New to homeschooling...

[Januaryeme]

Hello.
I am new to homeschooling and am so happy to have found this board. My daughter was in a Classical Christian school last year after 3 years (K-2) at a local public school. She loved it and blossomed. She continually tells me about Pompei and Julius Ceaser, so much stuff I never had a chance to learn. Sadly we had to moved 3 states away. It was our intention to send her back to public school, but she has been in tears crying and begging us not to send her back to public school. Looking at all our options homeschooling seems the best fit for us.

Last year for 3rd grade her school used Memoria Press Prima Latina, my understanding is that they were going to continue it in 4th grade. I think this year that I will begin Latina Christiana 1. Is the CD sufficient or is the DVD impertive. I'm sure it would be helpful, but cost is a factor for us. If it is the only way to grasp the full concepts then I would get them, but if the CD is enough I wouldn't mind saving the extra money.

My next question is grammar. Her school last year used Abeka Language 3. If I implement all the Latin programs-THe Book of Roots, Lingua Angelica, and Ludere Latine-would that cover my bases for a language/grammar program? And would be doing all that be to much and overwhelming?

Also what about creative writing in the classical education? Where does that fit in?

I know I am asking alot of questions, but I feel as though I am swimming in a sea of information, and the more I learn, the more questions I have.

Thank you in advance!

[Cajun.Classical]

First, take a deep breath. You can do this!

With regard to teaching Latina Christiana, I don't think that the dvds are imperative. I've taught this book several times without the dvds with no problem. And a fourth grader can do it almost independently. I taught the lesson on Monday and then my student worked through drill sheets I created, ludere latine games and the LC exercises the rest of the week. We followed a very simple weekly routine and really mastered the book.

I highly recommend reading the articles on Latin instruction and Latin recitation on the Memoria Press website--look under Articles. They are invaluable. My Latin instruction was completely transformed after implementing the suggestions in the articles. Daily oral recitation of Latin forms is a very easy way to master that Latin!

Secondly, you may want to order a copy of the Latin-Centered Curriculum--also from Memoria Press. This is a homeschooler's guide to providing a traditional classical education. It should answer most of your questions. There is also a yahoo group where homeschoolers discuss how they implement classical education. The author of the book is a regular poster too. Check it out: Latinclassicaled is the name of the group.

Blessings,
Angelina in LA

[spiland]

Januaryeme,

I agree, take a deep breath!

With regard to you question about the LCI DVD or CD question, if cost is a significant factor you could probably get by with just the CD and the textbooks.

First, the issue with the DVD's is this: it does provide an extra tool for memory retention, namely, a visual learning coupled with auditory learning. You will also receive some additional explanation with sections that might prove more difficult for some students. The more the concepts are reinforced, and in varying ways, the better.

Second, if you are not going to have the time to actually sit down with your child to go over every lesson, the DVD's might be a good idea.

Again, though, if cost is decisive then there are helps other places.

Mr. Scott Piland

[kincaidknight]

For under $2 per DVD lesson, the DVD instruction is a steal! I love having the added explanation and reinforcements as I learn along with my children. Having the visual and the auditory is so helpful for all of us. If you can afford these DVDs (and other places do carry them inexpensively - see www.allcatholicbooks.com), they are well worth the investment!

Kristin

[Januaryeme]

Thank you to everyone. I am breathing, although at times it gets hard. There is alot of information out there. It's a chore just to weed through it all. I probably would have gone the strict curriculum route if my daughter hadn't been in the Classical school last year. Then I stumbled on The Well Trained Mind at the library. From my understanding her classical school was probably more of a neo-classical school.

I have been looking at buying the LCC book. We unfortunately have just moved and funds are tight with my husbands new job. It's one of those commission only deals and it takes a couple months to be in a steady flow of things.

Thanks again everyone.

[Januaryeme]

Oh, and just a note, I probably will go ahead and get the DVD's. She used them for Prima Latina at her school last year and she said she liked them. And since I will be actually newer to Latin then she is, I might as well have all the help I can get.

[Terri S.]

It can be overwhelming until you get into things, and then sometimes it still seems that way. It's worth every bit of it, though.

I've found the DVD's to be a vital part of both LCI and LCII, however, I would not say it makes the courses "independent study". While they are great, I find that there are concepts that seem "left out" of the student book, teacher's manual and DVD program. (sorry I don't have examples right now)The forum has been a great help in that regard. Even with that consideration, LCI and II are the BEST programs out there for early Latin study, hands down! I also recommend incorporating the Ludere books for LCI and II.

As far as grammar goes, I can't speak toward the other Memoria Press curricula, but we have found that Rod and Staff's English series to be incredible, parent friendly, and gentle on the kids. I highly recommend it. The only place I have found to order it is through the Anabaptist Bookstore.

Hope it helps!
Terri