Latin and Ancient Greek for Elementary?

[kristinannie]

I am a homeschooling mom and my oldest is 5. I am currently teaching all of my kids German since I am conversational in German. I am planning on teaching my kids both Latin and Ancient Greek. There are lots of choices for Latin programs, but not a lot for Ancient Greek that I can find. Which language would you suggest I start with and which age would you recommend to start? Can you also recommend some resources for us to use. I would also love to learn both languages myself so that I can teach them better (or at least have a basic understanding of the language). Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated! I look forward to getting to know you! Thanks again!

[reed4]

I would start with Latin because with Greek you have the alphabet issue. You can find a comparison of Latin curricula at http://homeschoolchristian.com/curricul ... arison.php

Much less is available for Greek. One source for both Greek and Latin is http://www.greeknstuff.com/

Another is http://classicalacademicpress.com/

The Elementary Greek series is new at http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/ ... 9&sp=99007 I have not seen any of these books, so I cannot comment.

The Latin curriculum I ended up using for my daughter (and now granddaughter) is the Latin Primer series from Canon Press. Video lessons were available, and I liked the deductive approach. I only had Greek myself, so I wanted the assistance provided by the videos.

Mark Reed
Phenix City, AL

[Sinister Petrus]

Phy on the login cookie that my system keeps eating.

Excuse the brevity. This is my third attempt on an important subject.

I have taught Latin to homeschoolers for 6 years. I worked for a major Latin textbook publisher for 5. I'm ignoring the Greek part of the question, since I just don't know as much about what's available for elementary students.

There are three ways to teach Latin in my opinion. 1. Traditional Grammar/Translation. 2. Reading with English explanations. 3. Full on immersion. I've indicated the grades I think each works best with.

For the grammar/translation approach, Latin for Children by Classical Academic Press is the best. Far and away. Affordable. Lots of support material. Large user base. Not a full Latin course, but a good enough starting point. Grade 3-6 (maybe 7-8)

For the reading with English approach (and I think the books are generally of a much higher quality in this group):

1. Minimus and Minimus Secundus. Really solid and will appeal to children. Not a full Latin course, but lots of great exposure to the basics. Also presents mythology and daily life in Roman Britain. Grade 3-6

2. Artes Latinae. I like it quite a bit, but I'm perhaps too familiar with it. The biggest drawback is that students will need to work on the computer separately. Grade 5-12

3. Latin in the Christian Trivium. Probably more of a grammar/reading hybrid. Very Christian. So if that's not you, this may not be for you. Grade 6-12

4. I'm working on something for the homeschool consortium I work with. It's not quite ready for prime time, but if you're curious, drop a PM.

Immersion: Lingua Latina per se Illustrata. I can't say enough good, but do bring the right attitude to the book. It is completely in Latin, but it cleverly written so that everything can be understood on its own (or should be).

[kristinannie]

Thanks so much for the info. Sinister, I tried to PM you, but I have not used the site enough to do so. Your program sounds interesting. I like the sound of the immersion method. I had never considered that for Latin. I am teaching my kids German right now with that type of method.

[jswilkmd]

If your aim is to teach New Testament Greek in particular, the Hey Andrew, Teach Me Some Greek series is helpful for young kids: http://www.greeknstuff.com/andrew.html