My husband’s parents were devout Catholic’s. He grew up attending Mass each week, even while on camping vacations in another state and was sent to cracked-across-the-knuckles parochial school until high school. To hear him tell about it, attending church was like going to the same boring, stage play every single week and not being able to understand a word they were saying. He was an altar boy and can actually quote a few Latin phrases; yet, he has no idea how they translate. He’s sure he heard enough Latin to last a lifetime!
I had no such education. I went to a very small country school while growing up and the only foreign language credit offered for high school college prep was Latin. I took the required two years and actually loved it! I learned very little, though. Looking back, I know our Latin teacher was a dear person and, I think she enjoyed her knowledge of the language, but she didn’t teach it well. That was more than 30 years ago.
I home educate my children, but I do not profess to teach every subject well. Often, I supply curriculum, teachers and resources. I also have a significant role as the enforcer and the encourager. =) I love it when I find just the right combination that works for my child. *Drum roll, please…
Thanks to The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew, I have discovered Visual Latin. You might wonder why I would even look at a Latin program for my children. Why learn Latin? My main reason:
fundamental Latin = foundational English
I also happen to know that if you are able to learn Latin, the leap to learning many other languages is not nearly as far. Latin is a solid core.
Visual Latin was started by two dads whose wives homeschool their children.
Having now met Dwane Thomas, through this video series, I can tell you that he is an outstanding teacher of Latin and an instigator of laughter!
Thomas Purifoy, Jr. is a producer, writer, director and editor for his company, Compass Cinema, and the curriculum creator of Visual Latin, and Modern Parables, among others.
Visual Latin is a self-paced study, generally for students ages 9 and up, with a good grip on reading. It is comprised of 30 lessons. Entire DVD set is $80.00 or (3) groups of 10 @ $30.00 each or download lesson groups of 10 for $25.00 each. Stay with me and keep reading, because even with my crew and our budget, it is worth it! Mr. Thomas is just that good!
Visual Latin | A Quick Explanation from Compass Cinema on Vimeo.
Dwane Thomas has an infectious love for learning language! His “Hear it! See it! Speak it! design” and his quick wit, blending the natural method with the traditional method of learning Latin, is key. Each lesson consists of three parts: grammar, sentence structure and reading, with each part divided into a short, less than 10 minutes, video viewing and a printable, PDF worksheet. Click the graphic below for a sample of the entire first lesson, on verbs.
Latin phrases, passages are read from the Latin Vulgate Bible.
We are hooked on Latin! Even when the busyness of every day sidetracks me sometimes, inevitably someone says, “Can we do our Laughing Latin?” Feel free to check in with me over the next few months, to see if we are still on course, but I fully expect us (yes, me, too) to know a bit of Latin by then. Discover Visual Latin for yourself.
Try 6 FREE lessons! and find numerous FREE resources available on the website:
Visual Latin Vocabulary Reference Sheets
Visual Latin Flashcards on Quizlet
I’ve provided many direct links, throughout this post, to other reviews and comments, as well as more in depth explanations and details of this notable program. You can also read additional reviews by my sea-worthy crew mates, just click the TOS banner below.
Comments or Questions?
The Compass Store
609 West Iris Drive
Nashville, TN 37204
or facebook
Blessings,
This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
I appreciate each of your comments. Thank you.
*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
April says
Penny, Fun review. I’m interested to read how many people had Latin as an option in school – we didn’t. It was the standard – Spanish, German or French. Personally, I really enjoy learning Latin now with my boys. What a great vocabulary booster!
April
Doreen says
I really like this program. It is so fun! My son and I talk about his funny little quips even outside of our Latin lesson time. I’m stopping by from the crew and now I’m a follower!
LaRee says
I find it interesting that the only language offered at your school was Latin, the only language offered at my high school was Spanish, I ended up taking German via a correspondence course because I wasn’t interested in Spanish, now I’m trying to teach Spanish to my children, at their request, sigh . . .