Memoria Press' First Form Latin curriculum was written by Cheryl Lowe, author of the best selling Latina Christiana. Mrs. Lowe's simple but effective texts have been used by more than 100,000 students across the world to learn Latin.

Based on twenty years of teaching experience, this revolutionary "grammar-first" series will be your guide as you and your students successfully climb the mountain of Latin Grammar all the way to the top! The uniqueness of the First Form Series lies in two features:

1. It is committed to the trivium model of teaching grammar systematically in order to facilitate retention and understanding, rather than topically, to facilitate translation.
2. Extensive workbook exercises ensure skills mastery and rapid recognition of inflected forms.

Features include:

• Designed for students and teachers with no Latin background
• 8x8 inch student text, small, concise, unintimidating with 34 two-page lessons on facing uncluttered pages
• Limited vocabulary of 185 words
• Full-size student workbook with 4-6 pages of exercises per lesson
• Vocabulary derivatives and detailed explanations of Latin sayings.
• Grammar catechism for daily rapid-fire review
• Milestone markers for each grammar objective
• Everything-you-could-possibly-need teacher manual
  • Organized for easy access
  • Student Text inset with answers in color
  • Chalk-talk scripted lessons
  • Recitation schedule
  • Pronunciation reminders
  • Workbook with key
  • Unit tests and lesson quizzes booklet
  • FYI section for extra background

First Form’s grammar-first approach focuses on grammar forms and vocabulary because those are the grammar stage skills suitable for the grammar stage student. However, the First Form Series is for students of all ages because all beginners, regardless of age, are in the grammar stage of learning. Syntax (how to use the grammar) and translation are logic and rhetoric stage skills, respectively, and quickly overwhelm the student unless they are introduced at a slow, gentle pace and taught for mastery. First Form is the ideal text for all beginners, grades 5 & up, or is a great follow-up to Latina Christiana I at any age. Now every school and homeschool can have a truly successful Latin program that creates Latin scholars rather than Latin drop-outs

After mastering First Form, the student will have a solid grasp on the six indicative active tenses of the first two verb conjugations, five noun declensions, first and second declension adjectives, and 185 vocabulary words.

Join our First Form Yahoo group to share your ideas and suggestions with other First Form teachers. Downloadable lesson plans and other teacher resources are available in the group's files section.

other popular picks:

Latina Christiana I	Prima Latina	Famous Men of Rome	Book of Roots

• I finished Latina Christiana I. Should I go on to First Form or Latina Christiana II?
  If you plan to continue your Latin studies for several years, we recommend First Form after Latina Christiana I. First Form contains just the right amount of review and will provide a four year course (First, Second, Third, Fourth Forms) to tie directly into Henle II.
  
• I am in the middle of Latina Christiana II. Should I switch to First Form.
  Typically no. Finish Latina Christiana II and then move to Second Form Latin which will be available in 2010.
• I just started Henle I. Should I switch to First Form?
  If you are having success with Henle I. Stick with it. Henle is a great program. If your child needs more thorough explanation or a slower pace, First Form is for you.

"My guys are amazed that the Student text is so small - they feel like the work is presented in bite-sized pieces, that they can take in - there is not too much information presented at one time... As I said, I was quite reluctant to change programmes, but I'm glad I did! It is well laid out, presents the information in bite-sized pieces, has a good amount of review and worksheets for each lesson, and explains the grammar and information very well. I think it fits perfectly with the motto as on the cover:, "Docere, Delectare, Movere." Linda in Australia

"I am also beta testing First Form Latin, the new middle school Latin program from Memoria Press. It is fabulous. It covers the material of Henle I in a much more systematic way and has lots of drill to master that grammar. The layout is also superior to Henle and will be easier for younger kids.... It really is an awesome program." Angelina in Louisiana

"We have been enjoying the journey through Latina Christiana I & II and First Form and are looking forward to going through all the Forms using your excellent materials. I investigated several other programs and none were intuitive enough. The DVDs, the games, the songs, the saying, the focus on grammar with less vocabulary, all make it so much easier to teach and learn. Latin is now fun! Thank you so much for developing these courses." - Rez, First Form Group

• Updated First Form Pronuncation Guide (mp3 audio)
• First Form first edition corrections here