Swallows And Amazons

Description

I have to admit, I had never heard of this series, but when it was requested by a customer, I decided to check it out. What a charming surprise! Originally written in the 1930's, this series by Arthur Ransome follows the adventures of the four Walker siblings and the Blackett sisters who meet when the Walkers go on a summer holiday on the shore of a large lake. John, Susan, Titty and Roger Walker are enjoying their vacation on a farm but are desperate to take the farmer's little sailboat out on the lake and explore the islands and coves. After all, their father did teach them how to sail before he was called to sea again. When Father sends a telegram giving his permission for them to sail together, they decide to pack provisions and set up camp on the small mysterious island. When they arrive, they are surprised to find that it is the perfect island for a camp, and that someone has used it for that exact purpose before. After settling in, they are challenged to war by the Blackett sisters (who are also excellent sailors), and run into conflict with an old pirate who lives on a houseboat. How will they capture the Blackett's ship, explore the vast lake, and clear their names before it's time to go home? The other books in the series follow the same characters through other nautical adventures as they continue to build their sailing and navigation skills. What's striking to me is how independent, responsible and resourceful the children all are, as they sail, explore, camp, cook, and watch out for each other. Even if you're not a sailor, you're sure to enjoy these vintage adventures. They make great read alouds, too! All volumes are paperback. - Jess

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.