‘Everything which was found there was either melted down or sold by order of the Commonwealth. Amongst other things thus treated was the gold filigree crown of Edward the Confessor, which was broken up and sold for its weight of bullion. Such vandalism is almost enough to make one a Jacobite . . .’ (Adela Elizabeth Orpen) Here are entertaining true stories surrounding a selection of the world’s most famous precious stones. Written in witty, charmingly opinionated style by Mrs. Goddard Orpen (1855-1927), these accounts could be read to pique a student’s curiosity about historic events and people, or, to explore interesting – and memorable – information that may not have made its way into the general history books. Precious gems and masterfully crafted jewellery have repeatedly found themselves in the hands of wealthy and powerful people, oftentimes well-known kings and queens. Each of the jewels described here has accumulated its own collection of bizarre tales of greed, treachery and power. Guided by a confident and well-informed author, the reader will contemplate how small objects of great monetary value have influenced the characters – and sometimes the course – of history. Read about as many jewels as you want to (12 different items are discussed). Make notes on an ‘Analysis Sheet’ that features a simple colour image of one of the jewels at the centre of the page; the student may jot down important facts or events about that jewel in the surrounding empty space in a ‘cloud’ of facts. Or, take your own notes in a traditional style on loose leaf. Once you have read about at least three precious stones you may also choose to write an essay – a list of possible topics is included, most of which require you to defend an opinion based on what you have learned and noted previously.

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.

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)

Jane Eyre is a young woman whose experiences are coloured by strong personal opinions and a keen sense of observation. She expresses herself with clarity and conviction, while speaking to others and within her narration. Jane is guided by her highest ideals. When faced with challenges and choices, she honestly acknowledges her struggles. She is a strong and interesting heroine, and readers may be surprised by the timeless quality of her simple, yet engrossing story. This Reading Comprehension course invites you to read Charlotte Bronte’s masterpiece one chapter at a time, then form your own opinions and note your own observations. Through a combination of written assignments and discussions, you will take a close and thoughtful look at the novel and also refine your own understanding of the terms ‘opinion’ and ‘observation’. Not only your pen, but also your mind and heart will be sharpened through this process, as you hone your ability to communicate ideas concisely and clearly! Contents: Instructions Definitions and Guidelines Reading Comprehension and Discussion Questions (for each chapter) Bonus Assignments Note: this resource includes assignments only. The book may be purchased or borrowed separately. (It is also available to read for free in a separate file from Canadian Winter Homeschool Materials).

You have discovered an effective – or is that effectual? – way to get rid of the awful odor of a wet dog. With fame and fortune on your mind, you are anticipating complements from all sides – or should that be compliments? Dog-owners from far and wide will surely come to seek your council – or is that counsel? One thing is certain: you will be sharing your fortune equitably – or is that equally? – with Fluffy, without whose bath-time trials you would never have made the wonderful discovery. 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 practice using 87 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!

Many people know the story of Cinderella from children’s books and movies. This unit study invites you to take a more mature, in-depth look at the fairytale, by examining its origins (both French and German) and some of its many possible interpretations. The tale offers timeless relevance, amazing fuel for creativity and a tremendous amount of food for thought. You will discover why a classic fairytale such as this one is, well, a classic! First, gain a solid familiarity with the story by reading about its history and examining basic plot variations. Continue by reading highly personal interpretations of the underlying themes of the story. Learn how the prince’s character has been reinterpreted and updated, and what a ‘Cinderella story’ is, for any gender. Artistic interpretations of any story allow for added emotional content and subtle variations: listen to a song by Stephen Sondheim (from the hit musical Into The Woods) and contemplate what Cinderella might have been feeling as she fled the ball. Explore other interpretations in movies, opera and ballet. Psychology and symbolism topics such as the ‘wicked stepmother’ and the symbol of the shoe finish the unit. If you are feeling especially motivated, you can complete two bonus reading selections: Sir Thomas More’s Utopia (included) – how and why do its themes of social justice feature so prominently in the 1998 Cinderella movie, ‘Ever After’? – and Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper(included) – is it a Cinderella story, or not? Each short piece of writing in the unit (12 in total) has an assigned question for discussion or written response. For every themed section (7 in total) there are also one or two longer assignments. Teachers may choose which materials to use and in what order (or begin at the beginning, once upon a time . . . and continue in the order the texts and assignments are presented). Free online movies and media resources are listed.

About the Book This novel by Ben Gadd follows the newest member of a flock of ravens as he discovers who he is, where he came from, and why he is here. The descriptions of nature and animal behavior are accurate, cleverly intertwined with emotions and ideas that are relatably human. Weaving together the various personalities of flock members – young and old, leaders and followers, experienced and naïve – and the constant give and take of life in the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies, the story is a warm, entertaining and thoughtful presentation of ‘life’. Young readers entering the new landscape of adolescence will find may themes just right – from peer pressure, to the dynamics between elders and youth, to finding one’s place and identity, and living within a community and within the great mystery that surrounds us. Gadd’s own spiritual views make for an unexpected ending. About The Assignments The assignments here are aimed at ages 12/13. The original book is divided into five parts, and the assignments have been written to match this format, with different types of assignments for each part. Chapters within each part are usually quite short, although there is some variety in this respect. Although the text contains a considerable amount of slang (when the creatures speak) there is good vocabulary to be learned from within the narration. Teachers or parents may wish to use only some of the assignments – it’s up to you. For each part there is a set of sheets that contains only the questions, and another that includes spaces for the answers. Please refer to the ‘Contents and Instructions’ before you begin, and print only the pages you need! The Answer Key provides sample answers for most questions. Some questions require individual responses. There is one Bonus topic, which may be addressed after reading the book. Please note: the book must be obtained separately.

Explore different styles and forms while reading poems and literary excerpts on a variety of topics; practise your writing with assignments that encourage creative and thoughtful effort! In each Excellent Excerpts Collection there are 20 printable reading and writing assignments. Complement your main curriculum with short age-appropriate texts, each matched with a unique writing assignment. This Collection is especially suited to sensitive students aged 13, or in Grade 8. It may also be used for older students, as teachers see fit. 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. Full instructions are included. For each piece of writing, there are: · A brief introduction to the author and the excerpt · A short ‘As You Read’ guide · Two questions to be answered in writing or in discussion · One writing assignment, specific to the excerpt We used these selections for our daughter as a significant part of her curriculum, and they were an excellent way to prepare her for advanced classical learning-style assignments. Most importantly, they focus on a genuine love of reading and writing, inviting students to notice and appreciate literary form and style without immediately labeling or categorizing elements of good writing.

Here is a mini-lesson plan to go with the free music file: Pause & Play ‘Ribbons’, featuring three pieces of music: Russian Baroque Music, first selection, composer unknown, Zdrastvoui iojik (‘Hello Hedgehog)’ by Mamouchka, and Russian Baroque Music, second selection, composer unknown. Baroque selections are performed by tghe Ensemble Syntagama. ‘Pause & Play’ Music Appreciation mini-lessons are made for elementary-age students and their teachers or parents. Download the free basic file here: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-12556504

Here are six pieces of beautiful art from historical Egypt. 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 ancient Egypt, 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.

Here are six pieces of beautiful art from revolutionary France. 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 revolutionary France, 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.

Improve your reading, practise asking questions, do extra work focussing on verbs in the Präteritum, and practise your declension skills - all while enjoying a unique German fairy tale! Plot Summary A mother of seven children makes a pancake that suddenly begins to speak. It leaps out of the frying pan in an attempt to escape. As the pancake rolls through the village, it discovers that, unfortunately, many creatures would like to gobble it up. At last it encounters a pig who offers to give it a ride across a stream to freedom. Will it finally be free, or is it a trick? This story is divided into five short sections. For each section there are basic assignments and bonus assignments. Teachers may pick and choose which assignments to use. Detailed instructions are included. Basic Assignments: · a chart in which to translate unfamiliar vocabulary and identify parts of speech · three statements that are ‘answers’, for which the student will write the questions · a short assignment to practise parsing individual words (answer key provided) Bonus Assignments: · for each section, learn to conjugate 3 verbs from the story in the Präteritum (14 verbs in total) · Explore extra Grammar topics (using other materials such as a dictionary or Grammar reference): Ordinalzahlen, the difference between essen and fressen, the difference between wollen and möchten, the difference between das and dass, the use of um . . . zu. Further assignments apply to the full story, including a ‘Fill in the Blanks’ quiz, discussion, and more exercises focussing on verbs. Note: Students who work through the Märchen series in numerical order will be challenged by progressively more difficult texts and assignments. For each story, a different part of speech is given special attention. Der Pfannkuchen puts a special emphasis on verbs in the Präteritum. It is suitable for students who can figure out the meaning of a variety of sentence structures, and are learning the Präteritum.

Do new ideas make you squeamish? Do you tremble at the thought of stating your opinion? Does your mind balk at ways of thinking that differ from your own? This exercise is definitely NOT for you! If, on the other hand, you feel ready to broaden your horizons, then brace yourself and face the challenge: ponder the words of religious leaders, pop icons, writers, and well-known sayings . . . and express what YOU think! Gather your courage, sharpen your mind, and dare to dig for the truth! Contents · Instructions · 18 pairs of quotations, grouped according to unique themes · General questions for each individual quotation · ‘Compare and contrast’ questions for pairs of quotations · Bonus questions · Suggested assignments (one, two or three paragraphs) The purpose of this exercise is for high school students to refine their ability to write concisely. The only part of the assignment that should be evaluated is the student’s effort and quality of writing, not the validity of their personal opinions.

Improve your reading, practise asking questions, do extra work focussing on Adjektive and Adverbien, and practise your declension skills - all while enjoying a unique German fairy tale! Plot Summary Three lazy young men living in the city of Bonn find they are unable to sleep as much as they want to because their relatives repeatedly wake them up. One of them says that he knows of a cave where they could go, where they will never be disturbed again. They leave Bonn, find the cave, and finally sleep as much as they have always wanted to. Every seven years, one of them wakes up and says something. Who might be interested in this excruciatingly slow conversation? This story is divided into four short sections. For each section there are basic assignments and bonus assignments. Teachers may pick and choose which assignments to use. Detailed instructions are included. Basic Assignments: · a chart in which to translate unfamiliar vocabulary and identify parts of speech · three statements that are ‘answers’, for which the student will write the questions · a short assignment to practise parsing individual words (answer key provided) Bonus Assignments: · practise using 18 Adjektive and 12 Adverbien through simple declension assignments and by writing sentences. In some cases, it may be necessary to use other materials (such as a dictionary). Further assignments apply to the full story, including a ‘Fill in the Blanks’ quiz, discussion, and more exercises using Adjektive and Adverbien. Note: Students who work through the Märchen series in numerical order will be challenged by progressively more difficult texts and assignments. For each story, a different part of speech is given special attention. Die Drei Schläfer puts a special emphasis on Adjektive and Adverbien. It is suitable for students who can figure out the meaning of a variety of sentence structures, and are learning the Präteritum.

Improve your reading, practise asking questions, do extra work focussing on Präpositionen, and practise your declension skills - all while enjoying a unique German fairy tale! Plot Summary A giant visits a fisherman and his family, and challenges the poor man to a game of chess. They bet on the game, using the poor man’s son as a wager. The fisherman loses the game, and the boy’s mother is distraught, so the giant decides to offer the family a way to keep their child. If they can hide the boy so well that the giant cannot find him, they can keep him. Will the child remain safe with his parents, or leave with the giant? This story is divided into five short sections. For each section there are basic assignments and bonus assignments. Teachers may pick and choose which assignments to use. Detailed instructions are included. Basic Assignments: · a chart in which to translate unfamiliar vocabulary and identify parts of speech · three statements that are ‘answers’, for which the student will write the questions · a short assignment to practise parsing individual words (answer key provided) Bonus Assignments: · use 10 prepositions correctly within various phrases · Explore extra Grammar topics (using other materials such as a dictionary or Grammar reference): herein/dahin, darauf/daraus, auf as part of a trennbar verb, ‘Dativ or Akkusativ ‘rule for in and auf, ‘Dativ or Akkusativ ‘rule for an, hinter, unter and vor. Further assignments apply to the full story, including a ‘Fill in the Blanks’ quiz, discussion, and more exercises using prepositions. Note: Students who work through the Märchen series in numerical order will be challenged by progressively more difficult texts and assignments. For each story, a different part of speech is given special attention. Der Riese und Das Kind puts a special emphasis on Präpositionen. It is suitable for students who can figure out the meaning of a variety of sentence structures, and are learning the Präteritum.

Les tempêtes de neige, qui se produisent rarement dans les plaines de la France, et n’y sont guère dangereuses, sont, au contraire, fréquentes et terribles dans les montagnes et dans les plaines désolées des régions polaires . . . Put on your warmest sweater, and brace yourself! Here you will read about thermometers, storms, ice, extreme temperatures, natural drama, and historical accounts about famous people and places that were witness to winter’s ‘blast’! Two of the ten selections also focus on extreme heat. This advanced-level French workbook contains excerpts from ‘Les Grands Froids’, written in 1880 by Émile Bouant. Each 1-2 page reading selection is followed by five comprehension questions and a chart for vocabulary. There are also two bonus readings and assignments.

This is an audio file containing 10 Dictées to go with the text file: Intermediate French: 10 Dictées A (L’exploration 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 'L’Exploration du Monde’ (The Exploration of 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 10 Intermediate Dictées. Delve into this time-honoured method of improving your French with interesting, short dictations on the topic of 'Bien Se Nourir’ (Eating Well). 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.