The Dow's Schoolroom

I never studied Latin before I started home schooling my children. You could've never told me I would be learning Latin in my 40's.

So, why do I teach my kids Latin? It has always amazed me that the early Americans could speak so many different languages (French, Spanish, Italian, Portugese).

What was it with these people? Were just smarter than we were? As I learned more about their history, I began to notice that they learned Latin. If they went to school they learned Latin.

Then I learned that Latin is the basis for the Romantic Languages (some of them are listed above). So, Latin must be the key. If I wanted my kids to be able to learn other languages, I should teach them Latin.

Latin's Not So Tough is a good choice because it starts out slow and progresses as your child's confidence grows. The lessons are varied, so they aren't dull and too predictible.

To get off to a good start, here are some guidelines:

• Level 1 is for the youngest students (Early Elementary)
• Level 2 is for those who have finished Level 1 or are Mid Elementary.
• Level 3 is for those who have finished Level 2 or are Upper Elementary or above.
• Levels 4 and 5 should only be studied after finishing Level 3.

Each student needs his own Student Workbook. There are 2 choices for the teacher's answer keys. For the experienced teacher, there is an "Answer Only"Answer Key that just has answers, nothing else. For the beginning teacher, the Full Text Answer Key is highly recommended. Not only does it include the Student's Workbook with the answer's filled in, there are teaching tips and a suggested teaching schedule.

Extra items that will round out your curriculum include the following. If you are interested in testing your children, then you will want to purchase the Quizzes/Exams. The Flashcards are very helpful with drilling vocabulary. You can print your own flashcards from the masters in the back of each Student Workbook, or you can purchase the ready made ones. The Pronunciation CDs are very helpful for those of us that aren't familiar with Latin to know what it's supposed to sound like.

Click on the bookcovers below for prices and "Buy Me Buttons".

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5