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About the product/service: As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received, free of charge, Latin's Not so Tough Level II from Greek 'n' Stuff. I recieved not only the book, but also a pronunciation CD. The book is part of a set of six workbooks designed to teach young children Latin. (These can actually be ordered as a complete set.)
The workbook starts out by teaching Latin letters. (This would be a review if you started with Level 1.) Now, for the most part, they are the same as English. However, there are still many differences. Most of the letters have only one or two sounds they make. The child is to learn each of these sounds and practice daily. (There are also dipthongs and special consanants.) Once the letters are learned, individual words are introduced. This is as far as the book goes as it is meant for young children. (Note, while very young children will start with Level I, mid-elementary children may start at Level II.) The are also activities like matching and puzzles to help make it a bit more fun.
What are the pros of this product? Everything is laid out very easily. The pronounciation CD is a big help so you don't have to guess how the sounds are made.
What's not to like? Like all languages, it is difficult to learn by simple rote memorization. However, since you can't really go to a country that speaks Latin, this is pretty much the only way to learn it!
The Crazy Mom take: I used this with my son, Baber, 7. He's in second grade; however, he is not reading fluently yet. He is still at the stage where he is sounding most words out. For this reason, the program was a wee bit over his head but we plugged along anyway.
We probably sat down with this workbook about three times a week. We only did a page at a time, so we took it very slowly. We have finished most, but not all of the book. Right now he knows several words in Latin. However, as I have noticed in the past, as he tries to learn more and more, I notice he is forgetting what he knew quite well in the beginning. After the review (after today) we'll set this aside and pick it up again next year. I have noticed much improvement in his reading lately, and by next school year, I think he'll be a lot more ready for this. In his case, the Level I would have been more appropriate. (Funny thing, about halfway through the book I found I actually have a Level I! I had gotten it as a free product at one point, but at the time didn't have a reason to use it. I'll probably start with that next year.)
Not being a Classical educator, I never really considered teaching Latin. However, I do love words and all things word related, and I can see how learning Latin can really help with English. I do admit I have enjoyed doing this program with Baber. I don't wanna brag, but I think I learned more than he did. LOL
I do think this is a good program if you want to teach your child Latin. However, I would wait until your child can read well before you start. But that's just my humble opinion as always. You can check it out yourself!
What's the bottom line? The workbook is $18.95 and the CD is $10.00.
I am going to give Latin's Not so Tough Level II 3 out of 5 smileys!!!
Check it out! http://www.greeknstuff.com/info/infoLA-02-WB.html
See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @
http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/
*The Smiley System:
I can't really recommend this product. I doubt this product would be helpful to many people. This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone. Most homeschool moms will find this useful. This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!Disclaimer!!! I reviewed this product because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew. I was given the product by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others. Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way. I am in no way obligated to give a positive review. I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal! What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive.
As with all products, you must do the research before buying. Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying. I can't guarantee that a product will work for you. You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s). I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review. I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else. I am simply giving my opinion; only you know what is best for you and your family.
Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath. Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!
Copyright 2011 Ramblings from the Crazy House 2
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