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CM . . . .
Volume V Number 17 . . . . April 23, 1999
The world of Upper and Lower Canada and the Prairie West are seen through
the eyes of children in this collection of seven animated stories. The
tales of 19th century life are seven to thirteen minutes in length and
focus on particular themes. They are well suited to many early years
social studies programs and will easily cross over into language arts.
"Emily's Journey" tells the story of a young girl's adventures as she
travels from her small village to Quebec City and uses many different
kinds of transportation: canoe, horse and buggy, paddle-wheel steamer and
train. Family life on an Upper Canada homestead, children's chores, food
preparation and clothing are delightfully explained in "Jamie Really Liked
to Eat" and "Wooly's Gift." The "New School House" shows how everyone
joined together to build a school for the children and how the building
was also a focal point for the community's social activities. In her first
teaching job, plucky Ella, 17, has to prove herself to the school trustees
and her pupils in "New School Teacher." After his father died on the hard
sea voyage from England to Canada, 12-year-old Henry, of "Henry Settles
in Upper Canada," looks for work and discovers the many crafts of the
village artisans. After they leave their home in Peterborough to settle in
the newly opened West, Tom and his family face many hardships in
"Homesteading on the Prairies."
This video was previewed by a class of ten and twelve year old boys. They
are a tough audience who are usually more into Nintendo, WWF and movie
mayhem. However, they enjoyed every episode, and a great deal of
discussion was generated. What more can be said!
Highly Recommended.
Ian Stewart is a regular contributor to CM and to the book review page of the Winnipeg Free Press.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association.
Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice
is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without
permission.
Published by
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - APRIL 23,
1999.
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