Product Reviews -- English from the Roots Up!

Here is a great product that is popular among homeschoolers. This product could be adapted for any child. This product is designed for 2nd grade and up, but I think it could be used with an interested child that is slightly younger. One idea would be to introduce a new word every weekend.

When I was in high school I took a year of Latin. This was not by choice, and I was always looking for proof that my mother had made a grave educational mistake on my behalf. I had plenty of fuel. I hated the teacher, it never made any sense, the other kids in that class don't like me. A new complaint each day. My mother held fast to her position that I would do better on the SAT. I would learn not to give up on things. I would be around the creme of the crop students in my high school. I would be an awesome speller. At the very least, I would thank her later!

Whether it was my bad attitude, or a true lack of ability we will never know, but I have images of that report card with the big fat 'F' emblazoned in my brain. I still fail to see much value in the year I spent in that class. Despite the 'F', I actually learned a few things. But, I couldn't help but wonder if there was an easier, quicker way to get the benefit of Latin without 'attempting' to learn the entire language.

So, there you have my bias.

I had put the whole ordeal out of my mind until I began to homeschool. Latin instruction is big with homeschoolers. I began to pity the little ones who were forced, as I was, to learn Latin. The curriculum vendors at the homeschool fairs were soaking up this trend. I later spoke with a fellow homeschooler about her decision to teach her children Latin. She had the same reasons that my mother had years prior. However, after hearing her kids speak Latin, and learning how it fit into the classical approach to homeschooling, I came to really respect Latin instruction. I was turning into my mom!

Then, at a later curriculum fair, I found an awesome product. English from the Roots Up spoke to me. This approach gives all the benefit of Latin (and Greek) without learning the entire language. It is a powerful punch of the essentials needed to 'decode' the English language, as opposed to a slow language learning approach that may prove daunting for home teacher and student.

I am using English from the Roots Up with all three of my boys. They love it! They really enjoy working on a subject together. I have noticed improved spelling for my 6th grader, awesome standardized test score for my 8th grader, and outstanding clarity in word meaning for my 2nd grader. They can't wait for me to introduce a new Root of the week. I watch them hunting for opportunities in their other subjects to decode the meanings of new words.

The book offers 100 color coded root words(Red=Latin, Green=Greek) with examples of the root in many words. Very soon, you have several roots to link together. My 6th grader described it as building vocabulary houses. For example, when we learned that 'tele' means distant, far away, the kids were excited to point out the many times they have seen this root in their daily lives. But when we learned that 'scope' means to see, the light bulb lit up. 'Telescope', a device used to see things far away! Eureka! Soon there was 'telephoto', 'telephone'... The light bulb moments are too numerous to count these days.

As I said earlier, we introduce a new root word each week. I give prizes when my kids notice the root in their reading, and properly decode a new word. The English from the Roots Up Flash Cards make this approach much easier. I tack the card to the wall so they can see it all week. The cards follow the book exactly with color coded borders to match the language (Latin, or Greek), the root on the front and several examples on the back. I highly recommend purchasing both components.

Judging by my kids success and continued enthusiasm, this product gets an A+. If you are considering full Latin instruction, I highly recommend taking a look at this program first. I wish my mother had!

(also available: English form the Roots Up, Volume 2)