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About the Novel You are about to embark on your own adventure, and your mind is on what is ahead. But you must never neglect the past. It pulls at our decisions like a magnet, and can block our progress as if it were in front of us, not behind. (Jade Dragon Mountain) Jade Dragon Mountain is a mystery set in the city of Dayan in China, in the early 18th century. The story’s protagonist, an exiled librarian named Li Du, finds himself unable to turn a blind eye as a group of local traders is accused of poisoning a Jesuit astronomer. This book is not currently part of any standard curriculum; however, it addresses important themes related to government, storytelling, and truth vs. fiction which have an important place in high school studies. It contains no explicit content and offers a means by which timeless themes can be addressed in a subtle manner, for highly sensitive students (among others. About this Resource For each chapter there are a handful of questions touching on comprehension and description, with a focus on asking the student to explain. Learning about something is one thing, but in order to explain what you have learned (or explain your own thought process, or your own understanding) thorough reflection is required. When performed thoughtfully, this approach encourages (and often reveals) a deeper level of understanding. Teachers can decide which assignments beyond the basic chapter questions students should complete, and how far to take them, based on their own learning goals and individual student needs. Contents Chapter Questions Prologue . . . page 6 Six Days . . . pages 7-10 Five Days . . . page 11 Four Days . . . page 12 Three Days . . . pages 13-15 Two Days . . . pages 16-21 One Day . . . pages 22-23 The Eclipse . . . page 24 Assignments for the Full Novel Essay Topics . . . page 25 The Power of Details . . . pages 26-27 Music Assignments . . . pages 28-29 Partial Answer Key . . . pages 30-31 Additional Assignments (novel study extras) Six Days . . . page 34 Five Days . . . page 35 Four Days . . . pages 36-37 Three Days . . . page 38 Two Days . . . pages 39-40 The Eclipse . . . page 41 Setting the Scene . . . pages 42-44 Astronomy Assignment . . . page 45 Write a Tourism Article . . . pages 46-47 Note: the novel is protected by copyright and must be procured separately.

About the Novel You are about to embark on your own adventure, and your mind is on what is ahead. But you must never neglect the past. It pulls at our decisions like a magnet, and can block our progress as if it were in front of us, not behind. (Jade Dragon Mountain) Jade Dragon Mountain is a mystery set in the city of Dayan in China, in the early 18th century. The story’s protagonist, an exiled librarian named Li Du, finds himself unable to turn a blind eye as a group of local traders is accused of poisoning a Jesuit astronomer. This book is not currently part of any standard curriculum; however, it addresses important themes related to government, storytelling, and truth vs. fiction which have an important place in high school studies. It contains no explicit content and offers a means by which timeless themes can be addressed in a subtle manner, for highly sensitive students (among others). About this Resource For each chapter there are a handful of questions touching on comprehension and description, with a focus on asking the student to explain. Learning about something is one thing, but in order to explain what you have learned (or explain your own thought process, or your own understanding) thorough reflection is required. When performed thoughtfully, this approach encourages (and often reveals) a deeper level of understanding. Teachers can decide which assignments beyond the basic chapter questions students should complete, and how far to take them, based on their own learning goals and individual student needs. Contents Chapter Questions Prologue . . . page 6 Six Days . . . pages 7-10 Five Days . . . page 11 Four Days . . . page 12 Three Days . . . pages 13-15 Two Days . . . pages 16-21 One Day . . . pages 22-23 The Eclipse . . . page 24 Assignments for the Full Novel Essay Topics . . . page 25 The Power of Details . . . pages 26-27 Music Assignments . . . pages 28-29 Partial Answer Key . . . pages 30-31 Note: the novel is protected by copyright and must be procured separately.

This complete lesson will guide you to write a full, 5-paragraph ‘summarize and describe’ essay on a topic related to the art of conversation as described in three short historical texts (included). It contains full instructions, a list of possible topics, worksheets and all relevant sources. This assignment will take at least one week to complete. Make the most of this easy and efficient way to practice essay writing, without having to commit to reading an entire novel or play before getting started! Texts: Polite Conversation (excerpt), by Jonathan Swift This selection by Jonathan Swift (1667 –1745) comes from the introduction to a collection of dialogues in which the author explores the art of polite conversation in his social circle. A Definition of a Gentleman, by Cardinal Newman This description of a perfect secular gentleman was written by Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801 – 1890), an English Catholic academic and poet. To Read and Speak with Eloquence, by “Browne” The origins and true author of this piece of writing are a mystery – it was found in a compilation entitled The Illustrated London Reading Book. TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in etiquette or history. Need some extra essay writing practice? Check out our Beginning and Concluding Paragraphs resource!

This complete lesson will guide you to write a full, 5-paragraph ‘summarize and describe’ essay on a topic related to the natural events in springtime, as explored in two short, challenging primary texts (included). It contains full instructions, a list of possible topics, worksheets and all necessary sources. This assignment will take at least one week to complete. Make the most of this easy and efficient way to practice essay writing, without having to commit to reading an entire novel or play before getting started! Texts: A Woodland Valentine, by Marian Storm Marian Storm was a 20th century American writer, journalist, poet, animal rights advocate and conservationist. She is also known for saving the Mexican shrub Ayuque (later named Balmea stormiae after her) from extinction. Here she describes the arrival of spring in highly poetic language. Field And Hedgerow, by Richard Jefferies This short excerpt is from collection of essays written in the late 19th century, and is a reflection of Jefferies’ deep appreciation for nature and the countryside. He explores themes related to the relationship between humans and the natural world, as well as observations on rural life, seasons, and the essence of existence. TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in poetry or nature studies. Need some extra essay writing practice? Check out our Beginning and Concluding Paragraphs resource!

This complete lesson will guide you to write a full, 5-paragraph ‘compare and contrast’ essay on a topic related to weathering a storm at sea. It includes full instructions, a list of possible topics, worksheets and all necessary primary texts. This assignment will take at least one week to complete. Make the most of this easy and efficient way to practice essay writing, without having to commit to reading an entire novel or play before getting started! Texts: Typhoon off the Coast of Japan, by Jack London (published when the author was seventeen) The narrator relates how a ship of seal hunters navigates a powerful storm at sea, with characteristically vivid descriptions. A Storm, from The Wreck of the Grosvenor by W. Clark Russell The narrator describes a three-day long gale that pushes the crew of a ship to their limits, in the style of a vivid diary entry. TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in pirate novels or survival stories. Need some extra essay writing practice? Check out our Beginning and Concluding Paragraphs resource!

Walt Whitman (1819-1892) is perhaps the most famous and well-loved of all American poets. He achieved success in his lifetime, and his works continue to be revered today. Read a beautiful, thoughtful poem about looking up at the night sky, and complete written assignments focused on the contrast between the scholarly appreciation of astronomy and the raw enjoyment of star-gazing. More like this available in Smiling Scholar Reading Passages Collections!

Imagine finding an ancient Roman treasure of incredible value in your back yard. What would you do? And how would you feel? Welcome to the incredible true story of the Mildenhall Treasure, in which an unsuspecting farmer discovers a real trove of Roman silver in 1940’S England! This unit study for The Mildenhall Treasure by Roald Dahl is suitable for students in grades 8 and up. The story focuses on themes of discovery, honesty, history and greed, and the resources in this unit study put an emphasis on the characters, treasure and text while guiding students to assess some of the nuances involved in writing a fictional account of real events. Please note: The Mildenhall Treasure 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 The People Questions and assignments focused on the characters’ thoughts, behaviors and feelings. Special character description assignment based on four 1940’s portraits. The Treasure Questions and assignments focused on the difference between wealth and treasure, and what constitutes a real archaeological treasure. Introduce students to the popular British archaeological series, Time Team. The Text & Language Questions and assignments focused on Dahl’s writing, including an exercise in polishing, inspired by the author’s own approach and the theme of polishing buried treasure. Also, a look at the power of repetition, and understanding the terms sarcasm and priorities. Roman History & Gods A quick look at the Roman figures mentioned in the text, and further activities such as an ancient Roman names word search. Art & Music Admire a fresco depicting an ancient Roman banquet and listen to some music played on a lyre. Examine a painting and a photograph of farming and explore further the theme of the difference between depicting facts and taking creative liberties. Listen to two pieces of music about snow (Let It Snow! by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn, and The Snow Is Dancing, by Claude Debussy), and decide which would be best suited to a certain part of the story (with a focus on the term context). Essay Writing Take a look at the real Mildenhall Treasure and write an essay comparing a factual account of its discovery with Dahl’s version. Suggested activities A handful of further activities are included, such as taking another look at historical Roman art or diving into professions that involve spending long hours alone.

This complete lesson will guide you to write a full, 5-paragraph ‘compare and contrast’ essay on a topic related to stormy weather. It includes full instructions, a list of possible topics, worksheets and all necessary primary texts. This assignment will take at least one week to complete. Make the most of this easy and efficient way to practice essay writing, without having to commit to reading an entire novel or play before getting started! Texts ‘Storm’ by Charles Dickens This excerpt from David Copperfield describes the dramatic effects of a seaside storm. ‘Squall’ by Leonora Speyer This poem describes a short storm that leaves nature refreshed. TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in outdoor adventuring or who loves nature. Need some extra essay writing practice? Check out our Beginning and Concluding Paragraphs resource!

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

What if you could learn to see through objects? What if you could hone your powers of concentration until you could achieve remarkable things? Welcome to the fantastical world of Henry Sugar, in which the incredible seems tantalizingly close to becoming the achievable! This unit study for The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar by Roald Dahl is suitable for students in grades 8 and up. The story focuses on themes of self-mastery (meditation and concentration), greed, charity and happiness, and the resources in this unit study put an emphasis on developing concentration and thoughtfulness while enjoying the remarkable tale. Please note: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar 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 & When To Use What Suggested Timeline Chapter Assignments Chapter Assignments Worksheets Vocabulary & Terms Concentration Activities Card Games Copywork Ticking Clock Candle Meditation Exploring the Story’s Themes Through Music and Art Music: Guru (Anoushka Shankar) Music: Within You and Without You (The Beatles) Art: René Magritte Discussion Questions and Other Resources Long-Answer, Discussion and Essay Questions Robin Hood & Henry Sugar Comparison Henry Sugar: A Quirky Movie

Who says Christmas-themed schoolwork is only suited to elementary students? This resource contains 6 thematic reading and writing assignments for middle school students. Complement your main curriculum with interesting age-appropriate texts, each matched with a unique writing assignment! There is no limit to the number of selections you can use. You may work through them in order or choose a topic or assignment to suit the moment. This resource offers teachers and students a chance to explore different styles and forms of varying level of difficulty, through unique poems and literary excerpts about the Christmas season. (Cut-out decorations included.) Contents: 1 - A Christmas Carol (poem), by Charles Dickens 2 - A Peaceful Christmas Alone (two short descriptions), by Unknown and Stella Benson 3 - Drawing Santa Claus (spoken instructions), by John Wilson Bengough 4 - Did Shakespeare Like Christmas? (scholarly criticism), by Max Beerbohm 5 - The Appositeness of Christmas (opinion), by E. A. Bennett 6 - Trees and Bells (poems), by Carman and Tennyson

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 Three Students’, Holmes and Watson find themselves at the heart of an old university, where someone may have tampered with an Ancient Greek exam. The future of a promising student, and the reputation of a noble house of learning, hang in the balance! As it turns out, it is not too late for one character to make a noble gesture that will bring all to a happy conclusion. 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 Three Students’, divided into ten short sections • Following each section: Five questions to be answered separately in a student’s notebook Vocabulary, in alphabetical order, with definitions or synonyms (making the word comprehensible in the story’s context), from the chapter just read A ‘looking up close’ page, exploring one main theme of the section just read, such as Gothic architecture, tea, pencils, Victorian furniture, the long-jump, 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!

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.

Description ‘Fate be changed, look inside. Mend the bond torn by pride.’ Each ‘At The Movies’ selection is a movie that is both enjoyable to watch, and a good starting-place to explore important topics. High school students can expand on their analytical and writing skills by answering questions, writing plot summaries and character descriptions, and pondering upon important, far-reaching themes in discussion or essay-writing assignments. About the movie: Brave This story takes place in historical Scotland, in a dark ages landscape of castle and countryside. Merida is the only daughter of a king, and despite her mother’s attempts to train her to be a ‘lady’ she lives for the freedom to ride her beloved horse, practise archery, and observe the gambits of her naughty triplet brothers. When it comes time for her to submit to an arranged marriage, she rebels, convinced that it is her mother who should change her ways, and not Merida herself. Guided – or misled? – by the mystical presence of will-o’-the-wisps in the forest, she encounters a witch, who grants Merida’s request for a spell that should fix everything. As supernatural events unfold, Merida learns whether magic can truly help her create the future she wants, or whether it is up to Merida alone to find her true fate. Rating: PG / Date of release: 2012 / Language: English / Country: U. S. A. / Purchase: Disney+ or Amazon Notes: This movie contains no explicit content of any nature. There are some scenes that are intentionally creepy and some that are intentionally dramatic, and there is quite a bit of cartoon action-violence. It has a happy end.

Do new ideas make you squeamish? Do you tremble at the thought of stating your opinion? Does your mind balk at ways of thinking that differ from your own? This exercise is definitely NOT for you! If, on the other hand, you feel ready to broaden your horizons, then brace yourself and face the challenge: ponder the words of religious leaders, pop icons, writers, and well-known sayings . . . and express what YOU think! Gather your courage, sharpen your mind, and dare to dig for the truth! Contents · Instructions · 18 pairs of quotations, grouped according to unique themes · General questions for each individual quotation · ‘Compare and contrast’ questions for pairs of quotations · Bonus questions · Suggested assignments (one, two or three paragraphs) The purpose of this exercise is for high school students to refine their ability to write concisely. The only part of the assignment that should be evaluated is the student’s effort and quality of writing, not the validity of their personal opinions.

Explore different styles and forms while reading poems and literary excerpts on a variety of topics; practise your writing with assignments that encourage creative and thoughtful effort! In each Excellent Excerpts Collection there are 20 printable reading and writing assignments. Complement your main curriculum with short age-appropriate texts, each matched with a unique writing assignment. This Collection is especially suited to sensitive students aged 13, or in Grade 8. It may also be used for older students, as teachers see fit. There is no limit to the number of selections you can use. You may work through them in order or choose a topic or assignment to suit the moment. Full instructions are included. For each piece of writing, there are: · A brief introduction to the author and the excerpt · A short ‘As You Read’ guide · Two questions to be answered in writing or in discussion · One writing assignment, specific to the excerpt We used these selections for our daughter as a significant part of her curriculum, and they were an excellent way to prepare her for advanced classical learning-style assignments. Most importantly, they focus on a genuine love of reading and writing, inviting students to notice and appreciate literary form and style without immediately labeling or categorizing elements of good writing.

Explore different styles and forms while reading poems and literary excerpts on a variety of topics; practise your writing with assignments that encourage creative and thoughtful effort! In each Excellent Excerpts Collection there are 20 printable reading and writing assignments. Complement your main curriculum with short age-appropriate texts, each matched with a unique writing assignment. This Collection is especially suited to sensitive students aged 13, or in Grade 8. It may also be used for older students, as teachers see fit. There is no limit to the number of selections you can use. You may work through them in order or choose a topic or assignment to suit the moment. Full instructions are included. For each piece of writing, there are: · A brief introduction to the author and the excerpt · A short ‘As You Read’ guide · Two questions to be answered in writing or in discussion · One writing assignment, specific to the excerpt We used these selections for our daughter as a significant part of her curriculum, and they were an excellent way to prepare her for advanced classical learning-style assignments. Most importantly, they focus on a genuine love of reading and writing, inviting students to notice and appreciate literary form and style without immediately labeling or categorizing elements of good writing.

Explore different styles and forms while reading poems and literary excerpts on a variety of topics; practise your writing with assignments that encourage creative and thoughtful effort! In each Fantastic Fragments Collection there are 20 printable reading and writing assignments. Complement your main curriculum with short age-appropriate texts, each matched with a unique writing assignment. This Collection is especially suited to sensitive students aged 12, or in Grade 7. It may also be used for older students, as teachers see fit. There is no limit to the number of selections you can use. You may work through them in order or choose a topic or assignment to suit the moment. Full instructions are included. For each piece of writing, there are: · A brief introduction to the author and the excerpt · A short ‘As You Read’ guide · Two questions to be answered in writing or in discussion · One writing assignment, specific to the excerpt We used these selections for our daughter as a significant part of her curriculum, and they were an excellent way to prepare her for advanced classical learning-style assignments. Most importantly, they focus on a genuine love of reading and writing, inviting students to notice and appreciate literary form and style without immediately labeling or categorizing elements of good writing. The selections in Level Two are slightly more challenging than those in ‘Fantastic Fragments’ Level One.

Explore different styles and forms while reading poems and literary excerpts on a variety of topics; practise your writing with assignments that encourage creative and thoughtful effort! In each Fantastic Fragments Collection there are 20 printable reading and writing assignments. Complement your main curriculum with short age-appropriate texts, each matched with a unique writing assignment. This Collection is especially suited to sensitive students aged 12, or in Grade 7. It may also be used for older students, as teachers see fit. There is no limit to the number of selections you can use. You may work through them in order or choose a topic or assignment to suit the moment. Full instructions are included. For each piece of writing, there are: · A brief introduction to the author and the excerpt · A short ‘As You Read’ guide · Two questions to be answered in writing or in discussion · One writing assignment, specific to the excerpt We used these selections for our daughter as a significant part of her curriculum, and they were an excellent way to prepare her for advanced classical learning-style assignments. Most importantly, they focus on a genuine love of reading and writing, inviting students to notice and appreciate literary form and style without immediately labeling or categorizing elements of good writing.

Explore different styles and forms while reading poems and literary excerpts on a variety of topics; practise your writing with assignments that encourage creative and thoughtful effort! In each Fantastic Fragments Collection there are 20 printable reading and writing assignments. Complement your main curriculum with short age-appropriate texts, each matched with a unique writing assignment. This Collection is especially suited to sensitive students aged 11, or in Grade 6. It may also be used for older students, as teachers see fit. There is no limit to the number of selections you can use. You may work through them in order or choose a topic or assignment to suit the moment. Full instructions are included. For each piece of writing, there are: · A brief introduction to the author and the excerpt · A short ‘As You Read’ guide · Two questions to be answered in writing or in discussion · One writing assignment, specific to the excerpt We used these selections for our daughter as a significant part of her curriculum, and they were an excellent way to prepare her for advanced classical learning-style assignments. Most importantly, they focus on a genuine love of reading and writing, inviting students to notice and appreciate literary form and style without immediately labeling or categorizing elements of good writing. The selections in Level Two are slightly more challenging than those in ‘Sundry Snippets’ Level One.