Greek & Stuff, Latin's Not so Tough Vol 3

TOS Crew members received a variety of items to review from the company Greek 'N' Stuff: Latin and Greek curriculum for elementary ages, as well as Bible Studies.

My family was sent "Latin's Not so Tough" Volume 3, which was most appropriate for use with my Middlest (10 yrs old). For more on choosing the correct level, please check out the FAQ page provided on the Greek 'N' Stuff website. 
The package we received contained the following components:

• Spiral Bound Student Workbook Level 3 ($21.95)
• "Full Text" Answer Key Level 3 ($21.95)
• Pronunciation CD for Levels 1, 2, and 3 ($10.00)

Sample pages for this specific level can be found (Along with sample pages for many other Greek 'N' Stuff products) on this page.

The set up is a fairly basic "Spiral" workbook, starting with alphabet and vocabulary, then moving into some Latin grammar. There are  matching worksheets and crossword puzzles as well as simple Latin sentences to translate. Vocabulary flashcards can be found in the back of the book.

 

Here are my thoughts on this program:

Pros:

• Fairly simple format
• Inexpensive
• Some variation in exercises, to help alleviate tedium
• Steady, solid repetition

Cons:

• Not for "Self-directed" learners~ there is not enough information included in the student manuals to make it an easy "Grab-and-go curriculum.
• There are "Lesson helps" in the front of the entire text of the Answer Key. I found this set-up to be rather confusing, and would prefer to see those notes added to individual pages in the beginning of each "lesson section", in part so that *I* don't forget to skim through the appropriate portion before getting started with each lesson! ~ I found that while I read through the entire "Schedule" when preparing to start the course, I would forget that help could also be found there when involved in the "Practice" of the program).

This was not a fabulous "fit" for our family, in part because I have reached a stage where I expect my children to be more "Self-directed" in their education. Due to various circumstances (Let's call it "life" :) ), I let probably a month of "Instruction" slide by before I realized that this particular program had to be a little more "mom-intensive" than I expected (partially because I am NOT a Latin Scholar myself, and didn't catch that there were some things being "missed" right away). 

 

As a result, the white erasers came out, and we started over with everything but the Vocabulary. Really~ we started over with the vocabulary as well, but I didn't want to erase all of his work. I have found that one way to get my Middlest to willingly comply with things like vocabulary is to create "Electronic Flashcards" that he can use on his itouch. I input each "Lesson's-worth" of vocabulary into a googledoc and upload it to his itouch using the gFlash+ app. That way he can review and quiz himself in a format which he enjoys more than traditional flashcards.

If my son were a basic "Work-bookish" child, I would say that this would have been a good program for him, and my Eldest probably would have been as happy as a clam to use this when she was still "Elementary" age. What works for one, may not necessarily work for another! 

I hope that this review has been helpful to you, and that you can clearly tell whether "Latin's Not So Tough" is your cup of tea or not. For more reviews and information on how other TOS Crew members used this curriculum, as well as the Greek curriculum and Bible Studies, please visit the TOS Crew Blog. 

 

Blessings~

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this/these item(s)/service for free as part of the TOS Crew Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."