Why begin Latin before 4th grade?

[Jane]

Forgive my cluelessness, but is there really any benefit to beginning Latin before the 4th grade? I would love to hear from BTDT moms. :)

 

TIA.

[74Heaven]

And for the children to get to go ''deep'' in Latin in junior high and high school. Starting in 2nd or 3rd grade is great because it coincides with their grammar studies and really cements grammar concepts such as parts of speech, sentences patterns. Latin gives children a headstart in truly ''understanding'' English grammar.

 

I think Latin teaches great logic skills as children advance in Latin and particularly as they translate sentences.

 

Another great reason that we like to start Latin in the early elementary grades is that we think it is a vocabulary enhancer. Especially for kids who read far ahead of standard grade levels, Latin gives them one more tool, in addition to context to figure out what unfamiliar words mean. Along the same lines, there are many Latin phrases and quotes in books that children encounter - or in their study of U.S. history. When they learn these in Latin, they have a better grasp and memory when they see them again in books and history studies.

 

I started Latin about 5-6 years ago because of WTM and my research into homeschooling convincing me it was the ''right thing to do'' - I did it dragging my feet and complaining. But it has turned out to be a great benefit to their education for my dtrs.

 

HTH

LJ

[EKS]

We're doing Lively Latin now (2nd grade) so that we can go at a gentle pace. My son is a fluent reader and generally good at language arts so we don't have to focus much energy there. He's really enjoying it

[Jane]

Thanks, ladies. Oddly, I found my answer in the similar thread recommendation (below) titled "Does anyone leave Latin until 4th grade or later?" :)