Titles and Descriptions: S
Titles and Descriptions: S
Self-Portraits (Art Prints). (Take 5 Art Prints Series). Crystal Productions (CRY), 2000. ISBN 1-56290-253-9 ($44.00 U.S. set).
Self-Portraits is a set of fine art prints from the Take 5 Arts Print Series. On the back of each print is information about the artist and the art, plus a guided analysis for critiquing, understanding and interpreting the work. These prints support the responding process as described in the Arts Education Curriculum, and they are highly recommended as an excellent resource to use in the visual art strand.
The teacher’s guide includes lesson preparation ideas and provides additional information and related activities.
More information about this print set and others that are available may be found at the following website: www.crystal productions.com/posters/take-5.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level
Shake, Rattle & Roll: The Founders of Rock & Roll (Print-Non-Fiction). George-Warren, Holly and Levine, Laura, illus. Houghton Mifflin Company (ALL), 2001. unp. ISBN 0-618-05540-1 ($17.96 hdc.).
Fourteen of the originators of rock and roll are featured in this light-hearted introduction to the 1950s music scene. An introduction describes the roots of rock and roll, and double-page spreads feature capsule biographies of the musicians across from their portraits. Information includes the musicians’ childhood musical backgrounds, how their careers began and short descriptions of their greatest hits and of any unique clothing or hairstyles for which they were famous. An introduction describes the roots of rock and roll. The illustrations are painted on Masonite in an American naive style set in a found-object frame, and they may inspire students to create their own portraits. This is an entertaining and informative book.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Music; Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
Shape Shape Shape Series (Video). Please refer to the titles: Cubes and Squares, Cylinders and Triangles.
Shibumi and the Kitemaker. 1st ed. (Print-Fiction). Mayer, Mercer. Marshall Cavendish (MAC), 1999. unp. ISBN 0-7614-5054-8 ($28.95 hdc.).
Mercer Mayer used computer-generated graphics to illustrate this original tale set in long-ago Japan. Idolized by her father the Emperor, Shibumi grows up in a richly furnished, walled compound, permanently apart from the people and the city outside. When she finally discovers the poverty-stricken world beyond her garden walls, she is determined to do something about the inequities that exist. She ties herself to an enormous kite fashioned for her by the royal kite-maker, and takes flight, telling her father that she will not come down until the city below is "as beautiful as the palace, or the palace is as squalid as the city." The beautiful text and the unusual art work set this sensitive and expressive book apart.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Visual Art
Other Use: English Language Arts: Elementary Level
Shumka: Tradition in Motion (Print-Non-Fiction). Major, Alice. Reidmore Books (USD), 1991. 125 p. ISBN 1-895073-01-4 ($14.00 hdc.).
The Edmonton-based Shumka Dancers are profiled in this visually appealing resource. Lavish use of colour photography accompanies the history of the dance theatre group, including the evolution of its distinctive style, and descriptions of the similarities and differences among dances from various regions in the Ukraine. It contains small print. Included are a table of contents, an appendix of past and present membership, a chronology of major performances and a glossary of Ukrainian terms.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Dance
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level
The Sign Painter (Print-Fiction). Say, Allen. Houghton Mifflin Company (ALL), 2000. 32 p. ISBN 0-395-97974-9 ($20.21 hdc.).
This picture book for older readers provides a tribute to modern artists such as Dennis Hopper and Andy Warhol as it relates a haunting story about dreams and choices. Early one morning, a young Asian American boy gets off the bus in a small town, hungry and looking for work. He meets a sign painter who takes him on as a helper. The boy wants to be an artist and paint landscapes, but he is being paid to paint a poster girl on a dozen black billboards scattered throughout the desert. The young boy’s search for self and his passion as an artist shine through in this beautiful book.
Please note that the theme in this book is appropriate for mature learners.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Visual Art
Other Use: English Language Arts: Elementary Level
Silver Burdett Ginn Music Magic Video Library Series (Video). Please refer to the title: Dancing.
Singers (Print-Non-Fiction). McLuskey, Krista. (Great Canadians Series). Weigl Educational Publishers (SBC), 2000. 48 p. ISBN 1-896990-05-3 ($18.71 hdc.).
(CAN) Six well-known Canadian singers are featured in this volume. Each segment includes information about their Canadian childhoods, how they got started in their respective careers and what their accomplishments have been so far. In addition to the six entertainers that are covered extensively, the back pages of the book include short write-ups on 15 other successful singers. Coloured photographs enhance each short biography. Timelines, "backgrounder" sidebars and an index make this a good choice for beginning research.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
Singing About the Métis (Compact Disc). Freed, Don and Prince Albert Students. Bush League Records (FDD), 1996. Order no. BL8 ($20.00 compact disc). Audiocassette - No order number is required. ($15.00).
(I/M, SK) This CD is a celebration of colourful Métis history and culture through song. Don Freed and students from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan sing the pieces.
The lyrics are included in the liner notes.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
Singing to Keep Time: A Collection of Metis Songs (Compact Disc). Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies (GDI), 1996. No order number is required. ($4.00).
(I/M, SK) This recording features 12 Métis songs and fiddle pieces recorded from the book Métis Songs: Visiting Was the Métis Way. The vitality of the Métis musical traditions and the diversity of the music is reflected in this CD. When used with the book Métis Songs (also annotated in this bibliography), the songs will help students to appreciate the heritage associated with the Métis nation.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
The Songs of Robert Service (Compact Disc). McLaughlin, Les. Les McLaughlin (LSM), 1999. No order number is required. ($16.99).
(CAN) The poetry of Robert Service, bard of the Yukon, is recited and sung by Les McLaughlin and friends who bring Service’s love of the North to life in this collection. The spirited renditions include familiar pieces such as "The Cremation of Sam McGee" and a haunting version of "The Spell of the Yukon." Country Hall of Fame inductee Tracey Brown’s polished vocals are moving. A website www.rwservice. com/songs/songs offers additional information, a discussion board and samples of the songs included on the compact disc.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Music
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 20; English Language Arts 30
Sound Trackers Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Brunning, Bob. Peter Bedrick Books (MON), 1999. 32 p. Order numbers follow. ($25.95 hdc.).
Recommended titles in this series include the following:
| 1960s Pop |
ISBN 0-87226-576-5 |
| 1970s Pop |
ISBN 0-87226-578-1 |
| Reggae |
ISBN 0-87226-577-3 |
| Rock ’n Roll |
ISBN 0-87226-575-7. |
This set of books explores the tremendous impact that popular music has had on modern culture, not only on the young, but also throughout society. Each book contains an introduction with pertinent information about the specific era of music. The books are generously illustrated with sidebars and chunks of text that cover performers from many different countries. A comprehensive index makes these books a good starting point for research, but most students will just enjoy browsing through them for an overview of music over the last 50 years.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
Standing Our Ground: Pow Wow Songs (Compact Disc). Turtle Island Music, Inc. (TIS), 1999. Order no. TIM 30026 ($20.00 compact disc). Order no. TIM 10026 ($13.00 cassette).
(I/M, SK) This CD is a collection of powwow songs that were recorded at the 1998 Saskatchewan Aboriginal Federated College Remembrance Day Powwow and also at the Rocky Boy Powwow. The CD provides good examples of aboriginal drumming and of traditional songs of various First Nations peoples.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
Starting Points in Art (Print-Non-Fiction). Barnes, Marilyn. Belair Publications Limited (BHU), 2001. 72 p. ISBN 0-947882-90-1 ($19.95 pbk.).
Starting Points in Art offers a variety of original and creative stimuli for introducing children to art. The introduction includes suggestions for teachers who are teaching visual art and cites the importance of sharing the world of art with students. The book goes on to cover 16 different themes with ideas that include colour, sketchbooks, skies, flowers, bottles and various other stimuli for art. Mini-lesson plans include materials, methods and student samples.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Visual Art; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
Step Lively!: Dances for Schools and Families (Print-Non-Fiction). Rose, Marian. Community Dance Project (CPJ), 2000. 43 p. ISBN 0-9687569-0-5 ($39.95).
(CAN) This excellent resource for dance is divided into two sections: dances that require a special song or melody (the first seven) and dances that can be done to a wide array of standard fiddle tunes (the rest). Each dance includes a short history and suggestions for suitable grade levels and formation. Cartoon illustrations and formation patterns add to the attractive layout. A glossary, a section entitled "Tips for Teachers" and an extensive bibliography are included.
A CD with the music for all the dances is tucked into the front cover.
Further information may be found on the following website: www.marianrose.com.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Dance; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level; Kindergarten
Step Lively 2: Canadian Dance Favourites (Print-Non-Fiction). Rose, Marian. Community Dance Project (CPJ), 2000. 52 p. ISBN 0-9687569-1-3 ($39.95).
(CAN) This excellent resource for the dance strand reflects the rich Canadian heritage of traditional dance and music. The introduction contains valuable background information about the author, the world of fiddle music and Marian Rose’s rationale for choosing the dances that are included in the book. A short history precedes each dance, and suggestions for teaching the dance are written in a concise and straightforward manner. Cartoon illustrations, formation patterns and boxes with variations and quotes add to the attractive layout. A glossary, a section entitled "Tips for Teachers" and an extensive bibliography are included.
A CD with the music for all the dances is tucked into the front cover.
Further information may be found on the following website: www.marianrose.com.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Dance; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level; Kindergarten
Stories From the Seventh Fire (Video). Storytellers Productions Ltd. (FW), 2000. 28 min. No order number is required. ($290.00 set).
(CAN, I/M, WNCP) Recommended titles in this collection include the following:
The Legend of the Spirit Bear
The Legend of the Spirit Bear:
Discussion and Activity Guide
Why the Rabbit Turns White
Why the Rabbit Turns White:
Discussion and Activity Guide.
Recommended through the Western and Northern Canadian Protocol for Collaboration in Basic Education for English Language Arts, this collection of Northwestern Canadian aboriginal legends consists of two videos, each accompanied by a teacher discussion and activity guide.
These engaging videos present storytelling in the oral tradition of the aboriginal culture using authentic voices. Effective use of animation and live-action wildlife footage helps to bring the legends to life. The videos are humourous and contemporary and will appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Each discussion and activity guide provides a story synopsis, learning outcomes, cross-curricular connections and a variety of engaging activities to accommodate different learning approaches. Supplemental resources listed include print, videos and websites.
Note: Teachers should review any suggested websites before referring students to them.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; General
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level; English Language Arts: Elementary Level; English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Stories of Our Becoming Series (Video). Please refer to the title: Susan Aglukark.
The Story of the Incredible Orchestra: An Introduction to Musical Instruments and the Symphony Orchestra (Print-Non-Fiction). Koscielniak. Bruce. Houghton Mifflin Company (ALL), 2000. unp. ISBN 0-395-96052-5 ($17.21 hdc.).
The evolution of the modern symphony orchestra and the instruments that comprise it are presented in this fact-filled excursion through music history. The various eras in the development of the modern orchestra, starting with the instrumental groups at the dawn of the 17th century and continuing on up to the present day are described. An informative narrative occupies at least one side of each double-page spread. Watercolour and line drawings fill the pages, providing an up-close look at a variety of musical instruments and methods of sound production. This is a shining tool for adults to share with children who enjoy music and want to know more.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
The Storymakers: Illustrating Children's Books: 72 Artists and Illustrators Talk About Their Work (Print-Non-Fiction). The Canadian Children's Book Centre. Pembroke Publishers Limited (PPL), 1999. 159 p. ISBN 1-55138-107-9 ($24.95 pbk.).
(CAN) Biographies of 72 Canadian illustrators and illustrator/authors whose works are considered to be among the best in the world are featured in this excellent resource. The biographies are told in the artists’ own words, and they provide an interesting and informative insight into their life and work. Arranged in alphabetical order, each entry follows the same format with headings that include "My Favourite Book When I Was Young," "Where My Ideas Come From" and "Tips for the Young Creator." A bibliography of the books that each artist has illustrated or written and illustrated is included, as well as a sample illustration from one of the artist’s books. The biographies are written in a very readable style and could easily be read independently by older students involved in author study projects. Portions would prove interesting as read-alouds for younger students.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level; English Language Arts: Elementary Level; English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Strategies for Teaching and Learning Professional Library Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Please refer to the title: Dance as a Way of Knowing.
Structuring Drama Work: A Handbook of Available Forms in Theatre and Drama. 2nd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Neelands, Jonothan and Goode, Tony. Cambridge University Press (GBW), 2000. 116 p. ISBN 0-521-78729-7 ($28.30 pbk.).
The purpose of this book is to outline some of the conventions for structuring dramatic activities. The book sets out models for the process so the use of conventions can be seen as part of a dynamic process that enables students to make, explore and communicate meaning through theatre form. This user friendly resource is filled with accessible and adaptable working ideas and strategies for drama including descriptions of 72 key conventions grouped under the following headings: "Context-Building Action," "Narrative Action," "Poetic Action" and "Reflective Action." The conventions offer starting points for further activities. The book gives clear advice on planning drama to maximize involvement and learning. This resource is a practical handbook for drama teachers, or anyone engaged in drama activity with students.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Drama; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
Sugar Hill Road (Compact Disc). Arcand, John. Arcand, John (ACJ), n.d. Order no. JAC-9901 ($15.00).
(I/M, SK) John Arcand is an active promoter of fiddle music, especially in the Red River tradition. He is a collector of Métis fiddle material, and has won numerous awards for his music. This CD features John Arcand playing contemporary and traditional Métis tunes such as polkas, waltzes, reels and two-steps.
Further information about John Arcand and more resources is available on the Gabriel Dumont website at http://www.gdins.org/ index.html.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level; Kindergarten
Susan Aglukark (Video). Aglukark, Susan. (Stories of Our Becoming Series). Windborne Productions (MAG), 1995. 25 min. Order no. 1402-31-116 ($69.00). Digital video for use on PC or MAC. - Order no. 1402-92-116mvcd ($89.00).
(I/M) Susan Aglukark has rocketed onto the music scene with songs that celebrate her Inuit culture and address the problems that torment her people. In this video, she speaks candidly about her roots, her music and the spiritual source that fuels her. Aglukark’s songs are interspersed throughout the interview along with visions of Inuit culture.
Please note that the interview is quite lengthy and that the abuse Aglukark suffered as a child is mentioned. Teachers should preview this video to determine sections that are age-appropriate.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level