Minimus or Prima Latina for dd8?

[gratefulmother]

I have looked at both the Minimus and Prima Latina websites and am not sure which direction to go. Minimus looked cute, but I didn't find a good description of the skills covered. While Prima Latina looked very comprehensive and appropriately paced for a young child, would it be ... boring, compared to Minimus?

 

Sorry if this is an unfair representation of the programs. It is just what I was able to pick up from the websites. Could anyone who has used either program tell me a little more? Thanks so much!

[inashoe]

We have used Prima Latina and then go onto LC 1 and LC 2.

My dc have never found it boring. My two who have used it are ds who is not strong in anything that involves writing, remembering vocab, grammar etc, and dd who happily writes, remembers vocab, finds grammar a breeze, etc. They both used this program with equal success.

 

We use the DVD's, while helpful, it is not essential for PL. The DVDs were perhaps most useful for ds who is an auditory learner, but dd would have managed quite fine without them.

 

My dc and I really enjoy the prayers and hymns. We listen to the on the CD quite often. Very pleasant.

Both are enjoying their growing latin skills, and coming across Latin derivatives in everyday language, incl ds despite his being not so strong in grammar.

We are happy with this program, so we have never looked into any other latin program.

[Snickerdoodle]

We have both Minimus and Prima Latina and I say neither.

 

We are currently using Lively Latin for my 7yo and this is what I would recommend. ;)

[clwcain]

Both programs have different goals and objectives, and pursue those through different means.

 

Determining the goals, objectives, and acceptable means for you and your children should simplify the decision.

 

HTH

[lionfamily1999]

We're really enjoying Prima Latina. Ds loves it and I'm learning at the same time ;)

[Chris in VA]

I've looked at both and used Prima. I wish I could combine the two! We will be finishing Prima next year (dd still retains some of the info, which must mean something good), and then we may play around with Minimus before going on to Lively Latin.

[Heather in Neverland]

We did combine the two and it worked out great! We did two weeks of PL then a week of Minimus and so on.

[Mogster]

We tried both Minimus and Prima. Minimus gave a cute introduction to Latin, but it was sort of scattered, and Prima was very dull and tedious. This year, my 8yr old ds has been doing Lively Latin and loving it. I find it easy to teach and the lessons are quick and well planned out.

 

http://www.livelylatin.com/site/index.php

[sandra in va]

We're adding in Minimus to LC1 with my 3rd grade son this year. I think it has been good b/c he has already been introduced to some of the grammar forms in LC1. I think the Minimus/MP combo is a good one - the Minimus adds in more reading and cultural info. And it is fun. :)

 

I think you could just start with LC1 with your 3rd grader, esp. if you go slow - you could take 3 years to do LC1 and LC2 adding in Minimus.

Edited February 20, 2009 by sandra in va

[Guest sunshine2]

anyone have a minimus teacher guide for sale? Just got the book for my 12 yo & there is no english translation. can't see the point in paying lots for a teacher guide that is geared toward little ones. I got it as a reader. Have decided to go with Getting started with Latin by Wm. Linney. I am impressed. My son is catching on quickly & enjoys it. All the lessons are in a paperback book to purchase $17), but all the lessons & audio are available for free downloads.

[chanda7]

With Minimus, you can translate 95 percent using the phrases given throughout the book. We occasionally have to look up a word in a basic Latin dictionary (there are some on-line as well).