Choosing Prima Latina or Latina Christiana I

[srsimpson]

My boys will be 3rd (one 8 yr. old) and 4th (two 10 yr. olds) grades next year. They have completed First Language Lessons grammar for 2nd and 3rd grades this year and have started in 3rd and 4th grade FLL grammar. They all read above grade level. I have no prior Latin experience and am trying to decide whether to start in Prima Latina or Latin Christiana I.

Any comments on which program would best suit us?

Thanks!

[tanya]

Hello.

It sounds like your children are good students. I think I would go on to Latina Christiana I. I'm afraid Prima will be too easy and not challenging enough. Both programs start at the beginning. LCI just moves faster, has twice as much vocabulary, and focuses more on Latin grammar.

I hope this answers your question adequately. There is no rush to get through Latin when beginning at a young age, but you don't want your children to be bored either.

Regards,
Tanya

[hlee]

Hi Tanya,

I'm new to this homeschooling/curriculum world but am leaning towards a classical/LCC or TWTM approach...definitely would like my kids to learn Latin, starting with my eldest (turns 7 this summer, in 1st grade right now, planning to homeschool starting this summer/fall). He is a very strong reader, tests at 5th/6th grade, but has not had strong phonics or much grammar at this point.

Which program would you recommend for Latin? Prima Latina looks lovely and non-threatening (both for him and me, as I don't know Latin!) But I am wondering if it would be too non-challenging? Then again, since we're just starting it might be a good way to get introduced to the language? I'd love your thoughts.

Thanks!

[asesdeville]

Hi I have been homeschooling going into my 3rd year. I was on website ( Memoria Press) today to purchase my curriculum. My boys are now in 4th and 6th grade. We have never had latin at all. Some suggest starting with PL or LC1. My boys like to learn the 4th grader is really independant learner. My 6th grader loves all the science and math.

I want to continue the learning of Latin all the way through college. So should I start with PL so my 6th grader is fully on board and wants to learn latin. Or should I do LC1 ? What is the difference

To tell you the truth I am really in favor of PL so I can learn with them and be able to really help them. My sons really love science, math, and physics so I know latin is really the base of it all.

Also,


From Memoria Press I am buying PL or LC1, Classical Christian I (Bible),Famous Men of Rome and Latin Transalation ( or should I wait on this until they get to LCI or FF).
They will be doing their language and math plus science. Geography I was just going to use info from Famous Men of Rome and Maps.

Is this too much.
Thanks for your help

[tanya]

Hello.

The differences between PL and LCI are: PL has 5 vocab. words per lesson and LCI has 10; LCI moves through 2 declensions and 3 verb tenses; PL only teaches 1st declension noun endings and present tense verb endings; PL focuses on parts of speech and more basic English grammar aimed at younger students, but LCI assumes the student can recognize nouns, verbs, etc.

Honestly, since your children appear to be good students, I would opt for LCI. It is a beginning course, so you and your children could still learn together and it won't move too fast. There are DVDs for PL and LCI, so you can get help there if you feel you need it for either course.

Another option for you as a teacher is to sign up for our Latina I Teacher Training summer online course if you want to get ahead of your children. You have missed the first chat, so that might be too much work to catch up at this point, but I thought I'd mention it. The 2nd chat is tomorrow at 12:45 EST. The class actually started last Thurs.

So, either PL or LCI would be fine for your children, but they will be more challenged with LCI because of their ages, and it does start at the beginning so they won't have missed anything by skipping PL.

I think your curriculum plan for your children is a great one and will fit together nicely!

If you have any further questions, I will be glad to speak with you.

Regards,

Tanya