Teaching Latin

With Latin, choosing a teaching method is key. Methods range from systematic/ mathematical to intuitive/ immersive. Advocates for a systematic approach sometimes start with a heavy load of grammar or, more commonly, with most frequent vocabulary and grammar together through translation. This is called the Grammar-translation method. It usually involves heavy memorisation of charts, rules, and direct translation.

The other end of the spectrum is the natural method which focuses on natural language assimilation through large amounts of speaking, listening, and reading. In its extreme form, it assumes that the student will learn the grammatical structures intuitively by repetition and then, out of curiosity, figure out the rule or pattern. Variations and other names for the natural method include conversational, reading, immersion, or conversational. Another variation is the “direct method” which also uses spoken Latin. Some teachers, however, have drawn a distinction between the two saying the direct method uses spoken Latin as practice, but that the teacher should still teach grammar, vocabulary, and translation clearly and logically. Either way, methods on this side of the spectrum usually avoids introducing charts until the student understands what the chart means.

Of course, teachers often use some variation of these methods. Many advocate for a sweet spot somewhere in between the two, not counting on the student’s desire to figure it out on their own while not reducing the language to charts. The best programs often use spoken Latin practice in combination English instruction, teach the grammar lingually, and avoid translating as much as possible while still understanding so that the student learns to understand the text without the filter of the English language.

When deciding what method to use, keep two things in mind. First, make sure your schools has a standardised method. Changing methods when you change teachers will at best confuse students, if they don’t have to start from the beginning again. Second, if you choose a method that requires spoken Latin, be sure you have a teacher who is confident enough in Latin to do it well. It is possible to teach grammar school Latin well without attempting to hold the class in Latin (and without teaching only charts and chants). If you can’t find a teacher who knows Latin well enough to give students practice in speaking it, then choose a curriculum that focuses on translation but do it well.

Also keep in mind that many curricula teach Latin with the goal of reading only classical Roman texts. But Latin was used throughout the middle ages in academic and theological material until english became the dominant language. It is also useful to be able to read the later texts.

High School Curriculum

This is a list of the most common, well-known, and established high-school and college Latin curricula. They are listed in order of method, running from “natural method” to “Grammar/ translation” method.

Orberg

• Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata, along with its exercises and grammatical lessons, is composed completely in Latin. It is ideal for the direct or natural methods, assuming you have a teacher who is proficient in conversational Latin. The first book covers all of Latin grammar through stories centered around a Roman Family.

Cambridge

• The Cambridge Latin Course is a series of books that include stories in Latin with English grammatical lessons on the side. It is published by Cambridge University Press and they provide free training for Latin teachers all over the US.

Jenney

• Jenney Latin is another old classic. It includes passages to read as well as grammar and vocabulary lessons. There are four books in the series.

Henley

• Henle Latin covers grammar in the first book and then moves right into reading original texts in the other three. It is a rigorous program that gets students reading and translating original texts quickly.

Wheelock

• This is a common text in colleges and high-schools. It is a typical textbook with chapters covering grammar, vocabulary, etc. with translation practice.

Grammar and Logic School Curriculum

This is a list of curriculum meant for classical schools. Most of them use a grammar-translation method and are for designed for teachers with little experience teaching Latin. 

• Song School Latin – Published by Classical Academic Press, this is a fun course for early elementary students. It involves songs, games, and handwriting that gives an introduction to Latin vocabulary.
• Latin for Children – This widely used program is Classical Academic Press’ Latin for upper elementary. It involves chants, grammar, and worksheets. 
• Latin Alive! – Classical Academic Press’ Latin program for middle and high school students. 

• Prima Latina – Published by Memoria Press, Prima Latina is for early elementary and is designed to lead into Latina Christiana.
• Latina Christiana – Memoria Press’ Latina Christiana is an introduction to Latin for any age and is specifically for teachers with no other experience.
• First- Fourth Form Latin – This grammar- first curriculum can be used as a follow up to Latina Christiana (same author) or on its own for students 5th grade and up. 
• Lingua Angelica – Lingua Angelica can supplement any Latin program. It allows students to practice translation on the relatively simple church latin used in church music. 

• Latin Primer – Published by Logos Press, this is meant for any age just starting Latin. 
• Kraken Latin – Also Published by Logos Press, this is Latin for the Logic years.
• Logos Latin – Logos Latin does not correspond to the Latin Primer or Kraken Latin. It is a program designed specifically for each grade starting in third and works heavily with english derivatives. 

• Visual Latin – Visual Latin is a series of videos. It is mostly for homeschool situations or for teachers who was not familiar with Latin. 

• Picta Dicta – Picta Dicta is a well developed online series of colorful flashcards, games, and lessons that can stand alone as a Latin program or supplement another course. Natural World and Ancient world can be used as stand alone programs in the elementary. Unlike most of the others, it does not teach much grammar and instead focuses on vocabulary while learning about the Roman world or the natural world. This lays a foundation for a number of other languages or subject areas and prepares students excellently to start learning Latin grammar quickly later on. It is also good for grammar school teachers who do not know Latin. It can also be used to supplement any other Latin course. The Vocabulary Builder is meant for high school or college students who are aiming for proficiency in the Language.
  • Natural World, Ancient World
  • Vocabulary Builder