Defend An Opinion! Read two accounts of real-life narrow escapes in the wilderness, by historic ‘backwoodsmen’ of Canada. Then follow the guidelines and write an essay on one of several suggested topics. Your task is to defend an opinion, in essay format. Detailed instructions are included. This assignment will take at least one week to complete. Texts: The Vagrants of the Barren A solitary woodsman must face the wilderness alone in midwinter after his shack burns to the ground. He is knowledgeable and experienced, but he is aware that his chances of survival under such circumstances are slim. He must find food and shelter quickly. A sudden storm makes his situation all the more difficult. In the end, a chance encounter with a herd of caribou allows him to survive and to reach safety. The Grip In Deep Hole Alone in the woods that he has known and loved since childhood, a woodsman approaches a rushing stream only to feel the bank give way underneath his feet. He plunges into the water – and his foot becomes tangled in an underwater ‘trap’ of slimy roots. Repeated attempts to free himself amount to nothing. A bear arrives, and as it swims past, the woodsman cleverly – and amazingly – finds a way to use the bear’s strength to escape a tragic end. TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in wilderness survival or wild animal behaviour.

About The Author As Napoléon’s ‘premier valet de chambre’, Louis Constant Wairywas at the emperor’s side for fifteen years. Incredibly, he wrote an account of his experiences, offering the curious reader interesting insights about the famous couple’s personalities and habits, and also relating anecdotes and offering descriptions that bring to life the time, people and places of Napoléon’s rule. Whether you admire the self-proclaimed emperor – or not – you are sure to find this selection of texts entertaining, for the descriptions of historical events, fashions, battles, palaces, daily life and people. Contents & Instructions Here are 27 excerpts from the diaries of Constant, suitable for advanced students who are ready to improve their French through a generous amount of reading. Each text is two to three pages long. The student should begin by reading the excerpt. Unfamiliar vocabulary should be copied into the blank list provided for each section (or a separate notebook), and translated with the help of a dictionary. If it is easier for the student to make notes in the margins of the text they may do so. Large margins have been provided for this purpose. Having read the excerpt, the student must now exercise their research and writing skills. They may simply write a brief ‘résumé de texte’ for each section, or attempt a longer assignment, in which case you may refer to the ‘Essay Writing’ section and follow the instructions to write either a ‘synthèse de texte’ or a ‘commentaire de texte’. *Depuis le départ du premier consul pour la campagne de Marengo, où je le suivis, jusqu’au départ de Fontainebleau, où je fus obligé de quitter l’empereur, je n’ai fait que deux absences, l’une de trois fois vingt-quatre heures, l’autre de sept ou huit jours. Hors ces congés fort courts, dont le dernier m’était nécessaire pour rétablir ma santé, je n’ai pas plus quitté l’empereur que son ombre. Mémoires de Constant, Introduction. *

‘Everything which was found there was either melted down or sold by order of the Commonwealth. Amongst other things thus treated was the gold filigree crown of Edward the Confessor, which was broken up and sold for its weight of bullion. Such vandalism is almost enough to make one a Jacobite . . .’ (Adela Elizabeth Orpen) Here are entertaining true stories surrounding a selection of the world’s most famous precious stones. Written in witty, charmingly opinionated style by Mrs. Goddard Orpen (1855-1927), these accounts could be read to pique a student’s curiosity about historic events and people, or, to explore interesting – and memorable – information that may not have made its way into the general history books. Precious gems and masterfully crafted jewellery have repeatedly found themselves in the hands of wealthy and powerful people, oftentimes well-known kings and queens. Each of the jewels described here has accumulated its own collection of bizarre tales of greed, treachery and power. Guided by a confident and well-informed author, the reader will contemplate how small objects of great monetary value have influenced the characters – and sometimes the course – of history. Read about as many jewels as you want to (12 different items are discussed). Make notes on an ‘Analysis Sheet’ that features a simple colour image of one of the jewels at the centre of the page; the student may jot down important facts or events about that jewel in the surrounding empty space in a ‘cloud’ of facts. Or, take your own notes in a traditional style on loose leaf. Once you have read about at least three precious stones you may also choose to write an essay – a list of possible topics is included, most of which require you to defend an opinion based on what you have learned and noted previously.

The story of the beloved Merovingian king Childéric I (440-481) was preserved by the druidic Bards of old France and is here retold in a flowing, pleasant style by Madame de Beaufort d’Hautpoul (1763-1837), a renowned woman of letters who was at the heart of Parisian literary society during the reign of Louis XVI. For educational purposes, this description of Childéric’s early years has been divided into two-page segments that are easy to read. Advanced French students are sure to enjoy this poetic and quick-paced historical tale. The language has been updated, though the original, distinctive style remains intact. Simple grammar review, translation, ‘résumé de texte’ and creative writing assignments follow each section alternately. Summary Childéric is the young and intrepid son of King Merovée and his beloved wife, Aboflède, around the year 430CE. Childéric lives happily with his loving parents and is beginning his education with druids, when he is tempted to join his father’s army in a battle against Attila the Hun. Despite being guarded by his king’s most valiant friend, Viomade, Childéric goes missing amidst the turmoil of the conflict. The faithful Viomade wishes to know what the boy’s fate truly was, and goes off with the king’s blessing in search of the young prince. Despite treachery by Draguta, a fellow follower of the king, Viomade finally finds Childéric, who has been cared for in the wilderness by an elderly Hun named Gelimer. Gelimer had lost his family and status, and was inspired to renounce his life as a warrior in order to devote his final years to raising the young boy he found on a battlefield. The old blind man loves Childéric devotedly and does not know that he is heir to a throne. After Gelimer’s death, Childéric returns to France with Viomade where a traitor is about to be crowned king. It was presumed, due to their lengthy absence, that Childéric and Viomade had been lost forever. Just in time, the young prince is reunited with his father and fulfills the hopes of all Francs as the rightful heir to the throne.

Jane Eyre is a young woman whose experiences are coloured by strong personal opinions and a keen sense of observation. She expresses herself with clarity and conviction, while speaking to others and within her narration. Jane is guided by her highest ideals. When faced with challenges and choices, she honestly acknowledges her struggles. She is a strong and interesting heroine, and readers may be surprised by the timeless quality of her simple, yet engrossing story. This Reading Comprehension course invites you to read Charlotte Bronte’s masterpiece one chapter at a time, then form your own opinions and note your own observations. Through a combination of written assignments and discussions, you will take a close and thoughtful look at the novel and also refine your own understanding of the terms ‘opinion’ and ‘observation’. Not only your pen, but also your mind and heart will be sharpened through this process, as you hone your ability to communicate ideas concisely and clearly! Contents: Instructions Definitions and Guidelines Reading Comprehension and Discussion Questions (for each chapter) Bonus Assignments Note: this resource includes assignments only. The book may be purchased or borrowed separately. (It is also available to read for free in a separate file from Canadian Winter Homeschool Materials).

Here are six pieces of beautiful art from historical Egypt. Each has been prepared for use as a paper ‘cut and paste’ puzzle. There are a simpler 6-piece puzzle and a more difficult 10-piece puzzle for each work of art. Cut and Paste puzzles are a proven and effective way to improve younger students’ fine motor skills, as well as their ability to solve visual problems. Older students may also complete this type of activity, with a dual purpose, integrating hands-on learning into a study of ancient Egypt, or as a ‘change of pace’ from intellectual activities. The selection of great art in this collection will encourage young people to admire and appreciate beautiful works, developing their artistic taste and greater cultural knowledge. Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful colours and images of a time and place gone by! Bonus: Includes a page of questions that can be used to investigate the who-what-when-where-why-how of any one of the paintings.

Here are six pieces of beautiful art from revolutionary France. Each has been prepared for use as a paper ‘cut and paste’ puzzle. There are a simpler 6-piece puzzle and a more difficult 10-piece puzzle for each work of art. Cut and Paste puzzles are a proven and effective way to improve younger students’ fine motor skills, as well as their ability to solve visual problems. Older students may also complete this type of activity, with a dual purpose, integrating hands-on learning into a study of revolutionary France, or as a ‘change of pace’ from intellectual activities. The selection of great art in this collection will encourage young people to admire and appreciate beautiful works, developing their artistic taste and greater cultural knowledge. Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful colours and images of a time and place gone by! Bonus: Includes a page of questions that can be used to investigate the who-what-when-where-why-how of any one of the paintings.

This test is based on the information on pages 30-37 of ‘Western Civilization, A Brief History’ by Jackson Spielvogel, 4th Edition, used in Advanced Placement High School History classes. You may use some or all of the contents, according to your own study schedule. Contents 50 Multiple Choice Questions 5 Bonus Questions 1 Long Answer Question Answer Key

‘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).

Note: this title is complete and suitable for Distance Learning. Who better to show the usefulness of a well-asked question - and the importance of a clear and concise answer - than Sherlock Holmes? In ‘The Adventure of the Three Students’, Holmes and Watson find themselves at the heart of an old university, where someone may have tampered with an Ancient Greek exam. The future of a promising student, and the reputation of a noble house of learning, hang in the balance! As it turns out, it is not too late for one character to make a noble gesture that will bring all to a happy conclusion. For young readers who are ready for their first Sherlock Holmes mystery (but who would rather not read about murders or ghosts), this is an excellent tale! Contents: • The full, original tale of ‘The Adventure of the Three Students’, divided into ten short sections • Following each section: Five questions to be answered separately in a student’s notebook Vocabulary, in alphabetical order, with definitions or synonyms (making the word comprehensible in the story’s context), from the chapter just read A ‘looking up close’ page, exploring one main theme of the section just read, such as Gothic architecture, tea, pencils, Victorian furniture, the long-jump, etc. (with pictures) Directions: • Read one section of the book at a time. Use the vocabulary list to help with understanding the story (and practise looking things up in alphabetical order). Answer the questions in a separate notebook. Read the ‘looking up close’ page for fun. Enjoy a good, old-fashioned, Sherlock Holmes mystery!

Here are six pieces of beautiful art depicting Victorian London. Each has been prepared for use as a paper ‘cut and paste’ puzzle. There are a simpler 6-piece puzzle and a more difficult 10-piece puzzle for each work of art. Cut and Paste puzzles are a proven and effective way to improve younger students’ fine motor skills, as well as their ability to solve visual problems. Older students may also complete this type of activity, with a dual purpose, integrating hands-on learning into a study of the Industrial Revolution or Sherlock Holmes, or as a ‘change of pace’ from intellectual activities. The selection of great art in this collection will encourage young people to admire and appreciate beautiful works, developing their artistic taste and greater cultural knowledge. Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful colours and images of a time and place gone by! Bonus: Includes a page of questions that can be used to investigate the who-what-when-where-why-how of any one of the paintings.