Latina Christiana, Prima Latina,and Form Latin series

Name: Latina Christiana, Prima Latina,and Form Latin series
Brand: Memoria Press

by Memoria Press

Foreign_languageGrades 2–8

About This Curriculum

A comprehensive Latin curriculum series progressing from introductory Prima Latina through advanced Form Latin levels, designed to teach grammar systematically and prepare students for high school Latin literature study.

What makes it unique: Grammar-first approach with systematic trivium-based instruction, extensive workbook exercises for mastery, and instructional videos that make Latin accessible to parents and students without prior Latin experience.

Memoria Press Latin Series: Grammar-Focused Classical Foundation

A comprehensive Latin curriculum series from Memoria Press progressing from Prima Latina through Form Latin levels, emphasizing systematic grammar instruction and memorization. The series uses classical pedagogy to build foundational Latin knowledge through direct instruction, drill, and recitation rather than conversational approaches.

Best for

Classical homeschool families seeking systematic Latin grammar instruction for grades 2-8, particularly those using Memoria Press curriculum and wanting strong foundational preparation for high school Latin literature

Evaluation Criteria

4 strengths · 2 concerns · 1 neutral

Explicit GrammarStrength

The curriculum excels at explicit, systematic grammar instruction with clear progression through declensions and conjugations.

Covers five noun declensions, four verb conjugations systematically across levels. Reviews praise 'methodical approach, starting with small information pegs and building systematically' and note it teaches 'grammar—both Latin and English.'

Teacher TrainingStrength

The curriculum provides comprehensive teacher support through detailed manuals, instructional videos, and clear lesson plans for parents without Latin background.

Reviews note 'comprehensive lessons with detailed plans enable parents or teachers without a Latin background to easily teach the courses' and praise the teacher manuals as 'very nicely designed both in appearance and functionality.'

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum strongly emphasizes direct instruction with detailed teacher manuals and instructional videos providing explicit guidance.

Reviews consistently note the need for teacher-led instruction: 'These are not independent study workbooks. You really need to use the teacher manuals for lesson presentations.' DVD lectures are described as 'essential rather than optional.'

Retrieval PracticeStrength

The curriculum incorporates extensive retrieval practice through flashcards, review lessons, and spaced repetition of vocabulary and grammar forms.

Reviews emphasize flashcard use as 'crucial for actual learning' and 'invaluable for vocabulary retention.' Includes 'five review lessons spaced throughout the course' and systematic cumulative review of previous material.

Comprehensible InputConcern

The curriculum provides limited comprehensible input, focusing primarily on isolated vocabulary and grammar forms rather than meaningful text comprehension.

Reviews emphasize vocabulary flashcards, grammar drills, and memorization rather than reading Latin texts or stories. One reviewer notes 'translation work students complete is less than in some other programs.'

Speaking Listening BalanceConcern

The curriculum heavily emphasizes reading and writing with minimal attention to speaking skills beyond pronunciation and recitation.

Reviews mention pronunciation CDs and oral recitation but note 'these are not conversational programs.' Focus is on grammar forms, vocabulary memorization, and written exercises rather than communicative skills.

Cultural KnowledgeNeutral

The curriculum incorporates some cultural elements through prayers, hymns, and historical references but cultural content is secondary to grammar instruction.

Includes Latin prayers, hymns from Lingua Angelica, 'famous Latin saying along with some brief tidbits from Latin history and culture,' and correlation with Famous Men of Rome for history study.

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, schoolingwithgrace.com