Comparing Adjectives with Three Happy Penguins

Khan Academy

In this engaging grammar lesson, three distinct penguins—Ra'ul, C'esar, and Gabriella—help demonstrate the difference between comparative and superlative adjectives. The video uses the concept of "happiness" to visually and linguistically model how English speakers compare two nouns versus a group of nouns. Through simple drawings and mathematical analogies, the narrator clarifies when to use forms like "happier" versus "happiest." The video covers the core grammatical rules for comparing qualities. It defines "comparative" as a relationship between two items (more/less) and "superlative" as the extreme degree within a group (most/least). Using the penguins as constant characters, the narrator maps these concepts to symbols, showing how Ra'ul is happier (>) than C'esar, but Gabriella is the happiest (>>>) of all. It also touches upon negative comparisons using "less" and "least." Ideally suited for elementary and middle grade language arts classrooms, this resource simplifies abstract grammatical terms into concrete examples. Teachers can use this video to introduce the topic of adjectives, reinforce proper suffix usage (-er vs -est), or support students who struggle with distinguishing between comparing two items versus three or more. The playful tone and clear handwriting make it an accessible entry point for grammar instruction.