Common, or Koine Greek is an interesting language, the one spoken during Biblical times. But, it’s not one I thought I’d be teaching the kids (or learning myself). At least, not until I received a copy of the Hey, Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek! – Level 2 Set from Greek ‘n’ Stuff.
Designed for use with children in second grade and up, the first seven weeks of lessons focus on learning and reviewing the letters in the Greek alphabet. The remaining 23 weeks introduce some key vocabulary words. Altogether, this level teaches six nouns, four verbs, and a conjunction. These words form the basis of lessons used to learn beginning Greek grammar in the next level of the program.
What’s Included?
The set I received included several components. I got a worktext (pictured above), an answer key, and a CD. On the CD, you’ll find:
- The Alphabet Song
- The Reader (an audio version of a Biblical Greek Primer)
- Level One Pronunciation Guide
- Level Two Pronunciation Guide
The answer key was the “Answers Only” version. You’ll find page numbers and answers. The company also has a Full Text Key available if you prefer to see whole pages with answers.
In the back of the worktext are flashcards to cut. Printed on regular paper, these aren’t too sturdy as is. However, there is a set of flashcards on a ring you can buy, printed on card stock.
Also, the author suggests gluing the flashcards onto index cards. I agree with this tip! Otherwise they won’t hold up well, especially if you use them for games.
How We Used It
Consumable, the worktext is for a single student. I had my second grader use it. Some of my other kids joined in the games we played with the flashcards. Everyone also listened to the pronunciation guide on the CD.
I recommend you listen to the audio first! I made the mistake of not using it for the first few letters, and realized I was pronouncing one incorrectly. It’s much easier to practice if you say it correctly from the get go, because then you don’t have to go back and reteach. 😀
If your kids are getting bored with practicing, try some flash card games. You can:
- Hide the cards around the room and have the kids find them and read them
- Set up an obstacle course with a card at each station. Have the kids read the card and then do that part of the course
- Play a memory game (if you glue the front of the flash card to one card and the back to another).
- Do a rapid-fire game, where the child tries to name each as quickly as possible
- Set the cards out letter side up and let the child throw a ball onto them, reading the one the ball lands on
- Hitting each card with a sticky hand after reading it
What I Thought of the Product
We’re still working on the alphabet, since the text recommends not moving on in the lessons until the student masters the previous one. We’re taking it slowly, but we are learning the letters in the Greek alphabet.
I like the length of each lesson in the worktext. It’s not overwhelming for a younger elementary child. I also like the frequent emphasis on review. Several weeks of lessons are purely review.
There’s a good range of activities in the worktext. The student gets to write the letters, match the correct letter, and letter name, color the correct letter, circle the correct letter, and complete patterns with letters. There’s enough variety it doesn’t seem repetitive.
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I thought the material was appropriate for young learners, and we had a good time beginning to learn Greek!
Want to learn about other products from Greek ‘n’ Stuff? Click on the banner to read what other Crew members thought of their more advanced Greek program and Bible studies.
