Latina Christiana: Games & Puzzles Student Workbook, Fourth Edition

For years Latina Christiana has been a trusted introduction to Latin for the young student. That has not changed. Neither has the user-friendliness of the course or the underlying assumption that the teacher doesn't need to know Latin for the student to be successful. However, with its newest edition, Memoria Press has changed the overall purpose of the course just a bit. Latina Christiana I is now considered an introduction for young students to the Forms of Latin series. Its content has been changed to allow for a more seamless transition into First Form Latin. The actual changes to Latina Christiana I may seem slight (removal of personal pronouns and 'possum' and the addition of the imperfect and future of 'sum') but they are accompanied by a reordering of the lessons that means this 4th/2nd edition is not compatible with the previous 3rd/1st edition materials. [To avoid edition confusion in the LC-I books, just remember that the "evens" are the new and go together - i.e. 4th edition of Student Books and Teacher Manuals and 2nd editions of DVDs, Review Worksheets/Teacher, Flashcards, and Pronunciation CD.] Latina Christian II has been phased out and is now out of print.

Lessons (there are 25 plus five reviews) follow a consistent pattern and include an opening (dialogue, prayer, and optional music), recitation of grammar forms, a Latin saying, word study, derivatives, and grammar. Student Books have the lessons laid out in this order, followed by an exercise page for written translation and grammar work. The Teacher Manual shows a reduced copy of the student pages with answers filled in, surrounded by a lesson plan and teaching ideas including a grammar overview and a recitation schedule. The TM also includes reproducible quizzes (for each lesson) and tests (every five lessons) along with their answer keys. Useful appendices include prayers, songs, Latin sayings, grammar forms, vocabulary indices by grammar form and alphabetical, an English to Latin reference, and derivatives/definitions.

An optional history guide is included. LC-I has maps and questions for the first thirteen chapters of Famous Men of Rome (published by Memoria Press). Answers to these are found in the Teacher Manual.

Other course components include Flashcards, an audio CD, instructional DVDs, grammar charts, lesson plans, and Review Worksheets (and Teacher Key).

The Instructional DVDs (also available as a streaming option) provide just one more layer of user-friendliness for the non-Latin speaking mom/parent. Featuring "live" instruction for each lesson, they are designed as a follow-up to the book lessons and include a thorough coverage of grammar lessons, recitation, review, and vocabulary practice. There are about 15 minutes of instruction for each lesson. Please note that the new 2nd edition DVDs feature Jessica Watson as the instructor.

Review Worksheets provide 1-2 pages of review for each lesson. The Review Worksheets Key provides the answers to this Student Review Worksheet book.

You might be wondering about the differences/relationship between Latina Christiana I and the Forms of Latin series. The Forms have more written exercises. Although an older student can start directly with First Form, the new 4th edition Latina Christiana I provides a solid introduction to Latin for a younger student and prepares them for First Form Latin. ~ Janice

What's the seven letter ablative form of the Latin word meaning aid? Auxilio, of course! Just fill in the blanks for 21 across. Those of us more English-minded will recognize the root word for auxiliary - which is exactly the type of work provided in these consumable (but non-reproducible) Workbooks. Coordinated with the vocabulary and grammar in Latina Christiana, these would also make an excellent supplement for any beginning Latin student. The Grammatical Forms Crossword described above is one of the four types of fun and instructive word games included. What are the other three games, you ask? Word Searches, Derivatives Crossword (supply the English derivative from the Latin clue) and two-player Hangman are included and will engage your learner. If you're in a co-op or classroom setting (or perhaps your homeschool just has multiple students), rules for five group games are also included. Student Workbook is not reproducible. The Answer Key has reduced size student pages with answers, plus instructions on how to play Latin versions of six popular children's games (like Pictionary). (previously published as Ludere Latine: Puzzles & Games.)