In which John Green kicks off the Crash Course Literature mini series with a reasonable set of questions. Why do we read? What's the point of reading critically. John will argue that reading is about effectively communicating with other...

New ReviewSnooper discovers that writing a research paper begins with choosing a topic and organizing information. With help from the Sharp Wits, students learn how to research, gather information, evaluate sources, organize ideas, and write an...

New ReviewTracks and the Sharp Wits discover why completing a report requires more than just writing—it requires proper documentation. Students learn how to create a bibliography, cite sources correctly, and understand the importance of research...

New ReviewThe Sharp Wits must solve a challenging series of word analogies left behind by the "Amazing Admiral of Analogies." Through seven analogy puzzles, students discover what analogies are, why they are used, and how they help build...

New ReviewIntroduces young learners to the power of figurative language and shows how comparisons can make writing more vivid, creative, and engaging. Charley and his writing assistants, Quick-As-A-Hiccup and Penny Pencil, help students explore...

New ReviewHelps young learners understand confusing word relationships and develop stronger vocabulary and reading skills. Charley and his knowledgeable assistant, Nose Knows, guide students through the often-confusing world of homophones,...

New ReviewIntroduces young learners to an essential writing resource and helps them discover how word choice can make communication more creative and effective. When students feel like their stories need fresh ideas and stronger language, Charley...

New ReviewHelps young learners understand how suffixes affect spelling and word formation. When students struggle with spelling words that include suffixes, Charley and his friends come to the rescue. Through clear explanations and engaging...

New ReviewIntroduces young learners to the importance of responsible behavior, respect, and cooperation in the library environment. When Nathaniel receives an assignment to explain library rules and why they matter, he turns to his friend Emily,...

New ReviewIntroduces young learners to essential reference skills and helps them understand how dictionaries support reading, writing, and vocabulary development. Meet Sir Look-It-Up, a knowledgeable guide who helps students discover how to...

New ReviewIntroduces early learners to the power of descriptive language and the important role adjectives play in reading, writing, and communication. When students wonder what adjectives are and how they work, Charley and his friends come to the...

New ReviewThis episode helps early learners understand the essential rules of capitalization and how they apply to reading and writing. When Josh and Sadie become confused by capitalization rules, Captain Capital comes to the rescue. Through...

New ReviewFiction vs. Non-Fiction introduces early learners to one of the foundational concepts of literacy—understanding the difference between fiction and non-fiction. When Casey and Chris are assigned the task of finding two fiction books and...

New ReviewHelps young learners understand how words are built and how word parts can change meaning. Root words, prefixes, and suffixes can be challenging concepts for early spellers. Through engaging explanations and relatable examples, Charley...

In this video, we demonstrate how to analyze and evaluate Federalist 51. We start with a quick definition of key literary analysis terms. Then, set the historical and cultural context of the document, examine the text to delineate...

Let's practice applying reading standards to literary nonfiction! In this video, we explain how to analyze works of historical and political literary nonfiction. The examples used in the video are: the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme...

Synthesizing multiple sources in a crucial part of any research project. It's the step where we take information from all of our sources and combine it together into a single project or paper. In this video, we'll explain how to analyze...

Coming up with a research question is one of the most important parts of a research project. It's also one of the hardest parts. In this video, we explain how to write a strong research question. We also explore the difference between...

Dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and incorporating multiple plot lines are narrative techniques writers use to add detail and depth to their stories. Understand each of these techniques and learn how to use them effectively in...

A strong conclusion restates the key points of your essay but in a new way. This video explains the elements to include in a conclusion and how to structure a strong conclusion paragraph, with examples.

Transitions and connecting phrases help ideas flow smoothly and connect to each other in writing. Learn about the different types of transitions in writing and how to use them effectively.

What is a claim? And what is a counterclaim? This video defines the terms and explores how to craft a strong claim and support it with evidence, using the example of whether or not students should be allowed to play tackle football.

“Blend Consonants with Short Vowel u” demonstrates how to blend consonants with short vowel u into closed syllable words.

"Blend Consonants with Short Vowel e" demonstrates how to blend and segment the short vowel e sound with consonant sounds.