Minimus Latin Program

Description

The Minimus Latin program for younger children takes a very similar approach as is found in Cambridge Latin (please see description for more details). Students are introduced to basic Latin vocabulary and culture as they follow the adventures of Minimus the mouse throughout the texts. In the Minimus: Starting Out in Latin text, students will meet Minimus and an actual Roman family that lived in Vindolanda in ancient Britain. Each lesson begins with a full-color, illustrated cartoon with Latin dialogue in speech balloons. A short vocabulary list of the Latin words used in the cartoon follows, with English translations so students begin the program able to read the cartoons. A "Grasp the Grammar" section explains the simple Latin grammar used in the dialogue section. The Latin vocabulary taught is also reflected in root-based exercises, where students identify the Latin word they have learned in the lesson within a familiar English word. At this point another Latin cartoon story is included along with accompanying vocabulary, so there are two cartoon stories per chapter. Chapters are rounded out with tidbits of Roman culture in a "Roman Report" and classic Roman myths or stories to enjoy (in English). Most fascinating, however, are the photos of artifacts related to the Roman family that is featured in the text. This almost brings a little archaeology into the classroom too! At the end of each chapter, vocabulary is reviewed. In short, the chapters are constructed very similarly to Cambridge Latin stages but at a much lower level.

While the text is the centerpiece of the program, there are also audio CDs and teacher's resources available. The audio CDs contain performances of the two cartoon dialogues from each lesson, which is helpful in learning the correct pronunciation. If you, as the teacher, have never studied Latin, the Teacher's Resource Guide should be of great help. For each lesson, the teacher's guide includes the English translations of the cartoon stories, background information on the story and Roman subjects of the story, answers or teaching helps for the grammar section, Latin root exercises answers, and suggested cross-curricular extension activities. Each lesson also refers to specific activity sheets, which are included at the back of the teacher's resource. These may be photocopied for the students. A complete glossary of Latin words and a completion certificate are also included in the teacher's resource. Designed as a gentle and entertaining introduction to Latin, this course should be enjoyable for you and your student even if neither of you has any prior experience with Latin. - Jess

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.