Mastery is the key to success in Latin and this program is designed to produce mastery. The First Form program is a four-text series (First, Second, Third, & Fourth Forms) from Memoria Press that teaches Latin grammar completely and thoroughly and moves the student firmly into translation and reading. Each student text provides concise, two-page lessons with a specific format: a Latin saying, a set of grammar forms, vocabulary, a grammar lesson, and some elementary syntax. The corresponding student workbook has 4-6 pages of exercises and well-designed drills per lesson that guide the student and teacher through the lesson. 4th to 6th graders can expect to spend about 3 hours per week for an academic year; grades 7th and up can cover a volume in one semester or less.
Other components of the program include a teacher manual, teacher key (answers for Workbook, Quizzes, Tests) quizzes & tests book, workbook key, flashcards, grammar charts, a pronunciation CD and instructional DVDs. In some levels, the Pronunciation CD and the Instructional DVDs are also available as a lifetime streaming option. Once an order for these streaming items is processed, you receive an email with access information.
The Teacher Manual is "where the action is", so to speak. It features a lesson overview, a wrap-around text that includes a scripted lesson and grammar "chalk-talk" (again, scripted in question- and-answer format utilizing a white board). In addition to explaining the integration of workbook, drills, quizzes, and recitation, there are suggestions for incorporating the Lingua Angelica program. Games and review activities complete the offering. Teacher prep is also spelled out very well: read and reread the teaching guidelines for each lesson, read and reread the student text and teacher manual, do all workbook exercises (yes, the teacher will need her own workbook). While this may seem like a lot to remember, the assumption is that the teacher does not know Latin herself and is therefore learning along with the student, staying one complete lesson ahead in terms of prep. Appendices to the teacher's manual include Latin conversations, prayers and sayings with translations, and a grammar reference.
The corresponding Workbook has 4-6 pages of exercises and well-designed drills that guide the student and teacher through the lesson.
The Text Set includes the student text, workbook, test & quizzes, pronunciation CD, and teacher manual, workbook & quiz/test answer key. The Complete Set includes all the items of the Text Set, plus the flashcards and the DVDs. These Instructional DVDs are taught by Glen Moore or Jessica Watson of Highlands Latin School, utilizing humor and a variety of visual techniques. There are Streaming Options for the pronunciation CDs and instructional DVDs and in some sets the streaming option is replacing the hardcopy.
The Grammar Wall Charts, where available (First & Second Form), are not included in any set. They are 17"x 33" (folded), heavy paper, color charts providing visuals for the grammar taught in the course. (Be prepared to "donate" a significant amount of wall space to these charts.) If you don't have or don't want to donate the wall space, consider using the Desk Charts, which are down-sized versions of the Wall Charts. First Form and Second Form are packaged together. Third and Fourth Form charts are only available as Desk Charts and are packaged together.
The Student Text includes historical notes and photos of current scenes and artifacts. The Lesson Plans provide week-by-week daily checklists of the text and workbook lessons, assignments, review, drills, quizzes, and tests. Incorporating Famous Men of Rome (also published by Memoria) is optional, but will add an additional historical element into the study.
The First Form Latin Review and Second Form Latin Review (student books and answer keys) provide a summer course to review what was learned during each course. ~ Janice
