Return to Reviews Index Page Web HSC

Latin Grammar I & II   Review by Martha Robinson

Latin Grammar is the program recommended for further Latin study after Canon Presss introductory Latin programs. While two years of Matin Latin study or three years of Latin Primer study are the expected prerequisite, the authors suggest that Latin Grammar could be a starting point.

Latin Grammar I ($20): After a brief enumeration of why one should study Latin, Latin Grammar jumps right into lessons. The basics, such as classical pronunciation, grammar, and parts of speech, are covered at the beginning, and then the program moves systematically through a comprehensive study of grammar including declensions and conjugations, cases, adjectives, prepositions, and pronouns. A huge amount of vocabulary is covered, but this will be mostly review for students who have completed Latin Primer III. The authors offer encouragement to students who are new to the series by suggesting learning 5-10 new words per day. The chants from Latin Primer are gradually re-introduced in this program. Four readings include a story, a fable, a Psalm, and a selection from Genesis. Additional readings appear in later lessons.

The format of Latin Grammar I lends itself to self-study. Detailed explanations for each lesson are provided in the student book. An answer key ($8) rather than a teachers manual is available.

Latin Grammar II ($23): After a review exam and several review chapters, Latin Grammar II moves on to advanced grammar concepts needed to read original Latin works. Verb forms (infinitives, subjunctive mood, participles, etc.) are a large part of the study during this year. Lessons eighteen through twenty-eight are readings from Caesars Commentary on the Gallic Wars, while lessons twenty-nine through thirty-four are readings from The Aeneid.

Additional translation work appears in the appendix. Section thirty-five contains a large selection from The Aeneid and its translation. The book of Esther (Hester) from the Latin Vulgate is in section thirty-six; the King James Version translation is in section thirty-seven. The remaining sections of Latin Grammar II contain hymns, Psalms, a summary of Latin grammar, a bibliography, and a glossary.

The Latin Grammar II teachers manual ($23) reproduces the student manual and has notations, answers, and translations in boxes in a similar format to Matin Latin. Activities to make the course more stimulating are suggested. No supplementary materials are available for Latin Grammar.

Mrs. Craig, the author, asserts that the successful completion of Latin Grammar II will be the equivalent of two years of rigorous high school Latin.

Recommendation: Latin Grammar offers a comprehensive study of Latin and an introduction to classical literature. The thorough explanations in Latin Grammar make it a good choice for those who are not Latin experts. Because it moves along at a rapid pace and introduces large amounts of vocabulary, Latin Grammar would be best suited to the student who has successfully completed the Latin Primer series; however, a diligent scholar could make up for the lack of prerequisite courses through increased study.

Don't miss Martha's fabulous Latin Curriculum Comparison Chart!

Visit our Christian Trivium Message Board, where you can discuss classical Christian homeschooling, and discuss your favorite Latin products.

The above reviews are the opinions of the reviewers. Products, rather than companies or authors, have been reviewed. You may want to research companies further before choosing to buy any of the products reviewed. The reviews may or may not reflect the opinions of the management of HomeschoolChristian.com.