So you've read up on part-to-whole and whole-to-part and need more help? Great. Here goes.
Another consideration when figuring out how to start studying Latin (or setting students down that path) is your age. And it is what it is—until tomorrow. I'm not going to suggest anything scientific here. Rather I'll be talking in broad terms that leave plenty of room for overlap.
Pre-schoolers
There are not very many Latin resources for students this age. Some, but not many. Unless you've got a decent command of spoken Latin, I'd not even bother.
Early grades
Again, not much here, but there is getting to be more. As students become better readers, the availability improves a lot. Latin for Children from Classical Academic Press is a good example of a part-to-whole curriculum aimed at 3rd to 6th graders. Minimus from Cambridge Press is an example of whole-to-part for younger students. Shameless plug: I'm closing in on finishing a book for students in this age group that is whole-to-part, and it's working well for the school I work for.
Middle grades
Students in middle school are in a tough place. Some are ready for a more academic approach to their studies. In that case, skip to the next session. If not, consider searching out stuff that isn't so academic.
The strategy I've seen here seems to be speed up materials for younger students or slow down materials for older students. I'll let you draw your own conclusions. If this is you as a student, you're stuck. You probably don't have a whole lot of your own money for Artes Latinae, but at the same time Wheelock's Latin looks like a bit more to handle than you'd like. I feel for you. Stay curious and don't get turned off.
High-school
This is really where the bulk of material is. Ecce Romani, Cambridge Latin, Latin for the New Millennium. These are just the first three that come to mind. It's almost embarrassing how much is available. The bad news is that a lot of it is expensive, because schools are the intended customers. In other words, they aren't spending their own money. Who cares how much it costs?
College
You're at the mercy of your prof. Here's hoping she's picked something good.
Independent adult learners
Lucky you. No teacher to tell you what you have to use. If you're not too proud, you can pick whatever you want. Why not Minimus? It starts easy and uses lots of pictures. It won't get you far, but it will give you a taste and won't tax your brain after work. If you prefer something a bit more adult, Peter Jones has written a book: Learn Latin. He's got a dry wit.
Alternately, you can go in for what passes as mass-market books to learn Latin. Teach Yourself has a pretty decent entry into the category (actually two, but I don't know what the difference is). Wheelock's Latin is an old standby. Or you can go off the edge and go full immersion with Lingua Latina per se Illustrata.
Conclusion
This is a great time to start studying Latin. There has never been more material of good quality for all ages available. Ever.
Another consideration when figuring out how to start studying Latin (or setting students down that path) is your age. And it is what it is—until tomorrow. I'm not going to suggest anything scientific here. Rather I'll be talking in broad terms that leave plenty of room for overlap.
Pre-schoolers
There are not very many Latin resources for students this age. Some, but not many. Unless you've got a decent command of spoken Latin, I'd not even bother.
Early grades
Again, not much here, but there is getting to be more. As students become better readers, the availability improves a lot. Latin for Children from Classical Academic Press is a good example of a part-to-whole curriculum aimed at 3rd to 6th graders. Minimus from Cambridge Press is an example of whole-to-part for younger students. Shameless plug: I'm closing in on finishing a book for students in this age group that is whole-to-part, and it's working well for the school I work for.
Middle grades
Students in middle school are in a tough place. Some are ready for a more academic approach to their studies. In that case, skip to the next session. If not, consider searching out stuff that isn't so academic.
The strategy I've seen here seems to be speed up materials for younger students or slow down materials for older students. I'll let you draw your own conclusions. If this is you as a student, you're stuck. You probably don't have a whole lot of your own money for Artes Latinae, but at the same time Wheelock's Latin looks like a bit more to handle than you'd like. I feel for you. Stay curious and don't get turned off.
High-school
This is really where the bulk of material is. Ecce Romani, Cambridge Latin, Latin for the New Millennium. These are just the first three that come to mind. It's almost embarrassing how much is available. The bad news is that a lot of it is expensive, because schools are the intended customers. In other words, they aren't spending their own money. Who cares how much it costs?
College
You're at the mercy of your prof. Here's hoping she's picked something good.
Independent adult learners
Lucky you. No teacher to tell you what you have to use. If you're not too proud, you can pick whatever you want. Why not Minimus? It starts easy and uses lots of pictures. It won't get you far, but it will give you a taste and won't tax your brain after work. If you prefer something a bit more adult, Peter Jones has written a book: Learn Latin. He's got a dry wit.
Alternately, you can go in for what passes as mass-market books to learn Latin. Teach Yourself has a pretty decent entry into the category (actually two, but I don't know what the difference is). Wheelock's Latin is an old standby. Or you can go off the edge and go full immersion with Lingua Latina per se Illustrata.
Conclusion
This is a great time to start studying Latin. There has never been more material of good quality for all ages available. Ever.
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