After LCII: Henle, Wheelock's, or something else?

[Mom to 3 Island Boys]

We still have time before we will be done with LCII, but I'm trying to decide between Henle and Wheelock's Latin. Any likes/dislikes anyone has encountered for either program would be greatly appreciated ~ or any reasons you think an alternative program is better than either of these (I know Latin Prep is popular, but I'm not sure how it compares to these 2 ~ so any info on that would also be appreciated). Thanks so much!

[Plaid Dad]

Well, LC was written to prepare students for Henle, so that's a natural fit. I've used both and I much prefer Henle because of the systematic way that the grammar is introduced and because of the copious written exercises.

Wheelock has gone through multiple revisions, so it's a more modern text in that sense. It is also not religious, which Henle is - although you can easily skip the specifically Catholic bits in Henle.

HTH!

[latinteach]

We still have time before we will be done with LCII, but I'm trying to decide between Henle and Wheelock's Latin. Any likes/dislikes anyone has encountered for either program would be greatly appreciated ~ or any reasons you think an alternative program is better than either of these (I know Latin Prep is popular, but I'm not sure how it compares to these 2 ~ so any info on that would also be appreciated). Thanks so much!

Both Henle and Wheelock are very good grammar-based textbooks and both have been around for 50+ years.

The Henle text was originally written in, I think, the 1940s and has been reprinted, but not revised recently if at all. I think a lot of people like the incorporation of sentence diagramming. The grammar reference book is definitely worth having, no matter which program you choose.

The Wheelock text was written right after WWII intended for soldiers using their GI Bills in college. It is in its 6th revision. It is probably the most widely used college textbook, but middle and high school teachers use it too. It does have authentic readings, really nice ancillary material, workbooks, online study groups, etc. Even if you choose Henle, you should probably take a listen to the pronunciation audio files at the Wheelock site (http://www.wheelockslatin.com/index.shtml), at least if you're using Classical pronunciation. (Want to know the difference between long vowels and short vowels? Listen there!) The current editor is a highly respected professor who runs a masters degree program for Latin teachers.

There you have it, they are both very good.

[Hoggirl]

I had looked at Henle, and it just seemed so dull to me! Plus, I felt the pacing was so slow with the Memoria Press syllabus. I probably should have looked at the one from MODG. However, we have been fairly pleased with LitCT, and we will continue on with it next year. There are some cultural studies mixed in as well as some mapping. A continuing story about a centurion and his family is part of the translating work. They just moved to Judea at the end of volume I, and I think they encounter Christ in the 2nd volume. Part of the goal is to be able to read the Vulgate.

Another option to look at is Latin Alive! This is the new program for middle school being put out by the Latin for Children people (Classical Academic Press). I kind of had a grass is greener thought about this, but then I decided their first volume would have too much review in it for us.

Wheelock's just looked overwhelming to me, but I know many have used it successfully.

Sorry! I didn't mean to muddy the waters. All the best with your decision.

[Mom to 3 Island Boys]

Thanks so much for the great input! VERY helpful!