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!
What if you could learn to see through objects? What if you could hone your powers of concentration until you could achieve remarkable things?
Welcome to the fantastical world of Henry Sugar, in which the incredible seems tantalizingly close to becoming the achievable!
This unit study for The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar by Roald Dahl is suitable for students in grades 8 and up.
The story focuses on themes of self-mastery (meditation and concentration), greed, charity and happiness, and the resources in this unit study put an emphasis on developing concentration and thoughtfulness while enjoying the remarkable tale.
Please note: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is protected by copyright and must be procured separately. All other necessary resources are included in this unit study or available for free online (links provided).
Contents
About this Unit Study & Before You Begin
Guide to all Assignments & When To Use What
Suggested Timeline
Chapter Assignments
Chapter Assignments Worksheets
Vocabulary & Terms
Concentration Activities
Card Games
Copywork
Ticking Clock
Candle Meditation
Exploring the Story’s Themes Through Music and Art
Music: Guru (Anoushka Shankar)
Music: Within You and Without You (The Beatles)
Art: René Magritte
Discussion Questions and Other Resources
Long-Answer, Discussion and Essay Questions
Robin Hood & Henry Sugar Comparison
Henry Sugar: A Quirky Movie
Who better to show the usefulness of a well-asked question - and the importance of a clear and concise answer - than Sherlock Holmes?
In ‘A Scandal In Bohemia’, Holmes finds himself assisting none other than the king of Bohemia! The problem seems trivial until the lady involved, one ‘Irene Adler’, proves to possess unexpected cleverness and charm. Could the great Sherlock Holmes find himself outwitted - by a woman? For young readers who are ready for their first Sherlock Holmes mystery (but who would rather not read about murders or ghosts), this story will surely entertain!
Contents:
• The full, original tale of ‘A Scandal In Bohemia’, divided into ten short sections
Following each section:
o Five questions to be answered separately in a student’s notebook
o Vocabulary, in alphabetical order, with definitions or synonyms (making the word comprehensible in the story’s context), from the chapter just read
o A ‘looking up close’ page, exploring one main theme of the section just read, such as cabinet photographs, what a bijou villa is, a Victorian wedding, what iodoform and nitrate of silver are, 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!
Bonus! Includes a set of notebooking pages that can be used to answer questions, write out vocabulary, or in any other way you see fit!
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!
Compare and Contrast!
The student will read two short stories about space travel, written in the 1950’s (included). A list of relevant themes for a ‘compare and contrast’ essay is included. The student will choose three themes that they feel are interesting, and write an essay in which they briefly address how those themes are important to each story. Detailed guidelines are given. This assignment will take at least one week to complete.
Stories:
. . . So They Baked A Cake
A bitter, hardened journalist joins an elite space crew for an experimental voyage into deep space, a daring mission to find a planet that humans could colonize. They are travelling at one tenth the speed of light but the journey will still take 42 years one way in Earth time. The protagonist’s pessimism about humanity, and the crew’s growing despair due to the implications of the ultra-fast travel, are both confounded by an unexpectedly happy conclusion to their journey.
The Lonely Ones
A space crew is on an exploratory mission to find life on another planet – human or alien, they don’t care which. Discouraged by the lifeless landscapes of the planets in the solar system, they finally reach a new planet and land. Faced with an advanced society in which they will be treated as insignificant underlings, they decide to continue their journey further into space, though in a changed frame of mind.
Note: The stories contain mild expletives, such as ‘what the hell’, and include mature themes such as references to drinking alcohol.
TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in science fiction or futuristic literature.
Summarize and Describe!
Here are three first-hand descriptions of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, from ancient to modern times. With detailed guidelines suggesting how to proceed, the student will read the texts, choose an essay topic from several suggested, take notes, organise those notes, and write an essay. This assignment will take at least one week to complete.
Texts:
Letters of Pliny
Pliny was born in 62 CE. He witnessed an eruption of the famous Mount Vesuvius, which he describes here in two detailed letters to a friend.
Buried Cities: Pompeii, Olympia, Mycena, by Jennie Hall
Written in 1922 by a History and English teacher, this text describes Mount Vesuvius first-hand according to various different sources, from ancient times to the early twentieth century.
Mount Vesuvius, by Edwin J. Houston
Written in 1907 by a professor, this text offers interesting information both about Mount Vesuvius’ eruptions and the cities and people affected by them.
TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in Roman history, or geology.
Here are six pieces of writing about Chinese Dragons, and six different writing assignments to go with them! Themes include: Dramatic Dragons, Foolish Dragons, Dragons in Mythical Tales, Dragons and the Seasons, and Dragons & Treasure! Writing assignments vary – from writing a clear summary to letting your imagination run wild, from describing dragon treasure to trying to imagine how a dragon could ‘fit in’ with your own cultural traditions. A traditional Chinese paper cutting of a dragon is included to be used as decoration on the student’s notebook. Stories are taken from anthologies of Chinese folktales.
Literature & Composition collections are suitable for students who are ready to read and study different types of literature in small quantities. For example, instead of an entire novel or scholarly work, a small sample of each (which can stand on its own) will be presented. This way, the intermediate student has an opportunity to stretch their reading abilities without being discouraged. Each book contains six different writing samples which share a common theme. The writing assignments vary in length and are intended to inspire the student to try writing in different forms and styles.
‘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.
Here is the complete, original novel. Download for free to accompany ‘Reading Comprehension: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson’ from Canadian Winter Homeschool Materials.
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
This owl- and mouse-themed book will help students to obtain a thorough (and advanced) understanding of how to use past participles. In 56 pages of definitions and explanations, examples, exercises and assignments, you will learn about past participles and practise using them in your own writing. An answer key for each of the 16 assignments (and four extra review assignments) is included. Exercises and assignments are to be completed in a separate notebook. This version of the book is in colour - a few cheery images here and there might just help the information to stick! If you prefer, a black and white version of the same text is also available.
In this book you will:
• Learn to identify and use past participles as parts of main verbs, as adverbs or nouns, as adjectives or complements, and within phrases
• Complete 12 exercises and 16 assignments
• Hone your skills with 4 extra review assignments at the end of the book
• Enjoy pleasant (and whimsical) references to owls, mice and Canadian winters . . .
Note: Past participles as verbals can be explained and labeled in different ways. If you are preparing for a test, please make sure that you learn the correct technical terms and types of analysis for that specific test!
Your handwriting is a bit messy and your teacher suggests that you need a bit more practise – or is that ‘practice’? She would force you to copy out the phone book, however she dislikes afflicting pain on anyone – or is that ‘inflicting’? You assure her in amicable – or should that be ‘amiable’? - terms that you will try harder to write neatly. She sighs and declares that she hopes the extra effort will have a good effect – or is that ‘affect’?
There are many similar-sounding words in the English language that are frequently mistaken for one another and used (or spelled) incorrectly. Here are worksheets which allow you to practise using 83 of these commonly-muddled terms properly. Samples, exercises and an answer key are included.
Use this book to refresh or improve your knowledge of the English language. Knowing how and when to use potentially confusing words will help you to speak and write well!
This is one of many well-loved stories featuring the unlikely detective prowess of Father Brown, a British clergyman.
Chesterton masterfully combines elements of Catholic theology and classic crime fiction to create a quirky, unique short story.
Here the text is divided into 7 short sections, each followed by three challenging questions and a written assignment.
The assignments will broaden any student’s understanding of literature and Western thought, and are not necessarily only appropriate for Catholic readers.
This resource is suitable for ages 15 and up.
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 Red-Headed League’, Holmes and Watson are presented with an odd and seemingly innocent set of clues. Why was the pawn-broker hired by the Red-Headed League – and so suddenly dismissed? It could be that there is more to this mystery than at first meets the eye! In fact, the fortunes of two daring thieves, and a fortune in gold, are at stake. 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 Red-Headed League’, divided into ten short sections
Following each section:
o Five questions to be answered separately in a student’s notebook
o Vocabulary, in alphabetical order, with definitions or synonyms (making the word comprehensible in the story’s context), from the chapter just read
o A ‘looking up close’ page, exploring one main theme of the section just read, such as pipes, what a pawnbroker is, transportation in Holmes’ time, the Encyclopaedia Britannica, 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!
Art thou ready to read Shakespeare? But of course! Here you will finde instructions, assignments, definitions, explanations, and other sundry ‘stuff’ which will make reading ‘Julius Caesar’ a zephyr – that is, a breeze! This approach focuses on seeing the big picture, with only the most interesting of extra information included for thine own interest. Read the words of the beloved Bard aloud! Write some of your own! Explore the themes of ‘flattery’ and ‘honour’. . . draw three characters’ facial expressions . . . examine the text one more time, looking for details ‘divine and rare’ . . . memorize a few lines . . . and hark! It is done!
Included here are the following: the complete play ‘Julius Caesar’; seven separate sections each containing assignments and information, and detailed Summaries of Acts and Scenes.
This text is well-suited to homeschoolers who do not anticipate putting on the play, or doing other activities that involve collaboration with numerous other people. It is especially aimed at students who are not yet familiar with Shakespeare’s plays, and who will benefit from a light-hearted but meaningful approach to reading them.
The sections and assignments are as follows:
Hark! Methinks I’ll Read the Play (Read aloud and learn about the real Julius Caesar and Shakespeare’s historical plays.)
Hark! What Do I Understand? (Copying, Lists, Translation and learn about the first edition, which was ‘qvite differente’.)
Hark! Methinks I Hear A Voice! (Memorize and perform a speech, and learn about reading aloud effectively.)
Hark! Methinks I’ll Look Again (Underline certain features, and look at a simple comparison between the class systems of ancient Rome and Shakespearean England.)
Hark! Methinks I’ll Write Mine Own (Choose between writing a 5 paragraph essay on the topic of ‘flattery’ or a report on the topic of ‘honour’ within the play. Detailed guidelines are given. Write your own speech. Learn about men and women in Shakespeare’s theatre and Roman society.)
Hark! Methinks I’ll Draw Awhile! (Add facial features to three prepared faces.)
Stay, Good Friend - There’s More! (Brief and Ridiculous Comparative Biography of Shakespeare and Caesar, Detailed Summary of Acts and Scenes, List of Characters to keep nearby while reading the play)
Note: ‘The Guide’ and ‘The Play’ are in two separate files - you may use your own edition of the play if you prefer, and only download ‘The Guide’.
This humorous book will give any student a thorough understanding of the three main types of subordinate clauses: adjectival, adverbial and noun clauses. In 35 pages of definitions and explanations, examples, exercises and assignments, you will learn about and practise using these clauses in your own writing. Also included is a 16 page answer key. (Exercises and assignments are to be completed in a separate notebook.)
In this book you will:
• Learn about main clauses and subordinate clauses
• Learn to identify and write your own adjectival, adverbial and noun clauses
• Complete 31 exercises and 20 assignments
• Hone your skills with extra review exercises and assignments at the end of the book
• Enjoy whimsical (and ridiculous) references to moose . . .
In each section:
• Adjectival Clauses: Learn to identify relative pronouns; know when to use ‘who’ and ‘whom’; determine whether the relative pronoun acts as a subject or direct object within the clause; learn when to use ‘which’ and ‘that’; learn when to use ‘who’ or ‘which/that’; learn about possessive adjectival clauses; understand the difference between a question and an adjectival clause; learn about relative pronouns preceded by prepositions
• Adverbial Clauses: Learn about subordinating conjunctions; understand the difference between an adjectival and adverbial clause; learn to identify and use clauses of time, place, manner, condition, concession, and cause; learn to differentiate between clauses of various types; learn to identify sentences containing different types of clauses
• Noun Clauses: learn to identify and use noun clauses; learn about noun clauses that behave as direct objects or complements; learn about noun clauses that behave as subjects; noun clauses in reported speech
• Extra Review: combine all your new knowledge and skills in several exercises and assignments
• Answer Key: contains answers for all exercises. Answers to assignments will be unique to each individual.
Knowing how sentences can be constructed is an invaluable tool for any student or writer. Improve your English Grammar, and learn how to protect your wool socks from an intrepid moose, all in one book!
Here is a fully black and white version of the book, with a more mature format for older students. What is a participle? What is a gerund? It’s time to find out! Read about George, Nancy and a gaggle of Canada Geese while learning to identify and use important elements of English grammar. In 37 pages of definitions and explanations, examples, exercises and assignments, you will learn more about these verbals than you ever thought possible! (Answer key included.)
In this book you will:
• Identify present participles and gerunds in a variety of sentence structures
• Use present participles as adjectives and adverbs in your own writing
• Use gerunds as subjects, direct objects, etc. in your own writing
• Read about Nancy, George and the always adorable Canada goose . . .
Art thou ready to read Shakespeare? But of course! Here you will finde assignments, definitions, explanations, and other sundry ‘stuff’ which will make reading ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ a zephyr – that is, a breeze!
This approach focuses on seeing the big picture, with only the most interesting of extra information included for thine own interest. Read the words of the beloved Bard aloud! Write some of your own! Explore the theme of ‘dreams’ . . . draw a character . . . examine the text one more time, looking for details ‘divine and rare’ . . . memorize a few lines . . . and hark! It is done!
Included here are the following: the complete play ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’; seven separate sections each containing assignments and information; a glossary of Weird Words, a Biography, and Summaries of Acts and Scenes.
This text is well-suited to homeschoolers who do not anticipate putting on the play, or doing other activities that involve collaboration with numerous other people. It is especially aimed at students who are not yet familiar with Shakespeare’s plays, and who will benefit from a light-hearted but meaningful approach to reading them.
The sections and assignments are as follows:
Hark! Methinks I’ll Read the Play (read aloud and learn theatre terms)
Hark! What Do I Understand? (copying, list, translation and learn about iambic pentameter)
Hark! Methinks I Hear A Voice! (memorization, learn about ‘soliloquy’)
Hark Methinks I’ll Look Again (underline certain features, learn more about Shakespeare’s quill and ink)
Hark! Methinks I’ll Write Mine Own (Choose between a 5 paragraph essay or a report on the topic of ‘dreams’ within the play. Detailed guidelines are given. Learn about editing and copyright.)
Hark! Methinks I’ll Draw Awhile! (Draw a main character, learn about costume and set design.)
Stay, Good Friend - There’s More! (Glossary of Weird Words, Brief Biography, Summary of Acts and Scenes. Invent a word and define one from the play that you’ve never seen before.)
Who better to show the usefulness of a well-asked question - and the importance of a clear and concise answer - than Sherlock Holmes? This collection contains four of the best-loved Sherlock Holmes tales, in full reading comprehension format:
The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle
The Adventure of the Red-Headed League
A Scandal in Bohemia
The Adventure of Silver Blaze
Each of the four books contains:
• A full, original story, divided into ten short sections
Following each section:
o Five questions to be answered separately in a student’s notebook
o Vocabulary, in alphabetical order, with definitions or synonyms (making the word comprehensible in the story’s context), from the chapter just read
o A ‘looking up close’ page, exploring one main theme of the section just read (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!
It seems perfectly natural to ‘agree with’ or ‘care about’ someone. But are you certain that you should be ‘comparing’ that book ‘with’ this one, or should you in fact be ‘comparing’ it ‘to’ this one? Likewise, are you different ‘from’ your friend, or different ‘than’ her? Are you annoyed ‘by’ the weather or annoyed ‘with’ it?
In this text and workbook you will learn to use over 70 preposition/word combinations correctly. The explanations and exercises are divided into eight sections, each with several lessons followed by a review ‘test’. An answer key is included.
In each lesson the student will:
• Read examples out loud
• Review ‘correct’ and ‘incorrect’ sentences
• Compose sentences using the preposition/word combination just presented
• Review the entire contents of that section in a final assignment
Use this book to refresh or improve your knowledge of the English language. Knowing when and how to use prepositions correctly is necessary in order to speak and write well!
Here is the complete, original novel. Download for free to accompany ‘Reading Comprehension: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen’ from Canadian Winter Homeschool Materials.