English Language Arts:

Grade 11

Note: The list of resources in this section provides an update to English Language Arts 20: A Bibliography for the Secondary Level (1998).

Ahtahkakoop: The Epic Account of a Plains Cree Head Chief, His People, and Their Struggle for Survival, 1816-1896 (Print-Non-Fiction). Christensen, Deanna. Ahtahkakoop Publishing (LRDC), 2000. 844 p. Order no. 17912 ($58.95 hdc.).

(I/M, SK) This eloquently written, well-researched historical work with its emphasis on authentic voice, oral tradition and primary documentation speaks volumes on the shared history of Canada and Ahtahkakoop. s people. Ahtahkakoop: The Epic Account of a Plains Cree Head Chief, His People, and Their Struggle for Survival, 1816-1896 offers valuable support for serious students of Canadian history at the secondary and post-secondary levels. The use of numerous maps and illustrations in both black-and-white and colour adds to the appeal. An index and a table of contents are provided.

Suggested Use: Recollection

Other Use: Canadian Studies; English Language Arts 10

Between the Lines: Understanding the Media Through a Series of Creative Projects: Grades 8-12 (CD-ROM). National Film Board of Canada (LRDC), 2000. Order no. 9647 ($127.65).

(SK) Between the Lines presents eight insightful and diverse media projects: "Designing a Public Service Announcement," "Editing the TV News," "Spinning the News," "Ethical Choices," "Creating a Music Video," "Designing a Multimedia Advertising Campaign," "Developing a Soundscape" and "Visual Language." Students are encouraged to expand their repertoire of language skills and strategies through the study of media communication. As the producers, editors and directors, students are given the freedom to create their own thought-provoking media projects using a drag-and-drop interface. The nature of mass media is revealed through video and audio clips and "live" questioning from virtual characters. This two CD-ROM program includes a link to the "Communication Central" website, a glossary of multimedia terms, virtual characters and a customized evaluation component. The two CDs are Windows and MacIntosh compatible.

A comprehensive teacher. s guide may be downloaded from the first disk. Instructions on how to use the resource are given, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to use the units in the classroom for a whole course or for independent study.

Saskatchewan Education distributed copies to high schools in the province. Additional copies may be ordered from the Saskatchewan Learning Resources Distribution Centre.

Suggested Use: Creative Writing 20; Journalism Studies 20; Media Studies 20

Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level; Communication, Production and Technology

Blessing the Bones Into Light (Print-Anthology). Funk, Carla. (Open Eye Poetry Series). Coteau Books (COT), 1999. 84 p. ISBN 1-55050-156-9 ($8.95 pbk.).

(SK) In Blessing the Bones Into Light, Carla Funk charts the course of human passion across the spectrum, from guilt and abuse, to humour and love of life, to intimacy and procreation. These frank and fearless narrative poems reflect a modern and contemporary viewpoint. Note: Several of the selections contain material of a mature nature.

Suggested Use: Creative Writing 20

Other Use: English Language Arts 30

Caught in the Net (Video). National Film Board of Canada (NFB), 1997. 14 min. Order no. C9197 039/E9701 ($29.95).

(CAN, WCP) Caught in the Net provokes young people to explore the risks of getting too personal on the Internet. Adam reluctantly faces the possibility that a girlfriend he met over the Internet may not be everything she appears to be. He is challenged to think critically and carefully about the many people and sources of information he finds on the Internet. This video should be balanced with information regarding the positive value of peer support groups found on the web.

An excellent teacher. s guide containing valuable information and suggestions for discussion accompanies this video.

Suggested Use: Media Studies 20

Other Use: Arts Education: Grade 9; Arts Education: Secondary Level; Health Education: Grades 6 to 9; Life Transitions 20/30

Childhood (Print-Fiction). Alexis, Andre. McClelland & Stewart Limited (CDS), 1998. 265 p. ISBN 0-7710-0665-9 ($19.99 pbk.).

(CAN) Set in a Southern Ontario town close to the United States border during the 1950s and 1960s, childhood memories are recounted by the narrator, Thomas MacMillan. The book. s strong point is its cast of brilliantly drawn characters. Thomas lives at first with his Trinidadian grandmother and spends a great deal of time trying to find out more about his absent mother. After his grandmother. s death, his mother returns and he discovers what it is like to live with a stranger. This book does not feature a lot of action, but Thomas. s recollections of childhood will be familiar to many readers. Teachers should note that this coming-of-age novel is told from an analytical, adult point of view and will appeal to a limited audience.

Suggested Use: Recollection

Coming of Age, Volume One: Literature About Youth and Adolescence. 2nd ed. (Print-Anthology). Emra, Bruce. NTC Publishing Group (LRDC), 1999. 311 p. Order no. 9620 ($31.40 pbk.). Teacher's Edition - Order no. 5236 ($48.45 hdc.).

The short stories in this anthology focus on themes such as adolescents. relationships with family and friends, falling in love and moving out into the adult world. Selections are accompanied by suggestions for responding, both orally and in writing. Alternate media ideas are given for many of the stories. Included are a table of contents and an index of authors and titles.

The teacher. s manual at the end of the anthology contains suggestions for teaching each selection as well as answers to questions in the text and tips for writing workshop activities.

The selections and teaching suggestions would also be appropriate for use in English Language Arts 21.

Suggested Use: Anticipation; Recollection; Short Stories

Cyclone (Print-Fiction). Van Gorder, Julia. Coteau Books (COT), 1998. 196 p. ISBN 1-55050-127-5 ($14.95 pbk.).

(SK) Following the Regina cyclone of 1912, an immigrant family from Britain takes in homeless men as boarders to help alleviate the economic hardship of making ends meet. True camaraderie is found in this "melting pot" of cultures, and when war is declared, both the men and women in the story have to deal with their moral obligations. This is a story of hardship and the realities that families had to confront during the Great War of 1914-1918. In this work of historical fiction, the reader gets a powerful sense of what it really must have been like during and after the violent Regina cyclone of 1912.

Suggested Use: Recollection

Evaluating Writing: The Role of Teachers' Knowledge About Text, Learning, and Culture (Print-Non-Fiction). Cooper, Charles R. and Odell, Lee, eds. National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), 1999. 408 p. ISBN 0-8141-1625-6 ($32.95 U.S. pbk.).

The 17 essays collected in this resource are intended to speak to the questions all educators have asked at one time or another: Should there be frequent evaluation of student writing, or are teachers even capable of evaluating writing? These essays represent a variety of approaches to evaluation, but underlying all of them are some common beliefs about what is fundamentally important to the teaching of writing. The essays assume that teachers need to distinguish between assessment and evaluation, develop the ability to describe students. writing, connect teaching and evaluation and continually re-examine the assumptions and practices that guide the evaluation of student writing. Although the examples contained in this text are largely American in content, Saskatchewan teachers will find good examples of secondary school students. writing and background information regarding the evaluation of writing. Chapters 4 and 5 deal with syntax and coherence and will be of particular interest to teachers.

Suggested Use: Teacher Reference

Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30

Gage Canadian Writer's Handbook (Print-Non-Fiction). Davies, Richard and Kirkland, Glen. Gage Educational Publishing (GAG), 2000. 195 p. ISBN 0-7715-1747-5 ($17.95 pbk.).

(CAN, WCP) This process-based student handbook on writing, reading and thinking is divided into three major areas: "How to Write an Essay," "Specific Forms of Writing and Representing" and "Conventions of Writing." The book offers writing skills practice exercises and includes a glossary and an index. This user friendly student handbook could also be a valuable teacher and/or parent resource. Please note that some of the works cited are also frequently studied in English Language Arts 10 and 30. Teachers are advised to consult the curriculum guides before using the selections.

Suggested Use: Language Resource

Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30

Handbook for Writers. 3rd Canadian ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Flick, Jane and Millward, Celia. Harcourt Canada Ltd. (LRDC), 1999. unp. Order no. 9702 ($40.05 pbk.).

(CAN) Canadian English language issues are reflected in this resource that maintains a problem-solving approach to the writing process. It covers all the essentials, from sentence to paragraph to essay, in a style that is thorough yet easy to follow. Exercises and examples interspersed throughout make this reference a practical writing guide. The book contains many examples and exercises, the most recent MLA and APA documentation styles of traditional and electronic sources and discussion of the Internet as a research tool. Appendices include a glossary of usage, a glossary of grammatical terms and suggestions for proofreading and editing. A comprehensive index and thumb tags enable users to find topics easily and quickly.

Suggested Use: Student/Teacher Reference

Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30

Inside Stories II. 2nd ed. (Print-Anthology). Kirkland, Glen and Davies, Richard, eds. Harcourt Canada Ltd. (LRDC), 1999. 332 p. Order no. 11662 ($22.95 pbk.). Teacher's Guide - Order no. 14011 ($19.05 spiral-bound).

(CAN) Inside Stories II contains 31 selections that will encourage students to think, discuss and reflect. Over half of the selections come from Canadian authors, and the other selections are from such faraway corners of the globe as the Caribbean, Africa, Cuba, South America and Australia. The anthology is structured thematically, with topics ranging from values and choices, conformity and rebellion, tradition and change, love, loyalty and betrayal and coming of age. Following each story, there are response questions and activities for exploring discussion and writing. At the back of the text, there is a comprehensive glossary of fiction terms that are referenced to specific stories.

The teacher. s guide provides a brief introduction to the short story as a genre, strategies for presenting short stories, suggestions for writing short stories and sample questions to evoke students. personal, critical and creative responses. The development of problem-solving and decision-making skills is encouraged throughout. Also included are suggestions for teaching each short story and an index for using the elements of fiction as an alternative method of instruction.

Suggested Use: Short Stories; Teacher Reference

Making Up Megaboy (Print-Fiction). Walter, Virginia and Roeckelein, Katrina, illus. Dorling Kindersley, Inc. (GDS), 1998. 62 p. ISBN 0-7894-2488-6 ($18.95 hdc.).

On his 13th birthday, Robbie Jones shot Jae Koh, who had, for eight months, operated the Main Street Liquor Store in Santa Rosita, California. These are the facts as revealed by Robbie. s mother, Louise Jones and a Channel Two-newsroom reporter in the first two spreads of this deceptively slender volume. Eighteen people in all give their points of view concerning the event. Each character has a distinctive voice, reflected typographically in a unique font and coupled with dramatic visuals. This resource will be valuable for classroom discussions regarding violence, appropriate and accurate reporting, and for studying point-of-view.

Suggested Use: Journalism Studies 20

Mastering Competitive Debate. 5th ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Hensley, Dana and Carlin, Diana. Clark Publishing (CKP), 1999. 349 p. ISBN 0-931054-58-3 ($28.50 U.S. hdc.).

The new edition of Mastering Competitive Debate has been reorganized, updated and expanded to include new chapters on Internet research and parliamentary debate. This American resource gives comprehensive information about researching and recording strategies, affirmative and negative roles of debate teams, defending a position, ethics in debating and delivery techniques. Included are a table of contents, glossary, index, the Lincoln-Douglas debate format, mock trials, parliamentary procedure, and appendixes giving information about hosting tournaments, debate topics, as well as sample ballots and transcripts of debates.

A teacher. s manual is also available with additional information and activities for teachers who wish more detail on the topics discussed in the text.

Suggested Use: Communication Studies 20; Teacher Reference

Momiji: Japanese Maple (Video). Nancy Tatebe (MGR), 1994. 26 min. Dup. order no. V4957.

(CAN) Momiji is a personal documentary tracing three generations in a Japanese Canadian family, from immigration to internment in British Columbia during the Second World War, to the filmmaker. s own idyllic childhood in a predominantly white Montreal suburb. Using super-8 home movies, archival photos and present-day footage, Momiji explores the sacrifices often made by immigrants and their descendants in order to assimilate. Momiji is not only a story about assimilation, racism and shame, but it is also a story about personal discovery and new-found pride in a heritage long forgotten. Excellent for classroom usage, Momiji raises important questions about cultural identity that should initiate thoughtful discussion about multiculturalism in Canada today.

Suggested Use: Recollection

Other Use: Canadian Studies; English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30

Opening Tricks (Print-Anthology). Carver, Peter, ed. Thistledown Press Ltd. (THI), 1998. 192 p. ISBN 1-895449-78-2 ($11.95 pbk.).

(SK) This anthology is the result of a short story contest. It consists of the two winning entries and a selection of worthy runners-up. The 13 original short stories represent a wide range of themes and styles. The stories are clearly set to give a humourous look at the human condition and to divert readers from viewing life too seriously. The current themes will appeal to students in modified programs. Teachers should note that some of the selections deal with sensitive issues. They should also ensure that the selections support the themes outlined in the curriculum guide.

Suggested Use: Creative Writing 20

Other Use: English Language Arts 10

Popular Culture in the Classroom: Teaching and Researching Critical Media Literacy (Print-Non-Fiction). Alvermann, Donna E., Moon, Jennifer S. and Hagood, Margaret C. (Literacy Studies Series). International Reading Association (IRA), 1999. 158 p. ISBN 0-87207-245-2 ($21.95 U.S. pbk.).

This teacher resource is written for teachers, researchers and theorists who have grown up in a world radically different from that of the students they teach, study and theorize about. The importance of developing within children and adolescents a critical awareness of the social, political and economic messages emanating from the different forms of popular culture is explored through sample media literacy lessons. The information is up-to-date and relevant and includes a combination of theory and practical ideas. A table of contents, author index and a detailed subject index make this a valuable resource for teachers who want to encourage media awareness in students.

Suggested Use: Communication Studies 20; Media Studies 20

Public Speaking (Video). (No-Brainers: The Video Guides to Life Series). Cerebellum Corporation (CERE), 1998. 45 min. No order number is required. ($14.99 U.S.).

Ideas for organizing and delivering speeches are presented in a humourous, visually appealing manner in this video. Tips on how to combat speech anxiety, how to "grab" the audience. s attention and techniques for both informative and persuasive presentations are included.

A short teacher. s guide accompanies the video.

Suggested Use: Communication Studies 20

Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30

The Research Paper and the World Wide Web (Print-Non-Fiction). Rodrigues, Dawn. Pearson Education Canada (PRN), 1997. 212 p. ISBN 0-13-461724-X ($25.45 pbk.).

Suggested Use: Student/Teacher Reference

The Songs of Robert Service (Compact Disc). McLaughlin, Les. Les McLaughlin (LSM), 1999. No order number is required. ($16.99).

Suggested Use: Poetry

Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30

The Teacher's Complete & Easy Guide to the Internet. 2nd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Heide, Ann and Stilborne, Linda. Trifolium Books Inc. (LRDC), 1999. 354 p. Order no. 8912 ($25.65 pbk.).

This is a comprehensive and easily understood introduction to Internet use by teachers for personal use, professional development or conducting activities with students. The book shows teachers how to connect to the Internet and how to use it for research, communication, collaborative projects and publishing. The resource provides suggestions for class projects using the Internet and applications for students with special needs as well as information about acceptable use policies, search engines, interactive sites and software needs. The book includes a table of contents, a bibliography and an index.

Suggested Use: Communication Studies 20; Teacher Reference

Other Use: Computer Science; English Language Arts 30; Information Processing 16, 26, 36; Social Studies: Grades 7-9

Teaching Grammar in Context (Print-Non-Fiction). Weaver, Constance. Boynton Cook Publishing, Inc. (LRDC), 1996. 288 p. Order no. 7649 ($44.25 pbk.).

(WCP) The rationale and practical ideas in this resource provide teachers with easily accessible information for helping students at all levels to learn and apply grammatical concepts in the revision and editing stages of the writing process. This is an excellent resource for assisting teachers in understanding and carrying out grammar instruction in meaningful contexts. The book includes a table of contents, index, detailed reference list and a glossary of grammatical terms.

Suggested Use: Teacher Reference/Professional Development; English Language Arts 20

Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30

To Kill a Mockingbird: The Screenplay and Related Readings (Print-Anthology). Foote, Horton, et al. (Literature Connections Series). McDougal, Littell/Houghton Mifflin (NEL), 1997. 137 p. ISBN 0-395-79678-4 ($18.95 hdc.). SourceBook - ISBN 0-395-78382-8 ($18.95 pbk.).

Horton Foote presents the classic story as a screenplay in this anthology. Teachers will find the related readings particularly useful. Poems, short stories, non-fiction and essays reflect the theme of the original novel.

The teacher. s sourcebook provides numerous ideas for teachers and students, as well as adaptive suggestions for students with special needs.

Suggested Use: Multigenre; Recollection

Tomie dePaola: His Art & His Stories (Print-Non-Fiction). Elleman, Barbara. Putnam Publishing (PBC), 1999. 218 p. ISBN 0-399-23129-3 ($50.00 hdc.).

Tomie dePaola is among the best known, best loved artist-authors creating books for children today. His art and his stories, filled with imagination, humour, elegance and curiousity, emanate from a love of life reflected in everything he does. In this detailed, copiously illustrated and beautifully produced book, Barbara Elleman explores Tomie dePaola as artist and illustrator. The book looks first at dePaola. s family life and then at the extraordinary scope of his work. autobiographical picture books, folktales, Christmas themes, religious stories and more. The book contains over 200 illustrations that help to give a fresh appreciation of this unique artist-author. Notes, a chronology, a bibliography and an index are also included.

Suggested Use: Student/Teacher Reference

Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9; Arts Education: Secondary Level; English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30

Truth Merchants (Video). Primitive Features (NFB), 1998. 46 min. Order no. C9198 107 ($39.95).

(CAN) In a media-driven age, the truth is sometimes very difficult to distinguish from the information put out by the spin-doctors and lobbyists. If democracy is to succeed, it is vital to be aware of this public relations world and how information and the truth are manipulated. This video will help students find the real story and be informed enough to tell the difference between news and propaganda. It is advisable to preview this video before using it in the classroom as some of the language may not be suitable for all communities.

Suggested Use: Media Studies 20

Other Use: Canadian Studies; Social Studies 20/History 20

Webster's New World College Dictionary. 4th ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Agnes, Michael, ed. Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc. (LRDC), 1999. 1716 p. Order no. 2152 ($23.95 hdc.).

In this tabbed edition, entry words are accompanied by pronunciation, definitions, etymology, suffixes and verb endings, idioms, illustrative sentences when relevant, cross-references to variant spellings and synonyms. The definitions are very readable in an appealing typeface, and the main entries in the work stand out clearly from the rest of the text.

Suggested Use: Student/Teacher Reference

Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30

The Word, the Voice, the Text (Print-Anthology). Szumigalski, Anne. Fifth House Publishers (COT), 1990. 156 p. ISBN 0-920079-65-2 ($16.95 pbk.).

(SK) In this collection of autobiographical essays, Anne Szumigalski writes about growing up as an unusual child in an unusual family. She tells about the beginnings of her life-long passion for poetry and explores the tensions between reason and imagination, the everyday and the magical, that marked her life. Szumigalski relates classic poetry by such writers as William Blake and Emily Dickinson to her own experiences.

Suggested Use: Creative Writing 20

Other Use: English Language Arts 30

Write to Learn. 6th ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Murray, Donald M. Harcourt Canada Ltd. (HBJ), 1999. 348 p. ISBN 0-15-505448-1 ($58.95 pbk.).

Write to Learn presents practical ideas for the writing process with an emphasis on reading, visualizing and revising. Chapters include topics such as discovering the writing process, learning to use the craft of vision to see and write, focusing, planning, drafting, editing and revising. "Help for Your Writing Problems" and "Writing Techniques" are indexed on the inside covers. A comprehensive index and table of contents are included.

Suggested Use: Creative Writing 20; Teacher Reference

Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30

Writing Scripts for Television, Radio, and Film. 3rd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Willis, Edgar E. and D'Arienzo, Camille. Harcourt, Inc. (LRDC), 1993. 414 p. Order no. 9701 ($81.95 pbk.).

This resource offers a comprehensive introduction to script writing in various media. It emphasizes both the craft and the creativity associated with script writing. The 19 chapters include such topics as writing commercials, public service announcements, documentaries, drama and comedy. Each chapter contains questions and activities pertaining to the topic discussed. Although American in nature, Canadian teachers will find this a user friendly and comprehensive resource. Teachers should note that there are some sensitive topics included in the text.

Suggested Use: Creative Writing 20; Journalism Studies 20

Writing the Short Film. 2nd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Cooper, Pat and Dancyger, Ken. Focal Press (BWH), 2000. 308 p. ISBN 0-240-80369-8 ($22.95 U.S. pbk.).

This resource gives background information and suggestions to guide the process of short film writing. Included are chapters dealing with finding stories, shaping and framing plots, characterization, and visualization through sound, location, dialogue and images. The book contains a table of contents, an index and five short screenplays.

Suggested Use: Media Studies