Getting Started with Latin

Getting Started with Latin by William E. Linney

I think the study of Latin is an eminently practical thing to do. It expands the mind so much. A person who is even passingly familiar with Latin is that much more literate in English. It connects one to history in an intimate way, it teaches one all kinds of word roots that expand one's English vocabulary exponentially. It is great for those who are interested in science or learning other romance languages or languages that are inflected like German or Russian. It teaches the role of words and the structure of sentences (otherwise known as grammar) that reveals in a wonderful way the logical methodology we humans naturally developed to communicate efficiently. Because of its logic and structure it teaches analytical thinking. One can feel one's neurons connecting differently as one studies! And for me, as a Catholic, it is the language of my Church and that makes it that much more precious to me. It is the language of Gregorian chant and prayer and sacred song.

I only just got this book, so maybe I shouldn't be gushing over it just yet, but I love it! It is the best, simplest, most user friendly intro to the Latin language I have come across in my 14 plus years of homeschooling.

It is beautiful in its direct, clearly explained, incremental, engaging approach. One book does it all. No need for anything else, though the author does provide some aids on his website.

This is definitely a strewing kind of book. You can pick it up and entertain yourself for a few minutes by reading the very simple explanations and exercises. The exercises are very well done, never overwhelming and perfectly reinforce the little lesson just taught. Next day you can pick it up and read a little more. It is perfect for reading together with someone and then doing the little exercises together.

This is just a simple intro, just a dip your toe in the water of Latin, but even if this is as far you go in learning Latin it will still be valuable to your every day life. Or it might be the perfect stepping stone into a more intensive study of the language. Either way, it is a gem!

Greek

While sitting at a stoplight, notice a bumper sticker for a fraternity on the back of the car in front of you. This makes child curious about what the funny symbols are. Explain that they are Greek letters. A couple of months later happen to be looking at some religious art. Notice the symbols for alpha and omega and explain what they are and what they mean in the painting. A couple weeks later vaguely remember somebody talking about some kind of video of some guy teaching the Greek alphabet in 10 minutes to kids. Google it. Come up with this video of Mr. Steve Demme teaching the Greek alphabet. Have your children gather around the PC while you all watch the clip. Play it again at a child's request. Play another time just to make sure you've all got it right.

Some days later overhear children trying to remember the Greek alphabet together.

Put out some money to buy this. This is kind of a home published, no frills but oddly fun workbook. It goes very slowly and simply so that even an interested 5 year old can do it. You could try Level 1 or Level 2. There is something highly satisfying about decoding the letters and words.








However, a cooler resource is this one. It's splashier and fun with a clever detective theme running through it where the child decodes clues to solve a mystery.

Both do the trick of learning to write Greek letters and providing a very beginning introduction to the Greek language.

Photo credit: HomeschoolChristian

Photo credit: Timberdoodle