| Author | |
knowloveserve
Forum All-Star
Joined: Jan 31 2007
Location: Washington
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 759
|
| Posted: Feb 05 2010 at 4:45pm | IP Logged
|
 |
|
Should I bother plowing my kids through Latin at all? I would love for them to know Latin. But I wonder if it's going to be worth the agony.
I am proficient in Spanish and think it may be best to just teach them Spanish for now...
I supsect there may be in me, a pride issue about wanting to boast that my children are learning Latin. I was wondering if anyone here isn't teaching Latin and why not.
__________________
Ellie
The Bleeding Pelican
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Angie Mc
Board Moderator
Joined: Jan 31 2005
Location: Arizona
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 11400
|
| Posted: Feb 05 2010 at 5:08pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I outsourced almost 2 years of High School Latin for my dd. For my boys, we'll do Spanish. You might find this past topic interesting, Ellie.
BTW, will you all please pray that I can find the first cd for Rosetta Stone Spanish I? It's here someplace! Dear St. Anthony!
Love,
__________________
Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
About Me
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
stellamaris
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 26 2009
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2732
|
| Posted: Feb 05 2010 at 6:24pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
All of my older children took three years of Latin in high school with a tutor, but I don't really do Latin with the younger children. We do discuss Latin roots and learn a few prayers, but we save the heavy-duty Latin instruction for high school.
My dd, 14, is in a Catholic high school where she is not taking Latin, but French. I hope to convince her to study Latin next year.
So, no, we are NOT doing Latin right now!
__________________
In Christ,
Caroline
Wife to  dh 30+ yrs,ds's 83,85,89,dd's 91,95,ds's 01,01,02,grammy to 4
Flowing Streams
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
lapazfarm
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 21 2005
Location: Alaska
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6082
|
| Posted: Feb 05 2010 at 6:45pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Not doing Latin here, just learning the roots as they come up in reading (mainly in science).
I'm not saying we will never do it in a more formal way, because I think it would be great, but I'm not really sweating it right now.
__________________
Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
LeeAnn
Forum Pro
Joined: May 25 2007
Location: Washington
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 470
|
| Posted: Feb 05 2010 at 7:17pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Worrying that you will be overly proud of your kids for learning Latin seems like an odd reason not to do it. ??? To study Latin is very profitable for any Latin-rite Catholic and to be able to read it is a very practical skill for any young person who desires religious life or a priestly vocation.
__________________
my four children are 17, 15, 11 & 8 - all now attend public school - we read many 4Real recommended books at home
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
folklaur
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2816
|
| Posted: Feb 05 2010 at 8:08pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
we play with it - BUT that is because they like it, and i took 4 years of Latin in College and i just happen to really like Latin.
Spanish, however, would probably be mush more useful where we live.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Martha in VA
Forum Pro
Joined: Nov 15 2006
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 496
|
| Posted: Feb 05 2010 at 8:13pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
My older girls are enrolled in Memoria Press Online Academy for Henle I. They enjoy the class. It has been the best investment of my money and their time! 
__________________
Blessed wife & mom to
4dds,miracle son 4/09, 2 in heaven
My Conversion Blog
Our Family Blog
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
guitarnan
Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Maryland
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 10883
|
| Posted: Feb 05 2010 at 10:24pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
We tried Latin but my husband (the Latin scholar) is so seldom home at realistic teaching times that we gave up several years ago. I certainly would have tried harder to make this happen, had either of my children shown an interest in Latin, but they seem to enjoy learning modern languages.
__________________
Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JodieLyn
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 06 2006
Location: Oregon
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 12234
|
| Posted: Feb 05 2010 at 10:47pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
We have no plans to teach latin, mainly because we have no desire to do latin so that will have to come from a child so until and unless a child has the desire to learn latin.. we have no plans to teach it.
We will do Spanish though.
__________________
Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
mariB
Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 20 2006
Location: Vermont
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3815
|
| Posted: Feb 06 2010 at 5:24am | IP Logged
|
|
|
We did three years of Latin...two of them being a formal online high school course and it took up A LOT of time. And by the way, I am proud that they did the Latin because of their diligence and hard work they put in and also because it it the language of the church.
Now we are doing French with the younger kids but it would be fun to at least learn some more Latin prayers and hymns!
__________________
marib-Mother to 22ds,21ds,18ds,15dd,11dd and wife to an amazing man for 23 years
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
SeaStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 16 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 9068
|
| Posted: Feb 06 2010 at 6:04am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Latin is also very helpful if you have any children interested in medical career.
__________________
Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mimip
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 17 2009
Location: Florida
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1526
|
| Posted: Feb 06 2010 at 9:00am | IP Logged
|
|
|
We have no plans for Latin either but for us its because i need my children to know Spanish. It was my first language and the only way they can communicate with their extended family sooo, when I can master how to teach the kids Spanish I will start to even consider Latin.
__________________
In Christ,
Mimi
Wife of 16 years to Tom, Mom of DD'00, DD'02, '04(in heaven) DS'05, DS'08 and DS '12
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Matilda
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 17 2007
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1827
|
| Posted: Feb 06 2010 at 9:20am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Well, I wasn't teaching Latin, but now I am only because my oldest son is really interested in learning. We are dipping our toes into the Latin pool using Getting Started With Latin to see if his interest continues before doing more. Right now, he really likes it and is very self directed.
I studied German, Italian and one semester of Ancient Greek. I had a decent knowledge of German, a better understanding of Italian, but I did terrible in my Greek class. Modern languages seemed to be a better fit with me. When I look at my younger girls and try to be realistic about their skills and interests, I think they will have a much easier time learning (and I will have a much easier time teaching) a modern language. So I guess, I'm taking it on a child by child basis.
__________________
Charlotte (Matilda)
Mom to four (11 , 10, 9 & 5 ) an even split for now
with bookend boys and a double girl sandwich
Waltzing Matilda
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Barbara C.
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 11 2007
Location: Illinois
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 882
|
| Posted: Feb 06 2010 at 2:03pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I think what Ellie means about the "pride" of teaching the kids Latin is that it sometimes seems to be used as a measuring stick of who is an orthodox Catholic and who is not...or whose kids are geniuses and whose are not.
I am not planning on doing Latin with the kids. I do plan on doing Latin and Greek root-based vocabulary. If they decide on a science-based career or religious life, they can purse it more on their own but will have a base.
I realized early on that there are lots of wonderful things that I would like to teach my kids, expose them to, or give them the opportunity to do. But there is only so much time and so much money and so much we can handle mentally. So, I try to concentrate on the basics (right now the 3 R's) and give them time to explore their own paths. If one of them takes a path that leads to Latin, I will try to oblige. But I don't feel that is an essential path for us all to take.
__________________
Barbara
Mom to "spirited" dd(9), "spunky" dd (6), "sincere" dd (3), "sweet" dd (2), and baby girl #5 born 8/1/12!!
Box of Chocolates
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
*Lindsey*
Forum Pro
Joined: May 22 2009
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 496
|
| Posted: Feb 06 2010 at 3:23pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
JodieLyn wrote:
We have no plans to teach latin, mainly because we have no desire to do latin so that will have to come from a child so until and unless a child has the desire to learn latin.. we have no plans to teach it.
We will do Spanish though. |
|
|
This is us, too.
__________________
Lindsey
Mama to DS (11), DD(9), twin dds(7), DD (5), DS (4), DS (3), and 5 angels in heaven.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
CatholicMommy
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2007
Location: Indiana
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1254
|
| Posted: Feb 06 2010 at 3:30pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I'm not teaching it at this point, but I do want my children (just one for now) to have a basic familiarity with Latin, both for church purposes and for the sake of roots in our own language and other modern languages that might be learned later. Since early childhood (below age 6, really) is the easiest time to learn another language, but there are no Latin curricula for that age, I chose the exposure route.
So we just have CDs with Latin hymns, prayers of the rosary, etc. I did pick up an inexpensive used copy of Prima Latina and my son goes through it primarily on his own, without the books - just listening to the CD to pick up on the vocabulary and the prayers.
So I'm not teaching it, but my 5 year old is learning it 
__________________
Garden of Francis
HS Elementary Montessori Training
Montessori Nuggets
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
knowloveserve
Forum All-Star
Joined: Jan 31 2007
Location: Washington
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 759
|
| Posted: Feb 06 2010 at 3:43pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thank you Barbara, that is it exactly.
I see its value. I grew up in a TLM parish. I largely suspect my oldest son may be called to the priesthood someday. I think it's a wonderful part of our heritage as Catholics.
But I worry about languages being an either or situation. I know Spanish well. It would be used a lot. I can teach it competantly. Plus we have deaf family members; ASL needs to be a big part of our lives too. Latin seems so overwhelming to me. And given that, I wonder if I should even bother with it.
I especially am tempted to feel anxious when I hear about other people's 7 year olds, 5 year olds... learning Latin, taking music lessons, painting like Picasso... etc. Everyone says "This is the PRIME learning time!!!" And in my home, my kids are barely scratching the surface of phonics and still drawing stick figures and driving their Hot Wheels on the piano rather than wanting to play it.
I know we shouldn't compare. For the most part I don't. But how detrimental is it to wait until middle school ages to start languages?
__________________
Ellie
The Bleeding Pelican
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JodieLyn
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 06 2006
Location: Oregon
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 12234
|
| Posted: Feb 06 2010 at 3:59pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
The younger the child the more facility they have for learning a primary language.. what you're doing by teaching sooner rather than later is more making them bilingual.. learning other languages while they still can use that pimary language capscity. After that you can certainly learn second languages it's just different than early on.
But the only way you can learn any language and retain it's use at any age is by using it. But you still can retain the way to decipher a language.. like I remember pretty little vocabulary from learning spanish.. but I still understand how they use different endings on words for the equvilent of us or they and me or you.. how discriptors are used.. the whole male and female endings for nouns and their modifiers etc.
__________________
Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
CatholicMommy
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2007
Location: Indiana
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1254
|
| Posted: Feb 06 2010 at 4:16pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Ellie,
It's the hardest thing to actually avoid - comparing :) Every individual has natural inclinations for things that allows them to move ahead faster - I would never dream of having my son start piano lessons at his age, but not because of his age - because of who he is and where his interests lie. Instead, he is exposed to music in other ways so he has a base to grow from if/when the interest blossoms.
As for Latin, I did the same thing - just had the music and such for exposure. When he showed interest, I picked up the Prima Latina and he listens to it himself. If I had another child who had no interest whatsoever, they would still get some exposure through our other CDs (and we general attend the Traditional Latin Mass as well) and I'd be satisfied. Frankly, learning Latin (or any language!) is not something I want to battle in my home. If it works, great; if not, forget it and stick with just the exposure. I have to battle other subjects!
Now, my son also learns sign language from a set of videos that were given to us. He LOVES it. For another child, I might just make sure they have an understanding that some people talk with their hands.
(I wonder if I just have a language-child on my hands - the irony though is that he has speech articulation issues - and as hard as I try not to, I still compare him to other children his age)
If your children will use Spanish, teach that - and if they have a need for another language, it will be easier to learn because they will already have their brains organized to pick up on other languages.
__________________
Garden of Francis
HS Elementary Montessori Training
Montessori Nuggets
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
mariB
Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 20 2006
Location: Vermont
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3815
|
| Posted: Feb 08 2010 at 5:52am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Dear Ellie,
I know what you mean about barely scratching the surface. I have two "Latin Scholars" and then an eighth grader that I feel is really behind in writing, math, will not be doing Latin (he did a little online course and did well) but there is no way I think he can do the online course the older boys did.
I have no intention of having my 8th grader or my two younger girls do Latin. We are doing French because I know that pretty well and I LOVE it so it feels like so much fun when we do it.
After 11 years of home schooling there are so many times when I feel we are scratching the surface and I find myself comparing our children with other children.
We didn't start languages until later...7th and 8th grade.
Don't feel guilty if you don't do Latin!
Our high school Latin classes took up so much time it really started to annoy me.
If you know and love Spanish then do that! Every home schooling family is so different and the Lord leads each family on a different, yet special path.
Blessings,
__________________
marib-Mother to 22ds,21ds,18ds,15dd,11dd and wife to an amazing man for 23 years
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
4Real Forums : Across Time and Place
Topic: Who is NOT teaching Latin?
