This is a list of some of the “extra” resources we’re using this term – things to suppliment the core curricula. I’ll add items as we use them.

Books:

History:

  • Myths and Legends retold by Anthony Horowitz. Kingfisher 1985.
  • Secret Treasures. National Geographic Society 1993. Note: this is a great pop-up book giving 3-d scenes from five ancient locations.
  • Children’s Book of Myths and Legends: Extraordinary Stories from around the World by Ronnie Randal. Illustrated by Graham Howells. Armadillo Books. 2001. Note: great illustrations.
  • The Ancient Egyptians Activity Book by Lise Manniche. The British Museum Education Department.
  • A Colouring Book of Ancient Egypt (with illustrations from the artists of those times). Bellerophon Books, 2000.

    • Tales from the Thousand and One Nights translated by N.J. Dawood. Penguin Books, 1973.

  • The Assyrians Activity Book by Lorna Oakes. The British Museum Education Department.

Science:

  • Usborne First Encyclopedia of Space by Paul Dowswell. Usborne Publishing, 2001.
  • Quantum Leaps: 100 Scientists Who Changed the World by Jon Balchin. Arcturus Publishing, 2004.
  • Archimedes And the Door of Science by Jeanne Bendick. Bethlehem Books, 1995.

Videos

History:

  • Ancient Civilizations for Children: Ancient Mesopotamia. Schlessinger Media. 1998.
  • Ancient Civilizations for Children: Ancient Greece. Schlessinger Media. 1998.
  • Ancient Rome and Its Mysterious Cities. A&E documentary series Ancient Mysteries. 1996.
  • Ancient Mysteries: Astrology – Secrets in the Stars. A&E. 1996.

Music:

  • Peter Ustinov Reads ‘The Orchestra’. Mark Rubin Productions, 1990.

Science:

  • Discovery’s Baby Animal Tales with Jake: Cats in the Cradle. Discovery Communications. 1997.
  • Evolution: Darwin’s Dangerous Idea. WGBH Educational Foundation and Clear Blue Sky Productions Inc. 2001.
  • Wolves at Our Door. Artisan Home Entertainment. 1997.
  • Amazing Earth. Discovery Channel. 2000

Audio Books:

We listen to these in the car. Most weeks, we make at least two long trips – once to Art School in Guelph (totally worth the drive) and again for a hockey game or two. I try to choose mainly classic literature, unabridged where possible, read by professionals. We most enjoy those that are a multi-voice reading – i.e. one person is the narrator, and there are other actors for the direct dialogue. But a good actor who can pull off multiple voices and accents is, perhaps, even better. A musical score is like icing on the cake.
It isn’t unusual for us to arrive home, only to sit in the driveway listening to our audio book for a last few precious moments before turning it off.

  • Jaccob Two-Two and the Hooded Fang details to follow
  • Robin Hood details to follow
  • Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, read by Jasper Britton.
    Naxos Audio Books (Junior Classics)

Current:
A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book One: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket, read by Tim Curry.
I confess I had serious doubts about the story. It seemed it was going to be depressing. It is, but in a good way. I know.. it doesn’t makes sense to me either, but there it is. There are three cds and we’re through the second now. We’ll be looking for the next book, for sure. And really… is anyone more fabulous than Tim Curry? I don’t think so!

Waiting in the Wings:
Tales from the Greek Legends by Edward Ferrie, read by Benjamin Soames.
Naxos AudioBooks, Junior Classics.

Books that I read to Jordan:

We’re currently reading the latest Harry Potter book (Half-Blood Prince) but have put it aside for a while. The last part we read had some malicious violence and Jordan said he wanted to leave it for a bit. We’ll pick it up again soon, though.