If your child is learning Latin & Greek, would you still use a vocabulary program?

[Elinor Everywhere]

My 10yo dd has been learning Latin, and will be starting Greek in April. She has been using Wordly Wise 3000, but I don't know how much she is retaining. I was thinking of sticking with WW through 5th grade, and then switching to Vocabulary from Classical Roots for 6th.

In light of the Latin & Greek, do you think the vocab is just busy work? She doesn't mind doing it--we don't use any other workbook curriculum, which makes it rather appealing. I've also considered buying the vocab program and only using it while we're traveling, because it would be easy to stick in a backpack.

[Laura Corin]

I suspect she doesn't need a separate vocab programme, especially with the Latin and Greek. It's fun to have different things for travelling though.

Laura

[Plaid Dad]

No, I wouldn't bother. The programs I use, both in classical languages and in other subjects, include lots of derivatives and vocabulary studies.

[Elinor Everywhere]

Thanks Laura & Drew,

I agree with you....and yet....I always worry about those SAT tests looming over my head. As Laura mentioned, my dd is a voracious reader, and does enjoy sprinkling her speech with new words. But still.....!

Maybe I'll still get a workbook, but only use it while traveling. We always school while on the road (or plane); it helps while away the time and also we need to keep some subjects going to stay on track. Maybe with this solution I'll not burden my dd with busy work, but at the same time I can ease my worries about the future. :confused:

[ArwenA]

I hope it's not too late to share my thoughts.:)

DD9 is studying Latin using LFC B, she is also a bookworm. We tried Wordly Wise and it was all busy work for her. I've made my own vocab curriculum to go with our lessons. We also use Free Rice (http://freerice.com) and love it. DD doesn't spend much time on vocab each day, just 5-10 minutes.

[Cadam]

I wouldn't bother, it is repetitive.

[Elinor Everywhere]

ArwenA,

Can you tell me a bit about your own vocab program? Do you pull words from history/literature or other subjects, and study them? I guess I'm a little concerned that if it adds to my own work load I might not get it done, since I use some teacher-heavy curriculum (TOG, Right Start, etc).

And aren't you getting ready to go to France? :)

[Elinor Everywhere]

Christina,

This is what I've been thinking, too, which is what prompted my inquiry. I detest busy work, and my dd is already going to have a very full schedule for 5th grade. Any free time she has, I'd really rather she play outside, daydream, or read for pleasure, instead of grinding away at something that will not add value.

However, with that said (grin), I still may consider something for traveling. Hmmmm. :)

[Karenciavo]

I pull vocabulary from their literature too.

[Elinor Everywhere]

Karen,

Do you use the vocab words in TOG to help with that? When I am reading a book outloud it's easy to pull words, but many history/lit books they are reading on their own, and I haven't necessarily read them. I suppose I would like *one* subject to be done completely independently, if that's possible at this age.

[Karenciavo]

Karen,

Do you use the vocab words in TOG to help with that? When I am reading a book outloud it's easy to pull words, but many history/lit books they are reading on their own, and I haven't necessarily read them. I suppose I would like *one* subject to be done completely independently, if that's possible at this age.

No, I don't. I quickly scan their literature reading for the week. It takes 5 or 10 minutes. I use the vocabulary sheet CW provides free at Lulu (http://www.lulu.com/content/167552), but where it says "quotation" I have them write the definition. My boys write big so the definition doesn't fit where it says "definition."

[Elinor Everywhere]

Thanks, Karen. I think I even have printed that form out before...I'll go look at it again.

[ArwenA]

ArwenA,

Can you tell me a bit about your own vocab program? Do you pull words from history/literature or other subjects, and study them? I guess I'm a little concerned that if it adds to my own work load I might not get it done, since I use some teacher-heavy curriculum (TOG, Right Start, etc).

And aren't you getting ready to go to France? :)

Yes, I get words from our history and science studies. I don't find it to be much work as there are often glossaries in books, but I do love to plan. :) If I'm feeling lazy she just does Free Rice.
Recently we've looked at word origins for names of places in Canada, not really vocabulary, but fun all the same.

Yes, I'm getting ready to go to France. Suitcases are packed, I've got people to look after the house, everything is ready to go. Except for one key part, which books to take!

[Patricia in WA]

Just adding an "us too." For both dc I use CW for vocabulary and any words we come to in their reading. It takes no time at all and reinforces what they are learning/reading.
I would skip the workbook. Instead when on the road, take a book you can read together.

HTHs,