Matin Latin, Books 1 and 2

by Karen Craig

Canon Press

Ideal for students from about grades third grade and up, Matin Latin combines solid grammatical instruction in Latin with English grammar. In Book 1, children memorize first declension nouns and the first conjugation of verbs (three tenses only). As is commone with the classical approach, children practice with “chants.” However, learning is made easier by the use of drawings to illustrate new vocabulary words rather than word definitions. For children who are more “word-oriented,” you might want to work with them to write the actual English definition under each picture. Children work with nouns, verbs, adjectives, and other parts of speech to construct and read complete but simple sentences.

Book 2 continues through two more noun declensions, through the third conjugation verbs, and through third declension adjectives. The book continues to use illustrations to introduce some of the new vocabulary. It features a section of “Paradigm Summaries” with charts of declensions and conjugations for easy reference.

Both books have “dictionaries” at the back for easy reference. Classical pronunciation is taught. The author uses a variety of exercises throughout both books to maintain student interest.

Some of the reading material is drawn from mythology, but there is also quite a bit of Biblical content. In Book 1, the single mythology reading is clearly presented as myth. The second volume has far more of both types of readings, so the author uses an introductory page to present her rationale for this approach.

This is serious Latin study. Even though it will work for third and fourth graders, I can easily envision both volumes being used with junior high and high school students as a first year course, particularly for those students who begin with a weak foundation in English grammar. Older students will be able to do much of the work independently.

Teacher’s editions are identical to student books except they also have answers printed directly on the related exercise pages. No lesson preparation time is required.

Flashcards and a pronunciation tape or CD help with vocabulary mastery and pronunciation. Worksheets (about 100 sheets per level) supplement the each text with additional practice. The complete package for each level includes your choice of tape or CD plus student text, teacher’s edition, flashcards, and worksheets.