Starting Latin

Do you want to raise kids who are able to think logically and who possess an orderly mind?

Enter Starting Latin. We’ll teach what is typically a somewhat intimidating subject in a way that is accessible to anyone who can read on a 3rd grade level.

By learning Classical Latin, students will gain access to many of the most important works in the history of Christianity and western civilization! Their ability to study the Classics will be maximized. Secondarily, due to the hyper-inflected nature of Classical Latin, it will help foster an orderly way of thinking.

Not only that, but because Latin uses an alphabet that is used in many other languages (including English!), learning Latin can boost your child’s ability to learn foreign languages. What’s more, it will boost their vocabulary in English.

The Cross Formed Kids philosophy spills over into our classical language instruction. Repitition, recitation, and memorization are highly emphasized, taking the place of conventional “exercises” in many cases. Why? Because these combined tools are more fun, more flexible, and more effective. Exercises are provided occasionally to promote repetition. Grammatical definitions in our language courses are precise, paving the way for kids to think logically as both readers and writers.

The Starting Latin course membership will give you access to 15 videos, each between 30 minutes and an hour.

Students should pursue mastery of the following:

English Grammar Fundamentals, Latin Alphabet pronunciations, Basic Vocabulary, Parts of Speech, the noun declensions, and the basics of the Latin Verbal System. 

Families who join will automatically retain access for three years (longer access may be granted upon request) and may use the curriculum with multiple students who live within the same household across that time.

Once per week, video office hours will be provided with a qualified instructor for language students to ask any questions about difficult material. Attendees must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. (This is only included for the first year, but can be extended for a fee)

The goal for each lesson is for it to require minimal preparation on the part of parents. As far as possible, material will be fully covered in the videos, with hand-outs serving only for necessary repetition or for recitation material. 

About the instructor: 

I’m Ryan Coatney (“Coat”), the founder and creator of Cross Formed Kids and the founder and pastor of Grace Story Church in Nashville, TN. I’ve had the opportunity to preach the Bible to tens of thousands of kids as a camp and event speaker, to teach at one of the highest performing schools in the US, and to serve in churches in several states and almost every ministry department. I’ve also had the unbelievable opportunity to spend hundreds of hours studying Biblical Languages under some of the best linguistic minds and Bible scholars in the world. I’m married to Emily, with whom I get to parent 4 little ones. It’s my joy to equip you as parents to become the primary disciple-makers in the lives of your kids.