Kraken Latin for the Logic Years

Name: Kraken Latin for the Logic Years
Brand: Canon Presshttps://canonpress.com/

by Canon Presshttps://canonpress.com/

Foreign_languageGrades 7–12

About This Curriculum

A challenging Latin curriculum designed for logic stage students (grades 6-8) that emphasizes understanding grammatical systems rather than just memorization. The program integrates adaptations and translations from the Vulgate, Roman history, original stories, and classical myths to help students work toward reading 'real' Latin.

What makes it unique: Bridges the gap between elementary Latin programs and advanced study by focusing on analytical thinking and grammatical understanding while incorporating engaging content from classical sources, Roman history, and the Vulgate

Kraken Latin for the Logic Years: Challenging Classical Latin Program

Kraken Latin for the Logic Years is a rigorous three-book Latin curriculum designed for middle and high school students. The program emphasizes understanding grammatical systems through engaging content based on pirates, mythology, and Christian texts rather than traditional Caesar and Cicero passages.

Best for

Students in grades 7-12 who have some prior Latin experience and teachers comfortable with classical education approaches requiring intensive preparation

Evaluation Criteria

4 strengths · 1 concern · 2 neutral

Explicit GrammarStrength

The program provides comprehensive explicit grammar instruction covering all five verb conjugations, noun declensions, and advanced concepts. Students use chants to memorize grammatical patterns.

Book One covers all five conjugations in indicative mood, all five noun declensions, and adjectives through third declension. Book Two adds moods and advanced verb tenses. Students memorize chants for conjugations and declensions.

Cultural KnowledgeStrength

The program integrates significant cultural content through Roman history, classical mythology, and Christian traditions. Students engage with authentic historical and religious texts.

Content includes Roman history, classical myths, Vulgate Scripture passages, and students memorize traditional Latin prayers like Pater Noster, Magnificat, and Nicene Creed.

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum is designed for teacher-led instruction with comprehensive teacher editions containing detailed teaching notes. It requires active teacher preparation and involvement.

Teacher editions include teaching notes addressing student questions on confusing issues. The program is explicitly not self-teaching and requires teacher presentation of lessons.

Retrieval PracticeStrength

The program incorporates systematic review through eighth-week review units and includes puzzles and matching quizzes for reinforcement. Memory work supports retention.

Every eighth week is designated as a review unit. Students complete crossword puzzles, word searches, and matching quizzes. Extensive memorization of prayers and texts in Latin.

Speaking Listening BalanceConcern

The curriculum focuses primarily on reading and translation skills with minimal attention to speaking and listening development. Pronunciation guidance is limited.

Book One includes a classical pronunciation guide but encourages teachers to choose any pronunciation system. Primary activities involve translation from Latin to English and English to Latin.

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum provides teacher support through detailed teaching editions but assumes some Latin knowledge for optimal instruction. Parents without Latin background can teach but require significant preparation.

Teacher editions include ten pages of 'Latin Grammar Basics' and detailed teaching notes. Review notes that parents with no Latin background can teach but must prepare extensively and study alongside students.

Comprehensible InputNeutral

The curriculum provides abundant Latin input through stories, Scripture passages, and classical myths. However, the rapid pace may challenge comprehensibility for beginners.

Content includes tales of pirates, goddesses, the Kraken, Scripture from the Vulgate, Caesar's Gallic Wars, and classical myths. By week three, students translate lengthy sentences and short stories.

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com