literature

John Steinbeck's The Red Pony

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Three of John Steinbeck's short stories are combined to create a powerful family portrait in this program. Young Tom Tiflin is unable to find the love and guidance he needs from his parents so he turns to easy-going hired-hand, Billy Buck. In an attempt to become closer to his son, Tom's father gives him a pony to raise. As the horse becomes the focus of Tom's life, it ultimately drives the family further apart. Family ties and Tom and Billy's friendship are put to the test when the red pony becomes sick and disappears. Stars Robert Mitchum and Myrna Loy.

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Length: 
01:31
John Steinbeck's The Red Pony

Cliques, Phonies & Other Baloney (2004)

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Using hilarious real life situations, Trevor helps kids understand the difference between a clique, or group of friends, and an exclusive or mean clique. Being part of a clique is okay, but excluding others and putting people down is not.

Grade Level: 
Primary
Elementary
Middle
Length: 
01:20
Cliques, Phonies & Other Baloney

What on Earth do You do When Someone Dies? (2004)

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The death of a loved one is a traumatic experience for anyone, but it is especially difficult for kids. Using gentle humor, original music and a compassionate storyline, Trevor Romain uses his own experience to pass along practical, helpful advice for kids, such as - it's OK to cry, talk about death, grieve, and go on with life.

Grade Level: 
Primary
Elementary
Middle
Length: 
01:20
What on Earth do You do When Someone Dies?

Bullies are a Pain in the Brain (2004)

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Using humor, original music and a fast-paced storyline, Trevor Romain offers kids practical, easy-to-implement solutions for dealing with their own bully problems such as work on building your confidence, staying calm, giving bullies lots of space, telling an adult and more!

Grade Level: 
Primary
Elementary
Middle
Length: 
01:20
Bullies are a Pain in the Brain

How to do Homework Without Throwing Up (2004)

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When procrastinators Jack and Skye are suddenly thrown from Trevor's sketchpad into the Amazon jungle, they begin to see their assignments in a whole new light. Laugh along with Jack and Skye's hilarious adventure as they learn good homework skills such as making a homework schedule, finding a homework helper, eating healthy snacks, doing the hardest homework first, and more!

Grade Level: 
Primary
Elementary
Middle
Length: 
01:20
How to do Homework Without Throwing Up

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

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Starring Tony Award winner Brent Carver and Rachelle Lefevre, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow faithfully recounts the classic Washington Irving tale, successfully capturing the mystery and romance that have eluded other screen efforts. Connecticut Yankee Ichabod Crane (Carver) arrives in the rural Dutch community of Sleepy Hollow and assumes his post as the new schoolteacher. Though the outsider is widely regarded with suspicion, the daughter of the area's wealthiest farmer, Katrina Van Tassel (Lefevre), is charmed by his manners and education.

Director: 
Grade Level: 
Middle
High
Length: 
01:31
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Great Books: 1984 (2003)

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Provides background information about the book and biographical information about the author, George Orwell. Provides pre and post-viewing discussion questions and scholars discuss the significance of the work.

Grade Level: 
Middle
High
Length: 
01:00
Great Books: 1984

Great Books: The Scarlet Letter (2003)

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Provides background information on the characters, plot of the story, and the author Nathaniel Hawthorne. Examines Puritan society, the role of women, and the message Hawthorne was trying to say. Scholars discuss the book's lasting legacy.

Grade Level: 
Middle
High
Length: 
01:00
Great Books: The Scarlet Letter

Great Books: Don Quixote (2003)

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Introduces students to the Don Quixote and the deeper significance behind the novel. Follows the journey of the book's author, Miguel de Cervantes, from military hero to disillusioned writer. Scholars discuss the significance of the work.

Grade Level: 
Middle
High
Length: 
01:00
Great Books: Don Quixote

Great Books: Great Expectations (2003)

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Like Dickens' other stories, "Great Expectations" was published as a serial and was an instant hit. Authors, actors, and scholars discuss the many interpretations of Miss Havisham and Pip's desire to become a gentleman.

Grade Level: 
Middle
High
Length: 
01:00
Great Books: Great Expectations

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