Crack the Code | The Story of English

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The Story of EnglishCrack the Code

The story

How one small language became a world language, era by era.

TimelineScroll from the first settlers to today
ErasEach chapter of the language, one at a time
ExploreEvery part of the story, up close
Great worksFamous texts in the English of their day
Listen and watchHear what English sounded like
Big questionsLong reads that follow one question
LibraryVideos, books, podcasts and tools to go further

Practice

Tools for reading and writing, built for students.

Crack the CodeA reading course: spelling, explained by history
Writing CoachGet feedback on your writing, never answers
Word ArcadeGames for every ELA standard: word parts, grammar, reading and more
Escape RoomsDigital escape rooms for teams: every lock is a skill from class
Newsroom handbookHow to write news, features, sports and more

For teachers

Ready-to-use lessons and notes for your classroom.

Teach the storyA lesson page for every era
Crack the Code notesThe routine, the research, word lists
Class viewYour students’ progress files in one table
Lesson plansFull units and printables in the shop

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The Story of English

Made with ♥ by Meaghan Malone

About Crack the Code. A reading course for high school students. Progress is saved only on this device; nothing is sent to a server. Notes for teachers.

History of English

Timeline
Eras
Explore
Great works
Listen and watch
Big questions
Library

Learning tools

Crack the Code
Writing Coach
Word Arcade
Escape Rooms
Newsroom handbook

For teachers

Teach the story
Crack the Code notes
Class view
Lesson plans

More

Shop
Works used to build this site