Art in the Classroom: An Integrated Approach to Teaching Art in Canadian Elementary and Middle Schools (Print-Non-Fiction). Naested, Irene Russell. Harcourt Canada Ltd. (NEL), 1998. 336 p. ISBN 0-7747-3357-8 ($35.50 pbk.).
(CAN) This resource encourages teachers to place a greater emphasis on art in the general education of children. It advocates a holistic approach to integrating art with other curricula, so that one discipline can enrich another and students can learn to make connections between subjects. The book contains information on the history of art education, design and colour theory and art appreciation. Numerous children's art projects are included throughout to enhance understanding of the value of art as an instructional tool in the classroom. A detailed index and appendices that include resource lists for further study make this a useful resource for teachers.
Suggested Use: General; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8
Art of the Far North: Inuit Sculpture, Drawing, and Printmaking (Print-Non-Fiction). Finley, Carol. Lerner Publications (FHW), 1998. 56 p. ISBN 0-8225-2075-3 ($35.95 hdc.).
(CAN, I/M) Traditional ways have changed drastically over the past 50 years giving rise to Inuit artists whose work captures the customs, beliefs and legends of their people. Full-colour reproductions and a straightforward text give insight into the sculpture, drawing and printmaking of the Inuit. One of the chapters discusses such major influences on Inuit visual art as myths and legends, nature, the hunt and drum dancing. A regional map and an artist's gallery make this a good resource for interdisciplinary units dealing with Inuit peoples.
Suggested Use: Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Secondary Level; Native Studies: Grade 10; Native Studies: Grade 11; Social Studies: Grades 7-9
Bridges Across the World: A Multicultural Songfest (Compact Disc). Barchas, Sarah. High Haven Music (HNM), 1999. ISBN 1-889686-14-X ($16.98 U.S.).
The focus of this sound recording is three fold: to share traditional folksongs from different cultures, to foster awareness and appreciation of others and, to delight in learning words and phrases through song in many different languages. The CD contains 30 original and traditional multicultural songs that celebrate cultural diversity and vitality. The 60-page booklet includes illustrated song lyrics, a language appendix of 12 languages, and bibliographies. This could be used as a springboard for dance and movement creation, or for research projects involving different cultures.
Suggested Use: Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8
Canadian Art: From Its Beginnings to 2000 (Print-Non-Fiction). Newlands, Anne. Firefly Books Ltd. (FIR), 2000. 355 p. ISBN 1-55209-450-2 ($85.00 hdc.).
(CAN, I/M) Anne Newland's book profiles 300 artists, presenting them in alphabetical order. Each profile includes a colour reproduction by the artist, a brief biography and an accompanying text that provides an interpretive description of each work set in a historical and regional context. The coverage of historical art is balanced, and the inclusion of Inuit and First Nations artists as well as multimedia, installation art and photography is laudable. The rich legacy and diversity of Canadian visual arts makes this survey of Canadian art a welcome event.
Suggested Use: Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Secondary Level; Native Studies: Grade 10; Native Studies: Grade 11
Canvas of War: Painting the Canadian Experience, 1914 to 1945 (Print-Non-Fiction). Oliver, Dean F. and Brandon, Laura. Douglas & McIntyre Publishing Group (GDS), 2000. 178 p. ISBN 1-55054-772-0 ($55.00 hdc.).
(CAN) The Canadian War Museum holds in excess of 13 000 paintings and drawings that were commissioned to capture history in the making during the First and Second World Wars. This fascinating and valuable book weaves 110 of these full-colour, seldom-seen Canadian war art images with archival photographs and an informative text. A capsule history of Canada's wartime role is included, as well as specific information about the art works. Quotes from the artists and from service personnel, politicians and other Canadians are sprinkled liberally throughout. The result is a visual and historical record of Canada's experience of war by such renowned artists as A. Y. Jackson, Alex Colville and Molly Lamb Bobak.
Suggested Use: Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level; Canadian Studies; Social Studies 20/History 20
Clothing: Garments, Styles, and Uses (Print-Non-Fiction). Ventura, Piero. Houghton Mifflin Company (ALL), 1993. 64 p. ISBN 0-395-66791-7 ($25.50 hdc.).
Richly detailed illustrations trace graphically the evolution of clothing styles, fabrics and uses throughout history in this information-filled volume. The author chronicles the function and symbolism of clothes through the ages, delving into such details as the connotations of various fabrics, colours and styles; the process of leather tanning and wool weaving; and the social and political forces behind certain fashion trends. The clear and concise text along with captions that describe each drawing show how the basic human need for clothing has evolved since prehistoric times. This volume will give students a useful overview of many civilizations and cultures extending beyond the study of clothing and costumes.
Suggested Use: General
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8
Cloud Dance (Print-Fiction). Locker, Thomas. Harcourt, Inc. (RAI), 2000. unp. ISBN 0-15-202231-7 ($25.50 hdc.).
A lyrical text accompanies paintings of clouds of many shapes and sizes as they drift and dance across the sky. Cloud Dance reveals the natural beauty of clouds in every season as it skillfully blends fiction, science and art. An informative section at the book's end entitled "About Clouds" links the beauty of the sky to science. This notable children's book could be used in visual art to inspire students to paint their own interpretations of clouds and would be a welcome addition to any library collection.
Suggested Use: Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; English Language Arts: Elementary Level; Science: Elementary Level
Costume and Clothes (Print-Non-Fiction). Paul, Penelope. (Legacies Series). Thomson Learning (LRDC), 1995. 48 p. Order no. 9262 ($27.45 hdc.).
This resource, which explores the origins of clothing and textiles, will be an excellent supplement for the student wanting background in this area. The book covers several ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, the Celts and the Americas. Many colourful illustrations and photographs supplement the discussions of these ancient civilizations' contributions to modern day clothing.
Suggested Use: General
Other Use: Clothing, Textiles, and Fashion
Dance and the Child International Conference 2000 "Highlights" (Video). East West Communications Ltd. (BIRD), 2000. 60 min. No order number is required. ($79.95).
(SK) Performances by young dancers from around the world are featured on this video. It was taped on stage at the Dance and the Child International Conference 2000 (DaCi 2000). Young dancers representing 31 countries display a broad array of styles from ballet to contemporary jazz and folk. Although the broadcast quality is not of a professional nature, this video is useful for teachers who want to share different examples of styles of dances with their students.
Suggested Use: Dance
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Secondary Level
Dancetime! 500 Years of Social Dance: Volume I (15th-19th Century) (Video). Dancetime Publications (DPU), 1998. 45 min. ISBN 0-9662074-0-8 ($39.95 U.S.).
The history of Western European and mainstream American social dance is represented through performances featuring authentic costumes. An introduction precedes each century being presented, and some subtitles are included that help to explain the dance steps. Volume 1 features the 15th through 19th centuries. Teachers should supplement these programs with ones that offer a broader cultural perspective.
Suggested Use: Dance
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Secondary Level
Dancetime! 500 Years of Social Dance: Volume II (20th Century) (Video). Dancetime Publications (DPU), 1998. 45 min. ISBN 0-9662074-1-6 ($39.95 U.S.).
The history of Western European and mainstream American social dance is represented through performances featuring authentic costumes. An introduction precedes each century being presented, and some subtitles are included that help to explain the dance steps. Volume II features the 20th century from the 1910s to the 1990s. Teachers should supplement these programs with ones that offer a broader cultural perspective.
Suggested Use: Dance
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Secondary Level
Emily Carr: Rebel Artist (Print-Non-Fiction). Braid, Kate. (The Quest Library Series). XYZ Publishing (GDS), 2000. 178 p. ISBN 0-9683601-6-5 ($15.95 pbk.).
(CAN) One of Canada's most recognized female artists, Emily Carr, was also one of the first to draw her inspiration from First Nations People. Out of her personal struggles emerged a vivid, elemental art rooted in the West Coast landscape. This biography focuses on Carr's personal life, paying special attention to her early years. She was born in 1871 into a strict authoritarian family who never understood her. She scrimped to attend art school abroad and turned down marriage because of her commitment to art. Numerous black-and-white photographs of Emily throughout the chapters help to reinforce her determined, creative personality. An enlightening 20-page timeline traces Carr's life parallel to Canadian social historical events. An extensive and detailed index is included.
Suggested Use: Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Secondary Level
Encyclopedia of Theatre Dance in Canada = Encyclopédie de la Danse Théâtrale au Canada (Print-Non-Fiction). Macpherson, Susan, ed. Dance Collection Danse (DCD), 2000. 672 p. ISBN 0-929003-42-X ($29.95 pbk.).
(CAN) The first comprehensive French/English-language dance book produced in Canada, this resource reflects 150 years of Canadian dance through 300 entries: individual dancers and choreographers, histories of dance companies, entries on significant Canadian choreographies with original program notes and commentaries and a listing of music composed for dance. The book includes black-and-white photographs and is a very good source on Canadian theatrical dance.
Suggested Use: Dance; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Secondary Level
Entertainers (Print-Non-Fiction). Strudwick, Leslie. (Great Canadians Series). Weigl Educational Publishers (SBC), 2000. 48 p. ISBN 1-896990-07-X ($27.45 hdc.).
(CAN) Six well-known Canadian entertainers 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 12 other successful entertainers. Coloured photographs enhance each short biography. Timelines, "backgrounder" sidebars and an index make this a good choice for beginning research.
Suggested Use: General
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8
History of Art. 6th ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Janson, Anthony F. and Janson, H. W. Prentice Hall Inc. (PRN), 2001. 997 p. ISBN 0-13-019732-7 ($87.16 hdc.).
Although this is a formidably large book, it is one of the most monumental studies of art ever published. The book is divided into four sections-"The Ancient World," "The Middle Ages," "The Renaissance Through the Rococo" and "The Modern World." Timelines, maps and an updated website directory of museums and general art sites, as well as an outstanding bibliography enhance this striking book. There are 1 352 illustrations-865 of them in colour. Many of these images have been added to informative, cross-disciplinary essays that focus mainly on music and theatre, but also on such topics as Greek and Roman mythology, Christian iconography, Western monastic orders and medieval guilds. Although this book is often used as a university text, if budgets permit, this extensive resource should be in school libraries for both teacher and student use.
The book also contains information about a companion website that includes an online study guide that corresponds with the text. The site is a comprehensive resource that is organized according to the chapters within the text and features a variety of learning and teaching modules for students and instructors. The website address is: www.prenhall.com/janson
Suggested Use: Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Secondary Level
The History of Rock & Roll (Print-Non-Fiction). Shirley, David. Watts, Franklin, Inc. (SCH), 1997. 175 p. ISBN 0-531-15846-2 ($13.95 pbk.).
In The History of Rock and Roll, David Shirley tells the story of rock and roll from its earliest days to the present. He examines the personalities, stories, scandals and fads that helped to shape rock and roll. He starts with Elvis and then moves on to the British invasion and rock and roll in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Black-and-white illustrations, suggested readings, suggested listening and an appendix of rock and roll hall of fame inductees make this resource appropriate for browsing or for beginning research.
Suggested Use: Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level
Jivin' Johnny's Classroom Jukebox… for Elementary and High Schools (Print-Non-Fiction). Jivin' Johnny. Jjohnny Press (JJP), 2000. 113 p. ISBN 0-9686403-1-1 ($21.88 coil-bound).
Jivin' Johnny (a.k.a. John Phillips) has been using popular music in the classroom for over 30 years. This collection includes some of his favourite songs with questions intended to arouse curiousity and emotions, stimulate ideas and creativity and promote discussion and understanding. The book is divided into sections that include the following themes: "Growing Up," "Our World," "Heroes," "Sexuality" and "The Lives We Choose." The book advises teachers to preview each song and to consider the audience, the school policy and the community before playing it in class. Some of the suggested pieces include references to sensitive issues. Teachers should make sure to connect the selections they choose to a context within the curriculum. Songs are not included with this resource, but a detailed index and tips for searching for certain titles may help in locating the songs.
Further information is available at www.jjohnnypress.com
Suggested Use: Music; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10
John Coltrane: A Sound Supreme (Print-Non-Fiction). Selfridge, John. Watts, Franklin, Inc. (GRO), 1999. 95 p. ISBN 0-531-11542-9 ($30.00 hdc.).
John Coltrane came of age as a musician in the late 1940s. By the late 1950s he had emerged as a jazz giant and an unparalleled sax technician. In this biography, author John Selfridge follows the development of Coltrane's musical talent and the rise of his career. The book is illustrated with historical photographs of Coltrane and his contemporaries, and it includes an extensive discography and lists of books and online resources for further study. This resource provides an ideal young adult's introduction to one of the 20th century's jazz giants.
Suggested Use: Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Secondary Level
Journey Into Art: Going Beyond First Glance (Print-Non-Fiction). Seymour, Dale, Pubns. (PRN), 1994. 134 p. ISBN 0-86651-731-6 ($67.95 pbk.).
Journey Into Art is a production of the Art Institute of Chicago. It encourages teachers and students to explore works of art from many different times and cultures. Twenty works from the museum's collection serve as a starting point for learning experiences about the nature and value of art. The book is divided into five major sections: "Visual Language," "The Artist's Tools," "Personal Expression," "Time Travel and World Travel," "Art and Culture." Each lesson begins with information about the concept, art works and artists included in the unit. Although the responding process differs from the format in the Arts Education Curriculum, the questions could be adapted to fit the context of the curriculum. Suggestions for further activities are provided and 20 full-colour overhead transparencies add to the usefulness of this resource. Teachers should ensure that this resource is supplemented with information about Canadian artists.
Suggested Use: Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Secondary Level
Let's Make Music (Video). (Sesame Street Series). Children's Television Workshop (SON), 2000. 40 min. ISBN 0-7389-2033-9 ($6.50).
Students are encouraged to explore the world of music with their favourite Sesame Street characters and the international percussion sensation Stomp. When Telly loses his tuba he thinks he will never make music again, but the Stomp cast members teach him that everyday items can make music and that music can be made with almost anything! Although this video features Sesame Street characters, sections of it could be used with older students who are creating their own music. This is an excellent video for reinforcing many of the objectives in the music strand of Arts Education.
Suggested Use: Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8
Martha Graham: A Dancer's Life (Print-Non-Fiction). Freedman, Russell. Clarion Books (ALL), 1998. 175 p. ISBN 0-395-74655-8 ($28.95 hdc.).
Martha Graham, the American dancer, teacher and choreographer revolutionized the world of modern dance. This biography documents her life from her birth in Pittsburgh in 1894 to her final dance performance at the age of 75 and her continued career as a choreographer until her death in 1991. The book connects Graham's breakthroughs in dance to the social and cultural history of her times. A stunning collection of photographs complements this rare look at the life of a great American artist.
Suggested Use: Dance
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Secondary Level
Meet the Group of Seven (Print-Non-Fiction). Wistow, David and McKinley, Kelly. Kids Can Press (UTP), 1999. 48 p. ISBN 1-55074-494-1 ($16.95 hdc.).
(CAN) This book provides an excellent introduction to the Group of Seven. After briefly introducing the painters themselves, the book discusses their art and explains how different people viewing the same scene can have a distinctly different perspective. The book's focus alternates between the art and the painters' lives. Colour reproductions of the Group's paintings are presented in vivid colour in an artful and inviting layout. A concise table of contents and a well-presented index make this an excellent choice for students wishing to know more about these influential Canadian artists.
Suggested Use: Visual Art; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8
Multicultural Folk Dance Treasure Chest (Kit). Lane, Christy. Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc. (LRDC), 1998. Order no. 1969 ($132.80).
This kit features 18 authentic dances in two volumes, each containing a video, a printed guide and music. The dances are a collection of popular folk dances representing a mix of cultural diversity. They range from easy to moderately difficult, and each one is demonstrated by a native from the country in which the dance originated or by an expert in that particular dance form. The instructors wear traditional costumes and show, step-by-step, how to perform the dances.
Teachers should note that this resource does not focus on the creative process. It is useful for the historical component of arts education and should be used within the context of the curriculum. It is an excellent resource for helping students to appreciate the uniqueness of various cultures.
Suggested Use: Dance
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8
Music Ace. School ed. (Kit). Harmonic Vision (MHR), 1996. ISBN 0-02-295318-3 ($135.60).
Music Ace is designed to provide an introduction to music fundamentals for beginning music students. Three learning environments are included in the program: Lessons, Games and Doodle Pad. The lessons component consists of a series of 24 lessons that cover listening skills, note reading, octaves, treble, bass and grand staff fundamentals, key signatures, major scales, sharps and flats and pitch recognition. The lessons are interactive and self-paced, and they feature an animated conductor/host Maestro Max. Every lesson concludes with a multilevel game from the Games section, and the Doodle Pad allows students to compose original tunes or modify prerecorded melodies. Lessons can be adapted to the instruments students are studying. This version of Music Ace features a three-ring binder with a teacher's guide that includes reproducible blackline masters and suggested activities. This program is correlated to Share the Music Grades 2-8 and is intended to complement the music curriculum.
Suggested Use: Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8
Music Ace 2 (CD-ROM). Harmonic Vision (HCV), 2000. No order number is required. ($49.95 U.S.).
This sequel to Music Ace takes learners to the next level. Maestro Max and his choir of singing notes return with a series of 24 more fun and challenging music lessons. Interactive lessons include games on rhythm, note reading and keyboard basics. After completing each lesson, students are challenged to play a variety of exciting games that are designed to sharpen music skills and improve retention of lesson concepts. The Doodle Pad is a compositional area that allows students to create their own music from scratch, or load in a sample music piece and explore it by modifying it. A jukebox component allows students to pick from and play musical pieces that emphasize and correlate to the lessons. This feature reinforces understanding through multiple learning styles. This program is correlated to Share the Music Grades 2-8 and is intended to complement the music curriculum.
Suggested Use: Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8
Music Directory Canada. 7th ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Norris-Whitney Communications Inc. (NWC), 1997. 559 p. ISBN 0-9691272-7-8 ($39.95 pbk.).
(CAN) This Canadian listing includes music publishers, opera companies, music associations, music publications, radio stations, discographies of recording artists, music sites on the Internet, recording studios, music libraries and much more. It features comprehensive listings for every sector of the Canadian Music industry every published. This would be a useful addition to a resource centre.
Suggested Use: Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level
Self-Portraits (Art Prints). (Take 5 Art Prints Series). Crystal Productions (CRY), 2000. ISBN 1-56290-253-9 ($44.00 U.S.).
Take 5 is a series of fine art prints published in sets of five large reproductions grouped around a particular theme. 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 guides include lesson preparation ideas and provide additional information and related activities.
More information about the prints sets that are available may be found at the following website: www.crystalproductions.com/posters/take-5
Suggested Use: Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Secondary Level
The Sign Painter (Print-Fiction). Say, Allen. Houghton Mifflin Company (ALL), 2000. 32 p. ISBN 0-395-97974-9 ($26.95 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 will require mature learners.
Suggested Use: Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; English Language Arts: Elementary Level
Singers (Print-Non-Fiction). McLuskey, Krista. (Great Canadians Series). Weigl Educational Publishers (SBC), 2000. 48 p. ISBN 1-896990-05-3 ($27.45 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: Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8
Talking With Artists: Volume Three (Print-Non-Fiction). Cummings, Pat, ed. Clarion Books (ALL), 1999. 96 p. ISBN 0-395-89132-9 ($29.95 hdc.).
The third volume in the Talking With Artists Series introduces the concept of illustration as a means of communication. Thirteen artists are profiled in a question-and-answer format. Each entry includes examples of the artist's works from childhood and adulthood and information about the illustrator's life, normal working day, family and favourite materials for making art. Pictures of each artist as a child and an adult personalize the profiles. Appended are bibliographies of five books by each illustrator and several pages of "secret techniques" for budding young artists. This book is a fine addition to an absorbing series.
Suggested Use: Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8
Theater (Print-Non-Fiction). Malam, John, Cuzik, David, illus. and Donohoe, William, illus. (Building Works Series). Peter Bedrick Books (MHR), 2000. 32 p. ISBN 0-87226-588-9 ($24.95 hdc.).
This book from the Building Works Series reveals what goes on backstage at a typical large theatre. Fold-out sections show the theatre building from the outside and then open up to reveal a cutaway view of the inside, with a key to what happens in each area. A plan of the auditorium and stage are also included. The book goes on to examine the building room by room, pointing out where a cyclorama may be found, who would use a "green room" and what happens in the fly gallery. An extensive glossary and an index help to make this a valuable resource for both teachers and students who wish to know more about the way a theatre operates.
Suggested Use: Drama
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8
Tomie dePaola: His Art & His Stories (Print-Non-Fiction). Elleman, Barbara. Putnam Publishing (CDS), 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: Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Secondary Level; English Language Arts: Elementary Level; English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Two for the Show: Scenes for Student Actors. 1st ed. (Print-Anthology). Kennedy, Brian, ed. Playwrights Canada Press (PLCN), 1999. 260 p. ISBN 0-88754-579-3 ($15.95 pbk.).
(CAN) This anthology contains 39 short scenes written by over 20 of Canada's premiere playwrights. The aim of the collection is to provide young adults with a selection of character scenes so they will realize that the essential process of rehearsing, playing character and staging a short scene is an enjoyable and engaging experience. An introduction to playwriting and critical analysis of dramatic text as well as a sample rubric for evaluation are included. The themes and issues contained in the short scenes feature a variety of cultural and social settings and will appeal to young adults.
Suggested Use: Drama
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level
Waiting to Sing. 1st ed. (Print-Fiction). Kaplan, Howard and Blondon, Hervé, illus. Dorling Kindersley, Inc. (CDS), 2000. unp. ISBN 0-7894-2615-3 ($21.95 hdc.).
This is a gentle story about childhood loss and healing. Music has always played a pivotal role in the lives of the family portrayed. Family memories have always included music-theirs is a family whose "story was played on the piano." After the mother dies, neither son nor father can bring himself to play the piano again until one day when the two share a moment of grief-not through words, but through music. The art work in warm tones of orange, brown and green pastels reflect the mood of the story. An afterword provides a note about the music piece "Fur Elise." This picture book may be more appreciated by older children than younger ones as the issue of death and grief requires some degree of maturity and sensitivity.
Suggested Use: Music; Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; English Language Arts: Elementary Level; English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
The World of Music. 4th ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Willoughby, David. McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited (MHR), 1999. 383 p. ISBN 0-07-289639-6 ($76.95 pbk.).
The World of Music is designed for teachers who want to focus on perceptive listening to music as it exists in the real world. In addition to Western European classical music, this text includes folk, religious, jazz, popular and world music. Both cultural and historical examples are provided in this comprehensive resource, and no prior musical training on the part of the student is presumed. Students will learn to recognize different styles, appreciate their different functions and develop a solid foundation for continued learning in areas of personal interest. Each chapter includes a pre-plan outline stating concepts and vocabulary and ends with a concise summary and list of terms. Photographs throughout the text depict music as it is-performed by people everywhere to serve many valid purposes and to be enjoyed and valued in many different contexts. People are seen making and responding to music, symbolizing its human dimension. An excellent glossary of musical terms and concepts is included.
A set of two CDs or cassettes is available. This set contains 50 listening examples taken from the "Study in Sound" sections in each chapter in the text. Also available is a full five CD set that contains all of the 104 listening examples from the text.
Suggested Use: Music; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level
Young Adolescents Meet Literature: Intersections for Learning (Print-Non-Fiction). Courtland, Mary Clare and Gambell, Trevor J. Pacific Educational Press (PEP), 2000. 384 p. ISBN 1-895766-41-9 ($29.95 pbk.).
(CAN) Young Adolescents Meet Literature explores the many ways that literature may be used to provide opportunities for adolescents in the English language arts classroom. The contributors to this book propose the creation of dynamic English language arts programs based on a rich selection of literature aimed at stimulating and challenging young adults. Special attention is paid throughout the book to the rich contributions made to this literature by Canadian authors and illustrators. This is a theoretical text that is not light reading. It does, however, reflect the current practise in the English Language Arts Curricula, and it contains issues that may be of interest to teachers who are developing a framework for personal goal setting. Two chapters of particular interest are "Literature and the Expressive Arts: Using Drama to Mediate Response to Literature," and "Aboriginal Literature and Intercultural Understanding on the Internet."
Suggested Use: Drama; Teacher Reference/Professional Development
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 20; English Language Arts 30