Hello! The resources here are suitable for students in classrooms, working one-on-one with tutors, or working with the help of a parent at home. They are simple, easy-to-use, printable PDF files. We hope you find something you like!
Hello! The resources here are suitable for students in classrooms, working one-on-one with tutors, or working with the help of a parent at home. They are simple, easy-to-use, printable PDF files. We hope you find something you like!
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!
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!
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!
Here is a fully black and white version of the book, with a more mature format for older students. 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, you will learn more about these verbals than you ever thought possible! (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 . . .
It seems perfectly natural to ‘agree with’ or ‘care about’ someone. But are you certain that you should be ‘comparing’ that book ‘with’ this one, or should you in fact be ‘comparing’ it ‘to’ this one? Likewise, are you different ‘from’ your friend, or different ‘than’ her? Are you annoyed ‘by’ the weather or annoyed ‘with’ it?
In this text and workbook you will learn to use over 70 preposition/word combinations correctly. The explanations and exercises are divided into eight sections, each with several lessons followed by a review ‘test’. An answer key is included.
In each lesson the student will:
• Read examples out loud
• Review ‘correct’ and ‘incorrect’ sentences
• Compose sentences using the preposition/word combination just presented
• Review the entire contents of that section in a final assignment
Use this book to refresh or improve your knowledge of the English language. Knowing when and how to use prepositions correctly is necessary in order to speak and write well!
This reading comprehension course introduces the reader to one of the English language’s most famous novels, ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen. For two hundred years, Jane Austen has been revered as a master of character study and story-telling. Her books unfold almost like delicious ‘gossip’, with the most interesting news about the lives of a particular family and its connections presented at a quick pace and in a most engaging style. Each book offers a window into the tantalizing world of balls, visits, families and conversations of late-18th century to early-19th century middle class England.
Jane Austen’s novels often contain major plot developments in the form of letters, and Ms. Austen herself was a prolific letter writer – it is a form of communication that is central to the time, place and origins of these beloved novels. In Pride and Prejudice alone, more than 40 letters are quoted or referred to! Information about letter-writing in Jane Austen’s time (Pride and Prejudice was published in 1813), and the author’s own many letters, is included.
Here you will use the medium of letter-writing as a way to digest, summarise and sometimes interpret the contents of Pride and Prejudice. Read Austen’s flowing, insightful and captivating prose. Then, following the guidelines (and occasionally doing some extra research), pass along the most interesting ‘news’ to an imaginary Dear Aunt, in letters written in your most elegant and accomplished style!
Note: The full novel is available for free download from Canadian Winter Homeschool Materials - please see our shop!
I sat on my bed and looked out at the quiet woods, black and silver in snow and moonlight, and serene. There was nothing watchful or brooding about that stillness; whatever secrets were hidden in that forest were so perfectly kept that their existence could not be suspected nor even imagined by any rational faculty.’
‘Beauty’ is a retelling of the classic fairy tale ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Written in 1978 and widely considered to be a classic, the novel is an excellent choice for readers in the 12-13 age group. Written in an easy, polished style, it is the sort of book that one reads more than once to relish the vivid characters, tantalizing details and satisfying plot. The carefully-crafted embellishments are all solidly founded on European history and folktale ‘magic’.
In this file you will find questions and a few Bonus Assignments to make a solid Reading Comprehension unit for the novel. Included are:
· Detailed instructions for how to proceed
· Thoughtful written response questions, one for each of the ten chapters. Some of these include additional materials such as a painting or poem (included)
· Simple versions of the original folktale in English and in French
· Bonus assignments (essay writing, further research, Beauty’s Reading List, cake-baking, etc.)
Please note, the novel must be purchased separately.
What if you could actually talk with your favourite pet? Or live in the wild with your favourite wild animals?
In this classic short story, Roald Dahl tells the compelling tale of a young boy who has a special ability to communicate with animals. In stark contrast to the greed of those around him, he sees an ancient sea turtle for the amazing, feeling creature that it is.
This unit study guides students to dive deep into the story and explore all sorts of topics related to human-animal communication, while relishing a unique piece of fiction. Assignments emphasise self-expression, reflection and good writing. They are suitable for students in grades 7 and up.
Please note: The Boy Who Talked with Animals is protected by copyright and must be procured separately. All other necessary resources are included in this unit study or available for free online (links provided).
Contents
*About this Unit Study & Before You Begin
Guide to all Assignments
Section Assignments
Section Questions to be completed in a notebook
Section Questions Worksheets
Written Exercises for the Full Story
Focus on an Excerpt
Reflection Questions
Creative Assignments
Make a Short Video
Write a Short Story – Properly
Exploring the Story’s Themes through Music and Art
Music: Flight of the Bumblebee (Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov)
Music: The Trout (Franz Schubert)
Art: Humans and Animals in Art (Three Paintings)
Exploring the Topic Further: An Ocean of Possibilities
Documentary: Understanding How Animals Think and Feel
Wildlife safety
Doctor Dolittle: Write a Compare and Contrast Essay
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?
Join Holmes and Watson as they take to the fresh air of Devonshire in search of a horse thief – and likely murderer! When the prized racehorse known as Silver Blaze disappears only days before a race, Holmes presumes that the mystery will solve itself. After all, who could hide a horse for long? The murder of its trainer, however, requires serious attention. This story is suitable for young readers who are ready for a classic murder mystery! (There is a small amount of ‘gory’ detail.)
Contents:
• The full, original tale of ‘The Adventure of Silver Blaze’, 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 Dartmoor, horseshoes, 19th century farms, walking sticks, 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? This collection contains four of the best-loved Sherlock Holmes tales, in full reading comprehension format:
The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle
The Adventure of the Red-Headed League
A Scandal in Bohemia
The Adventure of Silver Blaze
Each of the four books contains:
• A full, original story, 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 (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!
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!
This is one of many well-loved stories featuring the unlikely detective prowess of Father Brown, a British clergyman.
Chesterton masterfully combines elements of Catholic theology and classic crime fiction to create a quirky, unique short story.
Here the text is divided into 7 short sections, each followed by three challenging questions and a written assignment.
The assignments will broaden any student’s understanding of literature and Western thought, and are not necessarily only appropriate for Catholic readers.
This resource is suitable for ages 15 and up.
Art thou ready to read Shakespeare? But of course! Here you will finde instructions, assignments, definitions, explanations, and other sundry ‘stuff’ which will make reading ‘Julius Caesar’ 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 themes of ‘flattery’ and ‘honour’. . . draw three characters’ facial expressions . . . 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 ‘Julius Caesar’; seven separate sections each containing assignments and information, and detailed 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 about the real Julius Caesar and Shakespeare’s historical plays.)
Hark! What Do I Understand? (Copying, Lists, Translation and learn about the first edition, which was ‘qvite differente’.)
Hark! Methinks I Hear A Voice! (Memorize and perform a speech, and learn about reading aloud effectively.)
Hark! Methinks I’ll Look Again (Underline certain features, and look at a simple comparison between the class systems of ancient Rome and Shakespearean England.)
Hark! Methinks I’ll Write Mine Own (Choose between writing a 5 paragraph essay on the topic of ‘flattery’ or a report on the topic of ‘honour’ within the play. Detailed guidelines are given. Write your own speech. Learn about men and women in Shakespeare’s theatre and Roman society.)
Hark! Methinks I’ll Draw Awhile! (Add facial features to three prepared faces.)
Stay, Good Friend - There’s More! (Brief and Ridiculous Comparative Biography of Shakespeare and Caesar, Detailed Summary of Acts and Scenes, List of Characters to keep nearby while reading the play)
Note: ‘The Guide’ and ‘The Play’ are in two separate files - you may use your own edition of the play if you prefer, and only download ‘The Guide’.
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.)
Your handwriting is a bit messy and your teacher suggests that you need a bit more practise – or is that ‘practice’? She would force you to copy out the phone book, however she dislikes afflicting pain on anyone – or is that ‘inflicting’? You assure her in amicable – or should that be ‘amiable’? - terms that you will try harder to write neatly. She sighs and declares that she hopes the extra effort will have a good effect – or is that ‘affect’?
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 practise using 83 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!
Here is the complete, original novel. Download for free to accompany ‘Reading Comprehension: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen’ from Canadian Winter Homeschool Materials.
Here is the complete, original novel. Download for free to accompany ‘Reading Comprehension: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson’ from Canadian Winter Homeschool Materials.
Sometimes, a good laugh is all it takes to chase away a bad mood or the Homework Blues! Use your own notebook to make a ‘Journal of Funny Moments’. Choose a ‘Story Beginning’ to help you get started. Without trying too hard, describe a real or imaginary funny moment. Fill a page (or half of a page) with writing, in a simple conversational style. Share the ‘funny moment’ with others and have a good laugh! Cut out and paste images (included - or draw your own!) to decorate and label your notebook and stories.
This is a short writing exercise that can work at any time during the school day!