There Will Be A $5.00 Charge For Whining: Picta Dicta Natural Road (A Homeschool Review Crew Post)

We've tried a couple of different Latin programs in our years of homeschooling. Most of them have been for the purpose of review. When we first started out I thought a classical education was what my heart was singing for. Then eventually realized that while my heart sang a classical tune, the rest of me was far more relaxed than I had anticipated. That being said, I was really excited to get to review a Latin course from Roman Roads Media called Picta Dicta Natural World.

Before I move on too much into my review, I need to tell you that Roman Roads was extremely generous in providing us three licenses to try out the course. You might have figured out by now that Picta Dicta is unique in that it is an online product and is entirely self-paced. The product is intended for elementary students and up so it is perfect for all kinds folks interested in learning a bit more Latin.

Other than our glimpses into other Latin programs, my experience with Latin is from Indiana Jones and singing in choirs throughout my life. Funny story (and a little bit off the subject). I was a "helper" at co-op this past week in the choir room. When the choir teacher pulled out a particular song I squealed, "Oooo, Latin!" She asked me if I was a Latin teacher (she was worried just in case she was pronouncing something wrong). It must be noted that in choir it is not the exact pronunciation that is most important, but that EVERYBODY is pronouncing the words the same way.

I'm not sure how the rest of the world (meaning all of you) signs up for Picta Dicta Natural World, but I am not going to go into how I got to my profiles...other than it was really easy. I did realize somewhere along the line that I had not completed a step setting up my profile and thus could not figure out what I had done wrong...initially. Never fear.

There is always a friendly customer service person or teenager there to tell you where you went wrong.

This is an extremely helpful video going through the program.

Now it would be super simple for me to tell you all about the program, but I like to see what I'm doing so I thought I would show you how a lesson works.

Now this is an early lesson. Obviously they are get much harder. There are over 200 chapters avaiable...and one or more of us had to do a chapter or two over (and over again).

The first lessons are about animals. This first Chapter is Basic Animals and this portion is from the Learn Latin. We are introduced to each animal and given a little story, folklore or history. For example, war pigs were used to scare the mighty elephants used for battle. I don't know if you know this but pigs can be onery. They aren't all Charlotte. I concure with those elephants. The Latin word appears up in the lefthand corner. When you click on it you hear the pronunciation and repeat it.

After moving through just a few animals, you are quizzed.

Anybody know?

You are taken to a screen where you can choose from six different animals.

Ta-dah!

However, sometimes we just don't pay attention. Mr. "sus" was labeled incorrectly under his turn. Never fear. This program is self-correcting and Mr. "sus" will appear often until the game feels we have mastered his monicker.

Sadly, on this day... scores weren't that high. We are given stars for how well we managed the game. This one little star tells me that possibly someone needs some more practice. The redo icon to the right allows us to do that.

There is also a Latin Picture and Spell Latin with each chapter, as well.

This is such a fun and innovative way to study Latin! It is certainly better for those kids who need extra repetition and some hands-on experiences. Which pretty much sums up the entirety of my household. Adults included.

For those of you who are worried about the "pen to paper" aspect of a curriculum, there is free downloadable workbook.

I love that the program adapts to each student and gives us plenty of time and opportunity to make mistakes. It is certainly worth your time to check it out. I don't think you will be disappointed!

I also have to say that the artwork in the program is really lovely. Just an aside, but I think you'll agree.