I have used the middle school levels of this program with great success, but I wasn't aware that they had books for elementary students, as well, until I was doing research for this year's curriculum. I got the Vocabulary from Classical Roots 4 book for my youngest son, who is not ordinarily an independent learner, and he took to it immediately. He easily finishes his week's worth of vocab work in just a day or two (why stretch it out over a whole week, right? LOL). I am finding that the lessons are written in such a way that my 10 yo can understand them on his own...and with four kids, any subject that I don't have to actively teach daily is a big winner!!

My only complaint...and it's very minor...is that the book actually seems a bit short for a full-year program. I actually came to CBD tonight to purchase "the second book" for 4th grade and was surprised to discover that there is no second book. So I guess my son is done with his vocabulary for the year. I kinda wish the program were a little longer, but you know my son's not complaining! And I know he learned a lot, so I shouldn't have any complaints either.

I definitely recommend this program, and we will continue to use it through middle-school and high-school.

Like a previous reviewer said, it is easily done independently, which my 4th grader, who usually needs me by her side to focus, flies through these assignments on her own. They are short and sweet.

Also, the program is 1 semester, not 2. You can do level 5 for your second semester and just go through the books (4-6 and A-F) or choose another elective. I am creating a end of semester "final". If she passes, she is finished with the class for the year. If she stumbles, I'll have her do it again... it is short, sweet, and I am far more concerned that she KNOWS the material and knows it well.

I am very pleased with the product.

I am currently using this series for my 14 and 11 year old children. They are in the process of completing book 4 at the same time. Highly recommend! In general, I prefer the organization of a latin curriculum because the words chosen for each unit are more connected. For example, there are two roots presented in each lesson, and all the words in that lesson have one of the roots in them. I also have used Wordly Wise, and by comparison, WW has less connection between words. If i could go back and do some of my homeschooling years all over again, I would use Vocabulary from Classical Roots during the school year alongside my language arts and math curriculums because its pleasantly predictable, effective, and doesnt require alot of writing. Then, in the summer months, use something like WW that jumps all over the place for words chosen in each unit, and requires more writing to complete the chapters.

In terms of presentation, there is mostly verbal communication for VfCR lessons, and I chose to spread it out over four days. It could easily be done in three, and a high schooler could do it independantly.

First day is introducing the two roots and their corresponding words in that unit. I use the teacher book and read through the questions provided. We practice pronouncing the words, and go over any questions they have. For us, this takes the longest of the four days I spend on each unit. Second day is doing the multiple choice, matching synonyms, finding antonyms, fill in the blank, etc. Super quick! Third day is optional, but if I buy a curriculum, I am going to use it! There is a worksheet provided for extra practice if needed for each unit. I always make a copy, have it ready, and they complete it for the sake of review. Fourth day is test day.

As far as difficulty goes, my 11 year old is doing just fine, and book 4 is designed for her age. My 14 year old is not a self-motivated learner, but cooperates when told to. He does not mind this vocab work, or find it burdensome in any way. He moves through the material faster than my daughter because of age and more school experience. It was the correct decision to start him at the beginning of this program for the sake of a solid foundation. I have already bought books 5 and 6 (with the corresponding teacher edition) so that I have a trustworthy resource ready to go when we need it. Hoping to make it to the end of the VfCR series with all four of my kiddos!