Imagine that you have stumbled upon an old, leather-bound book in the dusty corner of a library. You crack open the cover and discover a real piece of history: a well-loved text that has been forgotten for many years. It is both a history book, and a historical artifact. ‘A Short History of the World’ begins with a description of the very beginnings of life on our planet, and continues by describing pivotal moments and important people all the way up to the twentieth century. It includes information about various cultures, in addition to predictable topics such as ancient Greece, etc. It is written in many short chapters which contain plenty of intriguing ‘look-what-I-found-in-the-back-of-the-natural-history-museum’-type black-and-white photos. The history of the world is a big topic, easily overwhelming to any reader; here H. G. Wells (1866-1946) tells a story that is easy to understand, entertaining, and memorable. Use this book as an introduction to world history that offers older students a good look at the big picture, as well as interesting and important details. You will be exposed to ways of thinking and writing that are now called ‘old-fashioned’, but were the foundation upon which modern scientific and anthropological studies were built. The assignments that follow each chapter will help you to learn to think critically, to examine facts, to identify ‘concepts’ and ‘opinions’, and to do some research. You will read about history and hone your observational and philosophical skills as well. Learn about history by reading a piece of history! Contents: The complete original text ‘A Short History of the World’ by H.G. Wells; a reading comprehension sheet following each of the 67 short chapters asking the student to identify from that chapter: a concept or opinion a fact that is certain a doubtful fact (which must be briefly researched) an important date and relevant event and an outdated word or phrase Appendix One contains larger version of each of the maps in the book. Appendix Two contains possible essay topics and extra assignments.

'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.

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 says Christmas-themed schoolwork is only suited to elementary students? This resource contains 6 thematic reading and writing assignments for middle school students. Complement your main curriculum with interesting age-appropriate texts, each matched with a unique writing assignment! There is no limit to the number of selections you can use. You may work through them in order or choose a topic or assignment to suit the moment. This resource offers teachers and students a chance to explore different styles and forms of varying level of difficulty, through unique poems and literary excerpts about the Christmas season. (Cut-out decorations included.) Contents: 1 - A Christmas Carol (poem), by Charles Dickens 2 - A Peaceful Christmas Alone (two short descriptions), by Unknown and Stella Benson 3 - Drawing Santa Claus (spoken instructions), by John Wilson Bengough 4 - Did Shakespeare Like Christmas? (scholarly criticism), by Max Beerbohm 5 - The Appositeness of Christmas (opinion), by E. A. Bennett 6 - Trees and Bells (poems), by Carman and Tennyson

‘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)