Language Arts

Synopsis: Four finalists in a writing contest compete against each other for the grand prize. They will be judged by some very intriguing and famous writers of years gone by. Each student will write their story using one of the following types of writing - descriptive, persuasive, narrative and expository. After the reading of each essay the compositions are judged on their structure, accuracy of communication and style. This program will help reinforce writing skills in a fun and creative way.


	Time 22 min

	Grades 6-8

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	Grammar Time Series


	The Verb


	Synopsis: This tape reviews the correct use of verbs and verb tenses through different examples that are shown in humorous ways.


		Time 16 min

		Grades 6-9

	Mission Noun


	Synopsis: The viewer is taken on a journey to outer space aboard the “GRAMMARSHIP.” Spike, the pilot, and Mission Specialist, Debbie, use creative examples to demonstrate the use of correct grammar in each case.

Time22 min

Grades 6-9

Understanding The Comma

Synopsis: Humorous examples and illustrations explain seven of the basic rules for using the comma correctly. The original song, “Throw A Comma Down,” completes the lesson and reviews the seven rules.

Time 15 min

Grades 6-9

Adjectives & Adverbs

Synopsis: This video presents an effective review of adjectives and adverbs by illustrating the correct use of these modifiers with the aid of humorous live action sequences.

Time 9 min

Grades 6-9

Secondary & College Language Arts

Walt Whitman’s YONNONDIO

Synopsis: YONNONDIO is alive with a kaleidoscope of images reflecting a universal theme of destruction and hope. These components woven together form a rich tapestry that invites you to experience the many textures, patterns and colors of poetry.

Poetry is to be experienced and not dissected…

Time 16 min

Grades High School-College

Ethan Canin’s


	Emperor of the AIR


	Synopsis: EMPEROR OF THE AIR is a story that examines the passionate observations of one man as he lives his everyday life. In this story a high school science teacher, who has lived in the same house since he was a child, finds himself under a night sky about to perform an outrageous act to ensure the safety of an ancient but diseased elm tree in his front yard. Throughout this story he shares his personal reflections and observations as he continues to discover humanity’s differences and similarities. This beautifully crafted short story by contemporary author, Ethan Canin, winner of the Houghton Mifflin Literary Fellowship and a James Michener Award, is an excellent example of narrative writing told from a first person point of view. This faithful film adaptation captures the essence of the author’s literary imagery and explores the beauty and mystery in everyday existence.

	An excellent example of Narrative Writing

	Time 40 min

	Grades High School-College

		Eudora Welty’s

		THE KEY

Synopsis: After years of saving, the Morgans are finally going on their dream journey! In the train station, a mysterious drifter takes out a key and begins tossing it. His shifty eyes and menacing appearance seem to indicate that he is some kind of con man. Perhaps the key is his way of luring his prey. When he’s sure that the Morgans aren’t looking, he drops the key at their feet. All the travelers turn to see what has caused this sound. All the travelers, that is, except for Ellie and Albert. Albert discovers the key at his feet. To Albert, this key is a magical symbol of hope that has suddenly appeared to him as if to say “you and Ellie will find happiness at Niagara Falls.” When the train comes, Albert can’t be sure if it’s the right one. He looks at the number on his ticket which is different from the number on the train. Is this the right train? Before he can decide, the train leaves. He returns to Ellie, hoping that their train will come soon. Ellie pulls out an old postcard of Niagara Falls. She has Albert retell the story of how their dream started when they were in school together as kids, and their teacher described how one can hear the Falls with their entire body by pushing oneself up against the rail….

The station master approaches and tells the Morgans that they have missed their train. Ellie is heartbroken; she believes her dream has died. The drifter gets up suddenly and places something in Ellie’s hand, then walks out of the station. Somehow he has understood their problem-he has heard them with his heart. What he has given to Ellie is the hope that her dream will survive.

This is the first film to be captioned for the hearing.

Time 28 min

Grades High School-College

James Weldon Johnson’s

GO DOWN DEATH

Synopsis: GO DOWN DEATH is the second in a trilogy of animated films based on poems from James Weldon Johnson’s book God’s Trombones. The other two selections are THE CREATION and THE PRODIGAL SON. GO DOWN DEATH is a moving piece that embodies the life and passage into death of Sister Caroline. Through the beautiful imagery of Claymation and the powerful narration of Dorian Harewood we, along with her family, are transported from the fear and sorrow of death to the knowledge and comfort that “she is taking her rest.”

Johnson writes in his preface “This oratory practiced by the old-time preacher is a thing next to impossible to describe, it must be heard…” And hear it you will as crescendos, diminuendos and syncopation of speech are intoned using the full gamut of the human voice. This intoning coupled with the vividly colored images on a black field convey the impression of a painting in progress, as figures evolve and change, merge and disappear with total freedom. This video enables the viewer to experience the eloquence of the rich oral tradition of a black preacher from a bygone era.

God’s Trombones has been in print continuously since it was originally published in 1927, thus earning a significant place in literature. The focus of this book and video is to preserve the great oral tradition of the old-time black preacher. As Mr. Johnson notes in his preface, this oral tradition deserves its place in history just as much as the Afro-American folk tales, dance and “spirituals.”

Time 8 min

Grades High School-College

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