I received a series of questions. Here is the first one. This may apply to many of you:
I would like to enroll my son in your 2017-18 Henle Latin course with grading.
Here’s my first reply:
Unfortunately, I am not currently accepting new students whose work needs to be graded. I am maxed out at the moment. I just don’t have the time to grade any more work. There may be some openings in the fall, but I can’t promise anything. Would you like me to put you on a waiting list?
I am scrambling for a solution right now.
Happy to answer any questions you may have.
Our conversation continues:
Thanks for getting back to me. I understand. I would like you to put him on the waiting list. in the meantime could you answer a couple questions?
1. I read your ebook yesterday. Would you suggest he listen to a gospel for an hour a day as well or is that for adults who want to learn the language?
2. we are going to start Visual Latin next week to help him get a head start on Henle Latin. (he will be doing Challenge A for CC in the Fall) Is there anything else we can do to help make the process easier? Memorize vocabulary or the declensions?
3. Can he still sign up for you Henle class even if you can’t grade? Can we start it at any time or is it the same class you will begin in the Fall?
Thanks for your help!! I just want to say that I have super stressed about Latin and 3 nights ago I found your site. I feel like a ton of weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I am actually looking forward to learning Latin with him now. So thanks so much!!
Here are my answers to the questions:
Good morning!
I have you on the waiting list. You should know, I am looking for a solution. I want to offer “grading” next year, but I am simply overwhelmed at the moment. Not to say that it isn’t going to happen. Working on it. 🙂
Now to your questions.
1. It takes a while to get your head around a new pronunciation. I DO recommend for listening to the gospel in Latin. It doesn’t really have to be an hour. I used to have my kids listen to it as they fell asleep. It was a good way to passively get the pronunciation into their little heads.
2. Visual Latin should really be all you need. That’s how I designed it. However, it doesn’t hurt to do more. If you go to Quizlet, There are flash cards available over there for Visual Latin. Here you are: https://quizlet.com/subject/Visual%20Latin/
As for memorizing the declensions, and the conjugations, just keep this nearby as you work.
Don’t stress out over all the endings. In time, they will come. But, it really does take some time. Naturally, it doesn’t hurt to memorize them. But, I really don’t think that you have to.
3. Yep. You can sign up anytime. Most of my students sign up without the “graded” option.
I will do everything I can to help you and your kids learn Latin, Amy. I hate that we put so much pressure on families to learn this language. I think the pressure actually makes the task worse. I like to make it as quick and painless as possible.
Let me know if you need more help!
Have a happy Friday!
Dwane Thomas
