I sat on my bed and looked out at the quiet woods, black and silver in snow and moonlight, and serene. There was nothing watchful or brooding about that stillness; whatever secrets were hidden in that forest were so perfectly kept that their existence could not be suspected nor even imagined by any rational faculty.’ ‘Beauty’ is a retelling of the classic fairy tale ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Written in 1978 and widely considered to be a classic, the novel is an excellent choice for readers in the 12-13 age group. Written in an easy, polished style, it is the sort of book that one reads more than once to relish the vivid characters, tantalizing details and satisfying plot. The carefully-crafted embellishments are all solidly founded on European history and folktale ‘magic’. In this file you will find questions and a few Bonus Assignments to make a solid Reading Comprehension unit for the novel. Included are: · Detailed instructions for how to proceed · Thoughtful written response questions, one for each of the ten chapters. Some of these include additional materials such as a painting or poem (included) · Simple versions of the original folktale in English and in French · Bonus assignments (essay writing, further research, Beauty’s Reading List, cake-baking, etc.) Please note, the novel must be purchased separately.

Mr. Pollexfen was at one and the same time right and wrong – a condition much more common than is generally supposed. ‘Captain Blood’ by Rafael Sabatini, first published in 1922, is a classic rip-roaring adventure novel that explores themes of justice, true love, individual courage, and right versus wrong. It influenced many pirate novels and movies that followed it, including ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. The language is flowing and elaborate, a real thrill to read. Here you will find Reading Comprehension resources for Grade 12 students, to take a thorough look at the story, its timeless themes, and its unforgettable characters. Included are: · Before and After You Read Assignment · Written Response and Discussion Questions · As You Read Assignments · Essay Writing Topics · ‘Historical Accounts’ assignment · A portrait – representing Captain Blood, or not? (The novel must be procured separately.) Note to teachers and parents: Most of the descriptions in the book are suggestive without going into great detail, however the first third of the book contains some disturbing violence (though not worse than any history novel with details about topics like ‘blood-letting’ or the beating of slaves). There is good reason for its presence in the story, and should not discourage readers from continuing.

This Valentine’s Day, cultivate your love of the English language and the time-honoured art of beautiful handwriting! We live in a society that allows us to be bombarded with ‘perfect’ images many times a day. Here is an opportunity to take a step back in time, become more attuned to the beauty of the ever-changing English language and to relish your own unique, perfectly ‘imperfect’ creativity. Here you will learn a bit about the history of English and the surprising variety that has existed in spelling and word choice through the centuries. Further assignments will cultivate a bit of love for your own handwriting by practising longhand or block letters, or by learning the uncial alphabet and trying a bit of calligraphy! Colouring and crafts instructions for making your own Valentine’s Day cards and decorations (with suggested musical accompaniment) will allow you to cultivate a love of beautiful artistic achievements. Contents • two files, one for younger students (age 8-10) and one for older students (age 11-13) • Thomas Campion’s poem ‘Tune Thy Musicke To Thy Hart’ in various formats • a brief History of English Spelling (separate texts for each age group) • vocabulary lists and a closer look at the word ‘affect’ (younger students only) • reading comprehension questions (older students only) • handwriting and calligraphy practise • colouring pages and Valentine’s Day card cut-outs (to be coloured in and written on by the student) • instructions and answer key Poem on which the unit study is based: Tune thy Musicke to thy hart, Sing thy joy with thanks, and so thy sorrow : Though Devotion needes not Art, Sometimes of the poore the rich may borrow. Strive not yet for curious wayes : Concord pleaseth more, the lesse 'tis strained ; Zeale affects not outward prayse, Only strives to show a love unfeigned. Love can wondrous things affect, Sweetest Sacrifice, all wrath appeasing ; Love the Highest doth respect ; Love alone to Him is ever pleasing. By Thomas Campion (1567- 1620)

What if you could actually talk with your favourite pet? Or live in the wild with your favourite wild animals? In this classic short story, Roald Dahl tells the compelling tale of a young boy who has a special ability to communicate with animals. In stark contrast to the greed of those around him, he sees an ancient sea turtle for the amazing, feeling creature that it is. This unit study guides students to dive deep into the story and explore all sorts of topics related to human-animal communication, while relishing a unique piece of fiction. Assignments emphasise self-expression, reflection and good writing. They are suitable for students in grades 7 and up. Please note: The Boy Who Talked with Animals 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 Section Assignments Section Questions to be completed in a notebook Section Questions Worksheets Written Exercises for the Full Story Focus on an Excerpt Reflection Questions Creative Assignments Make a Short Video Write a Short Story – Properly Exploring the Story’s Themes through Music and Art Music: Flight of the Bumblebee (Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov) Music: The Trout (Franz Schubert) Art: Humans and Animals in Art (Three Paintings) Exploring the Topic Further: An Ocean of Possibilities Documentary: Understanding How Animals Think and Feel Wildlife safety Doctor Dolittle: Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

Do you love the music of J.S. Bach? Are you curious to learn more about Baroque music, the era in which Bach lived, and his life? Or are you preparing for a music history exam? This book contains 15 pages of information about Johann Sebastian Bach, including pictures and interesting facts about his music. Following each section of text are ‘activities’ and ‘cut-outs’ which you may use to assemble a simple one-folder ‘lapbook’, which will serve as a reminder of what you’ve learned, and a useful study prompt tool - your completed lapbook will also be something nice to look at! Full instructions are included. All you need are scissors, glue, a pen or pencil, a folder (the colour of your choice) and a printed black and white version of this book. Get ready to learn more than you ever thought possible about the man who is considered one of the greatest composers of all time!

Do you get a thrill when you hear an opera singer? Are you curious about the origins of this unique art form? Do you enjoy dates and names and history? Or are you preparing for a music history exam? This book contains 24 pages of information (facts and pictures) about Opera, with special attention given to the English comic opera The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert & Sullivan. Following each section of text are ‘activities’ and ‘cut-outs’ which you may use to assemble a simple one-folder ‘lapbook’, which will serve as a reminder of what you’ve learned, and a useful study prompt tool - your completed lapbook will also be something nice to look at! Full instructions are included. All you need are scissors, glue, a pen or pencil, a folder (the colour of your choice) and a printed black and white version of this book. Get ready to learn more than you ever thought possible about a musical form that has been thrilling audiences for hundred of years!

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!

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 Blue Carbuncle’, Holmes’ great detective skills and Watson’s faithful support of his friend are at their most admirable. The disappearance of the famous blue jewel is easily explained . . . or is it? Set at Christmastime in old London, Holmes solves this case with his usual flair - and also, perhaps, saves a man from a life of crime. 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 to start with! Contents: • The full, original tale of ‘The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle’, 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 hats of the time period, how people lit their homes, the difference between supper and dinner, what betting is, keeping warm in old London, 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!

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!

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!

Who better to show the usefulness of a well-asked question - and the importance of a clear and concise answer - than Sherlock Holmes? Join Holmes and Watson as they take to the fresh air of Devonshire in search of a horse thief – and likely murderer! When the prized racehorse known as Silver Blaze disappears only days before a race, Holmes presumes that the mystery will solve itself. After all, who could hide a horse for long? The murder of its trainer, however, requires serious attention. This story is suitable for young readers who are ready for a classic murder mystery! (There is a small amount of ‘gory’ detail.) Contents: • The full, original tale of ‘The Adventure of Silver Blaze’, 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 Dartmoor, horseshoes, 19th century farms, walking sticks, 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!

This story and workbook will introduce you to 160 French words and phrases, and to ten basic concepts of French grammar and language. Read about Noisette, a little cat who lives in Paris with the ‘grand-mère’, an elderly woman who loves to paint. Every lesson contains a short story, with French words embedded and translated in the text. After the reading, memorize the new words, learn a bit of grammar and do a short grammar exercise. Also included are ‘fill in the blanks’ pages for practise or testing, a complete list of vocabulary, and extra review ideas. Note: as this is not an audio product, the teacher/parent must have a prior basic knowledge of how to pronounce French words. Bonus! Now included are notebooking pages featuring cat silhouettes - useful for vocabulary lists, written assignments, etc.

This collection contains 27 stories and poems on the theme of ‘Winter’ (including one or two selections suitable for Christmas and New Year), and a handful of ‘Winter’ 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.

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!

For beginner or early level French students, here is a solid introduction to the two most-used French verbs (‘to be’ and ‘to have’) as well as to the ‘first group’ of French verbs. Noisette the cat narrates a simple text and workbook in which the student learns about French verbs in short sections. Each section has a corresponding ‘Practise Sheet’ to reinforce and review the material (23 in total). Upon completion of this book, the student will have a thorough knowledge of ‘être’ ‘avoir’ and the er-verbs in the present tense. General topics include: How to conjugate a verb Matching verbs and subjects Using masculine and feminine pronouns and nouns and matching them to the verb Using the correct form of ‘you’ Simple sentences Why er-verbs belong to the ‘first group’ Common technical terms such as first person plural, infinitive, root etc. How to conjugate any verb from the first group This book is the logical next step after completing ‘Beginner’s French with Noisette the Cat’. Bonus! Now included are notebooking pages featuring cat silhouettes - useful for vocabulary lists, written assignments, etc.

This collection of French texts contains fourteen selections on the subject of ‘cats’, taken from Champfleury’s ‘Les Chats – Histoires, Mœurs, Observations, Anecdotes’ published in 1869. (Please note that although it dates from a previous century, the language remains appropriate for French written style.) Each two-page piece of writing addresses a specific topic in a thoughtful manner. Following each selection are: four reading comprehension questions, a dictée, phrases to translate, room for a vocabulary list and a place to write a ‘résumé’ of the text. The selections may be completed in any order – each one is unique and an effort has been made to avoid any repetition of vocabulary in the lists of phrases, so that a student may use this entire collection and continue to learn with each new topic.

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. *

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.

Schubert is a small brown dog. He is very intelligent, but he often makes mistakes! This story and workbook will introduce the young student to 150 German words and phrases, in ten short chapters. The text is in English, with German words embedded and translated, giving each one a context and entertaining you as you go! Following each chapter there are: · A vocabulary list, without articles (to avoid declension complications). · An exercise to practise adding ‘the’ and ‘a’ to the nouns, to learn which nouns are masculine, feminine and neutral (all in the Nominativ case). · A short ‘Notice’, a quick bit of information about the German language (such as ‘all German nouns begin with capital letters’) with a question included (such as ‘how many nouns are there in this chapter?’) · A ‘Fill in the Blanks’ page specific to that chapter, for review or a quiz. · A special page focussing on words linked by theme, loosely associated with the chapter, such as Haus or Farben. Some vocabulary from the extra page may appear before or after its assigned chapter, or nowhere else at all. There are also four pages to introduce the concept of gendered nouns, and a very short introduction to the composer Franz Schubert (with a link to some of his music)

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.