Where do we go from here??? Purple Book or FF??

[blossom12]

I've looked around this board so I apologize if I am reinventing the wheel here. I can't find an answer as to curriculum for my kids' ages and current Latin abilities.

My daughter is 12 and has completed Latin Primer, LCI, LCII, and First Year Henle (purple book) along with the MP guide. And she's good at it and likes writing her own sentences and pretend newspapers in Latin for fun. So now what? Should I go to Second Form? Stay with your next MP guide to go with my existing Henle book? I know that she would prefer the structure that I see in FF. To be honest with you, my daughter's interest in Latin is waning a tiny bit because she can't stand writing and reading the material in Henle. Stuff like, "on account of the victory of Caesar the Gauls did not conquer Rome" is truly driving her up a wall. Is FF this dry? What is the progression for her at this point with Henle through all grammar? I do want her to take the National Latin Exam at some point. Please advise.

Also, I have a son (9) who has just completed Latin Primer. He did very well and seems to have even more of an affinity than does his sister. We have all of the LC materials including the DVDs, so I am reluctant to change over to FF for him unless it would truly be beneficial. Should I switch to FF or could I leave him in LCI and LCII?

I also have a 4-year-old and I would like her to be on the right track when she gets to third grade when I plan to start her in Latin.

I appreciate any direction you can give me!

[tanya]

Hello.

If I understand you correctly, your daughter has only been through units 1-2 of the Henle. It would be fine at this point to switch to First Form because it will review what she has done while introducing the perfect system tenses in verbs (which she did not get in LCI or LCII or Henle Units 1-2).

Maybe she would enjoy Latin more by taking advantage of one of our online classes. We teach Henle and First Form online and students really enjoy the chats. I think it would liven it up for her.

For your son, I would go on and do LCI this year and then switch to First Form rather than doing LCII. I think you will get more done that way and it is the perfect time to introduce the new Forms Latin.

Another option would be to let your children do First Form together. That might really simplify your life and they may enjoy working together. Your daughter could be a big help to your son.

I hope I haven't further muddied your waters! Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Regards,

Tanya