This easy-to-use series for Canadian history and geography consists of four paperback workbooks with lessons and reproducible workpages that address different age groups as well as different topics. The books vary in format and some have more obvious Christian content than others.
Canada, My Country
Follow Bucky Beaver as he explores the physical regions of Canada. This 75-page, ebook covers simple map reading, Canadian symbols, the national anthem, etc., plus a simplified explanation of government, voting, and freedoms. At the end of the book are short biographies of Sir John A. Macdonald, Louis Riel, Lucy Maud Montgomery, and Terry Fox. Work pages might have a picture to color, an activity, puzzle, or questions to answer. This book is best for grades 1 through 4.
You will need a map of Canada and additional books with pictures of the various regions. To provide these (and more!) Northwoods Press offers a "Canadian Social Studies Package" that includes Canada, My Country; Canada by Lloyd; a Canadian map; a biography, Terry Fox: A Story of Hope; and Kids Book of Canada.
Courage and Conquest, Discovering Canadian History
Each of the 30 lessons in this 75-page workbook has one page with brief text, plus a work page with a picture that can be colored and three or four questions to answer. Some of the questions are just recall, but some provoke more thought. Small pictures at the back of the book can be used to make a timeline of events. Since the lessons cover history in chronological order, you can use this book in conjunction with another text.
You can round this out into a comprehensive course in a few different ways. You can give substance to this course with one or more of the suggested readings from library books given at the beginning of each lesson. Most lessons have an optional "additional study" item you can use with older or more advanced students. You might supplement by using books from the list of historical fiction for various grade levels provided in the book. Or you might use the package described below. Courage and Conquest is best for grades 3 and up, but the grade level can be addressed largely through the selection of appropriate additional readings.
Northwood's "Canadian History Package" includes this book plus Kids book of Canadian History and Forts of Canada.
Canada's Natives Long Ago
This 100-page book contains an interesting assortment of lessons, crafts, games, puzzles, and native stories that tell of life long ago in the various regions of Canada. Also included are a comparison of native religion with Christianity and a discussion of the First Nations today. Each chapter begins with a list of recommended resources you can find in the library for additional study. An answer key to the work pages is provided. This is best for grades 4-6.
Northwoods "Natives Pack" includes this book plus the six-book set, Native Nations of North America.
Geography, Province to Province
This 127-page workbook begins with a discussion of simple economics and the various regions of Canada. Then the student learns about each province (Nunavut included), its symbols, natural features, industries, and interesting history or people. Work pages for the 58 brief lessons include symbols to color, maps to fill out, or questions to answer. An answer key is provided at the back of the book. This is best for grades 4-6.
Northwood's "Canadian Geography Package" includes this book plus WOW Canada and the full-color book Symbols of Canada.
(Reviewed by Valerie Thorpe and Cathy Duffy.)
