Looking at Latin: A Grammar for Pre-college
This is possibly the most user-friendly Latin grammar ever published. Designed for middle and upper school students,Looking at Latinis a graphically rich reference that will definitely appeal to visual learners. Anna uses text boxes, flow charts, memory mapping, typography, color coding and humorous illustrations to maximum effect. Organized by grammatical topic,Looking at Latinis easily navigated and compatible with any Latin textbook program. The appendices provide a traditional summary of grammar. I have no doubt that college and university Latin students will want their own copies too!This is a reference book that your students will use. My only complaint is that it is paperback, but a hardbound cover would have added considerably to the weight of this 288 page book. I would recommend laminating or reinforcing the cover because this book will see some serious action! --Sharon Kazmierski, The Classical OutlookSpectacular! Grammar Right Before Your EyesLooking at Latin, a pre college Grammar by Anna Andresian, presents all the pieces of Latin grammar in visually engaging diagrams and cartoons.The diagrams, arrows, boxes, color, and formulas to explain the pattern all combine to render even the most complex structures comprehensible.Not only are the demonstrations energetic and clear, but the additional features of the book make it fun and easy to use. Both the complete index and the subject headings at the top and bottom of each page make any topic easy to find.The lessons are organized completely and logically but can be used in any order. The comprehensiveness of each grammatical category makes the book useful for later review.A set of these books in the classroom would add to the enjoyment of learning Latin and allow the teacher to concentrate more on reading. Any Latin students going further with their study will likely want their own copy for references. Even though the book is designed for middle school through high school students, college students will enjoy the light-hearted, campy humor and will welcome the guide to easier understanding.The illustrations add not only color and humor, but also contribute to the diversity of the modern world. In addition, the book presents a diversity of cultures. The dynamic presentation in this book makesLooking at Latinfun and engaging. --Vicki Wine, Lecturer, Department of Classics, Monmouth College'The goal of these pages is to provide students with essential form paradigms and grammatical explanations, comprehensive example sentences, and useful hints, all arranged in a visually appealing and unintimidating layout whose primary objective is clarity. It is my hope that this book will help students both learn and review Latin grammar and that it will enhance their ability to find answers and clarify confusion independently.' These words from the Preface express every language instructor's goal and methodology. At a time and in a cultural climate that so little values methodical instruction in grammar, the Latin teacher is all the more challenged to find ways and means to inculcate this essential aspect of a classical and highly inflected language. Moreover, with the 'reading method' holding sway in most pre-collegiate Latin classrooms, finding the time and tools to reinforce the grammar and syntax necessary to progress and understanding becomes of paramount importance in our pedagogy. Anna Andresian brings toLooking at Latin(LL) years of experience teaching Latin, clear insight into the language, and a creative enthusiasm for making the 'medicine' of Latin grammar as palatable as possible.When considering the potential usefulness of LL, it is important to note that the text is intended for middle and secondary school students: details beyond what is essential to a pre-collegiate curriculum are omitted. The 'guts' of Latin grammar are still here, presented logically and in a visually attractive-if necessarily simplistic-manner. Interested students (and teachers) can always find the 'deeper truths' of Latin grammar by excavating one of the larger reference works.The material in LL is arranged topically and in categories. There is no particular order-although the natural logic of moving from substantives to verbal elements is followed-so LL can be used to support any of the common textbooks. The Table of Contents is the source for topics and order of presentation. Such preliminary but essential matters as Noun Terminology, Agreement of Adjectives, and Verb Terminology are clearly and concisely introduced. Forms are laid out carefully in charts with boldface, color, and other devices used to highlight key and distinguishing features. Relevant exceptions to the rules are noted with helpful mnemonics (if available) and occasional examples. The author is thankfully aware of and sensitive to the more rarefied aspects of Latin grammar and endeavors to present such perennial challenges as participles, indirect statement, the subjunctive, and conditionals clearly and logically. Appendices of full paradigms complement and complete the text. In its presentation of the necessary forms and functions of Latin grammar and syntax ever likely to be encountered by pre-collegiate students, LL is commendable for its thoroughness and clarity.The goal of Latin pedagogy is naturally to move from objective presentation of the grammar to internal acquisition, apprehension and progressive expertise in translation. Consistent with this goal, the text is replete with features to enable and enhance visual learning. On each page, material relevant to the grammatical topic is presented in flowchart fashion; crucial elements, terms, and concepts are highlighted with arrows, boxes, stars, and scrolls; short Latin sentences (with literal English translation) illustrating the topic are provided; the sentences and colorful cartoons mix Roman and a wide variety of modern cultural themes with a light touch, all intended both to illustrate the grammar and keep youthful attention. Potential vocabulary issues seem obviated by the clear translations of the Latin examples. --Wallace Ragan, St. Albans School, The Classical Outlook