Is there an engaging latin program for middle school.

[Stirsmommy]

Latin primer is just too dry. Dd really wanted to learn latin but I think I am sucking that desire out of her at the moment. She is twelve and is working a grade or two above herself in everything but composition. So I think lively would be too babyish. What do you guys like?
Melissa

[Beth in Central TX]

I'm supplementing with Lingua Latina to liven up our Latin.

http://www.pullins.com/txt/LinguaLatina.htm#set_1

[Janis in DE]

My daughter is in 5th and just finished Latin Primer II. She found it rather dry too and wanted to give up Latin. I just bought Latin Prep I, which is more on grade level for her. She really likes the looks of it and is excited about using it next year. I'm glad I used Latin Primer for the first two years, because it has helped me to understand Latin. I used the videos because I have never taken Latin. Primer II really helped me to understand cases and conjugation and how to translate using the endings. I now feel more confident to teach my daughter using Latin Prep without any kind of video. Latin Prep moves quickly into translation. The book is fun and brightly colored. There have been a lot of good reviews on this board from people using it.
Janis in DE

[Stirsmommy]

I'm supplementing with Lingua Latina to liven up our Latin.

http://www.pullins.com/txt/LinguaLatina.htm#set_1

What are you supplementing? Did you find it easy to blend? Do you just have the book or are you using the whole set?
Thanks
Melissa

[Beth in Central TX]

Right now, we're using LCII, but I'll start Wheelock's Latin next year and continue with Lingua Latina. Right now, we have a 4-day week for our primary Latin program, and we work with LL on Friday. It's been fun to read through the story and actually realize that we understand it. Of course, with just one day a week, it's going rather slow. It is something to look forward to though. I think I will make LL more prevalent in our Latin studies next year when we get to Wheelock's. I'll cover the 1st 10 chapters with my then 7th & 6th grader. I've already worked through the first 6 chapters, so I feel comfortable to teach this program myself.

[Mama Lynx]

I have used/use both, and highly recommend either.

Galore Park is more grammar-focused, but also contains a good deal of translation work. It is engaging and colorful. It is our main Latin program now. I think it strikes an excellent balance between grammar and translation.

LL is reading-based, which we found to be fun and a great confidence boost. OTOH, we also found that retention was not high. That may well be a function of my teaching, though, and not the text itself. I don't mind the lack of retention because we use it as a supplement, and because it does get our brains going more fluidly with Latin. It was after starting LL that we began using Latin phrases and sentences around the house.

[mcconnellboys]

Have you looked at Lively Latin?

Regena

[Lorna]

I would second Latin Prep. It is engaging, humorous and rigorous without being overwhelming. I use it with my 12 year old daughter.

[Laura Corin]

Another vote for Latin Prep. The style is fun but the learning is serious. We are now starting on book 3 and I (who supposedly had four years of Latin at school) have learned an awful lot over the course of books 1 and 2. There are samples on this page:

http://www.galorepark.co.uk/product/home_schoolers/127/latin-prep-book-1.html

The books are available in the US from www.horriblebooks.com (Ray may have some on hand - otherwise he orders periodically in batches) or direct from the UK with free shipping from www.bookdepository.co.uk. I've used BD several times; service has always been excellent and very swift.

Laura

[Lucy in Australia]

Latin Prep gets our vote, too. I was almost ready to give up on Latin altogether, it was becoming such a struggle, and I really didn't want my kids to grow up with the idea that Latin was just a horrible chore to get out of the way.
I'm so grateful to the person that recommended it on these boards - and from memory I think it was Laura in China.

[Stirsmommy]

Thank you everyone. Latin prep sounds good. Now what do I need to start?
Thanks
Melissa

[Laura Corin]

The basic course is just the book I linked to plus the corresponding answer book. That is what I used and it was entirely adequate, even with a much younger child.

If you wish, there are also workbooks to go with book 1 and an answer book to go with the workbooks. These are strictly optional and offer extra practice.

Oh, and you need to join the Galore Park Yahoo group so I can draw you further into my power - only kidding, but the address is in my siggy if you are interested.

Laura

[mcmom4]

My children age 12 & 11 used Prima Latina and LC1, finishing LC1 last summer. Since I began working a job, our Latin has taken a back seat. However, I will be quitting my job in a few weeks and want to get Latin started back. I originally thought I would jump right into LC2, but have heard the Latin Prep name tossed around a good bit and wanted to know what the difference is! Any takers??
Thanks for any help!

[abbeyej]

Just another vote in favor of Latin Prep. I reviewed a bunch of textbooks in preparation for offering a middle school Latin class this year, and finding LP was a huge weight off my shoulders. The grammar is explicit, clear, concise, and often witty; the translation exercises are frequent, challenging (without being overwhelming), and often funny. I use the text and the workbooks, which means my students have *lots* of extra practice. I think the workbooks do add a lot of value.

It was by far the best balance of grammar and translation that I was able to find...

[mcmom4]

I have to admit that I am spoiled by the dvd's with LC and they make me feel more confident. So you all are having no problems teaching this without a dvd???? :eek:

[Suzannah]

I have not used it but a friend who is a PS Latin teacher offered to tutor my son in Latin in exchange for piano lessons for her daughter. DS had already done Latin Primer 1 & 2. She ultimately decided on Cambridge for us, but initially she had planned on Ecce and let me borrow the books to look over. It follows a story and has some pictures. We're enjoying Cambridge but since I'm not teaching it I can't offer much about ease of use, etc.

Good luck!

[Stirsmommy]

Oh, and you need to join the Galore Park Yahoo group so I can draw you further into my power - only kidding, but the address is in my siggy if you are interested.

Laura

I joined. I think we will go with Latin Prep

[Grace]

Can this be taught by someone with no latin experience? I want to use this program based on the reviews but would feel more secure with a dvd program since I have a limited latin background.
Can I teach Latin Prep?

I saw Latin For Children mentioned in another post. Would this be a better option for someone with no latin background?

[Laura Corin]

Can this be taught by someone with no latin experience?

Everything is well explained and if you get stuck there are lots of people using it now, plus Nick Oulton on the Yahoo group is happy to help.

Laura