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).

Here is the complete, original novel. Download for free to accompany ‘Reading Comprehension: Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë’ from Canadian Winter Homeschool Materials.

Make your empty Kleenex boxes into a pretty craft! Instructions, tips, four small templates and four large templates are included here. This is a fun way to re-use thin coloured cardboard from common household packaging! Larger cardboard mosaics can be completed by younger children, and smaller ones by older children, teens or adults. Use your completed mosaic to decorate the cover of a notebook, make a card (smaller templates are located on the lower half of a page for easy folding), as a wall hanging, or give it as a gift! Cardboard Mosaics and other similar crafts (such as cut and paste puzzles) are excellent tools for developing fine motor skills. This in turn can improve a student’s ability to play a musical instrument, write neatly, give attention to detail, show patience, and concentrate for longer periods of time. Go slowly and be generous with your praise – fine work takes practise and perseverance!

Here is a delightful, old-fashioned book for young readers. The narrative introduces the reader to many wildflowers by taking them on a little tour of Willow Farm. In a gentle conversational style, Mr. Cooke describes where the flowers grow, gives their names, and draws attention to notable features (petal colours, leaf shape, etc.). He also presents a very manageable handful of scientific terms. Drawings of the flowers – some colour and some black and white – help to entertain and inform as you read. This book is an excellent introduction to botany for young people, being neither too simplistic nor overly detailed. It is suitable for young readers who will benefit from beginning to read longer texts; the format focuses on reading more than writing. The book has been heavily edited for use here. It is now in fourteen short chapters. Following each chapter are four to six very simple reading comprehension questions which need not be answered in full sentences (single words or short phrases will do). At the end there is Vocabulary List, as well as some decorative pages; the student may want to label the flowers and hang the pages on a wall, as a pretty reminder of what they’ve learned. You will learn about wildflowers in general (common to the Northern Hemisphere), and about specific plants as well. Enjoy a pleasant ‘tour’ of an old farm, guided by a teacher whose love of flowers and respect for his readers shines through the pages. Once you’re done, you will very likely be able to recognize a number of common wildflowers the next time you take a walk in a natural area.

Research and Reflect! The student will read six short papers about ‘Wit and Humour’ by Joseph Addison (1672 – 1719), in which the author describes different types of humour and offers his opinions about whether these are effective or appropriate. (Please note, these essays are not themselves humorous!) The student may also read two short samples of humorous writing (included) by P.G. Wodehouse (1881-1975). Several topics for essays are suggested. The student may choose to write an essay that simply refers to the texts by Addison, or one in which they use what they have learned in the Addison texts to analyze one of the other pieces of writing. For two suggested topics, a small amount of extra research is required. Detailed instructions are included. Texts: Five Short Papers on Wit and Humour Joseph Addison was an Englishman who is perhaps best known for his play, ‘Cato’, which deals with themes such as individual liberty versus government and has been described as ‘almost certainly literary inspiration for the American Revolution’. The play was well-known to the founding fathers - in fact, George Washington arranged that it be performed for the Continental Army while they were encamped at Valley Forge. Today Addison is also remembered as an accomplished essayist. He wrote for various widely-read magazines of his time, and was known for his ‘breezy, conversational style’, and his ‘cheerful and respectful humour’. The short, critical essays included here are: Lampoons, True and False Humour, False Wit, Punning, Etc. and Wit and Judgement (not original order or titles). 'Damon and Pythias, A Romance' and 'Extricating Young Gussie' (excerpt) Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse was one of the most widely-read humorists of the 20th century. ‘Damon and Pythias, A Romance’ is a simple comic poem. The prose excerpt provided here, from ‘Extricating Young Gussie’ (featuring the well-loved characters of ‘Bertie Wooster’ and his manservant ‘Jeeves’), gives a good idea of the style of his more renowned novels. TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in philosophy or the 17th-18th century.

Art thou ready to read Shakespeare? But of course! Here you will finde assignments, definitions, explanations, and other sundry ‘stuff’ which will make reading ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ a zephyr – that is, a breeze! This approach focuses on seeing the big picture, with only the most interesting of extra information included for thine own interest. Read the words of the beloved Bard aloud! Write some of your own! Explore the theme of ‘dreams’ . . . draw a character . . . examine the text one more time, looking for details ‘divine and rare’ . . . memorize a few lines . . . and hark! It is done! Included here are the following: the complete play ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’; seven separate sections each containing assignments and information; a glossary of Weird Words, a Biography, and Summaries of Acts and Scenes. This text is well-suited to homeschoolers who do not anticipate putting on the play, or doing other activities that involve collaboration with numerous other people. It is especially aimed at students who are not yet familiar with Shakespeare’s plays, and who will benefit from a light-hearted but meaningful approach to reading them. The sections and assignments are as follows: Hark! Methinks I’ll Read the Play (read aloud and learn theatre terms) Hark! What Do I Understand? (copying, list, translation and learn about iambic pentameter) Hark! Methinks I Hear A Voice! (memorization, learn about ‘soliloquy’) Hark Methinks I’ll Look Again (underline certain features, learn more about Shakespeare’s quill and ink) Hark! Methinks I’ll Write Mine Own (Choose between a 5 paragraph essay or a report on the topic of ‘dreams’ within the play. Detailed guidelines are given. Learn about editing and copyright.) Hark! Methinks I’ll Draw Awhile! (Draw a main character, learn about costume and set design.) Stay, Good Friend - There’s More! (Glossary of Weird Words, Brief Biography, Summary of Acts and Scenes. Invent a word and define one from the play that you’ve never seen before.)

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.

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 ‘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 ‘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!

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! (These are also available for free at www.litteratureetfrancais.com) 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.

Treasure Island is a classic which speaks for itself! Here is the entire text with no updates or alterations. Divided into the original 34 chapters and displayed in a slightly old-fashioned style, it is easily printed and bound in a duotang or binder. In addition to the original text, after each chapter you will find: Questions that focus on the reader’s experience and perceptions, and are under the title ‘Ask Yourself’. These may be used to stimulate discussion or for a written assignment of your choice. Twelve words, typed in a suitably nautical style, which can be used as a spelling test (oral or written) or an opportunity to expand the reader’s vocabulary. (Definitions are not included. Outdated terms are generally not selected.) A notebook page, imitating a diary page which Jim could have had in the time period, on which the reader should summarize (in their best penmanship and style) the chapter just read. Two pages of extra questions and activity suggestions are found at the end of the book. No pirate tale can compare with this one. Prepare yourself for subtle treachery, rough adventure, vivid characters and first class writing!

This owl- and mouse-themed book will help students to obtain a thorough (and advanced) understanding of how to use past participles. In 56 pages of definitions and explanations, examples, exercises and assignments, you will learn about past participles and practise using them in your own writing. An answer key for each of the 16 assignments (and four extra review assignments) is included. Exercises and assignments are to be completed in a separate notebook. This version of the book is in colour - a few cheery images here and there might just help the information to stick! If you prefer, a black and white version of the same text is also available. In this book you will: • Learn to identify and use past participles as parts of main verbs, as adverbs or nouns, as adjectives or complements, and within phrases • Complete 12 exercises and 16 assignments • Hone your skills with 4 extra review assignments at the end of the book • Enjoy pleasant (and whimsical) references to owls, mice and Canadian winters . . . Note: Past participles as verbals can be explained and labeled in different ways. If you are preparing for a test, please make sure that you learn the correct technical terms and types of analysis for that specific test!

What is a participle? What is a gerund? It’s time to find out! Read about George, Nancy and a gaggle of Canada Geese while learning to identify and use important elements of English grammar. In 37 pages of definitions and explanations, examples, exercises and assignments (many of which must be completed in a separate notebook or on looseleaf), you will learn more about these verbals than you ever thought possible! Full answer key included. In this book you will: • Identify present participles and gerunds in a variety of sentence structures • Use present participles as adjectives and adverbs in your own writing • Use gerunds as subjects, direct objects, etc. in your own writing • Read about Nancy, George and the always adorable Canada goose . . .

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

Learning to relax and replenish is a vital life skill! And learning to observe can help anyone, at any age, to improve your ability to complete tasks well. It will also help you to enjoy life, since much of what we experience amounts to many small moments all in a row! Every activity in this book offers a way to remember how to enjoy simple pleasures. Print the whole book, or just choose sections that interest you. Rather than trying to resist the slow and simple side of the warmest season, let yourself be encouraged to slow down, observe tiny details and make the most of a Simple Summer! Subjects: Water, Laugh!, Draw a Plant or Tree, The Sky, The Wind, Pet Rock, Decorate A Small Space, Garden In A Box, Simple Exercise, Clean Mind and Heart, Mini-Campfire, Tiny World, Travel At Home, Do Nothing On Purpose, Slow Down, Enjoy Your Food, Bird-watching, A Simple Poem

What is the Kohinoor? What is the Hindi word for elephant? Which Indian province has been trading spices for over 3000 years? What does the ‘mahatma’ in ‘Mahatma Ghandi’ mean? Which ancient Indian civilization was greater than those of Egypt and Mesopotamia? Learn this and much, much more with these 100 question and answer cards! Easily printed in black and white, this simple card game makes an excellent addition to any study of India. Geographical, colloquial, historical, political and cultural facts and figures about the world’s most populous democracy are assembled here. Also included are images (colour and black and white) to decorate the backs of your cards, and a label for an envelope in which to store them. Time to travel (in your armchair) to Bharat (India)!