First Form Latin - Crew Review

It has never been easier to teach Latin because First Form Latin from Memoria Press is designed for teachers with or without a Latin background. First Form Latin is a complete set that includes everything you need to lay a solid foundation for your student’s study of Latin. The complete set includes:

·         Student Text

·         Teacher Manual

·         Student Workbook

·         Quizzes and Tests

·         Teacher Key (for Workbook, Quizzes and Tests)

·         Pronunciation CD

·         Flashcards

·         DVDs

There are two major pronunciation systems, Christian and Classical. This text uses Christian pronunciation because it is closer to modern English. The lessons are written for a class, but they can easily be adapted for one student. First Form Latin is ideal for grades 5 and up.  Our family followed the teaching guidelines and completed four parts each week. This worked great with our four-day school week!

On Monday, we listened to the lesson on the DVD. Each lesson is about 15-20 minutes with superb explanations by former Highlands Latin School teacher Jessica Watson. The DVDs also include helpful on-screen notes, illustrations, diagrams, recitations, and more!

On Tuesday, we completed the workbook pages. Each lesson provides 4-6 pages of exercises. These exercises include word study, grammar, conjugations, as well as translation exercises. The students even learn to diagram in English and Latin! At the end of each lesson, there is an enrichment exercise which usually includes practice with the week’s Latin saying, as well as derivative work.

On Wednesday, we work with the DVD to complete the Oral Drill Exercises. This is also when we review the flashcards for the vocabulary, Latin sayings, and grammar forms.

On Thursday, we complete the quiz or test for that lesson. These have been helpful to see where we need more work and allows me to focus our review. 

After finishing First Form Latin, students will have mastered:

·         The six indicative active tenses of the first two verb conjugations

·         Five noun declensions

·         First and second declension adjectives

·         185 vocabulary words

If you can devote more than three hours per week to Latin, you should consider memorizing real Latin passages and developing translation skills. The Lingua Angelica syllabus from Memoria Press is very doable if you practice each memory piece several times a day and make memory work a priority. Students have the opportunity to memorize hymns and prayers, learn more vocabulary, and parse the words.

If you are a teacher without any Latin background, a Latin text can be very intimidating. However, you can learn Latin and teach your students at the same time using First Form Latin. Each item in this complete set has been beneficial and easy to implement. Even the Teacher Manual makes life so much easier. It includes Student Text inset with answers in color, “Chalk Talk” scripted lessons, recitation schedule, extensive teaching notes, and an “FYI” section for extra background.

Visit the Crew Blog to read what the Homeschool Review Crew has to say about First Form Latin, as well as other products from Memoria Press.