This AUDIO file is meant to be used with Early Intermediate French Mini-lesson: First Nations. The file contains the reading and dictation for this mini-lesson. The Dictée is found after the reading, roughly at the 50 second mark. This AUDIO features the voice of Pierre Pagé. The AUDIO and mini-lesson can be purchased in a bundle.

Here are six pieces of beautiful art depicting Victorian London. 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 the Industrial Revolution or Sherlock Holmes, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

‘Gramma said when you come on something good, first thing to do is share it with whoever you can find; that way, the good spreads out where no telling it will go. Which is right.’ Little Tree narrates his own story, the tale of a unique upbringing in the near-wilderness in the 1930’s with his Cherokee grandparents as loving teachers. ‘The Education of Little Tree’ by Forrest Carter is a book that many readers turn to again and again. It is suitable for students age 11 and up who are ready to read about a time and lifestyle that differ from their own, and are able to take an interest in larger, challenging themes of life (the passage of time, spiritual beliefs, the natural world, money and government affairs, history, etc.) This resource contains reading comprehension sheets to go with the novel. (Still protected by copyright, the book must be purchased or borrowed separately.) For each chapter there are three short assignments: to summarize a lesson learned from the chapter to examine the language used in the chapter to explain how a suggested ‘main theme’ is relevant to the chapter. WARNING: The story does not paint a flattering picture of the Christian religion, and students who are Christian should be prepared; parents should read the book first, to be sure that their student is ready for this material. It also contains swear words and references to drinking alcohol, among other mature themes. The novel is presented as an autobiography, but it is a work of fiction.

Here is a nice way to re-use brightly-coloured thin cardboard from common household packaging! Included are: Detailed instructions with visuals Tips Four small and four large ‘autumn leaves’ templates Four small and four large ‘hearts’ templates Four small and four large ‘snowflakes’ templates samples of completed mosaics Make your empty Kleenex boxes into a pretty craft! 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, 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!

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.

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.

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 (‘croire’) 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.

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 (‘décider’) 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.

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 (‘boire’) 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.

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 (‘attendre’) with a verb conjugation page to complete in the présent, passé composé and future simple. Note: an AUDIO file is available (see bundle) to help complete Dictée and Reading assignments, or the teacher may read the texts themselves.

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 (‘mettre’) 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.

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 (‘faire’) with a verb conjugation page to complete in the présent, passé composé and future simple. Note: an AUDIO file is available (see bundle) to help complete Dictée and Reading assignments, or the teacher may read the texts themselves.

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 (‘être’) with a verb conjugation page to complete in the présent, passé composé and future simple. Note: an AUDIO file is available (see bundle) to help complete Dictée and Reading assignments, or the teacher may read the texts themselves.

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 (‘chasser’) with a verb conjugation page to complete in the présent, passé composé and future simple. Note: an AUDIO file is available (see bundle) to help complete Dictée and Reading assignments, or the teacher may read the texts themselves.