Canadian Winter Homeschool Materials

Canadian Winter Homeschool Materials

Hello! Many of our titles were originally written for our homeschooled daughter. We are Canadian, and some of our books contain Canadian content, though they are not aligned to any specific school system. Please feel free to use and re-use resources for multiple family members or a classroom of students. Thank you for stopping by!

Featured Resources

Reading Comprehension: Sherlock Holmes in the Adventure of the Red-Headed League

Reading Comprehension: Sherlock Holmes in the Adventure of the Red-Headed League

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!

By canadianwinter

English Grammar: Adjectival, Adverbial and Noun Clauses

English Grammar: Adjectival, Adverbial and Noun Clauses

This humorous book will give any student a thorough understanding of the three main types of subordinate clauses: adjectival, adverbial and noun clauses. In 35 pages of definitions and explanations, examples, exercises and assignments, you will learn about and practise using these clauses in your own writing. Also included is a 16 page answer key. (Exercises and assignments are to be completed in a separate notebook.) In this book you will: • Learn about main clauses and subordinate clauses • Learn to identify and write your own adjectival, adverbial and noun clauses • Complete 31 exercises and 20 assignments • Hone your skills with extra review exercises and assignments at the end of the book • Enjoy whimsical (and ridiculous) references to moose . . . In each section: • Adjectival Clauses: Learn to identify relative pronouns; know when to use ‘who’ and ‘whom’; determine whether the relative pronoun acts as a subject or direct object within the clause; learn when to use ‘which’ and ‘that’; learn when to use ‘who’ or ‘which/that’; learn about possessive adjectival clauses; understand the difference between a question and an adjectival clause; learn about relative pronouns preceded by prepositions • Adverbial Clauses: Learn about subordinating conjunctions; understand the difference between an adjectival and adverbial clause; learn to identify and use clauses of time, place, manner, condition, concession, and cause; learn to differentiate between clauses of various types; learn to identify sentences containing different types of clauses • Noun Clauses: learn to identify and use noun clauses; learn about noun clauses that behave as direct objects or complements; learn about noun clauses that behave as subjects; noun clauses in reported speech • Extra Review: combine all your new knowledge and skills in several exercises and assignments • Answer Key: contains answers for all exercises. Answers to assignments will be unique to each individual. Knowing how sentences can be constructed is an invaluable tool for any student or writer. Improve your English Grammar, and learn how to protect your wool socks from an intrepid moose, all in one book!

By canadianwinter

French: 48 Dictées for Beginners

French: 48 Dictées for Beginners

A tried and true method for improving your French at any level! Here are 48 beginners’ Dictées in the form of riddles. Guess which fruit, vegetable or animal is being described as you improve your knowledge of verb conjugation, spelling, sentence structure and vocabulary. Full English translation is included, as well as a brief guideline of what to expect in each section (General, Grammar, Expression, Verbs). Detailed instructions for getting the most out this type of exercise are included (in English). These simple texts can be used in a variety of ways for those who are ready to begin reading and writing in French. All Dictées in this collection are written in the first or second person singular or plural, in the present tense. You will find one riddle for each of the following fruits and vegetables: orange, apple, banana, zucchini, carrot, strawberry, potato, tomato, pumpkin, raspberry, lentil, watermelon, broccoli, corn, cabbage, onion, beet, lettuce, beans, blueberries, rhubarb, celery, eggplant, lemon . . . and one riddle for each of the following animals: beaver, owl, salmon, cat, whale, deer, moose, robin, wolf, crow, squirrel, dog, coyote, frog, pigeon, duck, eagle, mouse, snake, bear, raccoon, chickadee, horse, rabbit.

By canadianwinter

Treasure Island Reading Comprehension (Full Original Story Included)

Treasure Island Reading Comprehension (Full Original Story Included)

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 as 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! Bonus! This title includes a separate file of additional Treasure-Island-themed notebooking pages.

By canadianwinter

Essay Writing: Wit & Humour

Essay Writing: Wit & Humour

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.

By canadianwinter

Essay Writing: Narrow Escapes

Essay Writing: Narrow Escapes

Defend An Opinion! Read two accounts of real-life narrow escapes in the wilderness, by historic ‘backwoodsmen’ of Canada. Then follow the guidelines and write an essay on one of several suggested topics. Your task is to defend an opinion, in essay format. Detailed instructions are included. This assignment will take at least one week to complete. Texts: The Vagrants of the Barren A solitary woodsman must face the wilderness alone in midwinter after his shack burns to the ground. He is knowledgeable and experienced, but he is aware that his chances of survival under such circumstances are slim. He must find food and shelter quickly. A sudden storm makes his situation all the more difficult. In the end, a chance encounter with a herd of caribou allows him to survive and to reach safety. The Grip In Deep Hole Alone in the woods that he has known and loved since childhood, a woodsman approaches a rushing stream only to feel the bank give way underneath his feet. He plunges into the water – and his foot becomes tangled in an underwater ‘trap’ of slimy roots. Repeated attempts to free himself amount to nothing. A bear arrives, and as it swims past, the woodsman cleverly – and amazingly – finds a way to use the bear’s strength to escape a tragic end. TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in wilderness survival or wild animal behaviour.

By canadianwinter

Essay Writing: Volcanoes (Mount Vesuvius)

Essay Writing: Volcanoes (Mount Vesuvius)

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.

By canadianwinter

Essay Writing: Short Stories/Space Travel

Essay Writing: Short Stories/Space Travel

Compare and Contrast! The student will read two short stories about space travel, written in the 1950’s (included). A list of relevant themes for a ‘compare and contrast’ essay is included. The student will choose three themes that they feel are interesting, and write an essay in which they briefly address how those themes are important to each story. Detailed guidelines are given. This assignment will take at least one week to complete. Stories: . . . So They Baked A Cake A bitter, hardened journalist joins an elite space crew for an experimental voyage into deep space, a daring mission to find a planet that humans could colonize. They are travelling at one tenth the speed of light but the journey will still take 42 years one way in Earth time. The protagonist’s pessimism about humanity, and the crew’s growing despair due to the implications of the ultra-fast travel, are both confounded by an unexpectedly happy conclusion to their journey. The Lonely Ones A space crew is on an exploratory mission to find life on another planet – human or alien, they don’t care which. Discouraged by the lifeless landscapes of the planets in the solar system, they finally reach a new planet and land. Faced with an advanced society in which they will be treated as insignificant underlings, they decide to continue their journey further into space, though in a changed frame of mind. Note: The stories contain mild expletives, such as ‘what the hell’, and include mature themes such as references to drinking alcohol. TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in science fiction or futuristic literature.

By canadianwinter

Essay Writing: Building Iron Bridges

Essay Writing: Building Iron Bridges

Summarize! The student will read a text about iron bridge building. Their essay will be a summary of one aspect of iron bridge building described in the text. The student will read the text, choose a topic (one of eight that are suggested), reread the text and take notes, and prepare a five-paragraph essay on their chosen topic. Detailed instructions are included. Text: Iron Bridges And Their Construction Edward Rowland describes the process of building iron bridges at the end of the 19th century. First he writes about bridge construction in general, referring to important accomplishments in that field from earlier times. He then describes in detail how iron is prepared when it will be used for bridge-building. He ends with a brief description of how an iron bridge is assembled. TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in 19th century literature or the Steampunk movement.

By canadianwinter

Essay Writing: Survival & Rescue

Essay Writing: Survival & Rescue

Compare and contrast! Here are two true stories of survival and rescue. 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. Stories: Tracks In The Bush An Australian ranch-worker goes missing, and three Europeans, along with six blacks, trek through the bush to rescue him. The tracking abilities of the blacks consistently astonish the narrator. He also describes the intense natural surroundings and the challenges, on a human level, that are faced by all involved. The Marvellous Ice-Drift of Captain Tyson This early attempt to reach the North Pole failed. The voyage nonetheless left its mark on history when the captain and crew were forced to abandon ship and live on an ice floe for 196 days in the middle of the Arctic winter. German sailors, an American cook, and a group of Inuit faced deadly conditions together. Under the leadership of Captain George E. Tyson, not one person perished. Note: To the best of my understanding the use of the word ‘black’ to refer to the indigenous peoples of Australia is preferable to them to the word ‘Aborigine’. Thus, the original term has been left unaltered in the text. If I am mistaken and have caused offense, please let me know! TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping or rock-climbing.

By canadianwinter

Essay Writing: Beginning & Concluding Paragraphs

Essay Writing: Beginning & Concluding Paragraphs

One of the trickiest parts of writing a good essay is composing a beginning and concluding paragraph that are not too similar – but that do communicate more or less the same thing. Here is an opportunity to practise just this skill. This eBook contains 15 paragraphs and 3 main essay bodies about different subjects. They can be used in any order. Each paragraph and essay has its own page, with blank spaces for the student’s work. The Paragraphs Each of the 15 paragraphs could either begin or conclude an essay. The student’s tasks are: - to write a second paragraph for each one that is similar but not identical - to label the original paragraph and their own paragraph indicating which one would be better to begin an essay, and which to conclude one - to identify and write down, concisely and clearly, the topic of the imaginary essay that the paragraph(s) would begin and conclude - to identify and write down the subjects of the three middle paragraphs of the imaginary essay, based on what has been written in the beginning and concluding paragraphs The paragraphs’ topics are as follows: skiing in the wilderness, Scotland, Gautama Buddha, William Shakespeare, Ancient Rome, French fashion, beavers, chocolate, toilets, human writing, water, rock climbing, essay writing, tomato sauce, believable scientific concepts from Star Trek. The Essays The 3 essay ‘bodies’ may be used as follows. The student should: - identify the main topic of the essay - identify the main topic of each individual paragraph within the essay - write both a beginning and concluding paragraph for each essay The essay topics are salt, cats, and exercise.

By canadianwinter

Essay Writing: The Site and Antiquities of Athens

Essay Writing: The Site and Antiquities of Athens

Defend your opinion! Read a description of a visit to Athens in the late 19th century (included). Follow detailed guidelines to take notes, organise those notes, and write a five paragraph essay which describes why visiting Athens would be interesting - or boring! Defend your opinion by focussing on one of several suggested themes. (Examples: because Athens' architecture is linked with Greek mythology, or because Athens is located in a beautiful place, or because famous ancient Greeks lived in Athens, or because most of the monuments are in ruins, etc.) This assignment will take at least one week to complete. Text: A Glance At The Site And Antiquities of Athens The author writes a first-hand account of visiting various ancient sites within Athens, with the intent of recommending the place as a fascinating destination for North American tourists. The author describes the importance of the sites historically, as well as their links to Greek mythology, and refers to the size and atmosphere of the places as well. The text dates from 1873 and is a charming example of the type of laid-back, informed travel that was in vogue in that era. TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in Greek mythology or the 'Percy Jackson' series.

By canadianwinter

Essay Writing: A Winter Walk

Essay Writing: A Winter Walk

Summarise and Describe! The student will read a piece of descriptive and thoughtful writing by Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), called ‘A Winter Walk’. Several topics for essays are suggested. The student will read and reread the text, taking notes as needed for the chosen subject. Then, they will compose a simple essay (detailed guidelines included). This assignment will take at least one week to complete. Text: A Winter Walk The author writes in the first person, describing a long winter walk through a wooded area with few human inhabitants. He describes what he sees and feels while walking, and also his innermost thoughts and musings about the nature of life, wilderness, and humans’ place within the world. This text is descriptive and pensive. TIP! This may be a good choice for a student who has an interest in philosophy or who enjoys the peaceful side of nature.

By canadianwinter

Essay Writing: India, Timeless Topics

Essay Writing: India, Timeless Topics

Summarise and Describe! Here are three texts by an Englishman describing his travels in India in the late 19th century. Following detailed guidelines, 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: Part One – India: Places of Interest The author and narrator, an Englishman travelling in India with his invaluable guide and trusted friend, Bhima Gandharva, describes their visits to a handful of beautiful monuments and places including the Taj Mahal and an indigo-factory. The description includes some local folklore and the reactions of the narrator to the beauty around him and to the people he encounters. Part Two – India: A Rural Tiger Hunt The narrator joins a local effort to rid a village of a deadly nuisance: a tiger. He offers the reader a view of an actual tiger hunt, by a group of both foreign and local men, and the peculiarities and details of an event that is now known as a somewhat iconic historical challenge. (Note that hunting tigers in India is now illegal, and tigers are currently protected as an endangered species.) Part Three – India: Moving Forward Here the reader is witness to the narrator’s encounter with a Calcutta local, a member of a group of young people who want to eliminate old traditions they feel are cruel and in the way of India’s progress. He speaks about a topic that remains important in India today: how ancient customs and new influences intermingle in that wildly diverse and culturally vibrant country. TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in Bollywood or history.

By canadianwinter

Naya Nuki: A True Story (Reading Comprehension)

Naya Nuki: A True Story (Reading Comprehension)

Naya Nuki is an excellent adventure and survival novel based on true and remarkable events. It is suitable for students age 9 and up. 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!

By canadianwinter

About Wood: The Talking Trees (Canadian History)

About Wood: The Talking Trees (Canadian History)

Contents Bonus! Now also includes the complete poem 'The Maple Leaf Forever' (the official updated version), with copywork pages and original decorative borders from the 1868 edition)! Here is the complete text of ‘The Talking Trees’ by James Lawler. It is divided into seven chapters and a short introduction. Following each of these are three reading comprehension questions and six vocabulary words. Also included is a page of suggested topics for ‘thinking about history’. These may be used by the teacher for discussion purposes, research or in any other way to ‘expand’ the lesson. Also included is a map of Canada. About The Book This simple, old-fashioned text will introduce young students to the types of trees that are used for human materials – buildings, books, etc. The story is told from the trees’ point-of-view, and puts an emphasis on describing where the trees grew, how they were felled and transported, and the dangers of forest fire. The text avoids any particularly tragic elements, bringing attention primarily to how trees are used by humans to our benefit, and giving an appreciation of the fact that trees are a living part of nature. It also offers a peek at historical Canada through the eyes of forest trees. Instructions Read one section at a time. Answer the three reading comprehension questions in a separate notebook. The six vocabulary words may be used as follows: the student may simply copy them into the blank spaces to reinforce tidy writing and accurate spelling habits; or, they may memorise how to spell the words, cover the words with a notebook or book, write the words in the blank spaces (dictated by a teacher or parent), then uncover the original list and correct their own work by comparing what they have written with the list. The suggested ‘thinking about history’ topics can be addressed after the other assignments have been completed.

By canadianwinter

Miss Pickerell Goes Undersea

Miss Pickerell Goes Undersea

This charming story (first published in 1953) is one of several by the same author featuring Miss Pickerell, a delightful ‘Mary Poppins’ type character who is ever so slightly eccentric (she lives alone on a farm with her favourite pet cow, and particularly enjoys collecting rocks). Miss Pickerell is curious, sensible and spunky, and eager to share what she learns with her numerous nieces and nephews. The scientific information within the story is accurate, making this an enjoyable introduction to scientific concepts for young readers. This eBook is divided into seventeen chapters. Following each chapter are: • five questions beginning with either ‘why’ or how’ which may either be answered in written form or answered orally with a teacher’s participation (or a combination of the two – for example, the teacher might assign the first two questions to be answered in written form, and the remaining three to be answered verbally). The questions generally require longish answers, as they have been formulated with the express intent of encouraging ‘scientific’ thinking; rather than stating ‘what’ happened, the student will be asked to explain ‘why’ or ‘how’ it happened by referring to the story (no extra research is required). • a list of six vocabulary words. The teacher may decide how these will be used. More advanced students may benefit from learning to spell the words and doing a short spelling test. It may also be useful to write out a short definition of each word (in a separate notebook). Less advanced students may simply copy them into a notebook, and/or learn what they mean. The student is also asked to note what the six words have in common. (Suggested answers are found on the final page.) • a space in which to write out any new words the student encounters that they are not familiar with.

By canadianwinter

Miss Pickerell Goes To Mars

Miss Pickerell Goes To Mars

This charming story (first published in 1951) is one of several by the same author featuring Miss Pickerell, a delightful ‘Mary Poppins’ type character who is ever so slightly eccentric (she lives alone on a farm with her favourite pet cow, and particularly enjoys collecting rocks). Miss Pickerell is curious, sensible and spunky, and eager to learn. The scientific information within the story is accurate, making this book a pleasant introduction to scientific concepts for young readers. This eBook is divided into seventeen chapters. Following each chapter are: • five questions beginning with either ‘why’ or how’ which may either be answered in written form or answered orally with a teacher’s participation (or a combination of the two – for example, the teacher might assign the first two questions to be answered in written form, and the remaining three to be answered verbally). The questions generally require longish answers, as they have been formulated with the express intent of encouraging ‘scientific’ thinking; rather than stating ‘what’ happened, the student will be asked to explain ‘why’ or ‘how’ it happened by referring to the story (no extra research is required). • a list of six vocabulary words. The teacher may decide how these will be used. More advanced students may benefit from learning to spell the words and doing a short spelling test. It may also be useful to write out a short definition of each word (in a separate notebook). Less advanced students may simply copy them into a notebook, and/or learn what they mean. The student is also asked to note what the six words have in common. (Answers and suggestions are found on the final page.) • a space in which to write out any new words the student encounters that they are not familiar with.

By canadianwinter

'Insect Languages' with Doctor Dolittle

'Insect Languages' with Doctor Dolittle

Do you have a student who loves bugs, and is ready to read more advanced English? This story will stretch a 9 to 10 year old's English reading abilities while entertaining them with thoughtful insect stories by the famous creator of 'Doctor Dolittle'. In thirteen chapters, read about a water beetle who travelled across the ocean on a duck's foot, a wasp who decided the victory of a battle, and other curious anecdotes. Thomas Stubbins, the Doctor’s young assistant, describes how he and Doctor go about 'listening' to insects and learning from their very different lives. Young readers will expand their reading abilities while being introduced to such concepts as ‘intuitive’ knowledge. Hugh Lofting writes with both humour and thoughtfulness as he examines life from a bug’s point-of-view! Following each chapter are three reading comprehension questions to be answered in a separate notebook, in complete sentences. There is also a list of five words from the chapter: the student should copy them into the blank space provided, and learn to spell them. Finish up by colouring a simple insect drawing! (There is one drawing at the end of every chapter.)

By canadianwinter

The Story of Quetch - A Dog's Adventures

The Story of Quetch - A Dog's Adventures

Do you have a student who loves dogs, and is ready to read more advanced English? This story will stretch a 9 to 10 year old's English reading abilities while entertaining them with interesting and witty dog stories that are easy to love (no drama, deaths or abuse by humans in this book). This is an original animal story by Hugh Lofting, author of the famous Doctor Dolittle books. In twelve chapters, read about Quetch, a dog who set out to seek his fortune. Thomas Stubbins, the Doctors young assistant, faithfully writes down the story, which is told in Quetchs own words. See the world from an intelligent dogs point-of-view! Following each chapter are three reading comprehension questions to be answered in a separate notebook, in complete sentences. There is also a list of five words from the chapter: the student should copy them into the blank space provided, and learn to spell them. Finish up by colouring a simple dog drawing! (There is one drawing at the end of every chapter.)

By canadianwinter

Advanced French Reading Comprehension: Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Thief, No. 4

Advanced French Reading Comprehension: Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Thief, No. 4

This book contains the complete story ‘Gants Blancs . . . Guêtres Blanches . . .’ by Maurice Leblanc. It is one of many 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 divided into 15 small sections, each of which is followed by five reading comprehension questions and a blank list for vocabulary (instructions included). The lists are multicoloured for variety.

By canadianwinter

Think About History: Great Elizabethan Navigators (Canadian History)

Think About History: Great Elizabethan Navigators (Canadian History)

About This Book ‘Great Elizabethan Navigators’ is the first chapter of ‘Adventurers of the Far North’, which contains accounts of the historic voyages to the northern regions of what is now Canada. This chapter describes the earliest quests to find a ‘Northwest Passage’ by European explorers such as Frobisher and Davis. Leacock explains the political and business reasons for the men’s journeys, and also gives short but interesting accounts of the voyages themselves, in some cases referring to journals as first-hand sources. These are short histories, but they are thorough. A student will be familiar with major dates, events and personalities after working through each text. The tone of the writing is neither formal nor chatty, but invites the reader to take an interest in a topic for which the author evidently had a genuine passion. Contents This book contains chapter one from ‘Adventurers of the Far North’. For study purposes, it has been divided into 6 short sections, each roughly 3 pages long. After every section there are 10 reading comprehension questions, which the student may answer as they read or after reading the previous section. These questions are meant to help the student to remember and understand important facts. There are also at least two questions under the heading ‘Thinking About the Details’. These ask that the student find a specific small segment of the text which has been underlined (page numbers are given) and answer pointed questions about that small piece of writing. These questions focus on writing style, word choice, intent and tone. Sometimes the student may be asked to verify facts. The purpose is to encourage the student to think critically about history and historical writing. After the main text and assignments there is a blank map of Canada, which can be used by the student to make a visual representation of what they have learned from reading and thinking about ‘Great Elizabethan Navigators’.

By canadianwinter

Think About History: Hearne's Incredible Overland Journey (Canadian History)

Think About History: Hearne's Incredible Overland Journey (Canadian History)

About This Book ‘Hearne’s Incredible Overland Journey’ is the second chapter of ‘Adventurers of the Far North’, which contains accounts of the historic voyages to the northern regions of what is now Canada. This chapter describes the three amazing overland journeys made by Samuel Hearne on behalf of the Hudson’s Bay Company, in search of a copper mine and a Northwest Passage. Though neither was found, Hearne’s journey, as recounted in his own journal in detail (and quoted in Leacock’s book), became an iconic account of northern survival. It also offers descriptions of encounters with First Nations that provide unique food for thought, as they reveal the widely varied behaviours of these people toward one another and toward Europeans. The tone of the writing is neither formal nor chatty, but invites the reader to take an interest in a topic for which the author evidently had a genuine passion. Contents This book contains chapter two from ‘Adventurers of the Far North’. For study purposes, it has been divided into 12 short sections, each 1-3 pages long. After every section there are 10 reading comprehension questions about the text, to be answered after reading that section. These are meant to help the student to remember and understand important facts. There are also at least two questions under the heading ‘Thinking About the Details’. These ask that the student find a specific small segment of the text which has been underlined (page numbers are given) and answer pointed questions about that small piece of writing. These questions focus on writing style, word choice, intent and tone. Sometimes the student may be asked to verify facts. The purpose is to encourage the student to think critically about history and historical writing. After the main text and assignments there is a blank map of Canada, which can be used by the student to make a visual representation of what they have learned from reading and thinking about ‘Hearne’s Incredible Overland Journey’.

By canadianwinter

Advanced French Reading Comprehension: Arsène Lupin

Advanced French Reading Comprehension: Arsène Lupin

Read four classic tales featuring gentleman-thief 'Arsène Lupin'. Maurice Leblanc's famous protagonist relies on his intelligence - and fortunate circumstances - to repeatedly glean a fortune from wealthy (and usually greedy and unpleasant) people. Adding to the fun, he consistently outwits whatever official inspector he is supposedly helping. Each story is composed 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! For every story, five reading comprehension questions and student-specific vocabulary lists follow each of 13 to 16 chapters.

By canadianwinter