Mathematics From Many Cultures: Level 2 and Level 3. Native American and African finger signs, geometric shapes in New Zealand and games from Africa, China and Europe are involved in some of the exercises in these visually fascinating, multicultural packs containing books and posters. Level 2 is for key stage 1; level 3 for key stage 2. Pounds 29.95 (inc pp) each. Kingscourt Publishing, PO Box 1427, London W6 9BR.
Dead Choice is a video drama made with young people in which drugs is the theme: a simple night out goes tragically wrong. Pounds 10 (inc pp). Isle of Man Lions Club, 28 Albany Street, Douglas, Isle of Man.
The World Record Paper Airplane Book by Ken Blackburn and Jeff Lammers. Complete with 100 full-colour, ready-to-fold planes, this book explains the aerodynamics of paper aeroplane flying, looking at “fearless folding” and “best bet throwing techniques” along the way. Published by Workman Publishing. Pounds 9.99 from most bookshops.
The Music Show. With ideas developed from the Channel 4 school series, “The Music Show” (to be screened in January l995), this book, for 7 to 11- year-olds, suggests musical activities for class and home. Pounds 8.99 (Pounds 2 pp unless the order is over Pounds 15, when it is free). Southgate Publishers, Glebe House, Church Street, Crediton, Devon EX17 2AF.
Getting Ready for School: Home School Activity Packs. Acknowledging the key role played by parents in the education of their children, this large file of photocopiable materials provides structured materials for schools to lend parents the term before school. Pounds 25 for Surrey schools; Pounds 30 non-Surrey schools (Pounds 3.20 pp). “Right from the Start” Publications, Emma Anderson, Room 175, County Hall, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2DJ.
The Death of Arthur; Paradise Lost; Crime and Punishment are three CD titles launched by Naxos, as part of its new AudioBooks enterprise. 15 titles are listed and 10 more will be added before the end of the year. Prices range from Pounds 5.99 to Pounds 10.99. From record and book shops.
Take a Bite Into . . . In l887 a Bradford head bought some loaves and jam out of his wages when several poverty- stricken pupils fainted from hunger. To celebrate this action, which apparently led to national school dinners, the council has launched a pack looking at the history of this loved and maligned institution. It includes slides, photographs, written material and an audiotape. Free to Bradford schools; Pounds 35 (inc pp) to others. Phone Mary Bowes or Dorothy Greenhough on 0274 668553.
Message Through the Letterbox. Based on Royal Mail fictional greeting stamps, this imaginatively-illustrated book encourages children to write and gain more enjoyment from writing. It is accompanied by 10 worksheets. Free. Royal Mail, PO Box 105, Rochester, Kent ME2 4BH.
