Review of First Form Latin Level One by Memoria Press

First Form Latin Level One from Memoria Press is a challenging course made easy to use with an excellent teacher on DVD, in addition to the workbook, student text, pronunciation CD, and flashcards. The way this course is presented hits every learning style, making it work for all students. 

For the visual learner, there is a student text and workbook. For the auditory learner, there are oral drills and a pronunciation audio to practice speaking with. For the hands-on learner, there is sitting and standing during the DVD lesson, games, and flashcards. The DVD appeals to all learning styles.

The teacher is clear, interesting, and easy to understand. In fact, when I glanced through the student text, I felt a little overwhelmed. It had been a while since I've taught Latin, so I put in the DVD. I immediately felt relieved. I could do this! The DVD makes all the difference for me! 

First Form Latin Level One by Cheryl Lowe is perfect for beginning Latin students grades five and up. It works for younger students, too, that have completed Latina Christiana. However, if you have a student that is not used to rigorous study, this course may be too hard for those younger than high school. The course moves quickly. With that said, I love Memoria Press! I used it years ago. 

Wanting to give my children a year of Latin, I tried so many different Latin programs for my children--a couple different ones for each child. When I got to my younger children, I discovered Latina Christiana. I loved the DVD and the simplicity of the course.Best of all, the children loved it! I knew we had found the perfect fit when my children would yell, "Mea Culpa" on the soccer field when they made a mistake. 

Let me tell your more about First Form Latin and how we used it. 

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The First Form Latin Level One course includes the following: 

Student Text
Student Workbook
Set of 3 DVDs
Pronunciation CD
Latin Flashcards
Teacher Manual
Quiz & Test Booklet
Answer Key

The introduction really helped to lay down a foundation for the course, explaining how in English word order helps us understand the meaning, but in Latin, the endings of words determine everything about the word except its basic meaning is found in the ending. Endings are important! We also learn about pronunciation, especially the vowels.

Let me tell you how we did Unit One Lesson Two. In Unit One, we learned about present, future, and imperfect--all ongoing action tenses, as well as the word sum ("to be"). I felt a little overwhelmed to be learning three different verb tenses in one unit, but I took a deep breath. We completed the Introduction and Unit One Lesson One. 

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For Lesson Two, we grabbed our workbook and student text and sat down to watch the DVD. I made sure to answer the teacher or recite when asked all with my student. This took away any awkwardness. So, when the teacher told us in Latin to "Stand up," we both stood up and recited personal endings. When the teacher on the DVD said "Sit down" in Latin, we both sat down. 

Next, we said our Latin saying together, "Sabat Mater" (the mother is standing), the name of a famous Latin hymn. 

We listened to the grammar and vocabulary lessons. One time we were confused, so we stopped the DVD and replayed it. Any time, the teacher on the DVD asked us to recite with him, I recited, too. If we missed it, we stopped the DVD, recited it together and pushed "play " again. 

After we finished the DVD, we read the student text together. Then, my student did the workbook and I helped her figure out a couple of questions that she didn't get. After she finished, we checked it together. She got everything right! 

​When they finish this course, students will have mastered:

• The Six Indicative Active Tenses of the First Two Verb Conjucations
• Five Noun Declensions
• First & Second Declension Adjectives
• 185 Vocabulary Words 

I can't wait!

Memoria is an amazing resource for all kinds of curriculum. I heartily recommend them. I have used their resources for years with my children. 

Whether or not you are a classical educator (I am not!), I personally think one  year of Latin is a great idea for all children. There are so many Latin roots in our language and when you get into science and medical fields, it is so much easier to understand and memorize the vocabulary if you know a little Latin.

One thing that really helped me was the advice given in the Teacher's Manuel on how to prepare for the lesson. This really helped me to feel confident teacher Latin, not my expertise. Here it is:  

1. Read the Unit Introduction at least twice
2. Listen to the Pronunciation Audio and practice pronunciation
3. Read the lesson in the Student Text and the Teacher Manuel at least twice until I understand it 
4. Do all the Workbook questions and check them. Correct any mistakes
5. Do the Oral Quiz
6. Take the Quiz and check it. Correct any mistakes

Yes, that is a lot of work for a teacher, but it sure helped me be confident! 

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I would also like to check out Memoria Press's Music Appreciation Course. This looks amazing, covering Western composers and their music, as well as music theory. ​

​Would you like to check out more reviews about First Form Latin Level One and other curricula from Memoria Press? You can hop over to the Review Crew Blog and read more here. 

And how about my overall rating? I give  First Form Latin Level One a five-star rating. Everything you need to teach Latin is here! The DVD is awesome! Best of all, Latin is taught from a Christian worldview. This is a super way to teach Latin at home.

Until next time: Happy Homeschooling!
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For His Glory,
Meredith Curtis

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