Catholic Homeschool Support

I received this many months ago and finally have some time to discuss the program. First of all it comes with a CD that has the vocabulary words, a Teacher’s Manual with a pronunciation guide and then as in Memoria Press’ Latin program, Latina Christiana I and II, a small copy of each student’s page with the answers filled in along with a discussion of the proverb, vocabulary hints and clarifications, grammar discussions, dialog and assorted other notes.

I did find the audio CD to go a bit fast and was unable to keep up with the words (but that could be in part because I am nearly phobic about speaking a foreign language aloud, especially French – a result I am convinced from a maniacal Russian teacher who could not stand to hear us butcher the language). I am unable to speak to whether the accent is authentic but there does not seem to be any regional accents peeking through.

After every four lessons, the student text contains a vocabulary review and a detailed French culture page. Topics on the culture pages include “Politeness, French Style”, “The French Family”, and “The French School System”. I found these to be very interesting and imagine my students would enjoy learning more about the culture.

After the culture page is a song to learn like “Alouette” and “Au Clair de la Lune”. The songs have all the stanzas in both French and Latin on one page, and on the facing page, the music. I cannot locate the CD at the moment, but I imagine the song is also sung on the CD.

So, what Memoria Press has developed is an affordable introduction to French. If compared to the cost of Rosetta Stone, the program is even more appealing when it is not know if the student will enjoy the language.  We are studying Latin using the same format and while they are not fluent speakers in Latin, they are able to translate. So, I imagine the same could be said for this program. And, if the teacher actually studied French in school, this might be a perfect match to work through. Of course, it is much easier to find native French speakers to practice conversational skills with than to find speakers fluent in Latin so this might be even a more effective program at a much lower cost than Rosetta Stone.

You may purchase “First Start French” from Memoria Press. And, as I navigate their site, I see that year 2 is now available.

Now, I would love to get a look at Memoria Press’ newest addition, “First Start Latin“. It appears that the vocabulary is limited to 185 words, but more grammar is added along with more worksheets. I have three students that need a program after LC I and from past experience, I know that I need more drill work in grammar to move them along in their studies.

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