I mentioned in another post, that I didn’t have the option of taking Spanish in High School. I took Latin, in preparation for medical studies in college. I actually loved it and still recognize many root words, although I did not pursue medicine. I know that Latin is not a dead language, because it lives in the languages we speak today.
I’ve known many homeschooling families that use Latin and Greek courses. There was always a part of me that wondered if my children were missing out on something beneficial, but feeling ill-equipped to teach Latin, I set the thought aside.
Classical Academic Press believes “Latin trains a student for grammar, how a language works and how to think critically.” They make it possible for me and you to teach Latin.
I wanted a curriculum that would benefit my older students, before they graduate, but I had a serious concern that it would be a difficult fit because they had no previous Latin foundation. Classical Academic Press has several courses to choose from:
Click the graphic for a PDF Catalog of Courses
Latin, Spanish, Greek, French, Logic, Bible and Poetry
They also have different levels of instruction – Song School Latin, Latin for Children, and Latin Alive! will take a student from Kindergarten through early high school.
When I read that Latin Alive! is “both an introduction for the upper school student who has not yet studied the language, and an excellent, deeper continuation of grammar school study,” I knew it was the right choice for us.
I was given the Latin Alive! Book 1 bundle ($139.95), for this review. This includes the Latin Alive! Book 1 Student Text ($24.95), the Latin Alive! Book 1 Teacher’s Edition ($29.95), and the Latin Alive! Book 1 DVD & CD Set ($114.95). This is the first text in what will be a 3 year study.
Latin Alive! is a thorough course. There is a Latin for Teachers DVD Series – a 16 hour, professional, Latin video training course. At this point, I opted out of the teacher training and I’m learning Latin with my students. I get to hold the Teacher’s Edition, though.
Latin Alive! starts at the beginning and assumes no previous Latin knowledge.
- Thirty six weekly chapters including twenty nine new content chapters and seven review, “reading” chapters.
- Pronunciation Guides
- Weekly introduction of vocabulary
- Thorough grammar explanations including all five noun declensions and cases, all verb conjugations, irregular verbs, various pronouns, adjectives and adverbs
- United States state seals and their Latin mottos
- Extensive study of the Latin derivatives of English words
- Substantial Latin readings and translation exercises
- Lessons and stories of Roman culture, myths and history
- Exercises and questions to prepare students for the National Latin Exam and the Advanced Placement Exam
- Includes historical contributions from Christopher Schlect, historian and Academic Dean at New Saint Andrews College, Moscow, ID
- Teacher’s Materials including answer keys, teacher’s helps and additional activities available separately
It has been challenging and at times, even difficult, but as we’ve found a solid rhythm in the day to day lessons, our feeling of accomplishment has grown, we’ve become more confident (and competitive) and it’s also, fun!
Click text cover to view Sample Pages
Classical Academic Press offers Free Resources and answers to specific, individual questions, when you Ask the magister (teacher).
A Yahoo group chats about Latin Alive! It’s “a place to discuss anything related to the teaching of Latin Alive!” Questions, ideas and resources.
Author and Latin One teacher, Karen Moore, has a blog page for Latin Alive!
There’s also my favorite place –
A game and activity website that corresponds with Classical Academic Press materials…
Just a click away from the most Creative Practice!
Classical Academic Press is celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, with specials and discounts on some of their products. Don’t miss a thing – become a facebook fan.
Several of my TOS Crew Mates had an opportunity to review curriculum from Classical Academic Press, too. Click on the banner below to read what they have to say.
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.
Sarah says
🙂