Fact Finder Series
Facts About Series
Facts, Stories, Activities Series
Families Part 1 & 2
Families Around the World: Australia France China
Families the World Over Series
Family Connections Series
Family Life Series
Family Traditions
Farm Boy's Year
Farmers
Farming
Fellow Canadians
Fiddlers of James Bay
Fields of Endless Day
50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth
Fire Station
First Nations: The Circle Unbroken
A First Passover
First Winter
Fishing
Five Stones and Knuckle Bones
The Flower Beadwork People
Focus on India
Folk Rhymes From Around the World
Food for the World
Fort Qu'Appelle
The Francophone Experience
The Friendly Classroom for a Small Planet: A Handbook on Creative Approaches to Living and Problem Solving for Children
Friends Series
From Generation to Generation: Jewish Family Life in Canada
Fact Finder Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Please refer to the title: People.
Facts About Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Please refer to the title: Farmers.
Facts, Stories, Activities Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Nicholson, Robert and Clair Watts. Two-Can Publishing (SCH), 1992. 32 p. ($6.95 pbk.).
| The Aztecs | ISBN 0-590-73881-X |
| The Sioux | ISBN 0-590-74360-0 |
| The Vikings | ISBN 0-590-73880-1 |
Each book deals with its topics by presenting facts, stories, and a "how we know" section. Readability may be demanding, but text is short with large print and many sub-topics. The books are beautifully illustrated with photos, diagrams, maps and paintings.
Suggested Use: Grade 3-Unit 2
Families Part 1 & 2 (Video). Educational Activities Inc. (NTM), 1987. 8 min. each. Order no. VS-385 ($119.95).
Part 1 describes different types of families and introduces some rural families. It explains that a family is a group of people who usually live together and take care of each other because they love one another. Part 2 introduces adoptive families, foster families, suburban and urban families.
Suggested Use: Grade 1-Unit 1
Families Around the World: Australia France China (Print-Non-Fiction). Massey, Don. Reidmore Books (REI), 1990. 52 p. ISBN 0-919091-48-2 ($11.95 pbk.) Teacher's Resource - ISBN 0-919091-95-4 ($35.00 loose-leaf).
(CAN) Featuring a family in each country, the book tells about the family's everyday life and special customs. Informative and easily read, it is well illustrated with photos and diagrams. This title is also available in French. The teacher's guide suggests a variety of activities and includes blackline masters (e.g., model patterns, recipes). Included are a table of contents and a glossary.
Suggested Use: Grade 3-Unit 3
Families the World Over Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Lerner (BB), 1985-88. 32 p. ($15.15 each hdc.).
| Suggested Titles: | Order no. |
| An Aboriginal Family | BB 7019 |
| A Family in Brazil | BB 7020 |
| A Family in China | BB 7021 |
| A Family in England | BB 7022 |
| A Family in Hong Kong | BB 7023 |
| A Family in India | BB 7024 |
| A Family in Ireland | BB 7025 |
| A Family in Jamaica | BB 7026 |
| A Family in Japan | BB 7027 |
| A Family in Mexico | BB 7028 |
| A Family in Morocco | BB 7029 |
| A Family in Singapore | BB 7030 |
| A Family in South Korea | BB 7031 |
| A Zulu Family | BB 7032 |
Each book features a story of a family in a country as indicated by the title. The stories, in telling about day-to-day work and play in the home, school and community, reveal a lot of information about the families' beliefs, homes, foods and special traditions. The books end with some quick facts about the country. Each page has one or two photos. Reading may require teacher assistance.
Suggested Use: Grade 3-Unit 3
Family Connections Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Hobal, Jackie and Roberta McKay. Globe/Modern Curriculum Press (BB), 1991. 30 p. ($9.40 pbk.).
| Suggested Titles: | Order no. |
| Can You Tell We Are a Family? | BB 6938 |
| Families Change | BB 6939 |
| Families Have Special Times | BB 6940 |
| Families Work Together | BB 6941 |
(CAN) This series deals candidly with several basic concepts for Grade 1 Social Studies. The books are written and illustrated with an interesting mix of narrative, poetry, simple graphs, photographs, illustrations, and children's art and writing. A table of contents as well as a section suggesting further readings is included.
Suggested Use: Grade 1-All Units
Family Life Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Jackman, Wayne. Firefly (NEL), 1990. unp. ($13.99 hdc.).
| The Babysitter | ISBN 1-85485-047-4 |
| I Hate My Sister | ISBN 1-85485-048-2 |
Each story centres around a common situation that every family faces from time to time and shows the seriousness and humour as well as the positive and negative aspects of each. Some British terms are used.
Suggested Use: Grade 1-All Units
Family Traditions (Print-Non-Fiction). Please refer to the title: Your Family Album Series.
Farm Boy's Year (Print-Fiction). McPhail, David. Atheneum (DIS), 1992. unp. ISBN 0-689-031679-8 ($19.50 hdc.).
A New England boy, of a century ago, wrote in his journal about a different activity of one day of every month. Activities include picking apples, fishing for flounder, haying and making a blade in his father's forge. Colour illustrations enhance the text.
Suggested Use: Grade 3-Unit 2
Farmers (Print-Non-Fiction). Bailey, Donna. (Facts About Series). Steck-Vaughn (NEL), 1990. 48 p. ISBN 0-8114-2517-7 ($26.65 hdc.).
The book features farming from a global perspective. It takes the reader from growing rice in India to raising sheep in Australia, from nomadic herding to harvesting the sea, and from using oxen to factory farming. The small but clear photos illustrate various stages of the production of food. The text is brief but informative, with each two-page spread featuring a new topic. The book includes a table of contents, glossary and an index.
Suggested Use: Grade 3-Unit 3
Farming (Video). National Geographic Society (NGS), 1985. 16 min. Order no. A51071 ($84.70).
This video follows the production of crops from planting to transporting them to markets and to the production of foods. It provides a good discussion on the various kinds of farms and the foods produced.
Suggested Use: Grade 2-Unit 3
Fellow Canadians (Print-Non-Fiction). Clark, Dawne, Cheryl Craig and Gary de Leeuw. Plains Publishing (PLS), 1990. 93 p. ISBN 0-920985-13-0 ($39.95 hdc.).
(CAN) Robert and his family move from Calgary to Quebec City. Through letters to his father (temporarily working in Thailand), a journal of the family's trip from Alberta to Quebec, and letters between his current and previous classmates, various aspects of Canadian culture, history and lifestyles are explored. This book, with its narrative style, is well illustrated and informative. Included is a table of contents.
Suggested Use: Grade 5-Units 1, 2
Fiddlers of James Bay (16 mm Film/Video). National Film Board (MGR), 1980. 29 min. 16 mm film - Loan order no. 20404. Video - Dup order no. V2911.
(CAN) Scots from the Orkney Islands came to trade in Northern Quebec during the 17th century. They brought fiddles with them and introduced a new form of music to the Cree of James Bay. The music survived long after the Scots returned home. In this program two Cree fiddlers travel to the Orkney Islands, the birthplace of the music they learned from their grandfathers and fathers. The program captures the warmth and good will of this reunion.
Suggested Use: Grade 5-Unit 3
Fields of Endless Day (16 mm Film/Video). National Film Board (MHP/NFB), 1978. 58 min. 16 mm film (MGR) - Loan order no. 21438. Video (NFB) - Order no. 113C0178278 ($26.95).
(CAN) The video reviews the history of Blacks in Canada, highlighting both political decisions and the experiences of ordinary people. Teachers who choose to show this video will need to guide their students to see the graphic images of violence and understand the racist comments within a historical context.
Suggested Use: Grade 5-Unit 2
50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth (Print-Non-Fiction). Javna, John and the Earth Works Group. Andrews and McNeel (GAG), 1990. 156 p. ISBN 0-8362-2301-2 ($9.95 pbk.).
The projects suggested in this book use few materials and are easy to do. Along with each suggested project is an explanation of the environmental problem and some factual information. Included is a table of contents, but there is no index.
Suggested Use: Grade 3-Unit 4; All Grades
Other Use: Science Middle Level
Fire Station (Video). (Your Town Series). National Geographic (NGS), 1990. 13 min. Order no. 51437 ($96.75).
Fire fighters and paramedics are always ready to fight a blazing fire and help an injured or sick person. They must be prepared to risk their lives daily. To help prevent fires, they inspect buildings for fire hazards and teach people about fire safety.
Suggested Use: Grade 2-Unit 3
First Nations: The Circle Unbroken (Video). National Film Board (MHP/BB), 1993. 20-25 min. each. Dup. order nos. V8737-V8746. Teacher's Guide - BB 979 ($2.00 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M)) These programs introduce students to First Nations perspectives on a wide range of topics. They provide students with rich and complex images of the contemporary reality of the First Nations, their sense of identity, and their relations with Canada. The following titles from the series are suggested for Grades 5 to 12:
| Cree Hunters, Quebec Dams Dup. order no. V8737 | |
| Hunters and Bombers Dup. order no. V8741 | |
| Kwa'Nu'te' Dup. order no. V8740 | |
| The Last Mooseskin Boat Dup. order no. V8739 | |
| Magic in the Sky Dup. order no. V8742 | |
| Potlatch Dup. order no. V8744 | |
| Standing Alone Dup. order no. V8738 | |
| Time Immemorial Dup. order no. V8745 | |
| Uranium Dup. order no. V8746 | |
| Voyage of Rediscovery Dup. order no. V8743 |
A First Passover (Print-Non-Fiction). Please refer to the title: Multicultural Celebrations Series.
First Winter (16 mm Film/Video). National Film Board (MHP/NFB), 1981. 27 min. 16 mm film (MGR) - Loan order no. 20366. Video (NFB) - Order no. 113C0181018 ($26.95).
(CAN) This is a story of one of the first Irish families to settle in Ontario. While the father is away, mother dies leaving the two young children to fend for themselves until father comes home in the spring. The film shows some of the traditions and beliefs of the Irish as well as the loneliness and hardships experienced by early immigrants.
Suggested Use: Grade 5-Unit 2
Fishing (Print-Non-Fiction). Williams, Brian. (Ways of Life Series). Raintree/Steck-Vaughn (NEL), 1993. 48 p. ISBN 0-8114-4788-X ($25.32 hdc.).
This resource talks about different kinds of fishing around the world, both past and present. It includes some fish lore and discusses the effects of overfishing and pollution. Although the book's text is challenging, it is well illustrated with photos and detailed diagrams. Included are a world map, table of contents, glossary and index.
Suggested Use: Grade 3-Unit 3; Grade 5-Unit 3
Five Stones and Knuckle Bones (Print-Non-Fiction). Deshpande, Chris. (Friends Series). A & C Black (FHW), 1988. 25 p. ISBN 0-7136-2987-8 ($13.95 hdc.).
Leela moves to a new school. Without friends, she wanders around the playground observing the different games (e.g., hopscotch, jacks, marbles) the children are playing. The book ends with a description of some of the games and a list of suggested activities.
Suggested Use: Grade 2-Unit 1
The Flower Beadwork People (Print-Non-Fiction). Farrell-Racette, Sherry. Gabriel Dumont Institute (BB), 1991. 33 p. Order no. BB 7042 ($13.90 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) This enjoyable story of Métis Peoples presents an account of their origins and their past and present lifestyles. Bold colour illustrations show homes, celebrations, clothing and occupations past and present. For those classes which still have the original Flower Beadwork People Kit (now out of print), the teacher's manual which may be located in your resource center provides additional information. Included are a glossary and an index.
Suggested Use: Grade 4-Unit 2
Other Use: Arts Education 6-9
Focus on India (Print-Non-Fiction). Husain, Shahrukh A. Hamish Hamilton (FHW), 1986. 32 p. ISBN 0-241-11823-9 ($21.95 hdc.).
This book describes life in India through a study of topics such as cities, farming, trains, wildlife, Delhi and the Ganges. The book contains colour photos, a table of contents, map, index and fact summary. This book's text is challenging reading.
Suggested Use: Grade 3-Unit 3
Folk Rhymes From Around the World (Print- Non-Fiction). Neaman, Evelyn. (Alternatives to Racism Series). Pacific Educational Press (PEP), 1992. ISBN 0-88865-081-7 ($12.95 pbk.). Teacher's Guide - ISBN 0-88865-083-3 ($12.95 pbk.).
(CAN) The student book contains tongue twisters as well as skipping, counting, and other rhymes from countries around the world. Included is a table of contents. The teacher's guide provides teaching suggestions and student activities.
Suggested Use: Grade 3-Unit 2
Food for the World (Print-Non-Fiction). Swallow, Sul. (Facing the Future Series). Cloverleaf (FHW), 1990. 45 p. ISBN 0-237-51155-X ($19.50 hdc.).
Following a brief introduction that reviews the problems of food production and distribution in developing countries, the book gives examples from different parts of the world of various ordinary and innovative ways to produce food. It ends with several pages of future possibilities. Although it is written for an older audience, this resource has wonderful photos and is informative and interesting. Included are a table of contents, a glossary and an index.
Suggested Use: Grade 3-Unit 3
Fort Qu'Appelle (Video). Please refer to the title: Sketches of Our Town Series.
The Francophone Experience (Video). (Tapestry of the Land Series). CKCK Creative Services (MGR), 1993. 24 min. Dup. order no. V8801.
(CAN) This video takes a focused look at the contributions made by one of our province's more prominent ethnic groups: the Francophones. Saskatchewan's French community - the Fransaskois - has had a fascinating history, and "The Francophone Experience" illustrates how hardship and success have accompanied every phase of the evolution of this resilient group. Prominent individuals from the artistic and business communities relate their own stories of how maintaining French culture on the prairies has influenced their lives.
Suggested Use: Grade 4-Unit 2
The Friendly Classroom for a Small Planet: A Handbook on Creative Approaches to Living and Problem Solving for Children (Print-Non-Fiction). Prutzman, Priscilla, et al. New Society (GNP), 1988. 131 p. ISBN 1-55092-045-6 ($17.95 pbk.).
This book outlines a program addressing the roots of conflict and violence among children and offers suggested activities, exercises and games to help build self-esteem, cooperative behaviour, and conflict resolution skills. It is designed for the elementary classroom. Included are a table of contents, a bibliography and an index.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: Kindergarten
Friends Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Please refer to the titles: Bangles, Badges and Beads, Everybody's Hair, Five Stones and Knuckle Bones, Grannies and Grandads, Penfriends, Scrap, Rattle and Blow, Stir Fry
From Generation to Generation: Jewish Family Life in Canada (Video). National Film Board (MCI), 1992. 14 min. Order no. 370100 ($49.00).
(CAN) Recounting some of the experiences of Jewish immigrants to Canada, the video focuses on Jewish values, traditions, celebrations, and foods. The story is told from the perspective of a young boy and was produced in cooperation with various agencies including the Canadian Museum of Civilization. It encourages students to reflect on their own ethnic origins.
Suggested Use: Grade 5-Unit 2