Catholic Homeschool Support

I received “Making Music Praying Twice” this past summer. Since we were not in school, I did a simple review of the product – a first impressions. I had planned on beginning the program at the start of the school year not realizing just how intense the first month of schooling two ninth graders with Mother of Divine Grace would be. I have made it through nearly six weeks of school and decided on impulse to bring out the program today. I did not read the manual in depth; I did not gather any musical instruments or scarves or do any other preparation. I decided simply that since we were most of the way through the week I would follow the suggested Ordinary Fall week one schedule and this is how the time went.

As a note, the developer gives many different options of how to use the program:

• a generic, fill-in-the-blank schedule if you are planning on doing the program daily
• a generic a weekly schedule for a once a week music program
• suggestions if you plan to use the program in an unstructured manner
• blank lessons plans if you want to plan out a semester or year
• 8 weeks of daily lesson plans that feature all the songs and activities for the season
• 4 weeks of weekly lesson plans that feature all the songs and activities for the season.

So, you have the freedom to use the program as best suites your personality and your family needs. I chose to start with the first week  of the Ordinary Time (OT) Fall Weekly plan, again featuring all the songs and activities included for the fall. (She has the same type of schedules set up for Advent/Christmas/Epiphany,Ordinary Time – Winter, Lent, and Easter/Pentecost for an entire school year’s worth of music).

The first week had the following schedule:

1. Good Day
2. prayer – Father I Adore You
3. sit and sing – The Blacksmith
4. sit and spin – creative substitutions – Sissy in the Barn
5. spoken rhyme – Humpty Dumpty
6. Rhythm Patterns
7. shaky egg activity – Hamaba
8. free instrument time – Sing and Play
9. scarf dancing – My Bonnie
10. Tonal Patterns
11. dancing with streamers – Looby Loo
12. dance activity – Moroccan Melody
13. Tonal Patterns
14. prayer – Our Father
15. God Bless

First impression-the printed material is very nicely bound books and the CD audios are clear and the vocals are beautifully done with both children’s voices and adults, male and female. Next impression-beautifully Catholic-I will explain more in detail.

So, as I said I did no preparation; therefore, I did not know how to implement the Rhythm Patterns nor the Tonal patterns, so I skipped them (I was pressed for time and trying to take advantage of a momentary surge of energy I was experiencing Also, I had no musical instruments, rattles or shaky eggs, nor did I have scarves. But, it all worked out.

I popped the OT Fall CD in, and the first song on the CD corresponded to the first song, Good Day. My children’s eyes lit up as we used their names in the song. The song (and all the rest) were long enough for my children to catch onto the melody and even sing or hum along.

Next, we started on Father I Adore You which happened to be track 2. Again, there were enough stanzas that we could catch the melody and sing along. The music was beautiful and they even in later stanzas had the song in the round.

Now the pace picks up again and we moved on to The Blacksmith. My youngest followed my hand gestures as we hammered and tapped and clip clopped in rhythm to the music. Following this was the substitution song – Sissy in the Barn. This was a bit more difficult for me to follow. One stanza was written out with the notes and words. Then below that were a number of pictures; a man, a woman, a pig, a cow, a boy and a girl. The song used those pictures to substitute to make new verses. You could sing over them and make up your own as I realized later.

Humpty Dumpty was a rousing success. My learning challenged five year old heard the spoken rhyme enough times to catch on. And, we used hand and body motions to go along with the somewhat dramatic presentation (fell off the waaaaaaalllllllllll).

As I said, I skipped the rhythm pattern and even now, I am not sure exactly where it is explained or what CD I should use. I also skipped the free instrument time. But we did go through Hamaba that was based on a Gambian folk song. Next we sang My Bonnie. Although we did not have scarves to use, the children enjoyed swaying in time with the music. Looby Loo was a fun, full body experience that everyone enjoyed participating in (put your right hand in, shake it all about, etc.) The last song before finishing up was Moroccan Melody. The instrumentals and vocals were ethnic including perhaps a sitar and drums and finger cymbals (I am sorry but I am unfamiliar with the names of the instruments).

Finally, we came to the end. Our Father was sang without instrumentals in a very clear, beautiful female voice. It was sang again in almost a polyphonic chant perhaps.

The last song was a nice wrap up and in the style of the first song – “God Bless” where you substituted your family’s names.

Other songs on this particular CD included the Magnificat sung by a female singer with no instrumentals. As I listen, my nearly three year old is signing along, at least the melody. Holy God We Praise Thy Name is a male vocalist accompanied by a classical guitarist.

So, after one day, I am absolutely thrilled. I love, love, love the Catholic content and the following of the liturgical year. I love the ethnic music and exposure to different tonalities and instruments. I love the well laid out plans (although, I do intent on using the daily plans for the rest of the year).

Complaints / suggestions? Hmmm, none – I would suggest that you write the track numbers on the song books that accompany each season as the CD has no track names. And, I will have to search out the huge teacher’s manual for how to do the rhythm and tonal exercises, but I am comfortable leaving out this feature entirely.

Downside? Finding time for the little ones – but after one day, I see how much they enjoyed this, and my intent this year was to be more proactive in finding activities for the little ones. And, cost is a downside – yes, it is nearly $100. But, this is a non-consumable product and the quality of the printed material and the CD’s is top-notch.

I hope and will suggest to the developers that they try to attend some Catholic homeschool conferences so others can see this in action. This could even be a great vendor talk to offer.

I plan on updating this post as I move through the additional seasons.

Update: We begin again for the new year. The young kids are very enthusiastic about the music. I also shared this with a friend that has a large family with young children and she was very excited about it.

We have used a number of different grammar resources including Rod and Staff, Seton and most recently Easy Grammar. All do an excellent job of teaching grammar, but my children still do very poorly on end of year assessments. In looking at what all these programs had in common, I discovered that all of them presented one topic in depth and taught it very well but when the topic was completed, they moved on to another topic and there was little review.

I stumbled upon Daily Grammar Practice at a homeschool conference last May. It is not a complete grammar program. It was developed I believe originally to be used in a school setting where the teacher planned to instruct on grammar topics. If you are not strong on grammar or diagramming, you will definitely need another resource. I have found that Warriner’s English 3rd course to have enough information to explain the topics in depth.

So, what does DGP do differently? It uses one sentence a week. On the first day, you identify how each word is used in a sentence – noun, verb, adjective, preposition, adverb, conjuction, etc. If your child does not know what a preposition is, then you as a parent need to teach the concept (using another resource). On Tuesdays, they identify the function of the word – subject, object of a preposition, intransitive verb past tense. On Wednesday’s, you identify clauses and sentence types (declarative, exclamatory, and if te sentence is simple, compound or complex). For older grades, not only do you identify a dependent clause, but how it is used – adverbial or adjectival. On Thursday’s you punctuate the sentence. Finally on Friday’s you diagram the sentence. Again, I have found the Warriner’s English to be a good reference for all of these more advanced topics.

As I stated, you still need to teach grammar, but all the topics are reviewed every week going deeper as you progress. I have found my children need this approach and I am pleased to have found a grammar resource that uses that method. I believe Analytical Grammar uses somewhat the same approach.

Look for an update to this review at the end of the year when we go through year end assessments. But, I can already see progress.

Just a quick note and 2 links – I am finishing up my Homeschool Tracker lesson plans and added a link for them. They are using Worldly Wise for both vocabulary and spelling. Worldy Wise 3000 offers some very nice resources for both students and teachers. For the students, each lesson has a section where the vocabulary word is pronounced and the student is asked to repeat it. Then, the definition is orally provided. Finally, a sentence is spoken and then the child determines if the word was used correctly. Additionally there are games available for each lesson including Hangman and a crossword puzzle.

http://wordlywise3000.com

My additional link for those not using Worldly Wise, is a site called Spelling City. This free resource allows you to create an account if you wish to save the spelling lists you create. Then, you type the words into the list and your student can then listen to the word being pronounced and spelled and a definition is offered. After the student has studied the words, he can then take a test for that lesson. The student clicks the Say It button and the word is spoken. If necessary, the student can also click Sentence to hear it used in a sentence. A space is provided for the student then to type the word in.

One caveat is that some words may not yet be added to the dictionary. You would need to find an alternate way to teach those to your students.

One additional resource that is not free but has been mentioned as a good resource is Spelling Time.

I am not ready to write a complete review of the program – but I was so excited to see the materials that I had to briefly mention it. As you plan out your next school year, I wanted you to know about this program. We have never been able to do a Kindermusic program for the little ones. The older children are involved in a wonderful orchestra program and play the strings – 2 on violin, 1 on viola and 1 on cello (yes, I have a string quartet!). But, my little ones have always been left out of the music plans.

Now, Making Music Praying Twice has a solution. The program consists of 5 seasonal CD’s, 5 coordinating songbooks, and a Teacher’s Manual. I believe this could be a well spent $96 – it is not consumable and can be used from year to year. I am quite sure Kindermusic program are much more pricey – so this is a one time purchase that can be used by all your children – so do not immediately be turned off by the price.

The developer of the program gives you the option of daily lesson plans (about 15-20 minutes each day), or a 45 minute once a week lesson plan. Songs include a lovely assortment from religious – Magnificat, Holy God We Praise Your Name, Dona Nobis Pacem, classic children’s songs – Kookaburra, Old King Cole, My Bonnie to traditional songs like Battle Hymn of the Republic, classical music like Ode to Joy and many ethnic songs from various parts of the world.

Each song is discussed in the Teacher’s Manual – how to use the song formally including using various instruments, movements to go with the music, streamers. There are also suggestions for using the songs informally (changing the words, singing with babies). This is followed by a section on Milestones to Observe and then Cross References.

I plan on implementing this is the fall on a daily basis to have an activity that is geared to all my little ones since they often get left out of the school activities. Many songs take no prep time at all, others have suggestions for instruments to use like drums, others teach some finger play motions, another song incorporates sign language, others use props like streamers.

I love the Catholic content that is scattered throughout the program.

Please look for more updates as I delve more into the program. One suggestion for Dona Nobis Pacem is to incorporate it into your morning prayers – what a lovely way for all of us – youngest to oldest – to start the day.

I do not believe I am in some kind of tiny minority. I went to public school and we read and suffered through Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar. I was somewhat traumatized by the effort and did my best to avoid all things Shakespeare.

Fast forward some number of years with children in middle school, and I am confronted again with Shakespeare … and the dilemma … how do I introduce them to Shakespeare … and not further perpetuate the trauma?

Margot Davidson, from materetmagistra magazine offers a solution-in fact many solutions. The Spring 2009 edition is filled to the brim with all things Shakespeare. From a meaty, yet accessible article about Shakespeare, to resources, to a cornucopia of ideas, to a pull out section and book list review, you cannot fail to find something that will fit your family, from the youngest members to the oldest… And, it is not too late! I am inspired; included in the issue is a detailed description of “How to Host a Shakespeare Read-Aloud”.

I am not sure when Margot will make the issue available for individual purchase, but you can contact her through the website.

I imagine if you are internet active, you’ve seen a message or two regarding the classes that are available online this summer. I will post the information in a moment, but I wanted to give a plug for these classes. We had a wonderful priest speak to our homeschooling group several years ago. He talked about world view and the importance of understanding how a person’s world view affects what he believes, says and does. The example he gave was that while two people might have the same goal – to end poverty for example the approach they take could be radically different. One would be in line with Catholic morality and teachings and the other might not be.

With that being said, I think it is such a gift to see this endeavor flourishing and I hope as a community we are able to support these types of courses. Courses being taught by teachers who have a Catholic world view through which they offer their insights and through which they guide discussions.

Many of us were so poorly formed (God is love – 1970′s CCD classes), that we may not have our Catholic world view in place. How many of us studied history not understanding the most basic points. I remember in high school discussing Columbus and the goal of the explorers – find riches and subjugate the natives.When I was teaching my 3rd graders out of Pioneers and Patriots, I was shocked to realize that a goal that Columbus and the explorers had was also to bring Christ to all people. And, at the time, I thought I was pretty well read up on the Church – but still my formation / lack of shined through.

The rest is from Maureen Whittman:

As promised I’ve put together the information for you on the summer courses. Both of the professors have a love for the trivium and all things classical. Also, both have experience teaching at the kitchen table as well as in the ivory tower. I’ve talked to several moms whose high school children have taken their courses. Both men are loved by their homeschool students and come highly recommended.

Note that all Homeschool Connections courses are recorded and available to registered students for up to six months. So you can go back to review or if you’re going on vacation in the middle of a course and can’t get internet access where you are then you can watch the recording later. These particular courses have been designed for summer — little or no homework. All courses require high speed internet (non-dial-up).

If you want to register, just go to https://homeschoolconnections.webex.com/. Please don’t hesitate to send me questions or suggestions.

Here are the descriptions with the instructors’ bios at the end

Course Title: Beowulf and Christ
Course Description: This great mini epic will be explored as an allegory that te aches the Anglo-Saxon world how to transform pagan heroic ethos into a pattern for Christian heroism and how to re-envision blind Fate as Godly Providence. The Charles Kennedy translation is suggested. Be careful not to get a web version that cuts out the Christian elements. This is a book that lies behind J.R.R. Tolkien’s depiction of Edoras as well as the warlike virtues of Gondor. Suitable for any high school student who can read the poem and enjoy it. It is preferred that student have pre-read the poem before the first day of class. There will be no homework assigned for this course.
Instructor: Henry Russell, Ph.D.
Fee: Four-week course for $60.
Dates and Time: Classes will begin Monday, June 1, 2009 and meet every Monday through June 22, 2009. The time will begin 10:00 AM Eastern and end at 11:15 AM Eastern.
Enrollment Period: Enrollment is currently open and will close when the class is filled. (Maximum 25 students.)
Course Materials Needed by Students:  Beowulf, preferable the Kenned y translation.
Equipment requirements: Students are required to have a headset with microphone.

Course Name: The Space Trilogy of C.S. Lewis
Course Description: This is a seminar in which we will discuss the Space Trilogy of C.S. Lewis—Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength. The first session will be an overview. Then we will spend two session discussing each volume. The final session will be a discussion of the entire trilogy. Juniors and seniors.
Instructor: Robert Gotcher. Ph.D.
Fee: Eight-week course for $120.
Dates and Time: Classes will begin Tuesday, June 16, 2009 and meet every Tuesday through August 4, 2009. The time will begin 11:00 AM Eastern and end at 12:30 PM Eastern.
Enrollment Period: Enrollment is currently open and will close when the class is filled. (Maximum 15 students.)
Course Materials Needed by Students: The Space Trilogy by C. S . Lewis (Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength)
Equipment requirements: Because this is a discussion course, students are required to have a headset with microphone.

Course Title: Catholic Living for Young People
Course Description: In our complex and changing world, with its serious cultural challenges, how does a young person structure and organize his life so that he can grow in his relationship with the Lord? Themes covered include prayer, study, social life, recreation and entertainment, technology, and decision-making. Lecture and discussion. The student will compose a rule of life tailored to his own situation. High school.
Instructor: Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
Fee: Eight-week course for $120.
Dates and Time: Classes will begin Friday, June 19, 2009 and meet every Friday through August 7, 2009. The time will begin 11:00 AM Eastern and end at 12:15 PM Eastern.
Enrollment Period: Enrollment is currently open and will close when the class is filled. (Maximum 25 students.)
Course Materials Needed by Students: None
Equipment requirements: A headset with microphone is preferred but not required.

Course Name: College Writing
Course Description: What are the characteristics of excellent writing in the eyes of college professors? This course will use the rhetorical arts to help turn competent writing into impressive writing. What are the essential components of an excellent piece of nonfiction writing? How does one write a compelling introduction and conclusion? How does one argue effectively for one’s position? What are important mistakes to avoid? The course will work with previous writing samples of the students, as well as composition exercises, culminating in the writing of a short argumentative essay. Juniors and seniors.
Instr uctor: Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
Fee: Six-week course for $120.
Dates and Time: Classes will begin Monday, June 22, 2009 and meet every Monday through July 27, 2009. The time will begin 12:00 PM Eastern and end at 1:15 PM Eastern.
Enrollment Period: Enrollment is currently open and will close when the class is filled. (Maximum 20 students.)
Course Materials Needed by Students: None
Equipment requirements: A headset with microphone is preferred but not required.

Course Title: The Short Stories of J.R.R. Tolkien
Course Description: In this course we will discuss in seminar (discussion) format five short stories by J.R.R. Tolkien in light of his essay called “On Fairy Stories.” The stories are “Smith of Wooton Major,” “Farmer Giles of Ham,” “Leaf by Niggle,” “The Adventures of Tom Bombadil,” and “Roverandom.” All five stories and the essay are available in one volume, called Tales from the Perilous Realm by J. R. R. Tolkien. The assignment will be to write your own fantasy story by the end of the six weeks. High school.
It is preferred that students have read Lord of the Rings before coming to this course, but not required.
Instructor: Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
Fee: Six-week course for $120.
Dates and Time: Classes will begin Wednesday, June 24, 2009 and meet every Wednesday through July 29, 2009. The time will begin 11:00 AM Eastern and end at 12:30 PM Eastern.
Enrollment Period: Enrollment is currently open and will close when the class is filled. (Maximum 15 students.)
Course Materials Needed by Students: Tales from the Perilous Realm by J. R. R. Tolkien
Equipment requirements: Students are required to have a headset with microphone.

Course Title: The Mass Explained
Course Description: In order to participate fully in the Mass, we need to understand it better. The Bible provides many images and ideas that are the basis for the structure and prayers of the Mass. This course looks at these Biblical ideas and explains how they are realized and fulfilled in the celebration of the Mass. Some of the images include the Trinity; temple, priest and sacrifice; the Passover and the Exodus; and the bridegroom/bride. In this course we will look closely at the prayers and structure of the Mass in light of these images and ideas. This course will not require written assignments. It will involve reading from the Bible. High school.
Instructor: Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
Fee: Six-week course for $90.
Dates and Time: Classes will begin Thursday, June 25, 2009 and meet every Thursday through July 30, 2009. The time will begin 11:00 AM Eastern and end at 12:15 PM Eastern.
Enrollment Period: Enrollment is currently open and will close when the class is filled. (Maximum 25 students.)
Course Materials Needed by Students: A Catholic Bible
Equipment requirements: A headset with microphone is preferred but not required.

Course Title: The Catholic Shakespeare: MacBeth
Course Description: The course will explore the play on four levels: 1) What is literally happening and why that is often surprising; 2) What main Christian moral messages are being embodied in the play; 3) The Biblical references that enrich the meaning of the work; and finally, 4) How Shakespeare is presenting the challenges and duties of the Body of Christ within the Elizabethan police state. Suitable for anyone who can read the play and enjoy it. It is preferred that students have pre-read the play before the first day of class.
Instructor: Henry Russell, Ph.D.
Fee: Four-week course for $60.
Dates and Time: Classes will begin Monday, June 29, 2009 and meet every Monday through July 20, 2009. The time will begin 10:00 AM Eastern and end at 11:15 AM Eastern.
Enrollment Period: Enrollment is currently open and will close when the class is filled. (Maximum 25 students.)
Course Materials Needed by Student: MacBeth by William Shakespeare
Equipment requirements: Students are required to have a headset with microphone.

Biography, Henry Russell, Ph.D.
Dr. Henry Russell is Headmaster of the St. Augustine’s Homeschool Enrichment Program founded with his wife Crystal. The program began in Fall 2005 with 20 students in two living rooms and now tutors more than 70 students.

A graduate of Princeton and South Caroline (M.S.), Dr. Russell completed his graduate work at Louisiana State University.

Formerly the Chairman of Ave Maria College’s Department of Literature, he has also been a professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville and Wake Forest University. He is a founding faculty member of the St. Robert Southwell Creative Writing Workshop held in Mahwah, New Jersey.

Dr. Russell’s works include The Catholic Shakespeare Audio Series. He was the Associate Editor of The Formalist from 1990-2004 and his writings have been published in various journals. He was honored to edit Dr. Alice von Hildebrand’s groundbreaking volume, The Privilege of Being a Woman.

Biography, Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
Dr. Robert F. Gotcher most recently served as Associate Professor of Systematic Studies at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. He and his wife, Kathy, are raising their seven children in Franklin, Wisconsin. Dr. Gotcher has been actively involved in the home schooling of his children, especially in the junior high and high school years. He has taught Latin, literature, physics, astronomy, and religion to homeschooled students. He has a special devotion to the classical trivium of grammar, logic and rhetoric, especially as they pertain to the written arts.

Dr. Gotcher graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1981 with a B.A. in the Program of Liberal Studies. He received his M.A. in Theology of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul in 1991 and his Ph.D. from Marquette University in 2002. In his adult life he has done everything from volunteering with the poor in Appalachia, to religious education and youth ministry, to desktop publishing and computer related responsibilities at a law firm. At the seminary he taught introduction to theology, the doctrine of God, one and three, theological anthropology (creation, sin, redemption, grace, four last things), life principles, and human sexuality and has given public presentations on Vatican II, the encyclicals of the pope, social justice, life issues, human sexuality and the theology of the body. His publications focus on family=2 0issues, lay spirituality and issues related to the Second Vatican Council. He is involved in the secular Franciscan order, home schooling, and pro-life activities in the Milwaukee area and nationally.

Dr. Gotcher blogs at Heart, Mind & Strength, Classic Catholic and Love2Learn.

I am reposting this because I have added a new resource. And, I am actively planning out our Latin goals for next year.

I know that Latina Christiana is a mainstay in many Catholic homeschool programs. While the program is thorough and even offers DVD instruction, a full range of supplimental materials including flash cards, pronunciation audio CD’s and Ludere Latin I and II workbooks that feature crossword puzzles, hangman and even pictionary, LC is not the only program available. So, if you need a different approach to teaching Latin, I offer you the follow list of resources. Latin is the language of the Church and will enhance your children’s education.

Memoria Press, publisher of the Latina Christiana and Henle series, as well as other sites offers a number of articles describing the merits of teaching Latin in our homeschools:

• Latin as an Ordering Principle
• In Defense of Latin
• Why Study Latin and Greek
• Latin is the Next Step After Phonics
• Why Teach Latin and Greek
• USA Today article, “Vatican’s Latin expert no stuffy academic“
• (just added) Resurrecting the Dead Language

Latin Programs

• Artes Latinae -This program features a novel approach to studying Latin and boasts that it is a self teaching program and fulfills the foreign language requirement for college. A number of resources are available for Artes Latinae to make it a well rounded program.
• Cambridge Latin – While most Latin programs features books, workbooks and sometimes DVD instruction and pronunciation CD’s, this program stands out for the online activities that are available for free. Online activities include Latin vocabulary tests against the clock, Latin stories that allow the student to click on words they do not know and have them translated to English, as well as links to pictures of cultural items. Even if you do not use the program, the free activities are worth the visit.
• Ecce Romani -The title means “Look – the Romans” and the series offers a different approach to teaching Latin. This new edition features full-color design, motivating content, and complete teaching support. The books introduce students to a typical Roman family; the tales of this family’s life teach students about the inhabitants, mythology, and history of ancient Rome, using a combination of original stories, full color illustrations, fascinating articles, and exercises.
• (just added) First Form - Memoria has developed a new Latin program designed to follow Latina Christiana I or for an older beginner. The focus is on a more rigorous study of grammar which fits nicely with many classical curriculum’s goals. Students will be better prepared to handle translating great works. The intent is to publish four levels. The content is supposed to be equivalent to Henle, but with a slower grammar pace to cement the concepts.
• Henle Latin – This program is also offered by Memoria Press. Geared towards 6th grade through 12th grade, the Henle series offers the next step in a systematic and thorough study of Latin. The texts are Catholic which is an added bonus. Memoria Press offers a number of teaching aids for the program. Best of all, for those who are totally intimidated, your children can study Henle online at Memoria Press.
• Latin Primer -Another offering from Canon Press (Matin Latin), this series features DVD instruction for parents who want additional support. Pronunciation is classical and it features a fairly traditional approach to teaching Latin.
• Latina Christiana – Memoria Press offers a tried and true method to teaching Latin. A key feature to the program is DVD’s that have the author actually teach Latin to your children. Audio CD’s of the vocubulary, flash cards and supplimental exercises offered through additional books called Ludere Latine round out the program. And, if the thought of teaching Latin truly leaves you faint, Memoria Press even offers an Online Academy with LCI and LCII.
• Lingua Angelica - Memoria Press offers another lovely program. While it is not a stand alone Latin program, it does offer a needed element in the study of Latin – translation. Four Latin prayers and twelve Latin hymns are the features of the program and the teacher’s manual makes implementing the program much easier.
• Lingua Latina – Called an immersion program, Lingua Latina is written entirely in Latin. It is a unique and fun approach to learning Latin. Children develop their confidence in their ability to read and speak Latin. This is a low-cost, non-consumable book.
• Lively Latin – This is a new program available as a pdf downloads. History lessons and lap books along with online drills via Quia are included in this program. While it is still in the beta testing format, the price is low and a forum is offered with the magistra in which you can ask the author questions about the program.
• Matin Latin – Matin Latin uses a Classical Pronunciaton as opposed to the ecclesiastical pronunciaton that you find used in a mass. It takes a traditional approach to teaching Latin but does introduce all 4 forms of verbs from the beginning.
• Minimus Latin – You will find that this program is a story that follows the life of a mouse named Minimus as he explores the history and culture of Roman Britian. The teacher’s manual is invaluable to providing a well rounded Latin program because of all the additional activites, but the downside is that it is quite pricey.
• Rosetta Stone Latin – While Rosetta stone is a respected homeschool resource, the Latin version has not been as accepted. The focus is on spoken language and offers visual prompts, a well integrate audio program including a microphone interface to check pronunciation but the rigorous grammar study offered in other programs is a missing feature here.
• Schola Latina - the program offers a 5 day a week instruction syllabus and features in addition to the typical vocabulary, vocabulary that children are interested in like animals, clothing and days of the week. Puzzles and games are also included.
• Wheelock Latin – While my oldest children are several years away from high school, I know that if they continue the pace they will hopefully move into this classic text. Additional resources are available for the course including a student workbook, readers, audio aids and more. This is a classic text that has been used by generations of students.
• Latin in the Christian Trivium offers both textbooks and online classes. I am not familiar with the company, but its focus is on a Roman centurion and his family. Thus, the vocabulary might be more interesting to the typical family. The online class fee is only $135 / semester – much cheaper than many other programs. Again though, I have not personally met families that have gone through the online courses.

Additional Online Resources

• Latinteach Resource Guide
• Electronic Text Center Latin Resources
• Love 2 Learn Reviews of Latin programs

Watch this post as I add additional resources. Also, please note that I have not listed texts that are typically used in high school including Henle and Wheelock.

I have added some new resources and wanted to repost this:

So, I suppose I was not finished discussing Latin! I realized that I have a host of varied links to assist you in teaching Latin.

First of, what about passing the National Latin Exam? I never knew there was such an exam. From the site, National Latin Exam:

“The National Latin Exam is offered under the joint sponsorship of’ the American Classical League and the National Junior Classical League. They are pleased to announce the 2008 ACL/NJCL National Latin Exam. More than 149,000 Latin students from all fifty states participated this year, as did students from thirteen foreign countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, China Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Zimbabwe. This year for the first time, students from Bulgaria and Mozambique also took the NLE. “

Please read more about NLE on the About – Exam Information page. And, then check out the Syllabus page that gives teachers an idea of what is covered for each level of the exam from beginning to Level VI. And, if you can find past exams with answer keys (PDF’s) or online quizzes (please note that many of the exams have not yet been completed).

And, another fantastic site I happened to stumble on is the American Classical League:

“The American Classical League was founded in 1919 for the purpose of fostering the study of classical languages in the United States and Canada. Membership is open to any person who is committed to the preservation and advancement of our classical inheritance from Greece and Rome.”

Their store is filled with a variety of resources from computer software to dictionaries to fun books to read and study more about Roman culture. I could definitely spend a nice chunk of money there.

• (newly added 5/19) – Understanding the Latin Mass: Hear and Learn the Words of the Novus Ordo
  Text and Audio CD by Marion P. Smedberg
• Latin Dictionary and Grammar - Notre Dame has a wonderful resource on line (15,600 words)
• Words - another site hosted on Notre Dame offers an online Latin dictionary of about 39,000 words (you can also download the program to your desktop)
• Latina Christiana I online resources via Quia
• Latina Christiana II online resources via Quia
• Latin Online features a nice overview of Latin and then moves onto lessons that feature a textual analysis of works including Caesar’s Gallic War, History of Rome and Augustine’s Confessions.
• Latin for Mountain Men may not be a traditional approach, but there is some nice explanations on Latin for a novice
• Textkit – Greek and Latin is nearly overwhelming to explore. Click on the Learn Latin link at the top of the site and find online answer keys, texts of classic works in Latin, textbooks and grammar references. Look a little further and find under the Tutorial link a number of other sites devoted o explaining Latin.
• Wheelock Latin has information and support materials for this classic text
• “Talkin’ Like the Ancient Romans points out all the places that we encounter Latin in our everyday life
• Love2Learn Review of Latin Resources is a trusted site to read reviews of what is available
• Cambridge Latin Online Resources has lots of activities related to the textbooks including paragraphs in Latin to read (you can look look up words online within the paragraph window), online vocabulary reviews and timed quizzes, and a fantastic list of cultural links like a 3-D cutaway of a Roman house.
• Latin Library hosts a collection of online texts – great chance to read some Latin!
• Latin Charts has a some printable charts with noun declensions, present tense verb, pronouns and even blank forms.
• Latin Noun Declension Chart – very nicely done and designed to go along with LCI so it only includes first and second declension.
• Latin Verb Conjugation Chart - by the same person from the above chart to go along with LCI – present, future and imperfect First and Second Conjugation
• (newly added) Henle Vocabulary – from Memoria Press – the format is pages of vocabulary instead of flash cards; this is easier to handle and place in a notebook.

And, for those parents who find teaching Latin in a homeschool setting nothing less than daunting, online classes are available.

• (newly added 5/19) – Carmenta Online Latin – classes are $400 and meet three times a week.
• Memoria Press Latin Classes from beginning through Henle
• Seton offers Latin I and II online. Message boards, audio and online testing are some features offered.
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Resource Center (LPH) offers an online course for elementary students in Church Latin.
• Regina Coeli Academy provides a full homeschool program online including Latin. I assume you can sign up for individual course.
• Scholars Online offers Latin course. The program is Christian and does co-operate with Regina Coeli. But, of course you would want to explore any statements of faith that might be required.
• Latin in the Christian Trivium offers both textbooks and online classes. I am not familiar with the company, but its focus is on a Roman centurion and his family. Thus, the vocabulary might be more interesting to the typical family. The online class fee is only $135 / semester – much cheaper than many other programs. Again though, I have not personally met families that have gone through the online courses. As a note, I received the following information regarding their online classes:

This is a 15 week course that uses Latin in The Christian Trivium.
All work will be done via email so that the student can work when it is convenient.  Each week students will receive a weekly outline and lessons.  Lessons can be emailed back to the teacher for grading.  The teacher will be available by email and phone.  This course is excellent for homeschoolers, schools without Latin teachers or individuals wanting to learn Latin.  The course is a one time fee of $85 for a 15 week semester.  That does not include the cost of the text.  To sign up email nan@latintrivium.com.

• Oak Meadow offers online Latin courses using Cambridge Latin for $400 / class (at the time of this post). I found it difficult to find the information and it may be easier to call the school directly.
• Lone Pine Classical School offers mutliple grades of online Latin courses using Lingua Latina. The tuition seems to be cheaper than many other programs and they also offer an audit option for $100 / semester that permits the student to receive all the materials and attend the online course, they are just not permitted to ask questions or receive personal assistance.

Their spring catalog was mailed out, and, as usual, it is filled with wonderful articles. I always come away from the catalog (it really is one of my favorites) inspired, challenged, and educated. If you have not received a catalog, check out the articles included in this edition including one from Peter Kreft on “What is Classical Education?”

That a company called Math without Borders has developed videos to go with other classic / traditional textbooks including:

• Algebra I: Expressions, Equations, and Applications, by Paul A. Foerster
• Geometry-A Guided Inquiry, by G. D. Chakerian, Calvin D. Crabill, and Sherman K. Stein
• Algebra and Trigonometry: Functions and Applications, by Paul A. Foerster
• Precalculus with Trigonometry: Concepts and Applications, by Paul A. Foerster

Hmm, as I contemplate what algebra I program to move on to – one requirement is that it have a video teaching element and complete solutions. What I have found so far is:

• Teaching Textbooks – may need to consider staying with the series through pre-calculus to make it the equivalent of more typical programs through Algebra II. Or, supplement with another program like ALEKS.
• Saxon with Dive CD’s or John Saxon’s DVD’s (Saxon presents the lessons in a real classroom setting)
  
• Math U See (videos for weekly lessons)
• VideoText
• Uncle Dan’s Algebra (Algebra I only to date)
• Chalkdust
• Lial/Hornsby Series (support material for the textbook) and videos from Pearson
• … what else?

I will post back when I come up with more options. I have found after using MathUSee and then Teaching Textbooks, that my children greatly appreciate having a calm teacher repeat a lesson several times, without becoming frustrated

As I peruse the internet, I discovered some additional resources:

• Pre-algebra and Algebra resources
• Free Online video Algebra Program from University of California
• Online Graphing Calculator (algebra lessons are also available)
• State of Alabama Math links
• Free Algebra Homework help
• ALEKS - online math program, free month trial