The Latin-Centered Curriculum

John Piazza, whose web site is a treasure trove of classical language resources, has launched a new Latin-language blog. You can improve your reading fluency and explore interesting topics relating to Latin at the same time.

Homeschoolers rightly rejoice at the increasing options for home Latin instruction. We have excellent programs for elementary-age students. Parents looking for Christian Latin materials no longer have to haunt the stacks of university libraries searching out 19th-century textbooks. Online academies are breathing new life into tried-and-true methods, with a range of offerings that puts some colleges to shame. For many busy homeschooling parents, these opportunities are real blessings, enabling us to pass on to the next generation a rich inheritance that we ourselves may not have shared in fully.

When is a good age to begin CLASSICAL WRITING? My oldest will be in 2nd grade next year. On the one hand, he's a bright kid and I think the Aesop level won't be too difficult for him. On the other hand, I don't necessarily want to push him; just because he's a bright kid doesn't mean he's ready for a full-fledged writing program.

Has anyone used this program with younger kids (my son is 7-1/2) with success?

The best book I've read about education is Jacques Maritain's EDUCATION AT THE CROSSROADS. Maritain was a Catholic philosopher, perhaps the best of the 20th century, and his primary thesis in EDUCATION is that the goal of true education is spiritual, intellectual, and moral freedom, and that this goal is achieved only through a liberal education.

In terms of homeschooling, it's helped me see that the ultimate goal of what I'm doing isn't give my kids a classical education for the sake of giving them a classical education, or a Latin-centered education for the sake of giving them a Latin-centered education, but, rather, that this approach is the best means to the ultimate end of helping my kids achieve full and authentic maturity of mind, soul, spirit, and body. For me, this was a truly liberating idea because it helped me place all the educational theories I've read about into a proper context.

Hey, everyone. My name is Jeff, and like Drew I'm an at-home dad who is homeschooling his kids -- ages 7, 4, 3, and 7 weeks.

The two books I use to help me decide curriculum is the WTM and the LCC, though in terms of schedule, I haven't decided which program to follow. Since my oldest is only in 1st grade, I'm not too worried. I am, however, hoping the 2nd edition of the LCC will give me a better idea on how to use the LCC with a big family.

Hello,

This year we are going Latin-centered all the way:) Two of my children are wanting to go into the medical field (at least that is what they are saying this month); this is going to require more math and science than what seems to be suggested in the curriculum. How do I handle this? My son will be entering 8th grade and my daughter the 6th grade.

Thank you,
Michelle

Hello Group!

We are about to finish up our 1st year of homeschooling and it went better than I ever could have imagined. Now that my feet are wet, I am pondering what path or philosophical approach to take with my girls. One is almost 8 and the other is 2 yrs old. We tried out Sonlight's Core 1 and it was okay. I ended up switching to SOTW for a more chronological appraoch.

I like the idea of exposing my children to the great works, but also want to make learning fun. Can anyone provide me with some insightful articles to read or your own testimonies demonstrating the successes or failures experienced with a Latin-centered curriculum? I would appreciate all the help I can get!

By now many readers will have heard that the College Board, which administers the Advanced Placement (AP) program, has decided to drop the Latin Literature course from its offerings. (AP-Virgil will continue in "enhanced" form - whatever that means.) A number of other "underenrolled" courses have also been dropped, including Italian, French literature, and AB computer science. The last AP Latin literature exam will be offered in 2009.

Here is some of what you'll find in this second edition:

* An expanded Great Books program for high school
* New introductory chapters
* Restructured subjects for easier state reporting
* Updated recommendations for Latin, Greek, History, Science, and Religion
* Detailed weekly schedules
* Tips for large families
* A self-education program for adults

You can pre-order a copy now for shipment in May.

Drew,

I just noticed over on the TWTM forum and your blog that you're doing Lingua Latina with your daughter. I had assumed, due to your apparent relationship with MP that you'd be using PL/LC.

I presume you've had a chance to compare both programs.

I'd be curious as to your thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Would you consider using PL/LC in conjunction with LL? Is that overkill, or a situation where the methodology is sufficiently different in each that it would be oxen pulling in different directions? Is it a question of teacher skill with the language making one approach superior to the other?