by Peter Leithart $35.00

Shakespeare was “a great observer,” able to see and depict patterns of events and character. He understood how politics is shaped by the clash of men with various colourings of self-interest and idealism, how violence breeds violence, how fragile human beings create masks and disguises for protection, how schemers do the same for advancement, how love can grow out of hate and hate out of love. Dare anyone say that these insights are irrelevant to living in the real world?

Literature abstracts from the complex events of life (just as we all do in everyday life) and can reveal patterns that are like the patterns of events in the real world. Studying Literature can give us sensitivity to those patterns.

Peter Leithart’s book is a must for any Christian family studying Shakespeare. Glorified as Shakespeare is, it is good to analyse his works in light of biblical thought. This book includes studies for two plays in each of 3 genres. History: HenryV & Julius Caesar; Tragedy: Hamlet & Macbeth; Comedy: The Taming of the Shrew & Much Ado About Nothing. A great resource! Age 12+ 286p, 400g.

A good companion to this guide is Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb.

by Charles and Mary Lamb $35

First published in 1807, these simple retellings of the plots of Shakespeare’s plays have delighted generations of children, while serving as an excellent introduction to the dramas of our greatest playwright. Shakespeare’s own language is used as much as possible to accustom children to Elizabethan English  and so make their transition to the reading of the plays themselves easier; giving them a clear idea of the plot and characters. Numerous black and white illustrations. Suitable for ages 10 and up (perhaps younger if read aloud). 464p.

The Hobbit $30

Jane Eyre $30

The Merchant of Venice $30

The Yearling $30

See accompanying book here.

A Day No Pigs Would Die $30

See accompanying book here.

Frankenstein $30

Heart of Darkness $30

 Lord of the Flies $30

by Elizabeth George Speare $14

After the Romans crucified his father, Daniel bar Jamin is fired by a single passion: to avenge his father’s death by driving out the Romans.Consumed by hatred he joins rebel bands oustside his village.

In nearby Capernaum, Jesus is teaching a different lesson. Time and again Daniel is drawn to His teachings, only to turn away, disappointed and conufused by Jesus’ lack of action in opposing the Romans.

This is a magnificent novel of Daniel’s journey from a blind confining hatred to his acceptance and understanding of love. Vivid and gripping. Read Aloud age 8+, Read Alone age 12+

See Progeny Press Literature Guide to accompany this book here.

by Marjorie Kinman Rawlings $13

A literary sensation when originally published fifty years ago, The Yearling has become a classic. This timeless story of backwoods Florida and the tender relationship of a young boy and his tame fawn has continued to delight and entrall readers of all ages. I read this aloud to my children, and though it took a little while to get into, it has become one of their favourites. Love those southern accents! Highly recommended. 50th Anniversay Edition.

by Robert Newton Peck $13

When young Rob Peck saves a neighbour’s cow, the neighbour gives him a pig as a reward. Pinky is Rob’s constant companion as he juggles backbreaking farm work with the schooling that is so important to his father. Pinky is a pet and a friend, but on a farm, every animal must have its use. And on a farm, even a boy must sometimes be a man. Will the support of a loving family and plainspoken Shaker teachings of his father, Haven, be enough to see Rob through on the day no pigs would die?

I really liked the style of writing in this book and read it in one sitting. Great for adolescent boys.

$165.75  This product is available for purchase from Chariot Press.

Published by Notgrass Co. this curriculum package  includes:

Part 1: Creation through the Middle Ages (first semester)

Part 2: The Renaissance to the Present (second semester)

In Their Words: Original Documents, Poetry, Stories, and Hymns from World History (assigned readings)

Quiz and Exam Book

This curriculum presents history from the perspective of faith in God and respect for His Word. Each unit includes a Bible study highlighting spiritual issues related to history. It is comprehensive, giving students an overview of world history from Creation to the 21st century (Table of Contents). It provides a full year’s work in three subjects.

Download Sample Unit here.

The history study involves Read the rest of this entry »

Progeny Press write guides which assist in you studying good cultural literature from a Christian perspective. The student will examine literary terminology and technique. They are of a high academic standard and include vocabulary exercises, comprehension questions, writing assignments and some activities.

Please note that we do not sell the books to go with the guides below, unless otherwise stated.

Redwall Guide $30

The Bronze Bow Guide$30

See here for accompanying book.

Progeny Press write guides which assist in you studying good cultural literature from a Christian perspective. The student will examine literary terminology and technique. They are of a high academic standard and include vocabulary exercises, comprehension questions, writing assignments and some activities.

Currently we have one only of each of the following guides, and are expecting more titles soon. Please note that we do not sell the books to go with the guides below.

Please see Language Arts – Secondary for higher grades.

Grades 5-7

Carry On Mr Bowditch $30

 The Sign of the Beaver $30

 The Sign of the Beaver book by E G Speare $13

Twelve-year-old Matt is left alone in the Maine wilderness to take care of the cabin until his father can return with the rest of the family.  But after a series of mishaps leaves Matt injured and without food, Matt must depend on a tribe of neighbouring Indians for help. Matt discovers the problems of communicating with, depending on and understanding people from a different culture.

Drawn Into the Heart of Reading – Teacher’s Guide $70.00

This is a unique literature-based curriculum specifically written to use with multiple ages at the same time. Students of multiple ages are united by focusing on a similar topic. Yet, learning is individualised through book selections and daily activities that are developmentally appropriate for the reader.

Another distinction of Drawn into the Heart of Reading is that the instruction and activities can be used with any literature, and are not limited to a prescribed or recommended reading list. This flexibility allows you to use your own discretion in selecting literature for your students to read. The structure allows you to individualise the pace at which each student completes the reading.

Find out more here…

Read the rest of this entry »