Choosing Your Ideal Voice Coach

Choosing Your Ideal Voice Coach How to Make the Right Decision When Learning to Ssiing with a Vocal Coach ChaptersChoosing a Signing Teacher According to Vocal RegisterChoosing a Vocal Coach within your BudgetChoosing a Singing Teacher Based on Professional ExperienceChoosing Based on Teaching ExperienceChoosing a Singing Teacher on SuperprofThe vast majority of the population like some sort of music; some would even say that they could not live without it.However, many of these people never learn to use their singing voice to its full potential. Contacting a singing teacher is the first step to remedying this and discovering the joy of making music for yourself!The fun and dynamic teaching methods of private singing teachers help students learn to control their voices and develop as a musician in their own right.Here is our guide to choosing your ideal singing teacher for a successful singing course.Vocal coaching is an investment in the confidence of the vocalist ¦ source: Pixabay - nattanan23Location is another factor in the variation of average prices for singing lessons:London - £ 29 per hourManchester - £21 per hourNewcastle - £18 per hourEdinburgh - £27 per hourSheffield - £13 er hourSo, whether you enjoy singing gospel, choral or pop music, or you’re new to the world of singing, cost is a major point to consider when choosing an instructor.However, bear in mind that price of singing tuition may serve as an indicator of the service being offered. Prices that seem incredibly low usually represent teachers who target young singers with no knowledge of music theory.If you’re preparing for auditions, or you would like to pursue a career in musical theater, paying slightly more will get you the expert help you need to achieve your goals.The professional experience of your music teacher will dictate the scale of your progress ¦ source: Pixabay - WikimediaImagesThis could mean that if you wish to play your own piano accompaniment whilst singing, learning the piano will be far easier having already been introduced to musical theory.The same goes for the mo re specific aspects of singing. Voice coaches will not only help you to sing beautifully, but they will also teach you about performing and help you overcome any stage fright.Here are a few things you may wish to consider when choosing a singing teacher:What performance experience does the voice teacher have?Do they usually perform as a part of a group or solo?Do they play any musical instruments?Do they have a good grasp of music theory?What are their specialisms?With the right teaching methods, any experienced singer will know the best way to help their student progress and inspire them throughout their musical career.Choosing Based on Teaching ExperienceAre experienced musicians always good candidates for teaching?Contrary to what you may assume, professional experience does not always equal effective teaching.As is the case for any discipline, teaching is a skill in itself which can be difficult for some to grasp in the beginning.When looking for a singing teacher, students shou ld pay particular attention to the teaching profile of each singer, as this will help in making a decision based on the potential success of their teaching.Of course, this does not mean to say that those who are new to teaching should be ignored. A new teacher may be more creative and modern in their approach than someone with decades of experience â€" and this is why it is important to test the waters.Having a good chemistry between teacher and student holds the key to the relationship of trust which is essential to learning success.Even if you are taught by a music undergraduate, they will be familiar with your position as a learner ¦ source: Pixabay - mrjohn5Superprof is an advertising platform for students to find their ideal tutor.On the platform, tutors can upload documents to do with their qualifications and write about their lesson content, so that those who take an interest in their services can learn about them without having to make a phone call.It is also possible for s tudents to review their tutors for the benefit of future clients â€" so you’ll be able to see how other people found each tutor’s teaching.How important are qualifications for singing teachers?There are no official requirements when it comes to qualifications before you start teaching as a tutor. This may worry some, however, there are thousands of talented teachers offering their valuable time to those it will benefit.Nevertheless, some students feel more reassured when teachers are able to prove their level of expertise with formal certificates.If you’re looking for a highly-experienced singing teacher, you may prefer to put those with relevant qualifications at the front of your queue.For instance, should you be preparing for conservatoire auditions, looking for teachers who have graduated from conservatoires themselves will stand you in good stead when the big day arrives.If you're still unsure about enlisting the help of a singing teacher, here are fifteen brilliant reaso ns to take singing lessons!Choosing a Singing Teacher on SuperprofFinding singing teachers on Superprof is simple!All students need to do is specify their subject (such as singing) and enter their location.Superprof also makes it possible for students to take lessons via webcam on Skype â€" so you can overcome the obstacle that distance poses!So, once you think you have found a tutor to suit you, how do you know that they’re the right one?Tutors know the importance of a good chemistry between teacher and student, which is why 92% of them offer their first session for free.This means that students can have a trial singing lessons Manchester before they make a decision.Rémi, who is a student of Pierre, a Superprof singing teacher who studies at the Conservatoire de Paris, had a positive experience:“I used to find it difficult to relax and Pierre put me at ease straight away by teaching me basic singing exercises that helped me to sing with the correct posture and breathing techni ques - which are good for my vocal health. […] Pierre is a very good coach, always listening and patient.”So, why not discover your inner musician with the help of a Superprof tutor?

Why You Should Network and What to do Even if you Hate it - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Why You Should Network and What to do â€" Even if you Hate it - Introvert Whisperer Why You Should Network and What to do â€" Even if you Hate it Let’s face it; very few people really like/love networking.   You’re probably one of them. Taking the time out of your busy schedule to go to an event with a bunch of people you barely know just so you can feel socially awkward isn’t fun. Is it really  that  important? And does it have to be  that  painful? Answer: YES and NO Why Networking is always important: Your network is and always will be your biggest source of personal and professional support. We need each other. 80%+ of all jobs were landed because of connections and network. Your network can supply you with important resources and information to do your job and innovate new ideas. Your BFF and other friends are part of your network. Your network is people you have relationships with no matter if it is personal or professional.   People come and go from your network due to changing circumstances throughout your life, which means if you don’t “replenish” your network it will shrink. If you are a contractor or own a business (or plan to) you will very dependent on your network to generate business. People who are well networked achieve more accelerated career growth, promotions, and opportunities. Let’s summarize:   Unless you have plans to make the same salary, do the same job and live in isolation you need to network. Now on to the real issue: You hate to network and it makes you uncomfortable. I get it.   Like many of you reading this, I too, am an introvert.   Socializing and being around people sucks the life out of you.   Then, there’s the problem of knowing what to say or how to approach people you don’t know.   Of course, if you break through that barrier, there’s the uncomfortable next step, which sometimes seems like stalking. Are we having fun yet? Here are the most pain-free things I know to build your network and nurture them. Network in place  â€" There are probably many people you interact with on a day-to-day basis that you are probably ignoring. It might be people in other departments, vendors or customers.   If you pay attention, you come across people every day but don’t pause to get to know them.   We all like to be noticed so start noticing!   A side note, getting to know these people saves you time as you don’t have to do anything different other than pay attention and be friendly. Backtrack  â€" Yes, you can go back to people you used to work with and go to school with. (I just reconnected with a man I used to go to grade school with)   You already have things in common which will make reconnecting easier and faster. Where you are a regular  â€" If you are a creature of any habit like most people, you probably frequent various businesses where you could easily get to know people. This could be the gym you work out in, the coffee shop, sports bar or Dr. office.   Time to take that extra couple of minutes to chat someone up and introduce you.   Bam!   Fast networking. Your hobby or past time  â€" Do you ride horses? Or snowboard? Maybe politically inclined?   There is a group out there just waiting for you to join in and have fun.   Commonality is a critical component to all relationships and this becomes a natural attractor and point of conversation.   It doesn’t matter if the relationship is professionally based or not, the foundation of every relationship is that you have something in common and this is a good place to start. In recent years, generic networking groups have sprung up all over the place making us all think we need to embrace them as THE model of networking.   They really aren’t because the basics for relationships are usually missing.   They miss the common thread that creates relationships with the ones I mentioned above.   This type of gathering is difficult to find your place in and rarely makes you feel comfortable. The key to networking is to make it easy to do, doesn’t take huge chunks of time and is an activity that you enjoy.   If it has those traits, you’re more likely to do it.   Your future-self will be glad you figured it out. This article was originally published on AFWA.org Go to top Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.  Grab yours by visiting here right now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

English Literature to Encourage Reading

English Literature to Encourage Reading Classic English Literature is a Great Method of Teaching Reading ChaptersWhat Is 'Classic' English Literature?Some Classic Novels At A GlanceClassic Books of The FutureIf you are an English Literature graduate, or if you have attended higher education in the UK for that matter, the chances are that you will have come across a reasonably broad range of so-called  literary classics. Moreover, if you are an avid reader, you might have discovered even more significant works by a range of international authors that have helped shape the different genres of literature over the years.The Oxford Royale Academy has compiled a list of essential English novels that they say everybody should read in their lifetime. The list includes, but is not limited to, the following:'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte'Middlemarch' by George Elliott'Nineteen Eighty-Four' by George Orwell'The Lord of the Rings' by J. R. R. Tolkien'His Dark Materials' trilogy by Philip Pullman'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens'Far from the Madding Crowd' b y Thomas HardyAll of Jane Austen’s novelsWhile the list covers a good range of novels, many of which are indeed recognised as classics by the various English exam boards (including AQA, OCR and Edexcel), who decides which works are labelled classics of the world? Who is qualified enough within the field to have earned the authority to distinguish a classic from a basic piece of prose? Are lists ever reviewed as society moves forward  and the majority's opinions adapt to the times? This is something that will be explored below.In the meantime, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that all of the above featured writers were born in either the 19th century or in the very early 1900s, with the exception of Philip Pullman. Pullman, in fact, is the only 'current' author from the above list, and thus is the only individual who could possibly have drawn anything from modern society during his ongoing writing career.‘His Dark Materials’, is one of just a couple of collection s of works from the list that focuses on relatively modern fantasy elements like witches and mystical creatures, in addition to its scientific and philosophical themes.The other is J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ series, with ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ being published in 1954. Looking back, this masterpiece was clearly ahead of its time and marks one of the first times that an author successfully experimented with fantasy fiction, at a time when this was purely imagination-driven.This trilogy was English tutor.The nature of New Zealand has been used to depict fantasy novels 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Game of Thrones'. Photo via VisualHunt.comWith hi-tech gadgets readily available and television programmes being digitally enhanced, sci-fi and fantasy themes seem less far-fetched than in previous decades. Perhaps readers' imaginations are so advanced in this modern technological era that they feel that they can relate to these types of stories, hence their continually growing popularity?Discover how poetry has helped shape the literary landscape!learn how to read faster!F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' gives us a great insight into the atmosphere of the roaring '20s. Photo credit: istolethetv via VisualHuntShakespeare's PlaysFocusing on yet another list compiled by literature enthusiasts, the website Interesting Literature suggests ten plays of Shakespeare that you must read. Top of the list is, by no surprise, the tragic ‘Romeo and Juliet', with its famous balcony scene that captured the hearts of readers from one century to the next.Next, is 'Macbeth', a slightly more sombre play with its themes covering monarchy, conspiracy and deceit. Then, the site suggests ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream' to finish bottom of the podium of Shakespeare greats.The remaining seven texts are 'King Lear', 'Hamlet', 'The Tempest', 'Richard III', 'Othello', 'Henry VIII' and, finally, 'Twelfth Night'. Most, if not all, of these texts are classed as classic tragedies or comedies and appear in secondary school syllabi as well as further education courses where literature is a prime focus.If reading ten plays seems like a bit too much of a challenge, I would encourage you to pick up an anthology of William Shakespeare’s plays and to read even just one of them. Seen as one of the greatest writers of all time, his interesting characters and his timeless themes are why his literary works are still so popular.You could introduce your child to Shakespeare through abridged texts!Jane Austen’s NovelsJane Austen has become world-famous thanks to her six published novels, which have spoken to readers across the globe for more than two centuries. Although they were set during her time, Austen’s characters still display traits that are visible in modern society while highlighting values and circumstances that are eternally in existence.Of the six novels, ‘Northanger Abbey’ is the one that stands out from the rest due to its gothic theme, yet Austen still hangs on to the crucial elements that make her writing so influential: her characters and their sentiments.Her two most famous novels, however, must be ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Sense and Sensibility’, both of which have been adapted for TV many times with a great response from members of the public of all ages. The stories, meanwhile, vividly capture individuals in situations of social and romantic conflict and develop strong relationships between friends and lovers.Did you want to know how Jane Austin texts have been used in classrooms at college and university level?Jane Austen's six novels are ever-popular in today's society. Photo credit: Ben Sutherland via Visualhunt.comClassic Books of The FutureHaving considered some of the recognised literary greats, it begs the question of whether any popular works of our time will eventually enter the esteemed list, or indeed if any of them are already displaying signs of literary grandeur.Books that stand out a s having become inarguably popular amongst people of all ages and of all backgrounds during the 21st century are the 'Twilight' series, written by Stephanie Meyer, the collection of Harry Potter stories by J. K. Rowling and the somewhat controversial erotic 'Fifty Shades of Grey' trilogy by E. L. James.Check for an English tutor London here.Perhaps the question we should be asking ourselves is which novels are classic of their time, as opposed to which texts are examples of classic literature, seeing as what was typical in literature historically may not be as popular today or as we head into the future.Isn't it time you realised the advantages of daily reading?

Using PHP

Using PHP How Do You Use the PHP Programming Language? ChaptersWhat Is PHP?How Do You Display an Image in PHP?How to Open a PHP File in Your BrowserWhich Version of PHP Should You Use for WordPress?“PHP is a minor evil perpetrated and created by incompetent amateurs, whereas Perl is a great and insidious evil perpetrated by skilled but perverted professionals.” - Jon RibbensThere’s a passionate community of people who code in PHP. Millions of people use this programming language to create web sites or other web pages. Programming has never been so accessible.Like some other programming languages (HTML, CSS, Java, MySQL, etc.), PHP can be used in the creation of web sites.Managing databases, graphic interfaces, web servers, IT systems, you don’t need to be an IT engineer to start learning how to code with PHP.In this article, we'll look what PHP is, how you can use it to display images, how to open a PHP file in your web browser, and which version you should use with WordPress, the world's most popular content management system.he ader (“Content-type: image/jpeg”);$image = imagecreatefromjpeg(“myphoto.jpg”);imagejpg($image);?If you don’t want to display the image directly on the website, but keep it as it is in a file, the last line needs to be replaced by the filename of the photo plus the destination.imagejpg($image); (“myphotos/myphoto.jpg”);Your photo is ready!How to Open a PHP File in Your BrowserBefore you can start getting the most out of your dynamic website, there are a few steps you’ll need to follow. To put the code together, you’ll need to download a PHP engine for your site. You’ll need to download the engine onto your computer, install it, then install an editor specific to the programming language. You can use programmes like Notepad++, Dreamweaver, etc.In a word processor, you can write lines to make dynamic web pages.Once your sheet of code is ready, you’ll need to test your PHP file online. This step allows you to check for errors and see if elements are displaying as y ou intended.To read a PHP file online, there are a few options.  The best solution is to rent a server and put your code on it. A server is a computer that allows other users to access it on the internet via an IP address.Renting a server is very easy. There are many sites where you can rent a server with a monthly subscription.Servers allow you to store things online. (Source: heladodementa)Once you’re renting a server, you just need to download your PHP file to it, then type the appropriate address into your browser.The second option doesn’t include renting a server. If you’re not ready to publish your page, you can download the programme XAMPP. This allows you to imitate a server with a “localhost” address.Once the programme’s installed, you just have to integrate the PHP files into the app and the put address into your browser.Which Version of PHP Should You Use for WordPress?WordPress is a CMS (Content Management System) which allows a lot of people to create a webs ite without knowing about web programming. Be it a blog, website, portfolio, etc, there are plenty of themes allowing to personalise your content. Of course, these options aren’t always enough for users so you can modify the base code as well.PHP is used to code WordPress websites. (Source: pixelcreatures)WordPress uses the PHP language. You can introduce lines of PHP code into the site and add plugins.So which version of PHP should you use?There are plenty of versions of PHP and they continue to evolve. The latest version of PHP is 7 and improvements are regularly being made.It’s strongly recommended by WordPress that you use the latest version for both its functionality and security. To change your version, the SG Optimizer plugin can help.To do this, you need to update the theme and plugins in your site so that they’re compatible with the latest version of PHP to avoid bugs and errors.Updating to the latest version of PHP once a year is a good way to ensure that your websit e works well. Think about it!If you want to learn more about programming in PHP, consider getting in touch with a private tutor. There are three types of tutorials offered on Superprof: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials.Face-to-face tutorials are your traditional private tutorials with one student and one tutor. These are usually the most costly but they're also the most cost-effective as the tutor can spend the whole time focusing on their only student.Online tutorials are similar to face-to-face tutorials but the tutor delivers the class over webcam using video conferencing software like Skype. This tends to be cheaper since they don't have to travel.Group tutorials are cheaper per student since the cost is shared but you won't get as much individual attention from your tutor as they'll have other students to pay attention to during the tutorials.Don't forget that a lot of the tutors on Superprof offer the first hour of tutoring for free so you can see if they're right for you.

20 Insider Tips For Traveling to France [Infographic]

20 Insider Tips For Traveling to France [Infographic] 20 Game-Changing Tips for Traveling to France Jessica Dais From the smell of freshly baked baguettes from the local bakery, to views of the romantic châteaux (castles) in the Loire Valley, to the diverse array of masterpieces displayed in the museums of Paris France has so much to offer! If you’re taking a trip to this beautiful country soon, keep reading to learn how to plan the perfect itinerary so you can enjoy France at its best. We’ll share about the weather, what to order when dining out, a few little known sites, and many more helpful tips for traveling to France! 20 Game-Changing Tips for Traveling to France 1. Keep French Fashion in Mind Pack clothes that are versatile and chic, keeping in mind that the French are simple and effortless when it comes to their style. The saying “less is more” works well for the French.     One of your goals should be to blend in with the locals not stand out as a tourist. For the ladies, bring a scarf! In the summertime, light scarves can add a touch of class, or be used as an extra layer at nighttime without the bulk of a jacket. 2. Pack Comfy Shoes Bring a pair, or two, of comfortable shoes to France. When traveling, you should always expect to be walking quite a bit, whether it’s through the cobbled streets of Le Vieux Carré (the Old Quarter) or through the vineyards in the South. So leave the stiletto heels at home and opt for a pair of comfortable sandals or sturdy boots. Your feet will thank you later! 3.  Learn the Language Locals love when visitors attempt to speak the native language. Even if your French is a little rusty and you can only muster up a polite “Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plait” (“I would like a coffee please”), the French will greatly appreciate the effort. The best way to learn French before your trip is with the help of an experienced tutor. If you’re interested in building up your vocabulary quickly, consider taking private lessons or online French classes. You can also watch French tutorials on YouTube, such as the one below.   4. Check the Weather Regions along the three coasts of France have a more temperate climate, unlike areas in central France, where you’ll experience more variation between seasons. Paris can also become fairly hot in the summer, so be prepared by packing light-colored clothing made of loose material. The summer months in the south along the Mediterranean have very little rainfall, but the rest of the country experiences rainy months throughout the year. Paris has quite a bit of rainfall from April through August. Whatever the season, its always a good idea to check the forecast prior to your visit to France! 5. Travel in Spring or Fall If you’re on a budget, the most cost-effective times to travel to France are during the spring and fall months. Keep in mind that if plane tickets are purchased at least three months in advance, you will be able to find some better deals! 6. Try a Bed Breakfast Relax in the many charming bed and breakfasts that France has to offer! While there are many options for lodging available to visitors, the more intimate bed and breakfasts in France are superb. Many of them offer home-cooked meals of the region, and the locals’ take on must-see sites. 7. Eat Like a Local The French are known for, and proud, of their cuisine. Wherever you are in the country, be sure to try the local delicacies. If you’re traveling to Bordeaux, try the cannelé a small pastry made of vanilla and rum. Take in the view of the Mediterranean while dining on a traditional seafood dish of the region. You won’t regret trying the bouillabaisse (seafood stew) in Marseille, or the delicious quenelle in Lyon! SEE ALSO: 50 Useful French Phrases for Travelers 8. Enjoy an Apéritif or Digestif In France, sometimes the best drinks come just before or after a delicious meal. An apéritif (pre-meal drink) is usually enjoyed among friends before a plat de fromage (cheese plate) is served. One common apéritif is the kir, which is a mix of white wine and blackcurrant. A common digestif (post-meal drink) is an espresso. Or you can try the “eau de vie,” literally translated “water of life,” which is a popular fruit brandy. 9. Check the Prix Fixe Menu When youre unsure about what to order, the prix fixe (fixed price) menu will be your best friend. Selected by the chef, it includes several dishes from the entrée (appetizer) to the plat principal (main dish) to the dessert.   10. Shop at Outdoor Markets   One way to save money without sacrificing the French experience is to shop at the outdoor markets. Most towns have an outdoor market or “marché en plein air.” Here, you can find vendors selling the region’s best at a more affordable price. Just be sure to check the local schedule, as some markets are only open on specific days of the week. 11. Enjoy Local Wines As with the food in France, it’s usually best to go with the regional wine. While there are many options for wine, opting for the local wine is the best choice if you want to fully experience and appreciate the specialties of the area. 12. Travel by Train Another way to save money on travel expenses while visiting France is to take the train. For the best deals, book three months in advance if you already have an itinerary set. If you’re under 25 and visiting France for a study abroad program or internship, signing up for a “Carte Jeune” offers reduced train fares! 13. Follow the Tour de France Are you a fan of cycling? If not, would you like to follow a route that takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of France? Follow the cyclists at the Tour de France! This annual event takes place in July with a route through several notable cities and sites. 14. Celebrate La Fête Nationale Also known as Bastille Day, the French independence day is well-celebrated in this country. If you’ll be in France on July 14th, you’ll get to witness fireworks shows and join in on the festivities. In Paris, go to a ball after the fireworks at the Eiffel Tower! The music and dancing begins around 9 PM. SEE ALSO: What to Pack for France [Infographic] 15. Check out the Museums The Louvre is one of the most popular museums in France, but there are so many other inspiring sites to add to your travel list! In Paris alone, there is the lesser-known Musée d’Orsay that boasts of numerous Impressionist paintings by Monet, and the Centre Pompidou that features contemporary and more interactive art. Both have slightly shorter admission lines! 16. Visit Luberon Don’t forget to bring your camera to the picturesque lavender fields in France. The lavender that blooms in the South of France is a scent that is truly unforgettable. In Luberon these fragrant flowers bloom anytime between late June to early August, with the peak of the season being in early July. 17. Learn About History in Normandy If you’re interested in historical events, head north for Normandy. Along the coast you’ll find the infamous Normandy and Omaha beaches where you can see remnants of WWII bunkers and memorials to those who fought during the war. 18. Stop by the Castles France is home to many beautiful and unique châteaux (castles) in the center of the country. Relive the grandeur of the châteaux in the Loire Valley. Villandry is famous for its gardens that are exact replicas of the medieval gardens, while Chambord includes a grand central staircase in the main entrance. This area of the country is less crowded than Paris or the beaches in the South, so it would make an excellent addition to your itinerary if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle. 19. Make Your Way to ÃŽle de Ré At the mention of French beaches, most people think about the beaches along the Mediterranean Coast. Bask in the sunshine on ÃŽle de Ré instead. Located just off the western coast of France, ÃŽle de Ré is a unique and lesser-known beach that is connected to the mainland by a bridge. 20. Enjoy the Moment While planning a trip to France often includes many preparations, it’s important to remember to savor the moment and not get too caught up in your itinerary. Enjoy the food, enjoy the wine, and enjoy the sites. But most importantly enjoy the journey from one destination to another! Check out the infographic below for a visual reminder of each of these insider tips! Share this Image On Your Site Please include attribution to TakeLessons.com with this graphic. a href=https://takelessons.com/blog/tips-for-traveling-to-france-z04img src=https://takelessons.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/20-Insider-Tips-for-Traveling-to-France.png alt=Tips for Traveling to France/a Keep these tips for traveling to France in mind and you’ll be able to plan the perfect vacation! Enjoying all the food, drinks, and sites that France has to offer will make your visit one that you’ll always remember. Don’t forget to check out TakeLessons Live before you depart to brush up on your French language skills! Post Author:  Jinky B. Jinky B. teaches  French and ESL  in Jacksonville, Florida. She has her  Bachelors in French, French Literature, and Psychology from Florida State University and over five years of teaching experience.  Learn more about Jinky B.  here!

Huntington Learning Center Offers Tips to Beat Summertime Regression

Huntington Learning Center Offers Tips to Beat Summertime Regression Summer vacation is a welcome reprieve from the busy days of the school year, but for many parents, it can bring up concerns about their children losing skills and falling behind. Luckily, there are a number of things parents can do to help students retain knowledge while theyre not in school. Summer learning activities do not have to be rigorous or mimic classroom learning to be effective, says Eileen Huntington, Co-Founder of the Huntington Learning Center. With a little planning and creativity, parents can offer their children a variety of fun learning experiences that will help them stay fresh. Huntington offers these ideas to avoid summertime learning loss: Review last year. Review assignments your child worked on throughout the school year and make a nightly, 15-minute homework session a part of your summer routine. Activities such as flash cards, times tables and spelling word practice are great to do each night to retain concepts and skills from the previous year. Read, read, read. This summer, help your child learn to love reading for fun. Go to the library every week and let your child pick out books, magazines or other reading materials. As a family, set aside 30 minutes after dinner each night for everyone to settle down with your books. Explore your librarys programs for kids, too. And write, write, write. Summer is a perfect time to develop a regular writing habit. If your child struggles with writing, make it fun. Keep a family journal of everything youve done this summer. Write letters to the grandparents every week. Have your child help you make lists. And if your child is the creative type, encourage him or her to write stories or poems and even submit them to print or online magazines that publish childrens work. Bridge the gap. Consider investing in workbooks specifically designed to bridge learning between grades. There are a wide variety of workbooks available that can be purchased online or at bookstores. Most of the workbooks provide pages of activities for each week of summer, including skill activities in reading, writing, math, language arts, science and geography. Check out camps and classes. Your local rec center, art museum, history museum, nature and science museum, cultural center and zoo are all great places to look for classes, camps or other programs for children on summer break. You could also check out day or overnight educational camps in your area or around the country. The reality is that many students lose some of what they learn each grade during the months they are not in school, Huntington says. But with a small amount of effort, you can help your child stay sharp, retain knowledge and be better prepared for the next grade.

Positive ACT Changes for ADHD Students

Positive ACT Changes for ADHD Students Standardized tests like the ACT can be extremely challenging for students with ADHD. The exams are long, requiring a level of sustained focus that is difficult for many students with ADHD to achieve. These are also not forgiving of careless mistakes, which are a hallmark symptom of ADHD. And they require students to perform well across multiple subject areas, which can be stressful for students with ADHD, who often have marked strengths and weaknesses. Changes to the ACT, coming in September 2020, may help students with ADHD better manage some of these test-taking challenges. While the content of the ACT will remain the same (with English, math, reading, science, and writing sections), students will have the option to retake individual sections of the exam without having to retake the entire test. The first time they take the ACT, all students will still be required to complete the exam in its entirety. But with section retesting, any time they retake the exam, they can choose which sections they want to complete. This can mean completing only one section during a testing session, or two or three sections if they prefer. So, if a student scores well on the English and reading sections and poorly on the math and science sections, for example, they can be more focused in their study efforts and retake only the math and science portions of the exam. For students with ADHD, who tend to have less predictable test performance, this means that they will not need to worry about putting their stronger section scores (like English and reading, in our example) in jeopardy when they retake the exam. Theres no limit on how many times a student can retake sections of the exam, but there are of course fees that apply, and the cost of multiple retakes can add up. When reporting scores to colleges, students will have the option of selecting their highest individual section scores along with an ACT Superscore, which is a composite score that reflects the average of the four best subject scores from each of the test attempts. So, colleges will have no indication of how many times a student completed each section. A more minor change to the test will also help students with ADHD who may need to retake a section more than once. Students who take the computer-based version of the test will receive their score within just two days. With this quick turn-around, students will know which sections to focus on during the retest and can study and retake the sections fairly quickly, leaving enough time for an additional retake if its needed. Standardized testing is stressful for all students, and it is especially stressful for students with ADHD. The upcoming changes to the ACT wont eliminate all the stress, but they will help students with ADHD overcome some of the unique challenges that come with taking college admissions exams. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

5 Ways to Retain Information for Final Exams

5 Ways to Retain Information for Final Exams 5 Ways to Retain Information for Final Exams Students at any grade level and studying any subject will have a textbook with hundreds of pages of pertinent information. Those pages will also contain things that are not covered on final exams but can easily distract students from the core elements or events they need to study. With all of this information to sift through its easy for students to become overwhelmed and give up. However, there are some excellent ways for students to recall whats important in their textbook, so they know what to focus on for those all-important finals. In many cases the teacher will have provided a study guide but, even if they didnt, the textbook would let students know whats important. 1. Bold and highlighted terms Any term or phrase that is in bold or highlighted is important. Students who are still learning how to discern important information can simply use the highlighted elements of the textbook. This can be especially helpful for students in younger grades who are still learning how to figure out which information is important and which information is not. Additionally, if students are studying for a cumulative exam, they may become immediately overwhelmed at the thought of reviewing 300+ pages. However, if students are only focusing on the essential items, those 300 pages will probably be more like 50 to 75 pages total (READ: 5 Tips to Avoid Burnout During Finals Week). 2. The glossary Nearly every textbook has a glossary. Most students dont use the glossary or dont even know that it exists. However, its one of the most crucial elements when it comes to recalling information within the textbook. It can be very frustrating for students to flip through page after page looking for the definition to a term from earlier in the semester. Students dont need to do this. Rather, they can simply refer to the glossary for every vocabulary word that was listed within the book. For the most part, the glossary will include every bold term throughout the textbook. 3. Charts, graphs, and timelines Students should also pay special attention to any graphs, charts, or timelines presented within the textbook. These things are shown in a visual element to emphasize that they are extra important. Additionally, students who respond well to visual study will be able to get a better grasp on these items. If students are looking at a timeline, for example, they will be able to tell when different events happened and how they correlate. Most students tend to skip over these items, but they are some of the most helpful elements when it comes to remembering important topics in a textbook (READ: 4 tips to study for a reading final). 4. The teachers study guide If a teacher has provided a study guide, students should use this as their primary organizational tool. In many cases, the teacher will choose not to have a cumulative exam but rather focus on more recent chapters or pick chapters they feel are most important to test student’s knowledge of. For instance, students might be tested on chapters 6 to 7, 10 to 12, and 18 through 21. If this is the case, students wouldnt want to waste time reviewing chapter 8 and 9. Students should always review the teacher’s study guide before starting their textbook review. 5. Determining key information from unnecessary information One of the most difficult study skills to pick up, regardless of the subject, is to determine which information is not important and which information is crucial. Although students can use the teacher’s study guide and look at the highlighted term already provided by the textbook company, they will eventually need to develop this skill independently. First, students should pay attention to names and dates in history, for instance. Important figures are mentioned by name, and important events include a specific date. Students can also look at how detailed the information is. If the textbook’s authors simply want to give a general idea or background of a topic, they will probably only discuss it for one or two paragraphs. Alternatively, something described in great detail in eight sections will probably be important information. With summer around the corner, make sure you book your Irvine private summer tutor from TutorNerds today. From SAT/ACT prep to foreign languages, weve got you covered. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.