I received this question:
Can I join the Lingua Latina class at 12 years old?
Here is my reply:
Generally, I do not allow kids into class unless they are at least 13. But, that is not a rule. That is more of a parental recommendation. Actually, it’s probably self-protection. I don’t want angry emails from you later this year. 🙂
Lingua Latina is, in my opinion, the best Latin curriculum out there. This is, in large part, because it’s hard to call a curriculum. Lingua Latina is actually a novel. And, it’s an interesting novel. I believe this is the source of it’s power.
That said, I have to warn you. Lingua Latina is extremely challenging. By the end of the book, students are able to read the New Testament in Latin. They are also ready to move on to histories, and even poetry in Latin. I take students through the book in two years. This means that students are able to read the New Testament in 3 semesters.
Almost all of my students, no matter their past experience, are struggling by chapter 8 of the book. I encourage all students to plod on anyway. The climb is difficult, but it’s worth it.
Of course, if students fall behind, it really doesn’t matter. I record every class I teach, and I only take them down if I am updating them. I have quite a few students who use the previous classes only. In fact, many prefer this as they can move at their own rate. Students are always welcome to contact me if they have any questions.
As for Visual Latin, that course is easier, but it also more grammatical. It does not really follow the natural method. Visual Latin is an explanation of the grammar behind Lingua Latina. The goal here is the same. I try to take students to a reading knowledge of the New Testament (in Latin) by the end of the course. It takes most students a full two years.
Of course, with both courses, you have the option of moving at your own pace. Many of my students spread Latin out over 3, or 4 years using Visual Latin or Lingua Latina.
