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!

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)

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 ‘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!

If you want to learn to knit, and you’re not sure where or how to start (or whether you’ll even like knitting), this guide may provide just the basic, step-by-step encouragement you need! Here you will find 49 consecutive lessons which will guide you to learn, practise and apply basic knitting skills. These skills are, in order: how to ‘cast on’; how to do the ‘knit’ stitch; how to do the ‘purl’ stitch; how to ‘cast off’; how to combine ‘knit’ and ‘purl’ stitches to make 11 different knitting patterns; and how to do three, more advanced stitches (‘yarn over needle’, ‘knit two together’, 'purl two together’) which will also be used in patterns. Labels are provided for each of the patterns, which you can pin to your finished samples for easy reference. Three bonus lessons provide basic instructions for completing a simple project: a washcloth or doll blanket, a hair ‘thingy’, or a scarf. Important: Please note that this is only a lesson guide; the lessons here only offer a plan for you to follow in order to acquire the skills you need, one at a time, in an enjoyable, encouraging, effective and satisfying manner. To learn the actual mechanics of knitting, you will need to refer to a handful of clear, full-colour, free websites (addresses provided), or to a library book or parent/friend. Knitting and other crafts (such as paper mosaics) are excellent tools for developing fine motor skills. This in turn can improve a student’s performance in other areas such as playing a musical instrument, writing neatly, attention to detail, patience, and the ability to concentrate for longer periods of time. Go slowly and be generous with your praise – fine work takes practise and perseverance!

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!

This book contains the complete story ‘Les Gouttes Qui Tombent’ by Maurice Leblanc. The text is divided into 14 small sections, each followed by five reading comprehension questions and a blank list for vocabulary, to be filled in by the student (instructions included). The lists are multicoloured for variety. This is one of many tales by Leblanc featuring the same protagonist, a gentleman-thief by the name of Arsène Lupin, here disguised as ‘Jim Barnett’. He is remarkable for his ability to glean a fortune from wealthy (and usually greedy and unpleasant) people through the clever manipulation of events which are already in motion when he arrives on the scene. His success depends on his intelligence and his prowess as a thief and master of disguise, which allow him to avoid violence or guilt of crime in his adventures. Adding to the fun, he consistently outwits whatever official inspector (here, inspector ‘Béchoux’) he is supposedly helping. The story is narrated in the passé simple, making it an excellent tool for practising this French verb tense. All advanced French students will benefit from reading Leblanc’s well-written prose!

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!

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.

Here is a mini-lesson plan to go with the free music file: Pause & Play ‘Spooks’, featuring the Variations on an Original Theme in c minor by Beethoven. ‘Pause & Play’ Music Appreciation mini-lessons are made for elementary-age students and their teachers or parents. Download the free basic file here:

‘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.

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!

Les Trois Mousquetaires transports the reader to 17th century France, where the young and daring d’Artagnan has taken the first step toward finding fame and fortune as a musketeer. But who can he trust? What unwritten codes of conduct drive the greedy ambitions and sly plots of the powerful people he encounters? Will he survive duels and intrigue, and find friendship, or true love? This classic adventure novel is perfect for advanced French students, who will enjoy an imitable blend of history and fiction, character and action, driving story-telling and brilliant language. Here you will find writing topics to accompany each chapter of the full two-volume novel. Read one chapter at a time. Complete the short French writing assignment that follows (no more than 100 words) according to the approach you have chosen (shorter and longer versions are included). Use the discussion topics to practice your oral French and to explore major themes of the novel, or for further writing practice. Also included are drawings of the characters in full costume, from the Fellens and Dufour edition of 1849, and short summaries of each chapter (in French) to help you confirm that you’re keeping up with the plot as you go! Contents: · Instructions and About the Contents · Reading and Writing Questions Set A (shorter) · Reading and Writing Questions Set B (longer) · Grandes Thèmes à Contempler (Discussion) · Images des Personnages · Sommaire de Chapitres Note: the book is not included here, but can be read online for free.

What are the fundamental qualities that students of Chinese martial arts are expected to cultivate? Patience, Discipline, Courage, Confidence & Compassion! Like the points on a circle, there is no ‘first’ or ‘last’, no ‘more important’ or ‘less important’ when it comes to these powerful human qualities. They are all equally special and can be cultivated simultaneously, every day. Take a hint from Kung Fu Panda (which is of course based on thousands of years of experience and wisdom accumulated by Chinese martial artists and health experts) and develop these admirable and constructive qualities in your daily life! Contents 2 versions of a ‘self-awareness’ sheet, which may be printed multiple times and filled in, to note how you have shown or will show all five of the qualities in your daily life 5 ‘self-awareness’ sheets focusing on one quality only ‘summarise and explain’ sheets for each of the Furious Five characters, to fill in with your own summary of events in the animated film shorts ‘Secrets of the Furious Five’ labels for each quality which may be cut out and glued to a separate page or notebook, if you would rather make your notes elsewhere (or to use as you see fit) a full-page poster for each quality, to serve as a friendly reminder

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 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 (‘se trouver’) 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.

Here is the complete, original novel. Download for free to accompany ‘Reading Comprehension: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen’ from Canadian Winter Homeschool Materials.