Review: Visual Latin

"Et tu, Brute?"

If you're anything like me.....these and "E pluribus unum"

are the only latin that you know!  Sure, I know lots of our medical words and random words here and there are based on latin- but I certainly couldn't tell you what any of them mean!

I've been wanting to try a foreign language with the kiddos.  Abby had some french the last two years and Benji hasn't had any exposure to another language except for the few spanish words and sign language motions I have taught him.  I was thrilled when the opportunity to review Visual Latin came along!

Visual Latin is a curriculum brain child of 2 homeschooling dads who believed they could produce a video series that would keep students engaged, and even mildly entertained, in learning latin.  Dwane Thomas is the instructor and he does a fabulous job.  He is very clear and obviously knowledgable (he's been teaching latin for 15 years!) and has a great sense of humor.

As far as classes go, there are two series of videos available, Latin 1 and Latin 2.  You may choose to download lessons or purchase DVDs. (Dwane also teaches online courses) For Latin 1 Lessons 1-30 DVDs are $80 (on sale now from $90!) and the download is $50.

The video lesson presentation is broken into 3 segments:

Grammar

Sentences


Reading


There are also three printable worksheets with each lesson for each video segment.

Here's a few thoughts and opinions...... I tried to have Ben do this along with Abby and it was just too advanced for him.  It is recommended for ages 9 and up and I would have to say that I agree with that whole-heartedly.  Abby loves it, but Ben just became frustrated and ultimately abandoned the lessons.  This is a great program for visual learners, which Abby DEFINITELY is!  My last opinion is this- the Visual Latin website is fantastic!  They have great, accurate information with answers to lots of questions and links to other latin resources.  Best of all, you can download 6 FREE LESSONS to try it out!

Disclaimer: As a reviewer for The Old Schoolhouse magazine, I was provided with the above curriculum free of charge in exchange for an honest and objective review.