First Form Latin by Memoria Press

First Form Latin by Memoria Press is written by Cheryl Lowe author of Latina Christiana. It’s a mastery approach to Latin that uses workbooks and stresses using the trivium method to learning Latin – grammar, logic, and rhetoric. First Form Latin uses the Christian pronunciation for their program. The First Form complete package includes:

• Teacher Manual
• Teacher Manual Workbook & Test Key
• Student Text
• Student Workbook
• Quizzes and Tests book
• Flashcards
• Pronunciation Guide cd
• Instructional Dvds (Glen Moore, instructor)

The complete package which includes the dvds and flashcards is $115.  The smaller package which does not contain the dvds and flashcards is $55.  First Form Latin is geared towards students in grades 5-12 and is written in a manner where students and teachers can use the curriculum even with no prior Latin experience.

Because I am not fluent in Latin, I appreciated the dvds as the instruction is done for me. The step-by-step lesson plans in the teacher’s manual are a great help as well. I know exactly what is expected of me as the instructor. Plus, it breaks everything down for me, so I know what Munchkin needs to do each day.  The answer keys allow me to quickly and easily correct Munchkin’s work.

Repetition to gain mastery is a key with the program. Each task and assignment has a specific goal in mind for the student. As far as I can see, there is nothing frivolous (no fluff) in this program. Students will walk away with an extremely sound knowledge of Latin. They will have a complete picture of the grammatical components of the Latin language. Not only will they be able to read and write Latin, but they’ll also be able to speak it.  After mastering First Form Latin, the student will have a solid grasp on the six indicative active tenses of the first two verb conjugations, five noun declensions, first and second declension adjectives, and 185 vocabulary words.

Munchkin felt this was an extremely thorough program, but the repetitive nature of the program wasn’t quite right for her at this time. She prefers a more informal, relaxed approach to learning a new language.

I received a copy of First Form Latin as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew to help facilitate the writing of a frank and honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own.