Educational CD\'s & Videos

In a time of fear and danger, will Merlin’s magic, Lancelot’s bravery, and Arthur’s wisdom be enough to unite the kingdom and bring peace? Beloved storyteller Jim Weiss brings tales of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table to life with action, wonder, and humor. Gorgeous paintings and whimsical medieval-style illuminated illustrations by Rebecca Sorge will fascinate and delight young readers. This beautifully illustrated Companion Reader is an exact transcript of the award-winning storytelling performance, available on MP3 and audio CD from Well-Trained Mind Press. The Reader can be enjoyed on its own, or used along with the recorded performance to build strong language skills. Listen to the Jim Weiss stories on the CD, read along in the book to improve fluency, vocabulary, and grammar, and then speak great words and sentences out loud by practicing and performing the short, accessible dramatic versions of Jim’s performances. Ages 5+ Learn More

Brings King Arthur and his Knights to life with action and grandeur, at a level which children can really grasp. Includes: The Sword in the Stone; King Arthur, Guinevere; Sir Percival Meets A Lady; The Round Table; Sir Lancelot's Journey; A Queen; Sir Bedivere; Merlin's Magic. Read by engaging storyteller Jim Weiss. Timeline: Medieval Britain Learn More

Bring the Classics to Life Read-Alongs These high-interest read-alongs have been adapted into 10 short chapters aimed at introducing students to great classic literature, while improving comprehension, vocabulary and fluency. Expertly paced narration provides sound effects to keep interest high, while students follow along, and then pause to work on activities at the end of each chapter. Each book: Includes 100 comprehension questions that test for main idea, critical thinking, inference, recalling details, and sequencing, Contains 60 vocabulary exercises in modified Cloze format, and defines and uses new vocabulary in context, prior to each chapter. Includes exciting illustrations in every chapter and answer keys at the back of each book. Reading levels were measured by the Fry Readability Scale and written using McGraw-Hill's Core Vocabulary. Each audio CD: Includes a word-for-word reading directly from the chapter pages in the book broken into 10 chapters with exciting sound effects. Workbooks and CD's can be used together or independently of each other. Learn More

A Collection of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories CD read by Jim Weiss. With vivid characters and a hysterically funny choice of words, Rudyard Kipling's beloved stories "explain" how camels got humps, great whales got tiny throats, elephants got trunks, and more. The tales cause us to look at accepted things in new and creative ways, and even better make us laugh out loud. With his menagerie of voices and warm, witty narrative presence, Jim Weiss brings Kipling's own words to life. The result is a laughter-filled recording that is certain to become an all-time favorite for listeners of all ages. Read Unabridged by Jim Weiss. Approx. 72 minutes. Ages 5 and up.

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Adventurer, conquerer, political genius, classic author - Julius Caesar lived one of history’s most amazing lives. Yet it was the story of his death that William Shakespeare turned into a dramatic masterpiece. This spirited retelling brings us Shakespeare’s cast of immortal characters with excerpts from the original dialogue told in a way that young listeners can grasp. This CD will nurture a passion for Shakespeare and an understanding of why these people and historical events still shape our world today. Learn More

The three astonishing stories on this recording form the basis for three Jewish Holidays: Chanukah, Purim, and Passover. With Jim Weiss telling the stories, you can be certain that the heroes and villains will spring to life with understandable motives People of all faiths will love this fascinating recording...perfect for family entertainment! Includes: Chanukah, The Festival of Lights; Purim; Passover. Winner of the Film Advisory Board Award. Read by engaging storyteller Jim Weiss. Timeline: 2000 BC through 300 BC (Middle East). Learn More

Bring the Classics to Life Read-Along Reading Level 5.0-6.0. This high-interest read-along has been adapted into 10 short chapters aimed at introducing students to great classic literature, while improving comprehension, vocabulary and fluency. Expertly paced narration provides sound effects to keep interest high, while students follow along, and then pause to work on activities at the end of each chapter. Each book: Includes 100 comprehension questions that test for main idea, critical thinking, inference, recalling details, and sequencing, Contains 60 vocabulary exercises in modified Cloze format, and defines and uses new vocabulary in context, prior to each chapter. Includes exciting illustrations in every chapter and answer keys at the back of each book. Reading levels were measured by the Fry Readability Scale and written using McGraw-Hill's Core Vocabulary. Each audio CD: Includes a word-for-word reading directly from the chapter pages in the book broken into 10 chapters with exciting sound effects. Workbooks and CD's can be used together or independently of each other. Learn More

An inspiring audio collection of true stories of 20th Century Americans whose gifts transformed the world.

Written & Performed by Jim Weiss.

You will meet: George Gershwin, who composed musical masterpieces, and his lyricist friend, E.Y. Harburg (The Wizard of Oz and more) Navy Admiral Grace Hopper, the quotable computer genius who led the way into the age of high technology Langston Hughes, whose belief in possibilities drove him to overcome racism and write immortal poetry Nellie Bly, the pioneering woman journalist whose breathtaking adventures literally took her around the world Charles Steinmetz, the scientific genius with a giant heart lodged in a body four feet tall Harry Truman, whose boyhood readings in history later guided his own history-making decisions as President of the United States.

These stories will have you shaking your head in wonder at the vast (and vastly entertaining) variety of ways in which humans can strive for greatness.

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Bring the Classics to Life Read-Along Reading Level 5.0-6.0. This high-interest read-along has been adapted into 10 short chapters aimed at introducing students to great classic literature, while improving comprehension, vocabulary and fluency. Expertly paced narration provides sound effects to keep interest high, while students follow along, and then pause to work on activities at the end of each chapter. Each book: Includes 100 comprehension questions that test for main idea, critical thinking, inference, recalling details, and sequencing, Contains 60 vocabulary exercises in modified Cloze format, and defines and uses new vocabulary in context, prior to each chapter. Includes exciting illustrations in every chapter and answer keys at the back of each book. Reading levels were measured by the Fry Readability Scale and written using McGraw-Hill's Core Vocabulary. Each audio CD: Includes a word-for-word reading directly from the chapter pages in the book broken into 10 chapters with exciting sound effects. Workbooks and CD's can be used together or independently of each other. Learn More

Poems can sweep us away to fantasy lands or long-ago times, or show us everyday people and creatures in a whole new light. In this new recording, master storyteller Jim Weiss introduces children to the magic of poetry, performing 40 classic poems, and providing brief introductions to the poets, including Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, E. E. Cummings, and many more. Includes: Poems About Nature Wild Rides Poems About America Sensible Nonsense Poems that Take Flight Inspiration Bedtime and Dreamtime Learn More

Three of the world's greatest adventures, each featuring a quest for wisdom. Includes: Theseus and the Minotaur; Prometheus, Bearer of Fire; Odin and the Norse Men. Winner of the Nappa Silver Award and the Film Advisory Board Award. Read by engaging storyteller Jim Weiss. Ages 7+. Timeline: 1000 BC (Greece) Learn More

"Your Story Hour Recordings - Heritage Series". Includes 12 CDs. These are the same audio stories that have inspired children and adults since their inception in 1949. This series focuses on America's heritage with stories of Columbus, The First Thanksgiving, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, The Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh and many more! 2005 Practical Homeschooling Magazine Reader's Choice competition placed these great stories in the top two of the Educational Audio/CD Series Category. Learn More

Makes Hercules, King Midas, and Perseus and Medusa understandable to children, with strong emphasis on character over violence. Includes: King Midas and the Golden Touch; Adventures of Hercules; Perseus and Medusa; Arachne. Winner of the •Booklist Editor's Choice Award. Read by engaging storyteller Jim Weiss. Ages 5+. Timeline: 1000 BC (Greece) Learn More

"Your Story Hour - Great Stories, Volume 1" - Contains great Christian stories about peer pressure/drugs, honesty, etc. Bravest One, The Emerald Violin, We Bixby’s Stick Together, Betsy’s Peanut Butter Manna, All Things for Andrew, A Sheaf of Grain, The Raven and the Ring, Little Em, Fanny Crosby, The Gunner Wore Petticoats and Johann Sebastian Bach. Set includes 6 CDs. Learn More

Acclaimed bedtime recording with six vignettes that take the listener into scenes which bring about feelings of safety and love. A minute of soothing music follows each vignette. Includes: Tropical Island; The Unicorn; Mountain Cabin; The Farm; Treehouse in the Forest; Mermaid's Lagoon. Winner of NAPPA Gold. Read by engaging storyteller Jim Weiss. Timeline: Timeless. Location: Contemporary

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Greathall Storytelling Recordings by Jim Weiss. A new nation that would stretch from ocean to ocean: this was the dream. Follow it into reality, from Jefferson and Monroe arranging the Louisiana Purchase through the bold explorations of Lewis & Clark, and Sacagawea. Experience the dawning of a new age aboard Robert Fulton's steamboat, and ride the rumbling wagons of the Oregon Trail pioneers. Feel the devastating effects faced by proud native American warriors, and witness the mammoth undertaking of the transcontinental railroad. Journey with the brave souls who hung out the sign, "Gone West!" •Lewis & Clark •Sacagawea •Robert Fulton and the Steamboat •American Pioneers •Native American Indians •and much more... Timeline: Timeline: 1800's (United States) Ages 5 and Up •Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award Learn More

A big recording full of big surprises, mixing favorite classics, original songs and the very best folktales for listeners of all sizes. Expect giant grins all around. Includes: Jack and the Beanstalk; The Selfish Giant (includes song: "In the Garden."); The Giant of Grabbist; Song: "If I Were A Giant"; The "Fantastical" Tale of Finn MacCoul. Winner of the Pegasus Award, AudioFile Earphones Award, and 1997 Parents' Choice Honor Award. Read by engaging storyteller Jim Weiss. Ages 7+. Timeline: Medieval / Renaissance Europe Learn More

Character shapes a nation as Jim Weiss presents the action-filled, moving story of George Washington, a man of remarkable physical strength and equally powerful emotions. Amid bullets and ballots, as commander-in-chief and constitutionalist, political leader and peaceful farmer, family man and father of a nation, here’s a very “human” man who won a war and refused a crown; who saw with amazing clarity the future achievements and challenges of a new nation; who hoped to overcome slavery and unite all Americans, while holding that new nation together in its rocky first years by sheer will. By the end, you’ll understand why George Washington truly merits the title “first in the hearts of his countrymen.” Learn More

Includes: Archimedes and the Golden Crown; King Hieron's Challenge; Soldier and Scientist; Ptolemy vs. Copernicus; Tycho Brahe Scans the Skies; Kepler and Galileo; The Trial of Galileo; Isaac Newton; Epilogue. Winner of the 2000 Parents' Choice Gold Award and Storytelling World Award. Read by engaging storyteller Jim Weiss. Timeline:400 BC (Sicily); Renaissance Europe. Ages 7+ Learn More

A lush bouquet of stories for young listeners! Experience Jim Weiss’s hilarious tellings of “The Gingerbread Man,” “The Three Little Pigs” and the African folk tale “Why Flies Buzz,” each with a multitude of character voices; touching versions of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved “Thumbelina” and “The Ugly Duckling;” the classic “Dick Whittington and His Cat,” with its famously satisfying ending; and even an unabridged reading of Beatrix Potter’s “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.” Blooming with warmth, wit and color, this bouquet will provide your whole family with favorites to last a lifetime. Ages 3+ Learn More

Prepare to laugh out loud! Jim Weiss has mixed together some of the funniest stories and poems from the world's wittiest authors for a recording that will delight your whole family. You'll meet an astonishing array of characters from Andersen's vain Emperor and coddled Princess, through the famed trickster, Anansi, to the outrageous creations of Alice's Lewis Carrol and more. Literature has never been more fun that in this potpourri of hilarity. Includes: The Emperor's New Clothes; The Real Princess (The Princess and the Pea); Jabberwocky; Father William; Anansi the Mighty; The Yak; The Tiger, The Brahman and the Jackal; The Duck and the Kangaroo. Winner of the 2004 Children's Music Web Award. Ages 5+. Timeline:Contemporary Learn More

Classics of imagination and wonder. Includes; Stone Soup (includes song: Stone Soup); Puss in Boots (includes song: The Pussycat Rag); Shoemaker & the Elves; Rapunzel. Winner of: Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Audio, INDIE Finalist, and 1996 Parents' Choice Gold Award. Read by engaging storyteller Jim Weiss. Ages 5+. Timeline: Medieval /Renaissance Europe Learn More

Includes: The Great Myths of Egypt; Osiris and Set; The Secret Name of Ra-Amun; A Rival for the Throne; The Courage of Isis; The Pyramid Builders; The Mummy's Tomb. Winner of: 2000 Parents' Choice Gold Award and the Film Advisory Award. Read by engaging storyteller Jim Weiss. Timeline: 3000 BC (Egypt). Ages 7+ Learn More

In this action-packed DVD video, amazing and adorable animals inspire children to learn creative movement, motor skills, listening, and following directions. Delightful songs and exciting live footage of more than 60 creatures captivate children as they learn fun facts about animals-where they live, what sounds they make, how to care for pets, and so much more. For ages 3 & up. Approx. 45 minutes. Learn More