Latin's Not so Tough!

Foreign_languageAll Grades

Latin's Not So Tough!: Gentle Elementary-Friendly Latin Program

This is a multi-level Latin curriculum designed for gradual progression from early elementary through high school equivalency. The program emphasizes pronunciation mastery, vocabulary building through flashcards, and delayed grammar introduction with simplified explanations that avoid traditional grammatical terminology.

Best for

Elementary homeschool families seeking a gentle introduction to Latin, or teachers wanting a non-intimidating approach for younger students beginning Latin study

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 4 concerns

Direct InstructionStrength

The program provides clear, structured lessons with explicit vocabulary instruction and systematic progression through Latin grammar concepts.

Each level has specific learning objectives, vocabulary is taught 'one Latin word per lesson,' and paradigm charts are provided for grammatical structures

Retrieval PracticeStrength

The curriculum strongly emphasizes spaced review through extensive flashcard systems and continual vocabulary review.

Essential flashcard pages are included in each book, pre-printed flashcards are available, and 'vocabulary is continually reviewed through subsequent lessons'

Comprehensible InputStrength

The curriculum provides structured, age-appropriate input with very large print and workbook activities matching typical English language workbooks for younger grades.

Level One focuses entirely on pronunciation with sounds taught in English vocabulary context, and vocabulary is continually reviewed through subsequent lessons

Explicit GrammarConcern

Grammar instruction is delayed until Level Three and presented in simplified terms that avoid traditional grammatical vocabulary.

The program 'avoids grammatical vocabulary' and explains genitive case as 'the new ending is ae' rather than using proper grammatical terminology

Teacher TrainingConcern

Teacher support appears minimal with basic answer keys available but no comprehensive instructional guidance described.

Answer keys are available for levels three and higher, and pronunciation CDs are provided, but no teacher training materials or pedagogical guidance is mentioned

Cultural KnowledgeConcern

Cultural content appears limited, with only Level Five incorporating Latin Vulgate Bible translations as cultural material.

The review mentions 'simple translation exercises from the Latin Vulgate version of the Bible' in Level Five but no other cultural components are described

Speaking Listening BalanceConcern

The curriculum heavily emphasizes reading and written exercises with limited attention to productive speaking skills.

Activities include circling words, fill-in-blanks, matching exercises, and written translation, with pronunciation CDs available but no structured speaking practice described

Review Sources

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

Key Facts
GradesAll Grades
SubjectForeign_language
PedagogyNot specified
Pricing$12.50 at Amazon.com | $12.50 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $14.95 at Christianbook.com | $14.95 at Rainbowresource.com | $4.00 at Amazon.com | $4.00 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $4.00 at Christianbook.com | $4.00 at Rainbowresource.com | $9.77 at Amazon.com | $5.79 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $14.95 at Christianbook.com | $5.80 at Rainbowresource.com | $5.50 at Amazon.com | $5.50 at Christianbook.com | $5.50 at Rainbowresource.com | $22.88 at Amazon.com | $3.69 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $18.95 at Christianbook.com | $18.95 at Rainbowresource.com | $25.94 at Amazon.com | $5.63 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $21.95 at Christianbook.com | $21.95 at Rainbowresource.com | $23.95 at Amazon.com | $23.95 at Christianbook.com | $23.95 at Rainbowresource.com | $15.00 at Amazon.com | $15.00 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $23.95 at Christianbook.com | $9.61 at Amazon.com | $5.64 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $25.95 at Christianbook.com | $10.06 at Rainbowresource.com | $10.00 at Amazon.com | $10.00 at Christianbook.com | $10.00 at Rainbowresource.com | $6.00 at Amazon.com | $6.00 at Christianbook.com | $6.00 at Rainbowresource.com

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy