Cambridge Latin (5th Edition)

Description

The new 5th edition of this program features print student readers with digital access (code packaged with book) and a completely online Teacher’s Edition. This program brings the culture (and language) to life for the reader. Latin vocabulary is injected into the storyline about the people of Ancient Rome and listed at the end of the lesson. In this edition, recent research and more coverage of the women of the era are included. Cambridge Latin is a good option for a high school student with no prior Latin instruction.

Student online content includes an interactive version of the textbook including audio stories, vocabulary and grammar activities/quizzes, video introductions, story dramatizations and cultural documentaries. There is quite a bit of English used in Unit 1, as this is Latin for the beginner. The online access is easy to sign into and navigate.

The online Teacher Manual provides course and lesson planning outlines, teaching information, assessment suggestions, storyline summaries, commentary and diagnostic tests. If this approach interests you but you have younger students, check out Minimus: Starting Out in Latin.

Counting Latin for a high school credit is not always clear cut, but in this case, it is best to count time spent on the course. A typical expectation is 3 times a week, for 30-45 minutes per class session. It can be a foreign language credit or an elective credit – though it is always best to check with your state or a local college for specifics. With this program, a student has the flexibility to move at their own pace. One may complete 1 Unit in a school year, or all 4 in one year. That sounds unusual, and it is. Cambridge Latin is light on grammar. Classroom teachers will often add Wheelock Latin (for their hefty grammar) to Cambridge’s engaging story format. Online access covers all 4 units and you will have to repurchase this to extend the course past 1 year. 

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.