’t understand.
In addition to the boys’ comments, I would add how the curriculum offers different learning techniques. With video lessons, reading text, workbook, audio practice, and flashcards, information is being processed in a variety of ways. The student can utilize the resources that best fit their learning style to more easily achieve mastery.
Visit the Review Crew to read how others used First Form Latin Complete Set from Memoria Press.
