Latin or Greek that is the question?????

[happyhomeschooling]

DD showing interest in learning another language. I know thier have been many discussions on this topic, but I have some further questions to anyone with more info on these two languges and if either is appropritate to start teaching to a 6yr old (doing LHFHG) and what are some of the benefits?

My first question is do you teach another lanuguge to a child who has not yet "mastered" reading
english (she is a strong reader but still learning) Second question, is I have read good things about teaching
both Latin and Greek, I was looking for arguments for both, of which one would be better at this age, and or
for future languages. Forgive me if these questions have already been asked in the past
Thanks for taking time to answer.
Lesley

[StillJulie]

I use Latin for Children with my family. Even my 2yo loves listening to the chant CD and chanting along with it.

I think some (quite a bit of the grammar) of it would be over a 6yo's head, but she could start learning the vocabulary easily enough by listening to the chant cd/watching the dvd.

My third grader (8 yo) is the only one that I have do the workbook lessons.

[inHistiming]

bumping up...I know Carrie has done some Greek with her older son...maybe she can suggest something.

[Carrie]

happyhomeschooling,

I'd wait on a formal foreign language instruction until your daughter is a bit more independent in her reading. We use "Hey Andrew, Teach Me Some GreeK" which is very independent and does a good job of slowly, systematically teaching Greek (for the ultimate purpose of reading the New Testament in its original Greek). The same company also has a Latin program. I believe it's called Latin's Not So Tough. Kiddos just do a page a day and there is a full-text answer key.

My boys began Greek when they were in 2nd and 5th grade. They both began the same year with my 2nd grader beginning in Level 1 and my 5th grader beginning in Level 2. My husband decided he wanted to do it along with the boys, which is why we started it that year. Level 1 is very basic, but does help them begin with their Greek letters and a few words. It gets incrementally harder as they go through the levels. We have really enjoyed this program as it doesn't require the parent to know Greek or to learn it along with their kiddos (unless you desire to do so). It is easily complete in 10 minutes or so a day. We schedule with our kiddos personal Bible time.

Blessings,
Carrie

[happyhomeschooling]

Carrie, I so appriciate you taking the time to answer my post! I know you are extremly busy, but I so respect your opinions!
I have just one more question, if you have a chance to answer. I understand that learning Greek is great for reading the Bible in it's origianl Greek, so do you prefer Greek over Latin, Or do you not have a preferance and is it a good idea to teach Greek and Latin at the same time?
Thank you so much for all you do!
Blessing, Lesley

[Mom2Monkeys]

We are teaching Latin this year...I don't really have a preference as far as Greek vs. Latin...it just depends on your end goal. There is so much english grammar and vocab to learn by learning Latin. About 10% of english comes from Greek words as well though and quite a bit from German. I started Prima Latina with my 2nd grader and decided to back off a while and have switched to Power Glide Jr. Latin this year just doing it when we can. I like that it's conversational and makes her think in Latin. I plan to do Song School Latin next year with my Ker and 3rd, then after more recent research, will go one of two routes: For me to learn along with them--Memoria Press- 3rd Roots of English/Prima Latina; 4th-5th Latina Christiana 1; 6th-7th Latina Christiana 2 then ?? OR For more independent learning: 3rd Song School Latin w/brother & Latin's Not so Tough Level 2 til we finish level (6?). I think the end goal of both programs in to read the Vulgate Bible and classics in Latin (Cicero, Homer, etc.) I like Memoria Press b/c there is a DVD teacher so it gets done even if I'm not able to teach!

I don't know much about Greek, but I know that a good foundation in Latin is excellent for studying other languages...if you are rather classically inclined, you'll find they recommend a basic Latin foundation followed by beginning German (or another romance language of your choice) and continuing Latin. I do think we'll study both at some point. I'm sure Greek has similar benefits and the added challenge of an entirely different alphabet to learn which could be rather engaging. I didn't feel confident enough with that myself

I'm sure I've given way more info than you were asking for- I find that my hobby, job, and passions are all the same-- teaching my kids! So easy to talk about

[happyhomeschooling]

I'm sure I've given way more info than you were asking for- I find that my hobby, job, and passions are all the same-- teaching my kids! So easy to talk about

Mom2Monkeys,
Actually I don't think there is any such thing as giving me to much info! You are a sister after my own heart, my passions, my career and hobby too, are teaching my DD! So you are truely a gal after my own heart and I surley appriciate the info.
Thanks for responding, It is always such a blessing for me to gain wisdom from those who have gone before me.
Blessings! Lesley

[Mom2Monkeys]

Actually I don't think there is any such thing as giving me to much info! You are a sister after my own heart, my passions, my career and hobby too, are teaching my DD! So you are truely a gal after my own heart and I surley appriciate the info.
Thanks for responding, It is always such a blessing for me to gain wisdom from those who have gone before me.
Blessings! Lesley

This makes me happy to know I'm not alone in my obsession. I can't get enough of planning ahead for homeschooling. It keeps me encouraged and excited about going on through high school!

I just wanted to add that I should have mentioned that my daughter is a very capable reader. She has been so since age 5 so we were able to start our foreign language early. I have found though that they progress to levels that she's just not ready for maturity wise...so I find it best to wait a little while and just give an intro to the sound language.
That's why I'm going to do Song School Latin with my Ker for K-2 or 3 and save the workbook of it for the last year, playing just the music cd regularly. Plus I might get Memoria Press' Lingua Angelica CD as well. It's beautiful latin singing of prayers the kids will learn in their Latin program. Plus, if you go the Latin route, just know that Ecclesiastical or Christian pronunciation is much easier to learn. We don't worry so much about pronunciation since no native speakers are here to correct us but all the audio that comes with the programs just makes for an easier transition from english to latin if its Ecc./Christian. But that's just my preference!
My planning bug got me again and I was searching more latin options yesterday...I think I like the Canon Press version too...decisions, decisions! LOL

[Carrie]

Tamara did a great job of answering your questions! I wouldn't do both Latin and Greek to start with, as practice with one new language is enough for awhile. I'm not partial to Greek over Latin. We just went with Greek due to my hubby's interest. I'd do whichever you prefer for your kiddos to learn.

Blessings,
Carrie