First Form Latin-DVD or MPOA?

[Meadowlark]

I need to make a decision about whether to sign up my boys (6th and 7th) for the MPOA class with Robert Cutrer, or just try to teach it myself with the DVD.

I've heard a few different things-
1. The DVD"s make FF really easy to teach. Pop it in, let them watch, and have them do the workbook pages with the occasional flashcard/recitation to make sure things are sinking. (is this accurate?)
OR
2. Totally outsource and do MPOA, in which case I'd probably still have to monitor workbook pages and do the flashcard/recitation right?

A few things to consider:
1. $1000 for just Latin would be a huge investment.
2. My kids have had NO previous Latin and quite frankly, are not great at English grammar either.
3. They've never taken an online class before.
4. They are not particularly excited to study Latin at all.
5. One gets very frustrated quite easily.
6. I've only done Prima with my 2nd grader, that's the extent of my Latin knowledge.

My questions then are:
1. Is it a waste of money? Can I do this on my own?
2. Will the DVD really do the teaching for me?
3. What would I have to do in reality for both scenarios?

What would YOU do if you were me? Knowing that I'll be homeschooling 5 kids plus have a 2 year old running around. We're outsourcing a few other things (not through MPOA) such as math and writing, so it's not like I'm teaching every subject to every child, but still....I worry about being spread too thin. Any advice welcome!

[enbateau]

I hate to wade into this one without any experience in FFL, but why not just watch the DVDs with them? My 2nd grader in Prima needed an enthusiastic coach, constant drilling, and and an eagerness for me to teach the weekly lesson. But that was it. I'm no pro. I learned alongside her. We're tackling LC together in about 2 weeks. The only thing required for teaching most MP subjects is willingness to read the TM, teach the week's lesson, and drill near daily. I would watch the DVDs with them as they watch them, and then come here and post if you have any specific questions about the hows and whys in translation. For those too busy to do that or who know right away they can't feign enthusiasm for a difficult subject, farm it out to MPOA.

[Callista]

I need to make a decision about whether to sign up my boys (6th and 7th) for the MPOA class with Robert Cutrer, or just try to teach it myself with the DVD.

I've heard a few different things-
1. The DVD"s make FF really easy to teach. Pop it in, let them watch, and have them do the workbook pages with the occasional flashcard/recitation to make sure things are sinking. (is this accurate?)
OR
2. Totally outsource and do MPOA, in which case I'd probably still have to monitor workbook pages and do the flashcard/recitation right?

A few things to consider:
1. $1000 for just Latin would be a huge investment.
2. My kids have had NO previous Latin and quite frankly, are not great at English grammar either.
3. They've never taken an online class before.
4. They are not particularly excited to study Latin at all.
5. One gets very frustrated quite easily.
6. I've only done Prima with my 2nd grader, that's the extent of my Latin knowledge.

My questions then are:
1. Is it a waste of money? Can I do this on my own?
2. Will the DVD really do the teaching for me?
3. What would I have to do in reality for both scenarios?

What would YOU do if you were me? Knowing that I'll be homeschooling 5 kids plus have a 2 year old running around. We're outsourcing a few other things (not through MPOA) such as math and writing, so it's not like I'm teaching every subject to every child, but still....I worry about being spread too thin. Any advice welcome!

Some of the answers here will depend on your long term goal for Latin study. If I were you I would use the DVD's for First Form. I taught it that way and was just fine. It is an introductory course and you really do not need to know that much about Latin to facilitate the lessons. The DVD can do much of the work. The kids can drill each other daily. I would put a high focus on the grammar and vocabulary recitation. Yes, the DVD can really do the teaching for you (at least it did for me). FWIW: My kids were prepared for the online academy classes with just using the DVD's for the first 3 years of Latin (PL, LC, FF).

On the other hand, the MPOA teachers will provide accountability and enthusiasm to learn. It may be the ticket you need to get the ball rolling if you want to continue with Latin study and try to spark an interest. An online class can be very motivating for some students. We have utilized the MPOA quite a bit (Second Form and up) and it has never been a waste of money. They are actually usually sad when the last day of online school comes around.

I think if you narrow down your long term plans and/or commitment to Latin study and what you really need this year then that will help guide you moving forward. Do you need the online class to provide motivation or accountability to complete the course? If not, then save your money and use it in a year for Second Form. In my experience, SFL and up is an entirely different conversation!

[Meadowlark]

I hate to wade into this one without any experience in FFL, but why not just watch the DVDs with them? My 2nd grader in Prima needed an enthusiastic coach, constant drilling, and and an eagerness for me to teach the weekly lesson. But that was it. I'm no pro. I learned alongside her. We're tackling LC together in about 2 weeks. The only thing required for teaching most MP subjects is willingness to read the TM, teach the week's lesson, and drill near daily. I would watch the DVDs with them as they watch them, and then come here and post if you have any specific questions about the hows and whys in translation. For those too busy to do that or who know right away they can't feign enthusiasm for a difficult subject, farm it out to MPOA.

Yes, I would definitely watch with them or else I would have absolutely NO clue whatsoever. I guess I'm wondering if even that wouldn't be enough. If I wouldn't glean all of the information or be able to help them. Motivation might be an issue too. We told them tonight they'd be doing Latin, and one groaned and moaned and said he'd NEVER use it and that it was dumb. Coincidentally, he also said that about learning grammar! So, I take it with a grain of salt because clearly in school everything must've been fun and he's probably not used to work quite like this. Nonetheless, I really need things to be harmonious in my home this year and I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen!

[KikaMarie]

Meadowlark,

I don't have a lot of experience, but I'll share in case it helps. I have two children (10 and 12 years) and we started FFL this spring. We had already done PL and LC1 (from an earlier edition of LC). In both PL and LC1 there was a two-page summary by Cheryl Lowe called "Grammar Overview." I read and re-read it to get my mind around what Latin is about. I don't see it in FFL, but someone could probably point to it online. This summary gave me a snapshot and mental structure of what we were about in Latin. The "Grammar Overview" information is found in the actual texts and teaching manuals of all the Latin books, but I found that having the points all in one place a helpful starting point for me. I am learning along with my sons, using the DVDs and trying to stay a lesson ahead of them so I can clarify any points and get the bigger picture in my mind. They don't need the same overview as me, but it helps me to have a big picture. I didn't think they were overly fussed about Latin, but I overheard my 12-year-old (who struggles with "school") tell a HS buddy that Latin is his favourite subject. I think he likes the predictability of it and the obvious knowledge he is gaining. The books - up to FFL anyway - are really written for a teacher with no Latin experience, like me.

I know that having two children is vastly differing from having five, but I just want to share that I am really enjoying learning Latin along with my children and I hope to do it with them as long as possible, maybe right into translations!

Monica

[Callista]

Nonetheless, I really need things to be harmonious in my home this year and I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen!

MPOA!!

The real scenario here will look like you making sure they are attending the class, completing the workbook and recitations (try Quizlet?), and completing the weekly quiz. The teacher is always available thru a teacher forum where the kids can ask questions if they get stuck. The biggest thing is sticking with a routine to work outside of class time. After a week or two of consistency it gets easier since it is a very organized and predictable program. Print out the class syllabus and the kids always know exactly what to do and what to expect in class.

[Mom2mthj]

I would say that in no way is MPOA a waste of money. My kids have moved to MPOA at third form. I learned from the FFL DVD’s, had my own workbook, and it was fine. I didn’t keep up the whole year with my oldest, but it was relatively straightforward. I would guess that with a 2 year old in the mix this might be the situation to use MPOA instead of DIY especially given their ages and their potential to gang up against Latin. My kids had no issues jumping into online classes around 7th grade.