6 Ways to Help Your Kids Learn Maths at Home

6 Ways to Help Your Kids Learn Maths at Home Maths for Kids: How to Get the Most Out of Maths Lessons ChaptersDiscuss Maths with your Child at HomeLearn Maths Through Playing GamesUse Your Child's Interests to Help with MathsSee Maths in Everyday LifeSee More than One Solution to a Maths ProblemCreate a Suitable Environment for Learning MathsA good knowledge of maths and the ability to apply it is an essential part of our everyday lives.Does your child find maths difficult? Maybe you want to lend them a hand but have no idea where to start.Understandably, some children have difficulty remembering how to calculate square roots, the order of operations or simply to memorise their times tables.But what exactly are the applications of mathematics in our lives? Is teaching math to everyone really necessary?Why not help your children to look at maths differently, starting by discussing the subject at home?Sometimes, all you need is a good learning environment and a different approach to unlock a child's potential at maths revision.Let's have a look at all the ways in which parents can act as an educator and help their children with their maths at home.We debunk the myth every brother likes to tell his sister. Are boys really better at maths?The best way to combat a  fear is to acknowledge it, approach it and discuss it with those  around you.The same goes for mathematics. Whether it's fractions, decimals, arithmetic, the  calculation of sums or graphing, just because you struggled with a topic as a child, it does not necessarily mean that your child will have the same difficulties.Make your child feel at ease to discuss their maths homework with you ¦ source: Pixabay - ambermbHowever, you can use your child's education as an opportunity to get over your own fears.Talking about mathematics in contexts such as cooking, crafts, travelling, and playing with your children is the best way to make this discipline an active part of your children's day-to-day lives.For them, using maths will become just as normal as everything else.Environment is key: as long as you provide a reason for children to discuss maths, they will do so. This is why it's up to parents and carers to lay the foundations for future academic success.The more you talk about math in a positive way around your children, the more likely they are to start taking a personal interest in it.Do not hesitate to ask them questions about maths, for example, ask them how to solve mathematical calculations while baking or on a walk.Exercises like this will help develop their recall skills and put them at ease with maths, making for a smooth transition into technical learning in the future.Learn Maths Through Playing GamesWhatever field of study your children choose to pursue, they will always learn better when they're having fun than when they're learning off by heart.So take advantage of this! Whether in the form of free online maths tutor, lessons, interactive math games online or by playing with Lego, maths can nearly always be turned into a game for nearly any topic!Simple mathematical conc epts can be taught with fun games! ¦ source: Visualhunt - Ashley MacKinnonPlaying cool maths games with your children will also provide you with a good opportunity to learn basic math. Learn about counting, sorting, telling time, number sense, comparing, reasoning, probability, estimation, and rounding in primary maths.For example, you could ask your children to measure the amount of pasta in a bowl or count the pieces while you cook.Lego may also be used to visualise operations such as addition and subtraction or multiplication and division.For the younger children attending preschool, why not get them to colour in digits to teach them about writing numbers? MyriamMaths Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £200/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr parikhMaths Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KamalMaths Teacher 5.00 (9) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PetarMaths Teacher 5. 00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GowsikaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RubenMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ConorMaths Teacher 4.75 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsUse Your Child's Interests to Help with MathsBeing exposed to a subject as vast as mathematics can be somewhat intimidating for children.Having to remember all the notation, vocabulary, equations, graphs, and theorems by heart can put an adult's head in a spin - never mind a child's!However, learning maths can be fun for children if they are able to practice their math skills in a familiar environment and at their own pace.Kids do most of their learning without even realising!Educational games include playing cars, playing with a tea set, building towers with Lego or similar toy bricks, or playing cool math games on a tablet.You will be pleasantly surprised to see how quickly kids learn when they're enjoying themselves.There are also many free maths websites with lots of math resources, puzzles and fun maths games for kids such as TopMarks Maths and  Math Playground. You could even download a free math app onto your tablet.Some budding mathematicians may even learn math at home without knowing that it is related to their studies at school.Education apps on a tablet can be useful for learning ¦ source: Visualhunt - Gwenaël PiaserLearning to identify your children's interests and include them in their education is an excellent way to keep them engaged.See Maths in Everyday LifeFor many children, there is no real link between the content of their maths lessons and everyday life.However, there is an opportunity to demonstrate this link in your home, in your garden, or while doing the weekly shop.For instance, ask your children about counting the change in your purse or to calculate the total sum of your purchases as you make your way around the shop.If you enjoy cooking, why not give your child the role of sous-chef for the day and get them to help with the recipe?  Measure the amounts of flour, sugar, count the eggs, convert the measurements from imperial to metric and estimate the cooking time, converting minutes into hours and using the clock to work out when your cake will be baked.All these small things will quickly become embedded in your child's memory. On the one hand, they will be happy to help you and on the other hand, it will keep them engaged.All of a sudden you'll see how removing the pressure of timed maths tests makes learning easy, as children learn to appreciate the applications of maths in a given situation.This method of learning is far more fun than spending hours on math worksheets, homework or maths quiz questions.See More than One Solution to a Maths ProblemChildren need to learn that math is more than calculators and equals signs.There are always several ways to solve any maths problem nd many maths tricks that will make your life easier. Fo r example, for simple operations and estimation, why use a calculator when mental calculation can save you time?By showing them that there are several paths to the same answer, you will help kids develop critical thinking and logic skills as they learn to consider each approach.Create a Suitable Environment for Learning MathsChildren develop their early maths skills by getting to know the world around them.It is the responsibility of the parents to develop and nurture this natural curiosity by sharing their personal experiences with maths and helping children to appreciate that maths all around them. For instance, point out the mathematical elements of how their house has been built and look closely at the bookshelf that their Dad made.You could even try modelling this with Lego bricks.Maths is everywhere if you look closely enough.However, it is impossible to do well in maths if you're working in the wrong kind of environment. Whether it's sitting down to do maths homework or to ha ve a private maths lesson, trying to concentrate in a busy or disorganised area can be too difficult for some.Give your child a learning corner  decorated with a number line and with kids learning games and educational toys such as building cubes or modelling clay, so they are free to feed their appetite for knowledge in a calm and familiar environment.By having a space specially designed for this, your child will be able to develop independence in their learning while exploring mathematical concepts like place value, adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and sequences.Create an ideal learning environment in your home ¦ source: Visualhunt - Cathy CassidyAs we can see, the taste for maths is not innate, however, it is something that can be worked on from an early age.It is entirely possible to give children a taste for maths by integrating basic notions into their favourite activities and involving them in the mathematical parts of your daily tasks to show the importance of ma ths in day-to-day life.Having a good understanding of numbers outside of the classroom will make for better grades in the future as children feel more at ease with furthering their knowledge of the subject. A maths tutor is a good example of this support and interaction.As a parent, it's up to you to work with your child to develop an interest in mathematics through playful yet educational math activities.Has your child been diagnosed with dyslexia or dyscalculia and you want to know more about helping them learn maths? Read our article with tips and advice.

What is it Like to Attend DePaul University

What is it Like to Attend DePaul University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Devin is a Seattle tutor who specializes in all courses related to the social sciences and humanities, particularly Reading tutoring, Writing tutoring, and History tutoring. He graduated from DePaul University in 2012 where he studied History and African Black Diaspora Studies. See what he had to say about his undergraduate experience: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Devin: All transportation options are possible in the heart of Chicago. The elevated rail, more commonly known as the el, is both a national symbol and a piece of living history in the field of public transportation. Its color-coded system of tracks and platforms combine with the CTA bus system to get commuters within several blocks of any city destination. Free transfer options also allow commuters to move seamlessly along the easy-to-understand Chicago grid system, where there are endless opportunities to extend travel time with a leisurely walk; nonetheless, biking is a very popular and affordable travel alternative during the warmer months (and even the colder ones for true Chicagoans), especially now, since the current Mayor is engaged in a project to drastically increase the number of protected bike lanes in the city. DePaul University is the definition of an urban campus. As a result, it benefits from all Chicago transit authority infrastructures. Most students ride a CTA bus or an el train to work and some even commute from the suburbs via the larger, more-luxury Metra trains. On campus, designated transport vehicles known as Public Safety will escort students to local destinations upon request. All options considered, some students still prefer to have their own vehicle in the city. This is possible, but one should expect to pay for parking, if and when they can find it. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Devin: Adepartmental advisor is usually assigned to each student, and meeting with them is only a matter of scheduling an appointment via email. Undergraduate advisors are not assigned, and one has to be slightly more proactive about finding their contact information and scheduling a visit; however, upon entry, each student is given an undergraduate form that lists the requirements necessary for graduation in both their school and department. Additional copies of this form are also available on each students Campus Connect portal, a website designated for student services. If a student takes the initial time to interpret this form, and then uses it to track their own progress, then they will never have to meet with an advisor, and they can take control of their own education. This is highly advisable. Most other professors have weekly, designated office hours where you can drop-in unannounced. In the History department, finding a good conversation was only a matter of roaming the hal ls. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Devin: I did not stay in the dorms because I had already been living on my own for several years when I enrolled as a freshman. But the dining options are eclectic. There are counters on the dining floor for Asian and Latin cuisine. There are pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, pizza, fried and grilled chicken, rice, pasta, burgers, wraps, fries, potato wedges, soups of the day, and almost every salad fixing imaginable. Brownstones caf downstairs has some great breakfast options, like cheap and delicious bagel sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, fruit, granola bars, baked goods, juices, and everything coffee related. Making friends in these open environments is easier the more outgoing you are, and for everyone else, have no fear; there is an endless number of clubs to help you integrate. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Devin: For my undergraduate career, I obtained a double major in History and African and Black Diaspora Studies. These are both in the college of Liberal Arts and Sciences, so that is the only branch of the university that I can talk about with experience. I choose these particular disciplines because I enjoy storytelling, and I wanted to spend my academic career studying not just the stories of our collective human experience, but how the creation and recreation of those stories have been so dependent on different, often unpredictable contexts. I chose to focus on African History because there was so much mystery associated with the field, and the position of the African continent in traditional American histories has often been overlooked, and is still being determined. The most popular major in the school for Liberal Arts is Psychology. Education, Sociology, Political Science, and English are also fairly popular majors, partly due to the perception that more explicit job opportunities stem from these disciplines (viz. teacher, case worker, lawyer, editor). Also, Philosophy is a popular major because it attracts students who falsely believe it is the only department where critical thinking is encouraged for its own sake. Lastly, some students believe that majoring in a more-general field is advantageous at the undergraduate level; however, DePaul is host to an array of emerging, social departments that are often unrepresented in other schools. Some of these include Gender Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, LGBTQ Studies, Religious Studies, Asian-American studies, and Latino Studies. I encourage all students to explore some of these courses with their general-education opportunities. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Devin: Greek organizations do not play a significant role in campus social life. Of course, there are opportunities to join all sorts of fraternities and sororities, but these groups function as service-learning organizations rather than campus party throwers. Greek life is not intended to offer the kind of social atmosphere that it probably would at a bigger state school. It was not difficult to meet friends as a freshman, partly because your first course is a freshman orientation course, and several people you meet there will be your friends for the next four years. It is also a good idea to obtain employment with the university. Making friends with similar schedules is one of the many advantages to an on-campus job. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Devin: The Career Center was not very helpful for me, partly because there were no History majors working there. Career Center employees are trained to look over your resume, so they are very excited to do this right away. They will also recommend a variety of job posting and social media sites (e.g. Monster and LinkedIn), and they will suggest that you attend the quarterly job fairs, but that seems to be about all they can do. Many of them have only had one job before, and this is it. If you are looking to use your degree after graduation, make the rounds in your department, talking to each professor that you can; they will have the more specific advice. Also, decide early if you want to attend graduate school right away, because the application process usually ends in the middle of your senior year, and you may end up waiting a while otherwise. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Devin: The library is wonderful. You can obtain many of your required text materials here if you check early. Also, the Chicago Public Library has tons of branches located only a train or bus ride away; so, if you enjoy the occasional scavenger hunt, you can make it through undergraduate school without ever paying for a textbook. I do not know much about the student union, except that they frequently install eco-friendly inventions on campus, such as toilettes that minimize water consumption, water-bottle fountains to reduce plastic waste, and tire-repair stations for your bike. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Devin: Chicago is the third largest city in America. As such, it has everything a major, first-world metropolis should have: cultural museums, natural history museums, fine-art museums, science museums, a Broadway theatre scene, a black-box theatre scene, a guerrilla theatre scenes, world-renown ballet and modern-dance companies, a thriving jazz scene (the largest jazz club in Chicago is right around the corner from DePaul), free music festivals (e.g. Blues Fest and the Free Concert Series in Millennium Park), High-profile music festivals (Lollapalooza, Pitchfork), roof-top gardening, city-wide sports teams with an intense fan base (you have the Cubs, Bears, White Sox, Blackhawks, and Fire (kind of)), thrift shopping, improv, a history of social justice, arcades, a vibrant film scene, public parks, skate parks, bowling, laser tag, an indoor, trampoline dodge-ball stadium (this is technically in the suburbs, but whatever), sports fields, basketball courts (this is the home town of Mic hael Jordan and Derek Rose, after all), night clubs, bars: Irish bars, Greek bars, Italian bars, and any other kind of bar (literally, too many in a single neighborhood to count), innumerable street fests (most notably, our version of October Fest and the St. Pattys Day Parade), and food. I cannot stress this enough: there is any kind of food you could want in Chicago, and it is all amazing. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Devin: The DePaul student body is large. Including graduate students, adult students, international students, and students that commute from the suburbs, there are 25,000 attendees; but, rest assured, it will not feel this way. There is a downtown campus (in the Loop), a north side campus in Lincoln Park, and several suburban campuses. These locations greatly reduce the volume of students that you will see at any given time. Also, DePaul has very few lecture-style classrooms. Most of the courses in the Liberal Arts school are capped around thirty students, and many of them are even smaller. I took several courses that had only ten people in them, although, this greatly depends on the popularity of both the class and the department. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Devin: In the first quarter of my freshman year, I took a course on Medieval History in Europe. I was stressing about the mid-term exam because it required me to write my first college essay. I remember sitting at a local coffee shop on the weekend, the course materials spread before me, and outlining my argument on scratch paper. Every paragraph needed to be designed for a distinct purpose, and every sentence needed to be meticulously planned. I had drawn connections between the course documents, and I wanted to put them forth bluntly, without wasting any time, but I also wanted an engaging introduction, so my teacher could not turn away. In the end, the paper was about the evolution of the papacy in Europe during and after an historical period commonly known as the Dark Ages. I decided to open with the brief but detailed story of a pope who was murdered by Vikings when the period began, and I decided to close by talking about the most powerful pope the institution had ever seen, hundreds of years later. When the essays were graded, the professor read mine aloud in class as a sample of outstanding work. It was anonymous of courseonly he and I knew who had written it, but nonetheless, the recognition was enough to instill a passion for writing in me that has burned ever since. Check out Devins tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Should I Go To Auburn University

Should I Go To Auburn University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Katie received her Bachelors degree in Zoology and her Master of Education from Auburn University. She is currently a tutor in Austin specializing in Biology tutoring, English tutoring, Life Sciences tutoring, and several other subjects. See what she had to say about her experience at Auburn University: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Katie: Auburn Universitys campus is pedestrian and bike friendly. There are beautiful green spaces. It is not what I would call an urban campus. Tiger Transit is the bus system that transports students all around campus. Students have unlimited access to Tiger Transit because it is included in their tuition fees. Transit stops are located at major areas on campus, as well as at some off-campus locations like various apartment complexes. Parking can be an issue. When I began my time at Auburn University, I lived on campus and was able to park my vehicle pretty easily in the designated areas near the dorms. However, I later moved off-campus, and I found that at certain times of the day, it could be difficult to find a parking spot in certain areas. Depending on how close to campus you live, I would encourage you to ride a bike or walk instead of trying to drive a car every day. I always felt safe on campus. During my time at Auburn University, I attended classes during the day and at night, and I never had any safety concerns. There are emergency call boxes located in various places on campus in case you feel you need help. VT:How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Katie: My professors, advisers, and teaching assistants were usually very helpful whenever I needed assistance or information. Office hours and email addresses would be made available to students. Email is highly used for communication between students and faculty. I usually sent emails if I had any questions. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Katie: During my first year at Auburn University, I lived in a dorm in an area on campus called The Hill. I enjoyed being on campus because there are places to eat close by, as well as places to meet friends. The Hill includes Terrell Dining Hall. There is also a relatively new student center (completed in 2008) built toward the middle of campus with places to eat located on different floors of the building. There are other choices at various places on campus, such as the coffee shop in the library, or you can travel to downtown Auburn (along College Street or Magnolia Avenue) to have your choice of local restaurants and fast food. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Katie: For my undergraduate degree, I was in the College of Sciences Mathematics, where I majored in Zoology/Conservation Biology. I loved my science classes because many of the labs were hands-on. Many of my biology science labs took us out into the field (local streams, state parks, etc.) to make observations and gather data based on what we were learning in class. I felt supported by several of my professorsDr. Folkerts, Dr. Lishak, Dr. Boyd, Dr. Guyer, and others. Other majors that were popular were Engineering, Education and Business. I know that Engineering has lots of options like Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering. Many of my friends spoke well about the Engineering programs, but I know they can be difficult. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Katie: I found it easy to meet people and make friends as a freshman. I was not involved at all in Greek life. There are people who are involved in sororities and fraternities at Auburn University, but most people that I knew were not involved. I joined and participated in different clubs on campus like the Pre-Veterinary Medical Association and the Society for Conservation Biology. There are also other events that are held on campus that students can attend that would be good for making friends. My friends and I liked going to Tiger Nights, which are free events for students with activities like caricature artists, laser tag, music, comedy acts, and food. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Katie: I found the Career Center and other services helpful. They would hold job fairs and mock interviews for students. I know they had specific job fairs for Education majors, with various schools from around the state, as well as job fairs for other majors. Students can get help with developing their resumes and cover letters, as well. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Katie: The library, student union, and dorm lounges were easily available in my experience. The library could get a little crowded at peak times, like close to finals, but I could always find a nook to sit in and study. The student union is designed with lots of sitting areas in open spaces, as well as down various hallways. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Katie: The downtown Auburn area is basically on two sides of campusMagnolia Avenue and College Street. It is very close, just across the street! These streets have restaurants, bookstores, bars, and boutiques. There are other shopping areas a little farther away from campus. The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art is also nearby. I only went a few timesonce for a film festival event they were hosting and another time when they held a yoga event. If you want to shop at a mall, you would probably want to drive to Auburn Mall or Tiger Town. These have department stores and other mainstream shops. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Katie: I believe the undergraduate student body is usually around 20,000 students. I was generally pleased with my class sizes. The core classes that most students have to take can be pretty large, and they are usually held in auditorium-size rooms. Your major-specific classes tend to be more manageable sizes. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Katie: One of my favorite classes was Conservation Biology with Dr. Boyd. Dr. Boyd would discuss interesting topics, and he would usually try to have at least one funny slide to slip into his presentations. He also had guest lecturers based on different topics we might be learning about. I remember when he had a former student of his, who now works at an animal sanctuary, bring in live animals. It was fun to handle the animals and learn about conservation efforts to help them in their environments. Check out Katies tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Arabic for Kids How to Get Them Started

Arabic for Kids How to Get Them Started Teaching the Arabic Language to Young Students ChaptersArabic for Children: At What Age Can My Child Start?Arabic Learning for Kids: Watch CartoonsUsing Nursery Rhymes to Learn Arabic for ChildrenArabic Language Games for ChildrenArabic for BeginnersSpoken by more than 4oo million people around the world, Arabic is 5th most spoken language worldwide, and is an official language in 26 countries, including Egypt, Morocco, and Lebanon.It holds great importance in Islam, and it is one of the most important languages to learn in the world today.And yet adults often struggle to learn a foreign language later in life.That's why Arabic learning is important at a young age!Whether or not a child belongs to a family with Arab heritage, parents can make the choice to teach their children Arabic themselves, or entrust the task to a native speaker language specialist who can use an array of educational resources.At home, children can easily learn basic Arabic as well as Arab culture, so they can travel to the Middle East and easily integrate into the Arab world.We're here to help you learn how to teach Arabic to young students!Learn the Arabic language with a smile.To make things go smoothly, parents can use fun resources to teach the language and culture of the Arab countries.There is an added bonus that many of them free, allowing young students to get a good first impression of Arabic and enhance their language learning.According to educational experts, the ideal age to start learning a second language could be before the age of 7. It's of course still possible to learn Arabic after this, but true bilingualism can only be achieved if the child accepts Arabic as a second mother tongue.By learning the basics of the Arabic language, and even Arabic culture, at a younger age, children won't need to resort to thinking in terms of translating back and forth from English to Arabic, since the two languages will be assimilated distinctly. This means that there will be no confusion between Arabic words and Arabic phrases and t heir English counterparts.Children who learn the basics of Arabic at an older age will find that Arabic language learning is more difficult. Although we often think that it's better for children to learn a second language when they are teenagers, in reality they'll never reach the same level of proficiency as a student who starts learning Arabic at a younger age.It's better to start learning a foreign language as soon as possible!Arabic Learning for Kids: Watch CartoonsDue to the visual stimulus and fun tone of cartoons, a young learner can learn to speak Arabic without even realizing it.Arabic-language cartoons are available free on online video platforms, such as Youtube and Dailymotion. Parents can even download free videos from educational websites so their children can watch Arabic cartoons without an internet connection.Everyone knows the classic story of Aladdin. Why not watch it in Arabic?Some cartoons available in Arabic are:Al Akhawater SinBaraemAl Waladou SalihToyor BabyT oyour el DjanaAl namimaAdditionally, because some things transcend cultures, famous international cartoons like Pokemon  can also be found in Arabic, offering even more fun ways for children to get immersed in the language.Parents with cable service can take advantage of the increasing number of foreign language programming on dedicated channels. The Modern Standard Arabic (Msa) offerings often include cartoons, meaning that children can learn to pronounce a version of Arabic which is recognised across the Arab world, unlike a country specific dialect such as Lebanese, Saudi Arabian, or Egyptian Arabic.For Muslim families, they can also learn to pray in Arabic starting at a young age.Let yourself become immersed in the music of the Middle East and learn Arabic at the same time!The most popular Arabic nursery rhymes are:Arsomo BabaEndi Baba WaDoha ya DohaHamama Nodi NodiBarboori Rye Harye AMama Zamanha GayaNini ya MoumouTo get your hands on these Moroccon, Tunisian, or even Algerian nursery rhymes in Arabic, teachers can buy educational CDs available in online retail stores or traditional record shops, usually in the international music section.Mamalisa.com also offers some Arabic language nursery rhymes in digital audio and video formats to help learn the words more easily.Arabic Language Games for ChildrenThanks to the ever-increasing advances of technology, it's now even easier to learn to speak Arabic online, for free!To become bilingual, or speak Arabic fluently, children can spend their playtime on activities that enable them to develop language skills as they have fun.Parents can look for:Free computer, tablet, and smartphone apps: Arabic for children, the Arabic Alphabet for Children, History for children in Arabic, Learn the Salat and Woudou, etc.Online Arabic course for children: Dinolingo, Hello-world, earabiclearning, Madinhaarabic, etc.Board games for children: Sahaba, Deen Box, Hâfizh Al Qur'ân, Amina, Master Deen, etc.There are tons of tools to get started with the Arabic alphabet, for example. The possibilities are endless.These fun resources allow parents to shape learning the Arabic language in a beneficial but entertaining way: certain activities, like board games, can be played with friends or the whole family. The little ones won't feel the pressures of learning and will be more inclined to perfect their Arabic.By learning Arabic while having fun with family members, children will have a great introduction to the foreign language.These fun games allow learners to work on all of the basic rules surrounding Arabic, such as:Arabic vocabularyArabic verb conjugationArabic numbersArabic pronounsArabic grammarArabic writingArabic speakingArabic accentsArabic calligraphyArabic phrasesFun games, more than anything else, make for a great introduction to the Arabic language for children.Although these games can't replace an actual Arabic course given by professional teachers, they offer young students a way to practice beyond their Arabic lessons.Private lessons can teach the art of Arabic calligraphy, even to young children.And what's more, the educational games facilitate studying between lessons without cramming!During school vacations, at night, or on the weekends, why not make a family activity of going over the fundamentals of Arabic?Arabic for BeginnersThese days, education is evolving with everything else and Arabic lessons have changed as well: there's no longer any need to take lessons in an academic environment, because the courses can come to you!To help your children learn Modern Standard Arabic (Literary Arabic), you have several options:Arabic classes at school: depending on where you live, there might be a school offering free Arabic lessons to children. It's more likely that you'll need to send your student to an international school where more options for foreign languages classes exist, but there might be scholarships or other options. Explore your town!Arabic courses at a language sch ool: just like in an academic setting, but dedicated exclusively to foreign languages, and usually held during non-working hours. Not all offer classes to young children, but you can always ask. These classes aren't cheap, and the education is done in a group setting, but they are more intensive than the school classes.Private Arabic lessons for children: in this scenario the teacher comes to your home to teach your child. The prices vary by area, goals, and level. Parents can choose particular focus areas and find teachers who specialize in younger children, those who know just how to keep children engaged.If you want to try an hour with a private Arabic teacher to see if you think it will work for your child, more than 92% of our teachers offer their first hour free!Help your child's Arabic really take off!It's also possible to take private Arabic lessons online, with a webcam. Parents can assist with the lessons and follow their children's progress.This educational tool enables p arents to find a native Arabic speaker, someone truly knowledgeable about Arab culture.At the same time, parents can facilitate supplementary exercises for their children between private lessons, to really make the most of their increasing knowledge of the Arabic language.As you can see, there is so much that you need to know about Arabic. So, why not turn to qualified teacher whom you know can help your child progress with the Arabic language with an Arabic course London, or anywhere else in the UK.

Learning to Become a Ballet Instructor

Learning to Become a Ballet Instructor Share your Passion through Teaching Ballet! ChaptersFormal Training in Dance EducationBallet teaching, a Rewarding and Diverse ProfessionGiving Classical Dance Lessons in the UK“I don't want people who want to dance, I want people who have to dance.” George BalanchineWith its pointe positions, immaculate costumes and seemingly effortless movements, ballet is a joy to watch. Considered the essence of Western dance, ballet embodies dance at its highest form. Ballerinas will testify of the gruelling training and the live, eat, sleep ballet lifestyle, but the sheer satisfaction of acquiring such grace is unequalled.Many classical dancers begin very young and spend a good amount of their childhood and teenage years training to acquire the proper technique. In recent decades, popular culture has helped democratise this once privileged dance style. Today ballet has never had as many fans. Whether at a professional level or for leisure, it has grown into a sought-after hobby that offers endless job opportunities in teaching.A danc e teacher’s income can vary anywhere between £22,000 and £24,000 per year at starting level while a seasoned dance teacher with years of experience can earn up to £50,000. Of course, working hours vary greatly according to the type of ballet training you wish to impart, it can range from a few classes a week at a local creative arts centre to full-time work with students wishing to forge a career path.So what type of dance training does one need to acquire to become a ballet instructor? The rigorous nature of this codified dance style means intensive rehearsing and accurate technique. Have you been looking for the right path to share your passion? Now’s the time to explore the different ways you can become a ballet teacher.See more about pricing for classes here.BA (Hons) Dance at Kingston UniversityDance, Performance and Teaching, BA (Hons) at University of LancashireBA (Hons) Dance Education at Canterbury Christ Church UniversityFor those already in possession of a relevant undergraduate degree, you can explore the option of postgraduate diplomas like the Dance Science Education (MSc PdDip) at the University of Edinburgh.The instruction does not only limit itself to physical training, you can also teach ballet theory, terminology, and dance history for complementary courses for students looking for an in-depth apprenticeship.To sum up here are few useful things to look for when becoming a ballet teacher :Undergraduate or postgraduate studiesIndustry experience dancing for a professional companyIntensive courses in ballet training for those with solid dance trainingIn addition to hard knowledge, classical dance instruction also requires the following soft skills :A natural talent for communicationA good amount of patience with learnersThe physical resistanceAn eagerness help othersEven though a degree in dance education will give you the necessary knowledge to master the art of dance and push its boundaries, you mustn’t forget to maintain your crea tivity. Forge a highly creative environment through regular choreographies and recital preparations, include your students as soon as their level permits, from costume to performance.Ballet teaching, a Rewarding and Diverse ProfessionAs a ballet teacher, you will set an example for many aspiring dancers. This is your chance to inspire and change lives through your teaching. From training young performers towards becoming professional dancers to helping students acquire a better understanding of the art, education is a rich and rewarding life mission.The knowledge that you will impart to your classes on a daily basis includes the following :Safe and effective warm-up routinesFundamentals of ballet moves and positions (feet and arms)Improving technique and fostering progressFeedback sessionsPreparing and taking part in dance examsPerformance and choreographyAdditional instruction extends to :Dance PedagogyHealthy habits for ballet dancers including nutritionCareer managementPhysical c oaching and conditioningStress management and relaxationPerformance planning and choreographyOne size does not fit all, choose your Ballet Teaching MethodSince its inception in the 15th century, this pillar of Western dance has evolved and branched out into several schools of ballet technique.The French school, led by the iconic Rudolf Nureyev developed rapidly in the 17th century giving ballet the many French sounding terms it still uses today.The Bournonville method is an adaptation of the French school with a strong contrast between graceful upper body and rapid and swift footwork, a lowered eye-line and high attention to arm movement. All this showing very little effort, a quality required today in most professional dancers. Light as a feather as they say!On the Russian side, Agrippian Vaganova developed her eponymous teaching approach in the late 19th Century. Telltale features of this method include: expressiveness in the arms, flexibility pushed to its extremes and special at tention to the lower back. This training gets rid of stiffness to profit a strong and pure style.Italian ballet master Enrico Cecchetti consolidated his method around internalising the art of dance instead of replicating a routine. Allowing for more emotivity in the performance means adding finishing touches once the basic movements are mastered. Versatile dancers often hold this ballet style as their basic training.The English school centres around the Royal Academy of Dance’s pedagogy but extends internationally. This English method merges all of the above styles with a strong attention to detail. It offers two programs: the Graded Examination Syllabus and the more demanding Vocational Graded Syllabus.The famed Balanchine technique is the most recent and widely used in the United States. It tends towards a neoclassical style with higher speed, deeper movements, strong attention to body lines making for an athletic ballet style.As a teacher of ballet, you may also branch out in o ther related disciplines :FitballetFloor barre or barre workoutsBallet body sculpting or toningBallet fusion“Being in ballet class, I feel, is like this meditation for me every morning.” Misty CopelandHelp people reveal their inner ballerina through a ballet class. (Source: Unsplash).Think about what equipment you may need for the various types of classes.Giving Classical Dance Lessons in the UKOnce your dance education diploma or a ballet teaching accreditation in hand you will be looking for opportunities for instruction. Rest assured, a myriad of options is available to you across the United Kingdom, from classic schooling, activity centres to specific dance academies.Schools to teach Ballet to Dancers of LeisureDue to a combination of dance and fitness crazes, dance studios have popped up everywhere in major UK’s cities. Here students take drop-in dance classes to stay fit and connect mind and body. Many dancers here make a habit of attending a class or two a week so you w ill probably develop a group of regular students. There is no pressure to perform or examinations to rehearse so the class program is more relaxed. This style of instruction offers a good amount of creativity and friendly contact with students, without the strict rules of a full-fledged ballet school.The following dance studios offer ballet classes for all levels:Pineapple Studios in London and nationwideBallet for You, LondonDancexchange in BirminghamDancebase in EdinburghTrinity Laban in Greenwich, LondonDance City, Newcastle Upon TyneArabesque School of Dance, West MidlandsTeaching Ballet to the UnderprivilegedBring classical dance to those who don’t have the means to attend regular dance classes. How rewarding to give people from all walks of life a chance to discover the graceful movements of a ballet! You may find this teaching very rewarding and make a difference in someone life while sharing your passion.There are several organisations you can contact to explore opportunit ies to get involved :People Dancing is a British foundation for a community dance.Rambert in London’s South Bank offers reduced rates for local residents.Bodysurf Scotland offers workshops for children, teenagers and adults.Danceaid offers dance classes to orphaned, underprivileged and disabled children in the UK and abroad.Ballet Teaching to Aspiring Professional DancersIf you are looking to join a faculty of dance teachers with a set curriculum, then a good number of years of experience and a diploma in dance education will be necessary. A number of professional ballerinas go on to become teachers at renowned institutions once they can no longer perform to dance company standards.These institutions will each subscribe to a ballet style like the Cecchetti or the English methods. More strict they employ highly qualified teachers as well as professional pianists to play during classes. Their aim is to develop capable and competent dancers from a young age so many classes are child or teen-focused. You may be asked to teach everything from fundamentals of ballet to four-year-olds to entrance audition training to aspiring ballerinas.The cream de la cream obviously being London’s Royal Ballet School here are a few additional schools dedicated to classical dance :The English National Ballet School (London)The Elmhurst School for Dance (Birmingham)The Northern Ballet School (Manchester)Highgate Ballet School (North London)The London Russian Ballet School (London)Become a Ballet Tutor with SuperprofDo you love teaching the basics of ballet to people around ? Have you been recognised at the dancer in the family but a professional career in dance was never for you. Then this is your chance to share your passion for pliés, arabesques and entre-chats with your peers.Superprof offers anyone a chance to pick up a new hobby or strengthen their skills through a network of trusted tutors. The platform rests upon knowledge-sharing, curiosity and total confidence in teache r-student relationships. The platform is now present across seventeen countries with classes taught in seven different languages.Enroll now and become a mentor and trainer via this platform and build yourself a trusted group of regular students. In 2017 alone the UK had over a million users looking to learn anything from academic subjects to artistic disciplines, including ballet.With all of these options, you will be sure to find the right kind of instruction for you. One cannot live a dispassionate life. We can’t think of a better way to make a living than by encouraging others to pursue their passion. Wishing you a lot of leaps and pirouettes with your newly found students!You can find students through Superprof, the specialist in jobs for  ex teachers!

Wear Out - Phrasal Verb of the Day

Wear Out - Phrasal Verb of the Day Todays phrasal verb of the day is: Wear OutInfinitive form: Wear OutPresent Tense: Wear Out/ Wears Outing form: Wearing OutPast tense: Wore OutPast Participle: Worn OutWear Out is a separable English phrasal verb. It can be used in two different ways:When something is damaged or weaken from use and age and is therefore rendered close to being useless1. The carpet looks worn out, and it smells bad, so can we please replace it?2. Whoa! Go easy on the brakes, will you? You will wear the brake pads out faster than you can imagine if this continues.When something or someone makes you very tired1. Haydens wifes demands wore him out, thats why he left.2. Please stop nagging unless your goal is to wear me out.iframe width=420 height=315 src=//www.youtube.com/embed/r7hCnyebNZI?rel=0 frameborder=0 allowfullscreen/iframeExercises: Write your answers in comments and we will correct them.Fill in the gaps from the video above:Billy: I might ____ you ____ before then.Dean: Oh don’t you worry abou t ____ me ____. I’m going to ___ you ___.How does being worn out feel like to you? What was happening during that time when you felt pretty worn out?Complete the sentences below with the correct form of Wear Out.1. The detective finally ___ the suspect ___ by his perseverance in asking questions over and over again.2. His clothes might look ____ ____, but dont be deceived, for hes a very wealthy man under a disguise.3. Am I ______ you _____ yet?4. Wow! You look ____ ____. When was the last time you had sleep?5. If I take this route everyday, my shoes will be _____ ____ by the end of the month.Change the example sentences above to negative sentences (or positive, if the sentence is already negative). Then change them to questions.

What is the difference between Ordinary, Normal and Usual ??

What is the difference between Ordinary, Normal and Usual ?? Here you will learn the difference between ordinary, normal and usual.Common vs usual vs ordinary.Usual vs normal. And how to use these words correctly in English. Ordinary, Normal and Usual - What is the difference? Hi there Im Harry and welcome to  English in a minute.Today,  I want to talk to  you about three words that my students  often get confused but the words are  similar but they have different uses and  those words are COMMON, USUAL and ORDINARY.If you look it up in the dictionary, youll find synonyms for each of them  are the same.  So when you look up common, youll see synonyms usual and ordinary. When you look up ordinary,  you see that its  synonyms are usual and common  also.There are similarities there but there  are certain differences.  Lets take  them one by one.Lets start with the  word COMMON.  Common is something that is  used by everybody.  It can be  something that is public.  Like the park  is a common place for everybody to use  because its open for everybody.  Its not  a membership,  you dont have to pay to  get into it so its common.  Or its  accessible by the public.  Something that is common is something that is normal. Something that is the normal thing to do.Well, sure its common for everybody to use the English language so this is why people are learning English because its the common language spoken throughout the world.  When Im  teaching my students English,  I like them  to use common ordinary everyday English.For example,  when were  greeting people  hi or hello,  theyre  common words we use to address people.Were not saying  Good morning, sir that would be uncommon or quite unusual  to how to express yourself.  Unless youre talking to somebody in some business capacity. Or its much more formal like a lord or a lady. So common is something that you do every day. Difference between Ordinary and Usual If you look at British history, for example,  you have two houses in the  Houses of Parliament. You have the House  of Lords which is the upper house. And you have the lower level which is the House of  Commons for the common people.  So as in  history the House of Lords represented  the elite and the House of Commons was  as I said the lower level which  represented the common or ordinary  people.  And thats how they looked on  people the difference between the high  and the low.  So this is another  definition of common.And the opposite of  common is uncommon.  Something that is  different or something that is unusual. If we look at the word  USUAL, another  word for that would be NORMAL.It’s  usual  for you to do something  that you do every day.You get up and you clean your teeth  and you have your breakfast. You go to  work.  Thats your usual event.What is a  normal or usual week for you?Every day  of the week I teach my English lessons.For you it might be to go to university. For your friend it might be to go to  their office or it might be usual for  them to go to the gym first thing in the  morning or last thing in the evening. These are things that we do every day as  a sort of a habit. Something that is  established as part of our routine.So it’s  usual for you to have your dinner at  7:00 in the evening.  It’s usual for you to  visit your family at the weekend, if  you  dont live at home.  It’s usual for you to  walk the dog before you go to the office  or university or before you go to bed in  the evening.  So usual and everyday  habit and everyday event.And if we look  at the wor d ORDINARY.  Again,  as I said  earlier,  the synonyms for this are  USUAL and COMMON.So ordinary is  something that happens every day.  Its a  normal activity.  Its a normal event.  Its  not so unusual. Somebody can say:I  have a very ordinary life,  nothing  exciting happens to me.So ordinary is  something just the usual things:  I go to  work,  I come home,  I look after the kids,  I  put them to bed,  I have a beer on a  Friday or at  the weekend with my friends.Just an ordinary everyday life.  Nothing changes.And when something is  unusual,  we can say its out of the  ordinary.  Meaning its different than  what I normally do.So it can be  extraordinary. Meaning really really  different.So you have extraordinary   out of the ordinary, to describe  things that you dont normally  do.  And then ordinary everyday  things.Remember to subscribe to my YouTube channel Learn English with Harry and join me on www.englishlessonviaskype.comAnd dont forget if you  look down below youll see the  subscription to our wonderful courses on  English grammar and the most recent one  about common mistakes made in English  you can buy them today and youll get up  to speed with your English very very  quickly.  Join me again soon.

Tips from an Irvine GMAT Tutor Unlocking the GMAT

Tips from an Irvine GMAT Tutor Unlocking the GMAT Private Irvine GMAT Tutor Tips: Unlocking the GMAT Private Irvine GMAT Tutor Tips: Unlocking the GMAT 1. What is the GMAT? GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. It’s a three and a half hour long test that students take to apply to MBA programs and other business school programs. It’s meant for students at the graduate level. This potentially life-changing test consists of four sections. The first is the analytical writing assessment or AWA. Students have 30 minutes to analyze an argument based on a topic chosen by GMAT. This section gives students the opportunity to demonstrate they are expert writers and can express themselves in the written word once in a challenging management program. The second section is the integrated reasoning section, which consists of 12 questions based on graphs and charts which examine a student’s reasoning skills. This section is also 30 minutes long. There are two 75 minute sections, the first of which is quantitative. This is a 37 question math section broken down into data sufficiency and problem-solving. The second long section is a verbal section, wh ich analyzes a students critical reasoning and reading comprehension abilities. It consists of 41 questions its never too early to book your private Irvine GMAT tutor. 2. Who needs to take the GMAT? Students who will be applying to a graduate management program in the US, Canada, and parts of Europe need to take the GMAT. The test results are a major determinant of whether or not a student is accepted into a business school, thus it should be a high priority for MBA applicants. 3. When is the best time to take the GMAT? Students should take the GMAT in time to send their scores to their preferred graduate school and meet the application deadline. Some schools have rolling deadlines while others have very strict cut-off dates. After five years GMAT scores expire so students shouldn’t take the exam too early. Because this exam requires intensive study and preparation, its important that students leave enough time to prepare for the test when they don’t have other outstanding academic commitments (READ: 5 things to do while taking a year off between undergrad and grad school). 4. What scores to students need on the GMAT? The student’s total score on the GMAT can range between 200 and 800. The scoring guidelines for the GMAT are a little bit different than other standardized exams, so students are encouraged to research what their intended university program emphasizes. For example, UCLA advertises an average GMAT score of 714 but doesn’t have a minimum score for admissions. San Diego State University advertises an average GMAT score of 610. Each school will have a range of class profiles and admissions requirements, so its a good idea to check up ahead of time. 5. How can I best study for the GMAT? Studying for the GMAT is no different than studying for any lengthy standardized exam. Students are encouraged to take a full-length practice test to establish a starting point, especially if they haven’t taken a standardized exam in several years. Students should focus on all four sections but should know that their quantitative and verbal section will make up their total score. Like most standardized exams, the GMAT’s focus is heavily on math and English. Although some students will be able to prepare solo, studying in a group or with a tutor can help jumpstart a student’s efficiency and help them reach a higher score the first time around. Graduate programs will see all the GMAT scores the student has within the last five years, so it’s not advisable to take the official test without having studied extensively. Rather, students should start with an unofficial practice test they can do at home. 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.