Olim Once Upon a Time…In Latin: Derivatives

Name: Olim Once Upon a Time…In Latin: Derivatives
Brand: Laurelwood Bookshttps://laurelwoodbooks.com/

by Laurelwood Bookshttps://laurelwoodbooks.com/

Foreign_languageGrades 4–12

About This Curriculum

A Latin derivatives workbook series that teaches English vocabulary through Latin word roots using engaging exercises, puzzles, and activities.

What makes it unique: Makes Latin accessible with the motto 'Latin is hard, but not this book!' - can be used standalone or alongside any Latin program

Olim Once Upon a Time…In Latin: Derivatives: English Vocabulary Through Latin Roots

A vocabulary-focused workbook series that teaches English vocabulary through Latin word roots and derivatives using puzzles, exercises, and creative writing activities. Designed as either a standalone vocabulary program or supplement to Latin study, targeting grades 5-6 but adaptable for grades 4-12.

Best for

Students in grades 5-6 seeking English vocabulary development through Latin roots, either as a standalone program or supplement to Latin study, particularly those who enjoy workbook-style learning

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 3 concerns · 2 neutral

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum facilitates direct instruction through systematic vocabulary presentation with clear charts, definitions, and structured practice activities.

Reviews describe clear lesson structure with charts showing Latin words and meanings, followed by multiple types of exercises including matching, fill-in-the-blank, and creative writing

Retrieval PracticeStrength

The curriculum incorporates retrieval practice through varied exercises and systematic review activities every fifth lesson.

Reviews describe multiple exercise types within each lesson (matching, fill-in-the-blank, stories, puzzles) and formal review activities after every fifth lesson requiring students to write derivatives and sentences

Explicit GrammarConcern

The curriculum includes minimal explicit grammar instruction, focusing instead on vocabulary and word formation patterns.

Reviews mention that Latin words are presented in multiple forms (unus, una, unum) which might confuse non-Latin students, but there's no indication of systematic grammar instruction

Comprehensible InputConcern

The curriculum provides limited comprehensible input, focusing primarily on individual Latin words and their English derivatives rather than meaningful Latin text or communication.

Reviews indicate the program presents 10 Latin words per lesson with English derivatives and meanings, but does not include reading Latin texts or stories for comprehension

Speaking Listening BalanceConcern

The curriculum lacks speaking and listening components, focusing exclusively on written vocabulary exercises and word recognition.

Reviews describe fill-in-the-blank exercises, puzzles, crosswords, and creative writing but mention no speaking or listening activities; one reviewer noted wanting MP3 audio downloads for pronunciation

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum requires minimal teacher preparation and includes answer keys, but provides limited pedagogical guidance for instruction.

Reviews describe the program as 'out-of-the-box ready' with minimal teacher prep time and mention answer keys are included, though one reviewer suggests removing them to avoid temptation

Cultural KnowledgeNeutral

The curriculum provides minimal cultural knowledge, though it connects to classical stories and fables in the broader Olim series.

Reviews mention the program uses vocabulary from the Olim series which includes classical fables like The Three Little Pigs and The Tortoise and the Hare, but the Derivatives books themselves focus on vocabulary rather than cultural content

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, teachablescottstotshomeschool.blogspot.com