Five Russian oblasts have schooled the rest in good socio-economic policy, according to recent awards from the Expert Institute of Social Research.

In this week's G-rated Odder News: Kid-friendly World War II history, kid-friendly educational TV, and kid-friendly swearing lessons.

“My personal opinion: any child loves running, jumping, drawing, singing, And maybe not everyone can do it ‘perfectly,’ but to give a student a ‘C’ (‘troika’) just because they lack a musical ear is, in my opinion, not right.”

– Education Minister Olga Vasilyeva

Poor, unfortunate Vasily Vasilyevich Korvin-Krukovsky. He worked so hard to help his family flourish, and, at least in his eyes, it all went to waste.

There are two kinds of fast learners: robots and schoolchildren. Meanwhile, an odd cosmonaut tradition comes under siege.

Technology is transforming the way Russians experience their history.

An invincible rocket survives lightning, teachers cosplay as Avengers, and a kid plays on a swing.

Rocker tweens meet robots meet revelers in a very silly lead-up to Christmas week.

Who, what, where, and why: the kerfuffle over a few aviation cadets and their posting of a slightly racy video online. And how average Russians rose to defend them.

Nearly two decades ago, Russian Life inaugurated a special Education Patron Program to underwrite distribution of Russian Life to Russian language students in the United States. Subscribers and friends of the magazine make small donations each year to sponsor this school distribution program.

There is a flourishing field that defies the current sour public mood and is attracting ever increasing crowds of young people: education.

A few insights to help you make it through Russian 101, from someone who's got a little experience.