Beth in Central Texas - a question re: Latin

[Hoggirl]

I noticed in another thread several resources that you listed for Wheelocks. Where did you buy these? Have you had Latin previously? We are using Latin in the Christian Trivium, but I am not sure if I should continue with it. Though I really like it, I feel like I need something with better explanations for ME!
TIA!
I always find your posts so helpful.

[Beth in Central TX]

I found all of my Wheelock's Latin resources at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/105-1876497-9665244?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=wheelock%27s&x=7&y=14

I use the 6th edition, revised. Once I had the book, I contacted the publisher and told them I was a homeschooler; they gave me access to the Teacher's Guide and Answer Key.

When I started homeschooling, I had no experience in Latin. I worked through PL, LCI, and Basic Language Principles With Latin Background. I tried working ahead because I saw the need to know more than my boys, but Henle was a bust for me; it was too dry and boring. Wheelock's Latin was recommended to me, so I started looking into it. What drew me in was the vast amount of helps that the program has: workbook, comp guide, audio cds, etc. In addition, there were quite of few on-line groups. Wheelock's is also used by Scholars Online which is where I would outsource Latin if I ever come to that point.

I like Wheelock's, but it is a textbook approach which turns some people away. It's also a college level book, but I plan to teach it in parts:

6th & 7th grader: Wheelock's IA--Chapters 1-10
7th & 8th grader: Wheelock's IB--Chapters 11-20
8th & 9th grader: Wheelock's II--Chapters 21-40
9th & 10th grader: Wheelock's III--Translation

We'll round out our high school years studying AP Latin Vergil and poetry.

If you have a local Barnes & Noble, they sometimes carry the paperback edition for Wheelock's, especially if you are in a college town. If not, they may order it for you without an obligation to buy; I know ours does. However, if LitCT is working for you, you may just want to work ahead to get a better idea of where you are going. That's what I inteded with Wheelock's, but because I like it so much, I know I'm going to be able to teach it more effectively to my boys.

Thanks for the vote of confidence!

HTH!

[Hoggirl]

I really like the balance in LitCT. There are good translation exercises early on so that you can apply what you are learning. It would be hard to go out of it into another program. Ds likes it...it just seems convoluted to me at times. We'll probably stick with it for now. Thanks, though!

[Beth in Central TX]

Dear Cynthia,

If it's the grammar that's giving you trouble, I thought it might be since you used the word "convoluted" & that's how I feel sometimes, I would like to recommend the following book, English Grammar for Students of Latin (http://www.amazon.com/English-Grammar-Students-Latin-Learning/dp/0934034346/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1205374485&sr=8-1) This book has really helped me understand English and Latin grammar.

[Julie in GA]

I wasn't getting enough help/explanation with Wheelocks, even though I did what you did, Beth, and downloaded the teacher's stuff.

I really like Latin in the Christian Trivium, and would encourage you (Hoggirl), to stick with it. Maybe it's just the format, or the font size ;).

However, if you'd like to check out Wheelocks, I can send you my partially used workbook. Just email me:

julieshields@comcast.net

[Beth in Central TX]

I've never looked closely at LitCT because I found the cost prohibitive. I've come to the realization that I can make Latin work in our home with the ever-so-many Latin resources I have here. Therefore, I don't even look at the new programs that come out. The grass always looks greener in someone else's post, but quite honestly, I can't afford it anymore. In addition, I'm comfortable with what I've used, so I've decided to take the exact same route with my youngest son. I even purchased the student guides so that I wouldn't have to buy the new teacher's manual if an update edition came out before we get there.

I remember reading on SWB's blog that her son was working through Jenny's Latin and thinking about where I could purchase the same program. That's when I realized I was a Latin curriculum junkie... I didn't go through the 12-step program, but actually went cold turkey--no more Latin books. Some days are difficult, but chocolate helps.

[Hoggirl]

for your offer, but I am going to stick with LitCT. I probably just need to spend more time on it MYSELF! And, I just received that book you suggested Beth. I think Plaid Dad might have suggested it as well. But, like so many other books on my shelves, I haven't looked at it yet. Maybe if I spent less time on these boards! ;)

[Julie in GA]

Yes, chocolate always helps! It's wise of you to stick with what works. LiCT works for me now, so I won't be switching anymore either. (Yay!) And, now that I'm starting to really learn it, LC 1 and 2 are only going to get better for the younger ones, because I'll be able to explain more, and even make up my own exercises & stuff. I couldn't do that with the first two, and needed all the help I could get! Blessings to you, Beth.