Starting Latin with 2nd grader and 4th grader - which level?

[Curly mommy]

Hello again!

Would I be able to start both my 2nd grader and 4th grader on Prima Latina at the same time? My 4th grader has a smattering of Latin, her class sort of haphazardly covered it last year but from looking at the samples it seems like that might be a good review and refresher while adding new studies. From a parental standpoint, it certainly would be easier to have both of them someone in the same level to start, unless it would be better to get my older child started directly in Latina Christiana and have my younger child start on Prima Latina.

Doubling posting today (even though it is the 4th we were rained out! so not fireworks for us, but I digress...)

Thank you!
Elizabeth

[KF2000]

Hi Elizabeth!

An important thing to keep in mind with Latin is age and goals. The real goal of getting into Latin is to learn the Latin grammar, and get to translating. The grammar years of school are a perfect time to master Latin grammar, so you really want to get into First Form Latin as soon as possible, considering age, or course. Your fourth grader would do well in either Prima, or Latina Christiana I, with the goal to be going into First Form the following year as a Fifth grader. Therefore, the final question would come down to whether you felt you could handle doing two Latin programs at once.

Prima is very very gentle, which is why it is great for second graders. Your fourth grader could definitely handle more of a challenge and do Latina Christiana, which is an excellent year of Latin, and has the benefit of preparing them really well to start First Form the following year. Plus, there are DVD's to teach both courses, which may provide a good beginning for you as well.

HTh's,
AMDG,
Sarah

[pickandgrin]

Elizabeth,

I second Sarah's suggestion and will add that all of Prima Latina is reviewed again in Latina Christiana 1. Even if you do both programs you will have lots of overlap between the two. My oldest did Prima as a third grader and it was very easy for him (he had no Latin previously). I'm not sure but what your fourth grader might get a little bored with it, especially since she's already had Latin exposure...Just thinking aloud. Do you think she can memorize well? If so, I'd go for LC1 with her. You'll need to commit to recitation and flashcards for gaining the vocabulary weekly. The DVDs are invaluable because the longer discussions of the derivatives help to cement the meanings of the words. We watch them on Mondays and hence, Monday is a long day. This year we'll have LC1 DVDs going as well as First Form. That's totally OK, you just have to plan for that extra time. I've heard of other families watching one over the weekend to help lighten Monday.

Prima is perfect for second graders, so I think your younger child will enjoy that. They will also get the confidence booster of learning Latin like big sister. It sort of becomes a family culture. I've really enjoyed hearing from the families ahead of me. In fact, do you get MP's Classical Teacher magalog? In the Late Summer 2014 issue there is an article on "One Mother's Love of Latin" and what it has cultivated in her as well as in her children. It's very inspiring! So, I say all this to encourage you not to be intimidated, but that the most important thing with Latin is simply to start. No matter which you choose, you'll be starting and that's the best thing you can do!

Best wishes for your decision-making!

[Curly mommy]

Thank you so much for your suggestions, ladies! It sounds like it might be best to go with the two separate programs for each kiddo. My 4th grader is very excited about continuing Latin, she knows that it is something special to learn! We both previewed the sample video on the MP website so she can get an idea of what to expect.

For Prima Latina, if we already are going to be doing the videos for LC, would we also need to do the videos for Prima? I'm sure they are completely different, but I'm not sure my younger one would be as excited about the videos and responds much better to me working one on one with him. Thanks again!

[KF2000]

Yes, you can get by without the Prima ones. They are really there for making things easier for parents, so it is entirely up to you if you need them or not.

Sounds like you have a plan....That's great!
AMDG,
Sarah

[Treeof5]

1st and 3rd grader...ordered Latina Christiana I

I have read through this tread, so I am sorry if I seem redundant. I have a 1st and 3rd grader without any Latin background. I got excited, didn't do my research very well, and ordered the Latina Christiana I for this year. Do you think I should go ahead an try it for a couple weeks...or should I just order the Prima Latina?

[KF2000]

You have a great question, so I am glad you asked. LC is a great program for third graders, and that is where it is placed in the curriculum. Many many people do very well with it in third grade, and I encourage you to give it a go, and see how well your child does.

Somtimes it can be a bit much for some children, for example, I had a very young third grader this past year...and having an all around heavy year of third was a lot of work to get through. So families can split the program up, and do two years for it if it seems to be too much. My son did it in third and did great....but he was an older third grader and did not have as heavy of a year of other work.

If you are wanting your first grader to participate too, it would be hard for the first grader. You would want to let him or her just do some memorizing along the way, and then come to it later. Really, first graders are still focused on learning a lot of more foundational skills and do not yet need Latin. (Prima is not usually done until Second). The exposure he or she will get by hearing your older student doing the drills will be a great preparation in itself.

I hope that helps!
AMDG,
Sarah

[Curly mommy]

Treeof5, Sarah gave you great advice. I wanted to follow up to let you know what I chose after my original question. I am working through Latina Christiana with my 4th grader, and it is a nice challenge for her. We are on Lesson 4. But I don't think a 1st grader would be able to keep up. My new 7 year old (who is finishing up some 1st grade work) doesn't really follow along, he followed with the first chant but the rest is far too difficult for him. I ended up getting Prima for him and we are going about half time with that because, like Sarah mentioned, I am still working on some foundation also skills with him related to phonics and writing.

I think it depends on the kid. My 4th grader probably could have done LC last year, but I may still be working with my youngest on Prima next year (when he is a 3rd grader). Good luck! We are having fun so far.