Hello! The resources here are suitable for students in classrooms, working one-on-one with tutors, or working with the help of a parent at home. They are simple, easy-to-use, printable PDF files. We hope you find something you like!
Hello! The resources here are suitable for students in classrooms, working one-on-one with tutors, or working with the help of a parent at home. They are simple, easy-to-use, printable PDF files. We hope you find something you like!
This is an audio file containing 10 Dictées to go with the text file: Intermediate French: 10 Dictées B (Bien se nourir).
The Dictées are read by Elise Kennedy and Pierre Pagé. This audio file contains recordings of all the Dictées in the collection. The voices alternate between a man’s and woman’s voice, every two Dictées. Each Dictée is read once at normal speed, twice slowly, and once more at normal speed.
Here are 10 Intermediate Dictées. Delve into this time-honoured method of improving your French with interesting, short dictations on the topic of 'Science et Nature’ (Science and Nature).
Contents
A complete list of the Dictées, with English translations, for the teacher’s reference.
For each Dictée, there is also student sheet titled ‘On se prépare’ on which the vocabulary within the Dictée is presented in French and English for memorization.
There is also a ‘bonus’ sheet, with a vocabulary quiz and ‘Corrige les Fautes’ exercise.
Please note! There is an audio file to go with this resource! It is found under the same name. Each Dictée is read once at regular speed, twice slowly, and once more at regular speed. They are read alternately by a woman and a man.
This is an audio file containing 10 Dictées to go with the text file: Intermediate French: 10 Dictées C (Science et nature).
The Dictées are read by Elise Kennedy and Pierre Pagé. This audio file contains recordings of all the Dictées in the collection. The voices alternate between a man’s and woman’s voice, every two Dictées. Each Dictée is read once at normal speed, twice slowly, and once more at normal speed.
This is an audio file containing 10 Dictées to go with the text file: Intermediate French: 10 Dictées D (Autour du monde).
The Dictées are read by Elise Kennedy and Pierre Pagé. This audio file contains recordings of all the Dictées in the collection. The voices alternate between a man’s and woman’s voice, every two Dictées. Each Dictée is read once at normal speed, twice slowly, and once more at normal speed.
Here are 10 Intermediate Dictées. Delve into this time-honoured method of improving your French with interesting, short dictations on the topic of 'Autour du monde’ (Around the world).
Contents
A complete list of the Dictées, with English translations, for the teacher’s reference.
For each Dictée, there is also student sheet titled ‘On se prépare’ on which the vocabulary within the Dictée is presented in French and English for memorization.
There is also a ‘bonus’ sheet, with a vocabulary quiz and ‘Corrige les Fautes’ exercise.
Please note! There is an audio file to go with this resource! It is found under the same name. Each Dictée is read once at regular speed, twice slowly, and once more at regular speed. They are read alternately by a woman and a man.
Here are six pieces of beautiful art from Shakespearean England. 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 medieval England or Shakespeare, 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 collection contains 27 stories and poems on the theme of ‘Autumn’ (including some selections suitable for Thanksgiving and Hallowe’en), and a handful of ‘Trees’ colouring pages from Medieval woodcuts. Following each selection is a ‘Topic of Discussion’: a question which requires the student to think about one element of the text they just read, to form an opinion about it, and to express and defend that opinion.
Younger students will benefit from the effort spent reading (either in their head or out loud) and then speaking with a parent/teacher or in a classroom setting about the Topic of Discussion, in a free style.
Older students can benefit from using the Topic of Discussion as a starting point for a written assignment. I recommend that the older student state clearly what their point of view is, and defend it in one or two paragraphs. This will be good practise in defending an argument, a skill which becomes useful for essay-writing assignments in upper grades. The exercise of writing clearly and stating a coherent defense will prove a worthy challenge, even for pieces of writing which have simpler themes.
Note: These selections are suitable for students in elementary or middle school, but are not presented in any specific order. Different texts may be better suited to older or younger students. A parent or teacher should always preview each individual piece of writing to make sure it is appropriate for a specific age group.
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!
This short mini-lesson is suitable for students who are taking first steps into intermediate French. It can be used over one to three days to review or introduce vocabulary, practise combining reading, listening and writing, and conjugate a verb in three tenses.
The mini-lesson contains:
· one short text in French
· a translation of the text in English
· a list of vocabulary (words and phrases) from the text to be translated either from English to French or from French to English, and memorized
· assignments (writing in French using your new vocabulary, other short grammar review exercises, etc.)
· a verb to be reviewed (‘manger’) with a verb conjugation page to complete in the présent, passé composé and future simple.
Note: an AUDIO file is available (see bundle) to help complete Dictée and Reading assignments, or the teacher may read the texts themselves.
Hello! This file contains small samples of each of the following resources to give you an idea of what kind of books we publish! Feel free to try them with your students.
English Language:
Drawing for Better Penmanship
Reading Comprehension: A Penny A Day
Reading Comprehension: Insect Languages with Doctor Dolittle
Reading Comprehension: Snow Treasure
Reading Comprehension: The Player King
Reading Comprehension: Sherlock Holmes
Sundry Snippets (Middle School Reading and Writing)
English Grammar: Adjectival, Adverbial and Noun Clauses
English Grammar: Perfectly Appropriate Prepositions
Reading Comprehension: Pride and Prejudice
At The Movies Essay Writing and Long-Answer Response: OMG
Essay Writing: Narrow Escapes
French Language:
Beginner’s French with Noisette the Cat
Introduction to French Verbs with Noisette the Cat
French Phrases with Noisette the Cat
Intermediate French Mini-lesson: Apples
Intermediate French Dictées: Bien Se Nourir
Advanced French Reading Comprehension: Arsène Lupin No. 4
Advanced French Reading, Writing and Dictées: Les Chats
Advanced French Reading & Writing: Childéric, Roi des Francs
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.
Here is the complete, original novel. Download for free to accompany ‘Reading Comprehension: Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë’ from Canadian Winter Homeschool Materials.
This short mini-lesson is suitable for students who are taking first steps into intermediate French. It can be used over one to three days to review or introduce vocabulary, practise combining reading, listening and writing, and conjugate a verb in three tenses.
The mini-lesson contains:
· one short text in French
· a translation of the text in English
· a list of vocabulary (words and phrases) from the text to be translated either from English to French or from French to English, and memorized
· assignments (writing in French using your new vocabulary, other short grammar review exercises, etc.)
· a verb to be reviewed (‘écrire’) with a verb conjugation page to complete in the présent, imparfait and futur simple.
Note: an AUDIO file is available (see bundle) to help complete Dictée and Reading assignments, or the teacher may read the texts themselves.