My dd suddenly *wants* to study Latin! Need help choosing a program.

[Christy B]

We dabbled in Latin in 4th grade (Prima Latina) but she really disliked that particular program (she didn't tell me until the year was over!) Then, she "audited" a Latin class in co-op last year. I think the teacher used Latin for Children, but I'm not completely sure. Without the stress of it being an "official class", dd seemed to really enjoy the Latin, but she was emphatic in saying that she did NOT want to study it this year.

Fast forward to today: dd just mentioned to me that "Latin is so important -- it's a core language, you know . . . so many of our words come from Latin". And she said that she would really like to study it again -- "especially if I could do it with EK (my younger dd)".

Well, I want to strike while the iron is hot, but I need some help choosing a program. I love words so all of the Latin programs look great to me.

As I mentioned, dd disliked Prima Latina, so I'm thinking the other books in that series probably wouldn't work (if they are similar).

I'd like something that both my 7th and 4th grader could do together; fairly independently, although I would be willing to add this subject to our daily "tea time/language arts" if we need to do flashcards, drill, etc. Mostly I am looking for something basic, simple, and FUN for them -- I am not particularly concerned about having the "best" or "most rigorous" program. I'm more interested in seizing the opportunity of her renewed interest! I would even be interested in a roots based program, as opposed to a "full" Latin program.

[Catherine]

Minimus is a fun intro, lightweight and not intimidating. Getting Started is cheap, great for non-Latin knowledgeable teachers, very straightforward and quick. Get it from Amazon.com. Authors website offers free downloads of both classical and ecclesiastical pronunciation.

[Heather in VA]

If you want to do them together I'd recommend Lively Latin. It really fleshes out the derivatives and grammar and adds some fun Roman history stories. You buy an e-book so you could print copies for both your kids for the same price. Best of all it's really easy to teach -you could even have your 7th grader drill your 4th grader and help him with the concepts. It's considered an easier program for the 7th grader but I think it would still be a very good use of her time, especially if you aren't concerned with making it a core of your curriculum. Programs that a more rigorous for a jr. or sr higher would require more time and be more difficult to encorporate the 4th grader.

[Cadam]

I would check out Lively Latin or Latin For Children. I'm not sure you could really do them together though since your dd has had so much more Latin than her brother.

[cin]

What ages/grades do you all recommend for Lively Latin & LFC? I've looked at them and Minimus. I can't find any good sample pages of Minimus, but it looks fun. What ages for that one? I'm looking for next year, too.

Lively Latin seems to cover more than just latin, does it take alot of time, outside of Latin Studies?

TIA

[Jenny in Atl]

Lively Latin maybe what you want. It's fun & lite for those ages. Latin Prep is a bit more... but it's great fun and you maybe surprised that for those ages they may like it. See if you can find it used?

[ArwenA]

What ages/grades do you all recommend for Lively Latin & LFC? I've looked at them and Minimus. I can't find any good sample pages of Minimus, but it looks fun. What ages for that one? I'm looking for next year, too.

Lively Latin seems to cover more than just latin, does it take alot of time, outside of Latin Studies?

TIA

LFC is for 3rd - 5th grade. Minimus is for 1st-3rd grade, I think. I'm not sure about Lively Latin.

[Christy B]

I think they would like the "story" line of Minimus; from there, we could see if the interest continues.

She is also supposed to start a sign language course in February, so I really want to keep Latin light.