he staff and volunteers at Sage Youth have written fourteen workbooks that are available to be purchased. These materials cover vocabulary, spelling, grammar and comprehension. We decided to create our own materials for a number of reasons:

1. Most of the comprehension books that are available on the market are based on American culture and history. Our workbooks have a strong Canadian content.

2. Few of the workbooks that are available commercially are reflective of multicultural and multiethnic groups. The Sage Youth workbooks are highly inclusive.

3. Most modern comprehension materials teach inference. Our comprehension books not only improve comprehension skills but also provide the children with stories with which they can identify. Using fun and interesting subject matter helps children develop a love of reading.

4. Very few materials actually teach children to think. They usually teach them to regurgitate answers that will get them a check mark!

5. Tenth grade students with serious literacy issues are frequently subjected to using materials that are labeled "grade 1" or that are covered in bunnies and choo-choo trains! Given that confidence and self-esteem are such important factors in learning to read, the last thing children need is to be demeaned or belittled by the materials themselves. The illustrations in our workbooks are enjoyed by small children and adults. Instead of being labeled by grade, our books progress from "Promise" to "Achievement" to "Excellence" levels.

6. It is difficult to find materials that educate a child's mind, not just their vocabularies. The Sage Youth workbooks cover such issues as ethics, values, Canadian and world history and geography.

here is no question that our classrooms are unique as are our style and approach to teaching the whole child. We hope that our exercise books will reflect our philosophy!

For information on obtaining these workbooks, please visit www.excellenceinliteracy.org.