This book is not too long, and is written in a pleasant, easily-understood style. The pre-Jacques Cartier era in Canada is described clearly in general terms, and a reader who has thoughtfully read the text from cover to cover and completed the assignments will have a good picture of the setting which served as the backdrop to events following 1524. This book was first published in 1915, and accurately represents the scholarship and attitudes of the time. It contains informative and interesting information, and also some outdated generalizations, which makes it an excellent choice for learning about historical facts, and about how history is ‘told’. Contents Six chapters, each followed by: • 15 basic reading comprehension questions (to reinforce the facts) • Suggested research topic (to inspire critical thinking and curiosity) Food for Thought, a collection of excerpts from the main text, each accompanied by a short explanation of relevant themes and ideas about how history is told, etc. Following the explanation there are questions that require the student to think critically about what they just read and about history in general. A blank map of Canada, which can be used to make a visual representation of what was learned in the book

About This Book ‘By Canadian Streams’ was first published in 1909. Each short chapter describes notable historic events that took place on one of Canada’s most well-known rivers. The author’s affection for waterways shines through his writing. As a result, reading this book makes for a gentle and interesting introduction to many famous names and places in Canada. In addition to Burpee’s own writing, most chapters begin with a short poetic excerpt by a renowned Canadian poet. Although this is a history book, the overall effect is to peak the curiosity and enthusiasm of the reader, and introduce them to some of Canada’s remarkable landscapes and historic moments. Contents This book was originally written in 8 chapters, with an introduction. For study purposes, it has been divided into 11 short sections, each no more than 5 pages long. After every section there are 10 reading comprehension questions about the text, which the student may answer as they read or after reading the previous section. These questions are meant to help the student to remember and understand important facts. There are also at least two questions under the heading ‘Examining the Details’. These ask that the student find a specific small segment of the text which has been put in italics (page numbers are also given) and answer pointed questions about that small piece of writing. These questions focus on writing style, word choice, intent and tone. Their purpose is to encourage the student to think critically about how history is written. After the main text and assignments, there is a blank map of Canada, which should be used by the student to make a visual representation of what they have learned from reading and thinking about ‘By Canadian Streams’. There are also two ‘study sheets’ that can be used to do simple research about a handful of Canadian poets (those whose work is sampled here) and the origins of the names of a few of Canada’s waterways.

‘Hearne’s Incredible Overland Journey’ is the second chapter of Stephen Leacock’s ‘Adventurers of the Far North’, which contains accounts of the historic voyages to the northern regions of what is now Canada. This chapter describes the three amazing overland journeys made by Samuel Hearne on behalf of the Hudson’s Bay Company, in search of a copper mine and a Northwest Passage. Though neither was found, Hearne’s adventures, as recounted in his own journal in detail (and quoted in Leacock’s book), became an iconic account of northern survival. It also offers descriptions of encounters with First Nations that provide unique food for thought, as they reveal the widely varied behaviours of these people toward one another and toward Europeans. The tone of the writing is neither formal nor chatty, but invites the reader to take an interest in a topic for which the author evidently had a genuine passion. Contents This book contains chapter two from ‘Adventurers of the Far North’. For study purposes, it has been divided into 12 short sections, each 1-3 pages long. After every section there are: 10 reading comprehension questions about the text, to be answered after reading that section. These are meant to help the student to remember and understand important facts. at least 2 questions under the heading ‘Thinking About the Details’. These ask that the student find a specific small segment of the text which has been underlined (page numbers are given) and answer pointed questions about that small piece of writing. These questions focus on writing style, word choice, intent and tone. Sometimes the student may be asked to verify facts. The purpose is to encourage the student to think critically about history and historical writing. After the main text and assignments there is a blank map of Canada, which can be used by the student to make a visual representation of what they have learned from reading and thinking about ‘Hearne’s Incredible Overland Journey’.

About This Book ‘Great Elizabethan Navigators’ is the first chapter of ‘Adventurers of the Far North’, which contains accounts of the historic voyages to the northern regions of what is now Canada. This chapter describes the earliest quests to find a ‘Northwest Passage’ by European explorers such as Frobisher and Davis. Leacock explains the political and business reasons for the men’s journeys, and also gives short but interesting accounts of the voyages themselves, in some cases referring to journals as first-hand sources. These are short histories, but they are thorough. A student will be familiar with major dates, events and personalities after working through each text. The tone of the writing is neither formal nor chatty, but invites the reader to take an interest in a topic for which the author evidently had a genuine passion. Contents This book contains chapter one from ‘Adventurers of the Far North’. For study purposes, it has been divided into 6 short sections, each roughly 3 pages long. After every section there are 10 reading comprehension questions, which the student may answer as they read or after reading the previous section. These questions are meant to help the student to remember and understand important facts. There are also at least two questions under the heading ‘Thinking About the Details’. These ask that the student find a specific small segment of the text which has been underlined (page numbers are given) and answer pointed questions about that small piece of writing. These questions focus on writing style, word choice, intent and tone. Sometimes the student may be asked to verify facts. The purpose is to encourage the student to think critically about history and historical writing. After the main text and assignments there is a blank map of Canada, which can be used by the student to make a visual representation of what they have learned from reading and thinking about ‘Great Elizabethan Navigators’.

Improve your reading, practise asking questions, do extra work focussing on verbs in the Präteritum, and practise your declension skills - all while enjoying a unique German fairy tale! Plot Summary A mother of seven children makes a pancake that suddenly begins to speak. It leaps out of the frying pan in an attempt to escape. As the pancake rolls through the village, it discovers that, unfortunately, many creatures would like to gobble it up. At last it encounters a pig who offers to give it a ride across a stream to freedom. Will it finally be free, or is it a trick? This story is divided into five short sections. For each section there are basic assignments and bonus assignments. Teachers may pick and choose which assignments to use. Detailed instructions are included. Basic Assignments: · a chart in which to translate unfamiliar vocabulary and identify parts of speech · three statements that are ‘answers’, for which the student will write the questions · a short assignment to practise parsing individual words (answer key provided) Bonus Assignments: · for each section, learn to conjugate 3 verbs from the story in the Präteritum (14 verbs in total) · Explore extra Grammar topics (using other materials such as a dictionary or Grammar reference): Ordinalzahlen, the difference between essen and fressen, the difference between wollen and möchten, the difference between das and dass, the use of um . . . zu. Further assignments apply to the full story, including a ‘Fill in the Blanks’ quiz, discussion, and more exercises focussing on verbs. Note: Students who work through the Märchen series in numerical order will be challenged by progressively more difficult texts and assignments. For each story, a different part of speech is given special attention. Der Pfannkuchen puts a special emphasis on verbs in the Präteritum. It is suitable for students who can figure out the meaning of a variety of sentence structures, and are learning the Präteritum.

Improve your reading, practise asking questions, do extra work focussing on Adjektive and Adverbien, and practise your declension skills - all while enjoying a unique German fairy tale! Plot Summary Three lazy young men living in the city of Bonn find they are unable to sleep as much as they want to because their relatives repeatedly wake them up. One of them says that he knows of a cave where they could go, where they will never be disturbed again. They leave Bonn, find the cave, and finally sleep as much as they have always wanted to. Every seven years, one of them wakes up and says something. Who might be interested in this excruciatingly slow conversation? This story is divided into four short sections. For each section there are basic assignments and bonus assignments. Teachers may pick and choose which assignments to use. Detailed instructions are included. Basic Assignments: · a chart in which to translate unfamiliar vocabulary and identify parts of speech · three statements that are ‘answers’, for which the student will write the questions · a short assignment to practise parsing individual words (answer key provided) Bonus Assignments: · practise using 18 Adjektive and 12 Adverbien through simple declension assignments and by writing sentences. In some cases, it may be necessary to use other materials (such as a dictionary). Further assignments apply to the full story, including a ‘Fill in the Blanks’ quiz, discussion, and more exercises using Adjektive and Adverbien. Note: Students who work through the Märchen series in numerical order will be challenged by progressively more difficult texts and assignments. For each story, a different part of speech is given special attention. Die Drei Schläfer puts a special emphasis on Adjektive and Adverbien. It is suitable for students who can figure out the meaning of a variety of sentence structures, and are learning the Präteritum.

Improve your reading, practise asking questions, do extra work focussing on Präpositionen, and practise your declension skills - all while enjoying a unique German fairy tale! Plot Summary A giant visits a fisherman and his family, and challenges the poor man to a game of chess. They bet on the game, using the poor man’s son as a wager. The fisherman loses the game, and the boy’s mother is distraught, so the giant decides to offer the family a way to keep their child. If they can hide the boy so well that the giant cannot find him, they can keep him. Will the child remain safe with his parents, or leave with the giant? This story is divided into five short sections. For each section there are basic assignments and bonus assignments. Teachers may pick and choose which assignments to use. Detailed instructions are included. Basic Assignments: · a chart in which to translate unfamiliar vocabulary and identify parts of speech · three statements that are ‘answers’, for which the student will write the questions · a short assignment to practise parsing individual words (answer key provided) Bonus Assignments: · use 10 prepositions correctly within various phrases · Explore extra Grammar topics (using other materials such as a dictionary or Grammar reference): herein/dahin, darauf/daraus, auf as part of a trennbar verb, ‘Dativ or Akkusativ ‘rule for in and auf, ‘Dativ or Akkusativ ‘rule for an, hinter, unter and vor. Further assignments apply to the full story, including a ‘Fill in the Blanks’ quiz, discussion, and more exercises using prepositions. Note: Students who work through the Märchen series in numerical order will be challenged by progressively more difficult texts and assignments. For each story, a different part of speech is given special attention. Der Riese und Das Kind puts a special emphasis on Präpositionen. It is suitable for students who can figure out the meaning of a variety of sentence structures, and are learning the Präteritum.

Les tempêtes de neige, qui se produisent rarement dans les plaines de la France, et n’y sont guère dangereuses, sont, au contraire, fréquentes et terribles dans les montagnes et dans les plaines désolées des régions polaires . . . Put on your warmest sweater, and brace yourself! Here you will read about thermometers, storms, ice, extreme temperatures, natural drama, and historical accounts about famous people and places that were witness to winter’s ‘blast’! Two of the ten selections also focus on extreme heat. This advanced-level French workbook contains excerpts from ‘Les Grands Froids’, written in 1880 by Émile Bouant. Each 1-2 page reading selection is followed by five comprehension questions and a chart for vocabulary. There are also two bonus readings and assignments.

Here are 78 days of guided French writing practise for intermediate students. For each day, the student is given eight words. The student is also given a sentence ‘type’, for example, ‘a simple sentence in the present tense’ or ‘a sentence containing the word donc’. A brief grammatical explanation (when necessary) and one or more examples follow. The ‘type’ of sentence remains the same for three days in a row. Continue to practise writing that ‘type‘ of sentence, using the new list of words for each day. Students may begin at the beginning and complete the exercises in consecutive order, or teachers may choose a ‘style’ and assign it. Teachers may, of course, add additional parameters to each assignment (such as ‘donc’, using the imparfait). These short assignments allow students with a good foundation knowledge of French to make diligent, regular efforts to write. By following the guidelines, students will practise writing within specific boundaries of style and vocabulary, helping to avoid boredom and repetition in their composition. It only takes one day to begin, and before long, you will have completed an incredible 78 days of writing French sentences!

‘Dignity. Always dignity.’ Each ‘At The Movies’ selection is a movie that is both enjoyable to watch, and a good starting-place to explore important topics. High school students can expand on their analytical and writing skills by answering questions, writing plot summaries and character descriptions, and pondering upon important, far-reaching themes in discussion or essay-writing assignments. About the movie: Singin’ In The Rain Don Lockwood is a successful movie star, and Kathy Selden is just starting out. They meet when he flees a crowd and ends up hitching a ride with her. Sparks fly, and it seems that their first impressions will never be overcome. As both of them navigate the ups and downs of show business, they continue to bump into each other. Don’s best friend Cosmo Brown, a composer, and Lina Lamont, the star everyone thinks Don is in love with but whom he can’t stand, are also never far from trouble. Movies are just about to change from silent pictures to ‘talkies’ and not everyone’s career will stand the shift. Will Don and Kathy stay true to each other amidst the chaos, or will the demands of show business overwhelm their personal values and friendships? Rating: G (imdb.com) / Date of release: 1952 / Language: English / Subtitles: no / Country: U. S. A. / Purchase: Youtube, Amazon, Etc. Note: The movie must be procured separately.

Description ‘Fate be changed, look inside. Mend the bond torn by pride.’ Each ‘At The Movies’ selection is a movie that is both enjoyable to watch, and a good starting-place to explore important topics. High school students can expand on their analytical and writing skills by answering questions, writing plot summaries and character descriptions, and pondering upon important, far-reaching themes in discussion or essay-writing assignments. About the movie: Brave This story takes place in historical Scotland, in a dark ages landscape of castle and countryside. Merida is the only daughter of a king, and despite her mother’s attempts to train her to be a ‘lady’ she lives for the freedom to ride her beloved horse, practise archery, and observe the gambits of her naughty triplet brothers. When it comes time for her to submit to an arranged marriage, she rebels, convinced that it is her mother who should change her ways, and not Merida herself. Guided – or misled? – by the mystical presence of will-o’-the-wisps in the forest, she encounters a witch, who grants Merida’s request for a spell that should fix everything. As supernatural events unfold, Merida learns whether magic can truly help her create the future she wants, or whether it is up to Merida alone to find her true fate. Rating: PG / Date of release: 2012 / Language: English / Country: U. S. A. / Purchase: Disney+ or Amazon Notes: This movie contains no explicit content of any nature. There are some scenes that are intentionally creepy and some that are intentionally dramatic, and there is quite a bit of cartoon action-violence. It has a happy end.

‘Eating bitter lets you taste sweet.’ Each ‘At The Movies’ selection is a movie that is both enjoyable to watch, and a good starting-place to explore important topics. High school students can expand on their analytical and writing skills by answering questions, writing plot summaries and character descriptions, and pondering upon important, far-reaching themes in discussion or essay-writing assignments. About the movie: Iron and Silk Set in the 1980’s, when China was just beginning to open to foreigners from the west, this story is based on real events lived by the main character, who plays himself. It had always been Mark’s dream to travel to China, and he is thrilled to finally be offered a job there as an English teacher. This martial arts cult classic follows Mark as he encounters cultural differences between himself and his students, finds himself studying with one of the best martial arts teachers in China (Grand Master Pan, also played by himself) and experiences the simple unpredictable moments of someone living abroad – those chance encounters and heart-warming gestures that make the most poignant memories. Rating: PG / Date of release: 1990 / Language: English / Country: U. S. A. and China / Subtitles: Occasionally (Most of the movie in English) / Purchase: Youtube (free) Note: The movie can be viewed for free online.

‘The child lives.’ Each ‘At The Movies’ selection is a movie that is both enjoyable to watch, and a good starting-place to explore important topics. High school students can expand on their analytical and writing skills by answering questions, writing plot summaries and character descriptions, and pondering upon important, far-reaching themes in discussion or essay-writing assignments. About the movie: The Court Jester It is the height of the Middle Ages and the throne of England has been usurped by an ill-intended pretender. The real heir, a mere babe, still lives, guarded by a group of Robin Hood-type outlaws led by the Black Fox. Amidst their motley crew are Hawkins, a carnival performer who has been assigned to take care of the royal baby, and ‘The Captain’, Maid Jean, who leads the men in their military forays. When it becomes necessary for someone to enter the castle undercover, the two are thrown together with the baby in tow. Nothing goes according to plan, and while Hawkins poses as the Court Jester, Jean finds herself amidst the peasant women rounded up for the king’s entertainment. Once in the castle, complications multiply, as several of the king’s lords plot revenge, the king’s daughter develops a crush on Hawkins, a witch casts spells left and right to try to make things go her way, Hawkins misunderstands half of his instructions and an intimidating Scotsman claims the king’s daughter as his bride. Excellent swordfights, quick repartee and cunning plot twists make this a classic adventure-comedy. Rating: G / Date of release: 1955 / Language: English / Country: U. S. A. / Purchase: Amazon, etc. Notes: This movie contains no explicit content. There are several kisses, and old-fashioned action (swordplay, verbal threats).

‘These are not God-loving people, these are God-fearing people.’ Each ‘At The Movies’ selection is a movie that is both enjoyable to watch, and a good starting-place to explore important topics. High school students can expand on their analytical and writing skills by answering questions, writing plot summaries and character descriptions, and pondering upon important, far-reaching themes in discussion or essay-writing assignments. About the movie: OMG Kanji is a family man who owns a shop selling religious idols. Despite his trade he is not a spiritual man, and contrary to everyone around him, he considers religion to be a sham. One day he disrupts a religious celebration and only a few hours later, his shop collapses in an earthquake. Is it a coincidence? The insurance company refuses to pay damages for an ‘Act of God’, which is how the earthquake is classified on the contract Kanji signed. Facing the loss of everything he has, Kanji decides to sue the institutions representing God: temples and churches. A remarkable battle of wills, logic and faith follows, with religion’s elite on one side, and Kanji on the other. He is helped by a dishonoured Muslim lawyer and a mysterious house guest who calls himself Krishna (a Hindu deity). Some people think he is crazy, others are impressed, and many decide that their religious institutions owe them something too. Kanji faces everything bravely and ultimately makes a discovery that can only be called a gift. Rating: No rating / Date of release: 2012 / Language: Hindi/English / Subtitles: Yes / Country: India / Purchase: rent or buy from Youtube. Note: The movie must be procured separately.

'A life lived in fear is a life half-lived.’ Each ‘At The Movies’ selection is a movie that is both enjoyable to watch, and a good starting-place to explore important topics. High school students can expand on their analytical and writing skills by answering questions, writing plot summaries and character descriptions, and pondering upon important, far-reaching themes in discussion or essay-writing assignments. About the movie: Strictly Ballroom Scott is a ballroom dance champion, but to the horror of his teachers, parents and friends, he has recently taken to dancing his own steps – steps not approved by the dance federation. Fran is only a beginner, but her passion for dance, rooted in her Spanish family’s tradition of flamenco music and rhythm, runs deeper than many around her would imagine. When chance and their own drive to ‘dance from the heart’ bring them together, everything Scott and Fran have taken for granted is turned upside down. Should they disobey the rules of the establishment, or is there too much at stake? Their decision will affect those around them in ways they could not have imagined. Rating: PG (kidsinmind.com) / Date of release: 1993 / Language: English / Subtitles: no / Country: Australia / Purchase: Amazon, Etc. Note: The movie must be procured separately.

‘Uncle Mordecai, does not your own heart long to see our people restored to glory?’ Each ‘At The Movies’ selection is a movie that is both enjoyable to watch, and a good starting-place to explore important topics. High school students can expand on their analytical and writing skills by answering questions, writing plot summaries and character descriptions, and pondering upon important, far-reaching themes in discussion or essay-writing assignments. About the movie: One Night with the King Hadassah is a young woman who lives with her benevolent uncle in ancient Susa, capital of the Persian Empire. They are Jews, and they are aware that they are not in favour with the reigning powers. When the Queen disobeys her husband and is dethroned, King Xerxes must choose a new wife. According to tradition of the time, women are gathered together by his guards and imprisoned in the palace for a year’s preparatory beauty treatments. When the time is up, the King will choose a new Queen from among them, after they spend a single night together. Hadassah is one of those captured, but rather than dreading the trial, she continues to better herself with reading and maintaining a cheerful and sensible attitude. Circumstances evolve so that she finds herself in the King’s presence long before her ‘one night’, and they begin to forge a deep understanding. He chooses her as Queen, not knowing that she is a Jew, for she has taken the Babylonian name ‘Esther’ at her uncle’s urging. As the plot develops, an ancient feud inspires an evil Agagite to plot for the death of all Jews. Only by revealing her true identity can Hadassah hope to undo the deadly chain of events he has set in motion. She chooses courage and honesty, and along with her Uncle Mordecai, earns a place in the Persian Kingdom for both herself and her people. Rating: PG (imbd.com) / Date of release: 2007 / Language: English / Subtitles: no / Country: U.S.A. / Purchase: watch free on Youtube (link included)

Naya Nuki is an excellent adventure and survival novel based on true and remarkable events. It is suitable for students age 9 to 11. The main character is a real person, a Shoshoni girl who quite incredibly escaped capture by an enemy tribe and made her way alone on foot back to her family. The book relates how she successfully journeyed 1000 miles (just over 1609 kilometres) across what is now the northern United States. She safely navigated a wide variety of terrains, found food, coped with wild animals, avoided capture by hostile tribes, and fended of loneliness. Her story is known thanks to a surprising coincidence – she was best friends with the renowned Sacajawea. The story of Naya Nuki has been retold by Kenneth Thomasma, an expert on wilderness survival. It is a good choice for young readers because the descriptions of wilderness and survival tactics within it are accurate. In addition, Naya Nuki is portrayed as a brave, resourceful and inspiring person. Her story is uplifting and interesting. Contents • reading comprehension questions for each of 15 chapters and the epilogue • images of a buffalo hides for each chapter, both small and large, labelled and plain • instructions for multiple ways to use both the questions and the hides A map showing Naya Nuki’s route is included in the published book, which must be purchased or borrowed separately as it is protected by copyright. Contact information for the author is included which will enable you to purchase the book at a reduced rate, procure signed copies, and enjoy free shipping!

This book contains the complete story ‘Les Gouttes Qui Tombent’ by Maurice Leblanc. The text is divided into 14 small sections, each followed by five reading comprehension questions and a blank list for vocabulary, to be filled in by the student (instructions included). The lists are multicoloured for variety. This is one of many tales by Leblanc featuring the same protagonist, a gentleman-thief by the name of Arsène Lupin, here disguised as ‘Jim Barnett’. He is remarkable for his ability to glean a fortune from wealthy (and usually greedy and unpleasant) people through the clever manipulation of events which are already in motion when he arrives on the scene. His success depends on his intelligence and his prowess as a thief and master of disguise, which allow him to avoid violence or guilt of crime in his adventures. Adding to the fun, he consistently outwits whatever official inspector (here, inspector ‘Béchoux’) he is supposedly helping. The story is narrated in the passé simple, making it an excellent tool for practising this French verb tense. All advanced French students will benefit from reading Leblanc’s well-written prose!