How to Master the Viennese Waltz

How to Master the Viennese Waltz How Can You Learn the Waltz as a Couple? ChaptersWhat Is Waltz?Choosing the Style of Waltz You Want to LearnGetting Couples’ Waltz Lessons in a Dance SchoolWaltz Lessons with a Private Tutor“Dancing is creating a sculpture that is visible only for a moment.” - Erol OzanJust in case you needed a reason to start learning the waltz, according to a study by the Albert Einstein School of Medicine in New York, dancing can reduce senility by 76%. Additionally, there are both physical and mental benefits  to dancing. Even a seemingly relaxed style like the waltz will burn calories and help improve your posture.In this article, we’ll be looking at everything you need to know about waltz lessons in dance schools, academies, or studios, private waltz tutorials, etc. We'll also be having a look at the origins of the style, how it developed, and the variations you can study nowadays. SeamDance Teacher 4.96 (24) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamieDance Teacher 5.00 (6) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tuto rs ErickaDance Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlavioDance Teacher 5.00 (7) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimDance Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HannaDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClareDance Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat Is Waltz?Waltz is one of the oldest couples’ dances around. Before learning how to do it and making your way onto the dance floor, you should learn more about its fascinating history.The Waltz was popularised in Austria and is thought to originally be a Viennese dance. It became popular in the 1780s before making its way to Western Europe. The word “waltz” comes from the German walzer which means “to turn in a circle”. If you've seen people doing the Waltz before, you'll understand why that’s pretty much the perfect name for it. Austria, and more importantly Vienna, is home to the waltz. (Source: jarmoluk)The origins of the waltz are a bit fuzzy. However, it's widely accepted that it originated somewhere between Germany and Austria.Of course, like most dances, the waltz must surely be derived from another dance.  Waltz appeared during a time when court dances were very popular. In terms of dancing, the waltz was somewhat of a revolution as people usually danced side by side rather than face to face.At the time, people danced the minuet, especially in courts like those at the Palace of Versailles.  This new dance in a “closed couple” digusted many. People thought dancing with a partner in this way was an obscene and shameful practice.  The French Revolution changed all that, though.A lot of court dances were forgotten as waltz took over and it started being taught as a dance in its own right. Waltz music was very popular amongst composers who would create “waltzes”.Nowadays the waltz is seen as an ol der form of a ballroom dance and isn’t very popular amongst the younger generation. However, almost everyone has heard of it or done a few steps just for fun.Find out what people are dancing these days in this complete guide to couples dancing!  Choosing the Style of Waltz You Want to LearnVarious styles of waltz developed in different places around the world over time. To choose the right dance classes london (or elsewhere), you should know more about the different styles of waltz.Viennese WaltzI could tell you that Viennese Waltz is danced over musical phrases made up of 8 measures and that the average tempo is around 150 beats per minute but, unless you study music, you probably won't be interested.  The important thing to remember that it isn’t very fast and there are several types of Viennese waltzes (both International and American). Partners dance closely together and can also separate.Viennese Waltz, in general, is usually danced while turning to the right. However, coup les sometimes turn to the left so that they don’t get dizzy.  Viennese Waltz was popular with composers such as  Johann Strauss II and Offenbach.Johann Strauss created a lot of the music that you'll waltz along to. (Source: MeineMaennerwelt)Slow Waltz or English WaltzThe English Waltz is an evolution of the Viennese Waltz which appeared at around the same time as the latter.  Unlike its Austrian counterpart, the Slow Waltz uses a duple meter where the second beat is a pause.Valse MusetteGet out your accordions and berets! This type of waltz was popular in French courts.  Valse Musette has couples turning in smaller spaces. It’s also performed at a higher tempo than classical waltz.  This type of waltz is similar to the Java waltz variation, which appeared around the same time in France.Getting Couples’ Waltz Lessons in a Dance SchoolThere are several ways to learn how to dance the waltz as a couple and the most common is from a dance school.In your very first dance lesson, you r dance teacher will probably show you the basics of the dance. In fact, you might even learn a bit of waltz choreography to get you started with a bit of footwork for other dance styles, too.The most important thing is to learn the main steps before focusing on where you should be or positioning your body.  The best way is to learn basic steps. Just like learning to play the piano, you need to start off slowly to make sure that it all goes in.When you waltz, you get to dress up really nicely. (Source: stokpic)That’s how a tutor is often essential in helping you avoid picking up any bad habits.  One it becomes second nature, you’ll be able to do each step more quickly.You’ll learn how to position your body: your arms should be away from your body and help at chest height. The dancers’ chests mustn’t come into contact, only the right side of the pelvis should make contact.The woman’s right-hand needs to be in the man’s left so that he can place his right hand under the woman’s scapula. They then need to practise turning.The problem with classes in dance schools is that they’re often group classes. Several couples will, therefore, need to share the room. You don’t want to step on any toes.The schedule needs to work for both partners.  Whether it’s a dance course, weekly classes, evening classes, intensive classes, classes for beginners, etc., you should get in touch with dance school to see what they’re offering.You can also learn about other styles of dance (pasodoble, Argentine tango, rumba, Bachata, Salsa, Kizomba, mambo, tap, African dance, cha cha, Puertorican salsa, Oriental dance, swing, ballet, etc.).  You can learn to dance for your wedding day, an end-of-year show, etc.Waltz Lessons with a Private TutorNot everyone lives in a big city. If you live in the country, it can be difficult finding a dance school.  Furthermore, teaching waltz isn’t as common as it once was in the past. It’s easier to find classes for jazz, salsa, fl amenco, Zumba, breakdancing, contemporary, hip hop, etc.To fill this void, a number of dancers have decided to offer private tutorials. Today, this type of learning is very common.  Learning the waltz with a private tutor is a great way to personalise your lessons.Learning with a tutor is a great way to learn how to dance as a couple!Your waltz tutor will start with an appraisal of your skills in order to work out your level (absolute beginner, beginner, intermediate, expert).  They’ll then ask what type of waltz you’re interested in.If you want to get good at the waltz, you'll need to practise and perform regularly. (Source: pixelia)This is why it’s important to look at a tutor’s profile before you get started with them. Some prefer classical waltz styles whereas others prefer more modern styles.Many tutors on Superprof offer the first hour of tutoring for free so that you can see what they teach and whether you get along with them.By choosing a private tutor, you can choos e which hours work for you. This is especially useful when learning as a couple and there are two schedules to work around.  The only disadvantage of learning with a private tutor is that you can’t benefit from changing partners. To find other dancers, you should go to special evenings or soirées.To find your perfect private tutor, you should look for bulletin boards in local businesses or online. You can often find posters for tutors on the former.If a waltz dance isn't for you, don't forget that you can also get private tutors who specialise in ballroom dance, the foxtrot, polka, Latin, samba, etc. You're spoilt for choice when looking for a dance instructor!How would you like to learn how to dance the Tango?  There are also tutors offering a mix of different styles in case you're struggling to choose just one. Of course, these styles are usually related. You probably won't learn ballet alongside the tango but you could study a number of different styles in a Latin dance class, for example.If you've just got engaged, don't forget you can also get private tutors to help you and your partner get ready for the first dance at your wedding. Don't worry if you've never danced before, you just have to learn a few steps. Of course, if you have greater ambitions and are thinking about doing a specially choreographed routine, they can also help you with that!

Gibson vs. Fender Which Brand Do Guitar Players Prefer [Vote]

Gibson vs. Fender Which Brand Do Guitar Players Prefer [Vote] Suzy S. In the Gibson vs. Fender debate, where do you stand? Here, professional musician  Michael L.  shares his thoughts on the two brands…     Theres nothing like being a guitar player, am I right? Youve got your pick of genres to explore, from jazz to country to metal. You have amazing guitarists to look up to and learn from. And when it comes to gear, you have your pick of some of the coolest innovations to make your sound rock. If youre like most guitarists,  you like to talk about your gear, too. Youll find  heated debates online about the best guitar amps, strings, pedals, and more. And if you’re in the market for  your first guitar, you’ll likely get a lot of (unsolicited) advice about the best guitar brands and models. One of the biggest rivalries in the world of electric guitars is Gibson vs. Fender. Many guitar players have allegiances to their favorite company, although both produce professional-grade guitars. So, which brand is better? To start, lets review the  history of both companies, as well as  a general breakdown of the types of guitars offered. Then, Ill share  my personal preference between  the guitar manufacturers. All About Gibson Guitars Gibson dates back to the late 1800s, when Orville Gibson patented a mandolin design that was much more durable than other instruments at that time. He sold these instruments out of a one-room workshop in Kalamazoo, MI, until his death in 1918. The designs lived on, however, as the company hired designer Lloyd Lear to continue creating new instruments. In 1936, the company invented the first  commercially successful Spanish-style electric guitar, the ES 150 (ES stands for Electric Spanish). Next came the P-90 pickup in 1946 and the Les Paul in 1952. The Les Paul, perhaps the most  iconic model from the company, was Gibsons first solid body electric guitar. In 1958 Gibson also introduced semi-hollow body guitars with the ES-335. Afterward came  the Gibson SG and Firebird in the 1960s. Since then Gibson has stayed on top of the list of premier instrument manufacturers. All About Fender Guitars Leo Fender started Fender Guitars in 1946, and his first innovation was the production of solid body guitars. Up until then, electric guitars were made with hollow bodies, meaning that they were somewhat fragile and somewhat complicated in design. Leo Fenders guitars offered a more  straightforward design; the were bodies made from one solid block of wood and the bridges were simply attached to the body, removing the need for extra calibration of elevated bridges. The first commercially available guitar from Fender was the Telecaster, originally called the Tele, in 1951. That same year Leo Fender also invented the electric bass. Until then, bassists had to use an upright bass, making it difficult to hear the bass while electric guitars and drums were being played. Next, the Stratocaster hit the market in 1954, introducing a tremolo bridge (or whammy bar) to the world. Fender kept the amazing innovations coming, introducing the Jaguar, Jazzmaster, Jazz Bass, and Twin Reverb amp over the next decade. Gibson  vs. Fender: Style Adaptability When choosing between Fender or Gibson, there are many factors  to consider.  The main factor for me is style adaptability. Both Fender and Gibson have different models for different musical styles and tastes. The  Gibson Style Gibsons  electric guitars generally sport humbucker pickups,  known for their thicker, rounder tone. You also get less feedback, which limits the types of delay and overdrive tones you can experiment with, but ensures a cleaner and more consistent sound. Gibson mainly  uses mahogany for their guitar bodies, which is what gives it that slightly darker sound. Another feature that affects a Gibson guitars sound is the scale length. Gibson typically uses a 24.75 scale length, producing warmer, muddy overtones. Outside of the sound created, Gibson guitars also feel different to players. Gibsons typically have a longer fingerboard radius, at 12, which means a fatter neck. With a fatter neck, the strings are at a more even height, which may help you  play faster. Gibson Guitars Les Paul guitars in particular boast a  full tone that can serve as an entire rhythm section if need be. With a switch of pickups, you can also find a lead tone that cuts through, while still maintaining low-end frequencies.  Jimmy Page, Joe Perry, and Zakk Wylde are known for playing Les Pauls. A Gibson SG, another example, is a straight rock-n-roll or punk rocker guitar. Its shrill with big low frequencies, which is great for blues. Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Angus Young, and Tony Iommi favor the SG. The  Fender Style Fender guitars have a bit of a different sound, again because of the way theyre made. Fenders are  usually  made with alder and ash, producing a brighter tone and offering a lighter feel. Fender typically uses a 25.5 scale length, which provides a rich, almost bell-like tone. And for its fingerboard, Fender typically uses a shorter radius (7.25-9.5), offering a thinner, curved neck.  Beginners and players with small hands might find these thinner necks more comfortable. Fender Guitars The single coil pickups of a Stratocaster, in particular, may be your preference if you like lots of treble in your tone and want to make lead lines pop. Some famous Stratocaster players are Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Frusciante, and Jeff Beck. Telecaster tone, on the other hand, has a bit of a flat thud to it. The notes generally dont have a full sustain and the lipstick pickup promotes more mid to low frequencies. Players like Joe Strummer, Keith Richards, and Prince favor telecasters. Who Wins? For me, its difficult to take a personal side in the Fender vs. Gibson debate. Both companies have produced legendary instruments that have shaped music around the world. Both have helped define electric guitar tone. However, I will have to side with Fender in this arena. I love the feel of Fender instruments, particularly Jazzmaster and Telecasters. Both have broad, flat necks that fit my fingers and a tone that sounds divine. The Telecaster has an honest thud to its sound and the Jazzmaster gives you a full range of tonal experimental possibilities. What Other Opinions Are Out There? Search through any guitar forum or blog, and youll find tons of information  about Fender, Gibson, and other guitar brands. If youd like to research some more before casting your vote, here are some articles and posts to check out: Stratocaster vs. Les Paul: Which is Right For You? via The HUB from Musicians Friend Les Paul Vs Stratocaster Guitar Review, via Spinditty Fender vs. Gibson list your preference and why, via GearSlutz forum Your Turn Which guitar brand is best? Cast your vote here: Which guitar brand is better? Gibson Fender View Results Loading ... Dont have an opinion yet? If youre trying to decide which guitar to buy, dont just trust the poll results. Try out different guitar brands, models, and styles, and youll find what you like best. And once you have that perfect  guitar, its time to improve your skills! Search for guitar teachers in your area and  get help with playing chords, songs, and much more. Good luck! Photo by  Larry Ziffle Post Author:  Michael  L. Michael teaches ukulele, guitar, drums, and music theory in Austin, TX. In addition to private lessons, Michael teaches music to special education students and foster children with Kids in a New Groove.  Learn more about Michael here! Need Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

GCSE Biology Revision GCSE Exams Grading System

GCSE Biology Revision GCSE Exams Grading System Biology Tuition: Reformed Biology GCSE Grading And Exam System ChaptersHow Are GCSEs Being Graded Post-2016?Getting Your Head Around Your Upcoming ExamsWhen Will My GCSE Exam Timetable Be Released?What If I Am Away On The Day An Exam Is Set?How Can Knowing My Timetable In Advance Help Me?GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education, and this certification is awarded at the end of a two-year study programme after exams have been marked.Traditionally taken by those aged around sixteen years-old, this course is compulsory for students in the UK. However, the Sciences have recently undergone some specific changes that might affect you.The way in which pupils are assessed as part of the UK’s education system has been a hot topic in recent years. As it stands, British students are tested across each subject undertaken at GCSE level, a test which used to make up more than half of their overall grade, but is now more often than not the only way that exam boards assess students' performance.Yet, with children and young adults in our count ry allegedly being among the most tested on the planet, surely they should be accustomed to performing under pressure?It seems, however, that the recurrent need to test performance and improvement during schooling is something that still causes a lot of distress for pupils, and the abolishment of coursework is making the importance of exams all the more stressful.Biology GCSE exams are now marked solely on exams. Photo credit: c_H via Visual hunt / CC BY MahimaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlishaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SaifBiology Teacher 5.00 (9) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankBiology Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HeavenliBiology Teacher £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SiobhanBiology Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MackenzieBiolo gy Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHow Are GCSEs Being Graded Post-2016?One very important thing to note as you enter your first or second year of GCSE is that this course has undergone many changes in the last couple of years. This means that the structure of courses may be different than before, as well as how you are assessed.Keep reading to find out how the changes affect you, as this could help you to feel more confident in the approach to the exams.Most GCSE pupils will be familiar with the historical grading system, which awarded marks ranging from A*-G with A* being the highest attainable and G being the lowest (except for a U, which is for very poorly answered exams or ones that have been missed). However, a new grade system is currently being phased into the UK education system whereby pupils are marked against a 9-1 system instead.This new grading method will have been applied for the first time on this year’s Year 11 students who studied English Language, English Literature and Mathematics, with the remaining subjects being changed over the course of the next couple of years.Although it sounds reasonably straightforward, the letters do not translate seamlessly into the scale of numbers. As such, Ofqual, the exams watchdog, has advised educators not to make direct comparisons between the two because the boundaries do differ and it could be misleading for pupils.While there is still a U, or ungraded, mark, grades 9, 8 and 7 are roughly equivalent to A* and A. Grades 6, 5 and 4 can be likened to a B-C, meanwhile a 3 is said to be similar to a current D. Finally, 2 and 1 are closest to E, F and G grades.The traditional GCSE grading system is to be replaced by a numbering system. Photo via VisualhuntSearch for a creditable A level biology tutor here.If you are studying towards OCR’s Biology A, a component of the Gateway Sciences Suite, then this new numerical system should clear up on confusion! Unless of course you ar e happy to let everyone think that the A represents your predicted or final grade…Moreover, if you have already selected your GCSE options, you will already understand that Science courses are marked differently now than before.Whereas in previous years you would have studied Biology, Chemistry and Physics towards a Double or Triple Science award, you now choose one Core Science,  which will be your academic focus during the course of the two years, and then select an additional subject,  which will have a more vocational aspect. You get separate grades for each which allows students more opportunities to excel in Science.Learn more about the curriculum here.Getting Your Head Around Your Upcoming ExamsIt is probably hard to get to grips with the fact that you will be participating in nationwide exams along with your peers across the country, especially if you have never been tested in this way before.Nevertheless, your exams are going to happen and will make up all of your final g rade, so it is time to start thinking seriously about them.Having access to a timetable, even if only a provisional one, can really help to prepare you psychologically for the culmination of your course, because having a specific goal to work towards can be very motivating.Using a calendar or a countdown app might make it even easier to remain focused on the exam period and might, on some level, build up a bit of anticipation for the day of the first exam to finally come.Attempt to keep your spirits up by translating your nervous energy into positivity. Just think, once you have completed your last exam you will have an entirely carefree summer ahead of you!Hiring biology tutors can also have a great impact on your success. MahimaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlishaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SaifBiology Teacher 5.00 (9) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankBiology Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HeavenliBiology Teacher £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SiobhanBiology Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MackenzieBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhen Will My GCSE Exam Timetable Be Released?Timetables for compulsory exams like GCSEs and A Levels are usually released a couple of years in advance, but do remember that these are only there for guidance and should not be taken as completely certain.Although exams will usually take place across roughly the same 2-3 week period of each academic year, you should never attempt to predict when your exams will be based on information from previous years.To be on the safe side, however, we would recommend that you do not make any arrangements for holidays or social events around the time of your exams unless completely necessary, as doing so could all ow you to get distracted from your revision, cause unwanted stress due to losing precious revision time, or leave you feeling tired and less alert.Get a reputable biology tutor on the Superprof platform.Your education does not last forever but you will have plenty of opportunities to go on trips or nights out in the future.Think positive thoughts - the summer after your exams will be he best ever! Photo credit: Scarleth Marie via Visual hunt / CC BYWhat If I Am Away On The Day An Exam Is Set?You should make sure that you do not accidentally make any plans which cause you to be away on the date of any of your exams.  Failing to sit an exam could result in you failing the entire course and putting two years of study to waste.If your family are looking to book a holiday which crosses over with the exam period, then every effort should be made for the trip to be booked for a later date, or rebooked for another year. Even a once in a lifetime trip will not sway the examiners, as the rule s cannot be twisted for just one pupil.If, however, you have a valid reason for missing an exam, such as being unable to make an exam due to the death of a loved one or as a result of having a funeral to attend, you should consult your school or exam board at the earliest opportunity. Be warned that your sixteenth birthday will absolutely not be classed as a reasonable excuse to miss or re-sit an exam.In emergencies, the officials will work together to do all that they can to help you, whether that be awarding you a mark based on other assessed performances or using comparable units of a completed exam to predict how you would probably have been graded. This is called special consideration and applies to all GCSE students so long as they have completed 25% or more of the total assessment for the subject.Similarly, special consideration can be applied to those who made it to the exam but were affected by circumstances out of their control, like sickness, a bereavement, or being in th e midst of a court case, for example. In situations like these, exam boards will give an allowance (usually up to 5% of the raw mark) dependent on the severity of the circumstances.How Can Knowing My Timetable In Advance Help Me?For some students, knowing exactly what will be happening on a certain day or week in the future can really help them to visualise their movements on a given day and aid in putting their mind at rest. For those who are particularly susceptible to feeling stress on a severe level, being able to organise yourself far in advance can be quite satisfying.Use this information to plan educational activities, like pencilling in revision sessions with friends or setting aside time to complete independent study prior to a certain exam.If you and your fellow students want to go and visit a museum or gallery that has significance to your course, be sure to get this booked in before the exam comes around. There are no second chances when it comes to exam-taking so do not let yourself have any regrets.As touched upon above, using a calendar or diary to effectively countdown to the date of an exam or the start of the exam period can be a great way of making what is a nerve-racking experience more positive.As soon as you are given your final timetable, which will most likely be 1-2 terms in advance, be sure to give a copy to your parent or guardian.To learn everything you need to know about Biology revision, you can visit our blog on GCSE Biology revision.You can also discover where to find useful resources for revision by clicking here.

Tips for Managing ADHD in the Classroom Dealing with Impulsivity

Tips for Managing ADHD in the Classroom Dealing with Impulsivity Why dont you think before you act?! Students with ADHD hear this over and over from teachers, parents, and even peers who are frustrated by their impulsive behavior. Acting without thinking about the consequences is actually a defining feature of ADHD for kids who have the impulsive symptoms of the disorder. Putting on the breaks and acting thoughtfully and patiently is not something that students with ADHD can do regularly without support. Fortunately, consistently using targeted behavioral strategies in the classroom can go a long way toward reducing impulsive behavior. The Daily Report Card. A well-structured daily report card or personalized positive behavior system is the backbone of any successful classroom behavior management program for kids with ADHD. Impulsive behaviors like talking out of turn or rushing through work can (and should) be included as behavior goals on a daily report card. Daily report cards only work well when they are designed and used correctly. For tips on creating effective daily report cards for kids with ADHD see my previous posts on the topic (insert links to posts here). Hold that thought! Most kids with ADHD struggle with resisting the impulse to shout out answers to questions before they have been called on by the teacher. Help students with ADHD resist calling out by encouraging them to hold their thoughts in a notebook where they can write them down instead of shouting them out. While students might not be able to capture every thought in writing, this exercise provides an opportunity to resist the urge to call out every time. In addition, adding a daily report card behavior goal of, raise a quiet hand and wait to be called on, puts a reward system in place that will encourage impulse control. Waiting is not easy. Impulsive students often feel like they need to be first at everything first in line, the first to make it to the rug for circle time, the first to try a new activity, etc. Ask your students with ADHD to count to 5 before jumping into an activity. Initially, you may have to help by counting along with them either out loud or silently with your hands. Eventually students will remember to count independently, and will continue to do it on their own if they are praised or rewarded for the behavior often. Faster isnt always better. Getting started on classwork and staying on task are challenges for all students with ADHD. On top of this, many students with ADHD rush through their work and make careless mistakes. Reduce this impulsive behavior by reminding the student that the goal isnt to simply finish the assignment, its to finish the assignment accurately. Praise students for behaviors that reflect patience and thoughtfulness, like careful handwriting, answering questions in the correct order, and double checking answers before turning in assignments. Check in with the student while they are working and praise their effort. Kids with ADHD will work more methodically and accurately when they know an adult is monitoring them. Higher engagement = lower impulsivity. Students with ADHD struggle with downtime in the classroom. As soon as boredom sets in, impulsive behaviors increase dramatically. Consider giving your students access to an engaging filler activity if they finish assignments and quizzes early (after double checking their work of course!), to reduce impulsive behaviors while they are waiting for their classmates to finish. Impulsivity can be one of the more challenging aspects of ADHD to manage in the classroom. When impulsivity interferes with a students performance and peer relationships, then the student needs classroom accommodations and supports to help him or her change his or her behavior. Creativity and consistency are the keys to implementing successful behavioral strategies and reducing impulsivity in the classroom. 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.

Five Powerful, Free Resources for Improving Performance in School

Five Powerful, Free Resources for Improving Performance in School Improving Academic Performance In the past few years, I’ve read a lot of articles and visited many web-sites to learn more about what drives academic performance and to identify mutually beneficial partnerships. I have chosen one web-site, one “app,” one blog, one online course, and one podcast. I believe any given student should at least be familiar with many of the ideas covered by each of these resources. As such, parents, high school, college, and graduate students, as professionals of any age, could benefit from spending time exploring each resource below. #1. Web-site: www.mindsetworks.com â€" a web-site about a powerful but simple idea; your intelligence is like a muscle that grows with use. It’s not a fixed trait that you inherit. I list this resource first because if your goal is to improve performance at school or on standardized tests, becoming familiar with the “growth vs. fixed” mindset concept is critical. Many people assume that IQ = Intelligence and that you are given a certain amount of each when you are born. By working hard, you can reach your “potential,” but can’t go any farther than that. The implication of this line of thinking is that, if you are finding a class extremely difficult, it may just be that you “aren’t wired” to be able to excel in that particular subject area. For example, you just “aren’t a math person.” However, there is another mindset called “growth.” In this mindset, you naturally assume, or train yourself to believe, that intelligence is something you build, not a trait you inherit. When you challenge yourself and struggle to understand something new, you’ll slowly become smarter or more intelligent over time as you build new connections in your brain. Now, the extent to which measured IQ can change significantly over time is debatable. But, a Stanford Psychologist named Carl Dweck developed, tested, and has designed practical applications around the insight that people who believe in the growth mindset are, basically, correct, and those with the “fixed” mindset are wrong. So much of what we accomplish in school, at work, in athletics, and in life is based on skills that we build with practice, and a growth mindset encourages us to keep trying, practicing, and building these skills. Dweck also wrote a book called Mindset: The New Psychology of Success By visiting www.mindsetworks.com you’ll be able to explore the fixed vs. growth mindset science and read case studies that show students who simply adopt the growth mindset perform far better in school without additional training or instruction, and much more. #2. Blog: http://danielcoyle.com â€" a blog built around the idea that deliberate practice is the key to getting really, really good at anything If you adopt a growth mindset, you believe that you can build your intelligence and your skills over time. By simply making it more likely that you’ll work hard and try to improve, you are far more likely to improve and perform better. But, Daniel Coyle’s blog and his book, the Talent Code, reveal the science behind specific strategies for practicing and studying more effectively that lead to more rapid improvement. It reveals how to build skills. The book and his blog cover many different topics and domains, but academics is certainly one of them. #3. Online course - Learning How to Learn: Powerful Mental Tools to Help You Master Tough Subjects â€" an online course that teaches you how to become a more effective learner through a mixture of neuroscience, psychology, and education theory, as well as practical advice about how to apply the theory. If you are already in high school or college and taking a full course load, it might seem crazy for me to suggest that you take an additional course in your spare time. However, having taken the course myself, I can tell you that if you did invest the time in the course, you’d likely pick up a few study techniques that will improve your ability to master tough material so much that ultimately, the time you’d save in the rest of your education would far outweigh the time you spend taking the course now. What types of things are covered in the course? Here are some examples: the two fundamental “modes” of learning your brain uses, how to “chunk” information to better understand it, creating frequent “mini tests” to improve your ability to learn new material, how to deal with procrastination, memorization tips, counterintuitive test taking strategies, and more. The author of the course, Dr. Barbara Oakley, also wrote a book about learning strategies if you prefer that to taking the course. #4. Podcast: http://thepsychologypodcast.com â€" a podcast by Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman where he will “give you insights into the mind, brain, behavior and creativity.” I think it’s rare to find a podcast that finds a way to cover highly academic and intellectual material in accessible, entertaining way. As the description suggests, Dr. Kaufman covers a variety of topics that are relevant to learning how to enjoy your academic life and perform better in school. #5. Smarphone app: https://evernote.com/ - a note-taking app that lets you “capture, nurture, and share your ideas across any device.” One of the keys to a successful academic and professional life is organization and prioritization. For example, in my view, the key to being a successful entrepreneur is learning how to manage your time and effectively prioritize across competing obligations and activities. Effectively capturing your thoughts and designing a system of notes on key projects and key “to-dos” is critical for me, and indeed for any student as well. Having my information and ideas captured and organized electronically is made possible through the system I have designed in Evernote. I can create notes, put them in folders, and organize by topic according to due dates and importance. Designing your own organization system for getting things done is very important. I designed my system after reading Getting Things Done by David Allen. Interestingly, science suggests that when it comes to taking notes on academic material, you’ll typically retain more by using pen and paper. Evernote allows you to type notes directly via computer or smartphone application, but also to upload images or videos and categories them as notes. These uploaded files can be tagged and are often searchable. So, sometimes I’ll take handwritten notes, snap a picture, and upload to Evernote to incorporate into my overall system. I hope you find some time to explore these resources. You won’t be disappointed.

Ready to Start Reading 3 Tips for Choosing Easy Target-language Books

Ready to Start Reading 3 Tips for Choosing Easy Target-language Books Ready to Start Reading? 3 Tips for Choosing Easy Target-language Books Reading in your target language is one of the most fulfilling things about learning it.There’s nothing in this world like reading a page of your target language and understanding it.Not to mention the benefits of carrying around a foreign language book  and impressing your friends!But getting started with native materials can seem like a Herculean task at first. What if you don’t know all the words yet? What if you cant understand what the writing is trying to convey?Then theres the question of what you should read.  Novels are so long, and the classics seem way out of reach. Even picture books can be tougher than they seem at first glance.Don’t let any of this stop you! If youre a fast-progressing beginner, an average intermediate learner or an advanced learner whos ready for a reading review, I’m here to help you ease your way into reading native-level material. Tear yourself away from the safe mooring of learners’ materials and textbooks, because we’re about to dive in to the deep end of native-level material.Well, maybe we’ll keep a floating device around. Ready to Start Reading? 3 Tips for Choosing Easy Target-language Books1. Take Advantage of Readers with Simultaneous TranslationsWhy Use Readers?Readers occupy the area between beginner-level textbooks and true native materials.This one’s for the folks out there who havent yet laid eyes upon a native-level text. (That said, some readers use non-native learners’ textsâ€"make sure you pick one up that has native material!)They provide the structure you crave, along with glossaries, vocabulary sections and sometimes even grammar notes. And some readers are graded so that you can really pinpoint where you want to go. Sure, the texts are mostly classics, but all of that support makes them totally accessible.Simultaneous translationsâ€"where one page is in your target language and the opposite page is written in your native languageâ€"though, really seal the deal. Simultaneous translations ar e the literary equivalent of having a friend guide you along. They allow the easiest transition into reading native material. Even the rawest of beginners can match up a sentence from one side of a page to a sentence on the other!Where to Find Readers?Never fearâ€"readers for major languages are easily found on the websites of  most major booksellers and on Amazon. They’re common learning tools, and you’ll likely be able to choose from many.Penguin has awesome parallel text readers in French, Spanish, German, Chinese  and Japanese.Also for Japanese, I’ve personally used Breaking into Japanese Literature,  which is of excellent quality, and the online store White Rabbit Japan has lots of options for graded readers, bilingual texts and level-specific reading material in general.There are several e-readers by Routledge and others available on VitalSource for rental (at a cheaper price than what it would normally cost to buy the book), so this is a great option if youre already us ing VitalSource for other language learning e-books or if the idea of learning primarily with digital texts sounds appealing. They have readers (and other books) for Greek, Chinese, Hindi, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, German, French, Japanese, Russian and more.The publisher Dover also has a variety of readers for these languages, so get hunting!How to Make the Most of ReadersTry to Crack the CodeTake advantage of those simultaneous translations! As stated above, they’re awesome for piecing together a half-learned language. Find a word or phrase that you know and match it up to the translation. Start with short sentences and move on from there. Try to match up the other words with their translations as well as you can, and double-check with the book’s glossary or your dictionary. Think of it like cracking a code!Add the Language to SRS FlashcardsAt the same time, keep in mind that the simultaneous translations are indeed translations, which  means that they arent perfect glossaries o r word-for-word literal translations. So, they’re not the best things to include in your SRS flashcards. Rather, use any vocabulary lists or glossaries included in the reader to SRS all the new words you’re using.In addition to using readers, you can also take advantage of the selected reading material, SRS and flashcards on the web version of MosaLingua, which is available for Spanish, French, Italian, German and Portuguese. You can read e-books in the MosaLingua library, for example, easily look up words and phrases you dont understand and then make them into flashcards to review later.Set a Specific Time to Read Each DayWhen youre first starting to wade into the world of native-level text, exposure is absolutely key. Sure, that block of text is scary at first. That’s absolutely why you need to commit to some reading time in every study sessionsâ€"five to ten minutes of looking at native text. Emphasis is on the word looking. You don’t have to understand, you don’t have to look anything up, but make sure youre taking in some of those words. Make sure you’re getting used to reading in your target language!Break  the RulesAnd finally, books don’t have to be read in the order in which theyre printed, especially if youre using them as learning tools. Khatzumoto from All Japanese All The Time spells this out brilliantly in this series of postsâ€"we don’t have to read in order because books serve us, not the other way around.Skip around!Flip the page!Skim through the whole tome until you find a sentence you understand!It’s totally fine, and much better for your studies than you getting bored and frustrated by sticking to a passage thats too difficult.2. Read Stuff You Already KnowWhy Read Stuff You’ve Already Read?If you’re an English speaker (which I’m guessing you are), then congratulations, English books are the most frequently translated in the world. That means, if you have a favorite book in English, chances are you can find it in the language of your choice. These are great for intermediate and upper-intermediate learners, but beginners can totally take a stab at reading them, too!Reading books you already know well gives you that valuable context.Context allows you to decode a new language without you having to look up every word in a dictionaryâ€"which isn’t all that much fun for anyone. Personally, I love using Harry Potter and Roald Dahl’s children’s books for this. All of these I’ve read about a million times in total, so I know what’s going to happen very intimately. It’s like a simultaneous translationâ€"but in your head!This allows me to pick up a translated Harry Potter book and dive right into the first chapterâ€"I already know what it’s going to say. I find words I know in the language and I guess at the meaning of the surrounding words.Guessing? Don’t be so alarmed. It’s not so bad to guessâ€"if you’re wrong, your studies and exposure to native media will correct it. And it keeps you actively reading!Where to Find Translated Books?Native-level books can be harder to track down if you don’t live in a  country where the target language is spoken, but there’s still hope!Amazon third-party sellers are greatâ€"just search the translated title of the book youre looking for. Keep an eye out when you’re in used bookstoresâ€"I’ve found Japanese and German Harry Potter books in Pittsburgh, Hebrew and Hungarian books in Boston and Korean books in rural Pennsylvania.You can purchase Kindle/e-book translations on Amazon in languages like Spanish, French  and German.Finally, for languages that have a presence in your country, you might have luck finding books in online stores that sell within your country, like YesAsia for Japanese and Chinese.How to Make the Most of Translations!First off, I would recommend using  children’s or young adult literature you know wellâ€"these work best for beginner and intermediate learners just starting to read native material. T hese books have easier language and easier content, and that allows you to focus on learning and practicing the language. That being said, always go for what you like. Mainstream fiction novels are often pretty close in reading level to young adult books. And if classics are what you love, go for it!When you have your book, dive in and start reading. Like with readers, feel free to skip around, skip hard paragraphs, go straight for the dialogue. Find what you recognize and read from there. You could even start with chapter titles or the table of contents! Description tends to have harder vocab, and dialogue tends to have simpler, more colloquial languageâ€"keep that in mind while you’re skipping around.Next up, don’t always use a dictionary. Refrain from trying to look everything up! Relaxâ€"you’ll definitely pick things up from context. Kató Lomb, the famous Hungarian polyglot, learned her languages primarily through novels, and she advocated for using dictionaries only spar ingly, when absolutely necessary. If you can guess, then guess!To remember all of this new information, SRS choice sentences when you have time. Don’t make SRS the sole goal of readingâ€"skimming and looking up words should be a separate activity in and of itself. SRS is an active mode of learning that you can fit in when you’re sitting down to study. When you do start with SRS, simply choose sentences where there are one or two words you don’t know. Plug in the L2 sentence on the front of the card, and the definitions of the vocab on the back. And there you go! Easy!3. Devour Comics and Picture BooksWhy Read Comics and Picture Books?Like with reading translations, the visuals here provide you with context, and that context speeds up learning! If you can’t get a translation of a book you know and love, getting your context through visuals is the next best thing, even if youre working with  a new book that you know nothing about.It’s best to find either comics or picture bo oks aimed at young readers. Comics will probably be easier to understand, since they’re aimed at younger readers. Picture books can actually be harder. Why? Because they’re often written for parents to read to their kids!Where to Find Comics and Picture Books?This will pretty much be the same as for translations. While Amazon is pretty good for Spanish if youre buying from the US, your best bet is to hunt them down through online stores that sell L2 books in the language you want; here are some examples for French, Spanish, German, Japanese  and Chinese.If youre just starting out in your target language and feel that you could use more support, Language Lizard, a site that specializes in bilingual childrens products,  offers bilingual picture books in over 40 languages. They have all of your major world languages like French, Spanish, Chinese, etc., as well as others you might not expect, like Haitian-Creole and Scottish Gaelic.How to Make the Most of Comics and Picture Books!Th ese are especially great for browsing. Embrace your inner child and look at the pictures. Pick out words you know like with anything else you read, and guess at the meaningsâ€"but this time, do so by using the pictures. Try to notice repeating words and see if you can associate them with the illustrations. Make it a game and have fun with it!Again, don’t be glued to your dictionaryâ€"especially with comics, the pictures tell half the story. Words you figure out on your own with context will stick with you longer, and that only means more proficiency for you in the long run. Be honestâ€"how often do you remember the scores of words you mechanically look up in dictionaries? Make it memorable by puzzling it out, just like a kid does when theyre learning their first language.So, youre all set to develop your own personal, target-language library.Get out there and hunt down some reading material for your shelves!Even with native-level materials, there are always ways to ease yourself i nto reading works by native speakers and for native speakers. This way, you’ll be able to read anything in no time at all!

May 2013 Interviews for Abu Dhabi Vocational Schools

May 2013 Interviews for Abu Dhabi Vocational Schools Teach in Abu Dhabi vocational schools! Vocational institutes in Abu Dhabi are now hiring instructors through Teach Away.Abu Dhabi Vocational School Teaching JobsSubject areas include, but are not limited to, the following:EnglishMathematicsPhysicsMechanical engineeringElectrical engineeringICTVisual arts/multimediaPhysical educationHealth educationAviationRequirements and BenefitsRequirements vary by position. Please visit Teach Away's list of teaching jobs abroad to view each job posting individually. In general, however, these positions require a Bachelor's degree in the field plus three years of relevant teaching experience or three years of industry experience. A teaching certification is recommended but is not required for every position.Benefits include a monthly tax-free salary of 11,000-13,000 AED/month (approximately $3,000-3,500 USD), subsidized accommodation, and airfare reimbursement.Interviews and ApplicationCandidates who pass a preliminary phone interview with Teach Aw ay will be required to attend an in-person interview in Houston or St. Louis. Interviews will be held in Houston from May 12-14, and St. Louis on May 15-18.Interested candidates should apply online through Teach Away.

6 Ways to Show Your Teacher You Care - TutorNerds

6 Ways to Show Your Teacher You Care - TutorNerds Teacher Appreciation Day: 6 Ways to Show Your Teacher You Care Teacher Appreciation Day: 6 Ways to Show Your Teacher You Care Teachers appreciation week is a tradition to let educators know that their hard work has helped students learn and thrive in their academic environment. Teachers do anything from helping preschoolers learn their ABCs to helping 12 graders refine their college essays. There are so many ways students can show their teacher that they care about all the hard work theyve been putting in throughout the year. These are just a few of the ways students and their families can appreciate their teacher this spring. 1. Homemade gifts and cards Teachers love to get homemade cards gifts, especially from their younger students. This is a creative and heartfelt way to let a teacher know that he or she is appreciated. Kids can sit down after school and make a small craft project or get out the good old-fashioned construction paper and crayons. If the school has a PTA parents can consider getting together and purchasing scrapbooks for each of the teachers so that they can save all of their homemade cards and drawings from over the years (READ: 3 Reasons Why You Should Talk to Your Teacher). 2. Sweet treats Everybody loves a sweet treat from time to time, and teachers are no different. The PTA can get together and make Rice Krispie treats, brownies, or anything thats easy to make with kids. Additionally, parents and students can arrange for coffee to be brought in on a certain day so that teachers can enjoy coffee and donuts as a morning pick me up. Also, teachers always feel special when their students bring in a plate of cookies or candy. 3. After school potluck Some schools are so big that it can be hard to remember every teacher, especially if some people are only there part time. If this is the case, the PTA can arrange for a potluck to be held after school and each student can pitch in to bring a different dish. Since the weather is usually beautiful in the spring, teachers, and their students can take the potluck outside on the sports field and enjoy getting to know each other in a non-academic environment that encourages a friendly atmosphere. 4. Improved academics One of the best gifts teachers can receive is to know that their students have been able to improve their learning. Students can write their teachers a note and let them know which concept or subject they have mastered because of the help of an educator. Alternatively, students can simply talk to their teacher after class and say how much they appreciate any extra help they have received and let him or her know that they feel more confident about their times tables or their ability to write an outline a great way to improve your academics is with the help of an Orange County private academic tutor from TutorNerds. 5. A recommendation Another great thing students can do to appreciate their teachers is to give them a recommendation. Let the principal know that the teacher has done a fantastic job and gone the extra mile to provide an excellent education. In the case of younger children, parents can give the recommendation or only stop by after school and let the administration know how much they appreciate their childs teacher. 6. Books for the library Some schools have a diverse and well-stocked library. On the other hand, some schools are seriously lacking in reading material. Teachers and students can utilize books in so many ways but only if theyre available. An excellent and thoughtful teacher appreciation gift would be to donate a book to the school library and provide a sticker inside the book stating that the book is donated in the name of a particular teacher. This will be a gift that can keep on giving for years to come (READ: 7 Things Parents Should Ask New Teachers). 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.