Playing the Guitar A New Approach to Practicing

Playing the Guitar A New Approach to Practicing Suzy S. Do you view practicing your instrument like a chore? For some students, a simple shift in the way you look at practicing can change your whole experience. Read on for one helpful strategy from Fort Collins, CO teacher Jim H.: My father was a guitar teacher and as a child, I often went with him to his lessons. I learned about different teaching techniques while watching my dad instruct his students. Over the years, I have incorporated some of my father’s teaching styles along with developing my own. My dad ran into the same challenges that all teachers do, including how to get his students to practice their guitars. Over time, he realized that most of his students did not like the word “practice,” as it implied something that had to be done. This was especially true of some of his younger students, who were attending school classes as well. Eventually my father changed his approach from demanding his students practice their guitars to simply encouraging them to play their guitars. I have found this to be a much more positive approach in my professional teaching. I encourage my students to play their guitars and play them often! And why not? Isn’t music a wonderful and magical gift that has been given to us? Why would we hold ourselves back from the joy, pleasure, happiness and satisfaction that comes from playing our instruments? I let my students know that the more they play their guitars, the better it gets and the easier it becomes. I explain that they need to schedule specific times during the week to play their guitars and if they do so, their skills will continue to grow. I also share with my students that I understand that sometimes we don’t feel like or are  not in  the mood to play our guitars. But if we pick up our guitars anyway and start playing, we will find real happiness and a yearning to continue to learn. Make no mistake, I do present weekly lesson plans for my students. But I emphasize enjoying the lesson plans through the wonderful opportunity of simply playing their guitars. Jim H. teaches guitar and ukulele lessons to students of all ages in Fort Collins, CO. He specializes in folk, folk-rock, jazz , classic rock, classic pop and contemporary music, specifically on the acoustic guitar. Jim joined the TakeLessons team in September 2012. Learn more about Jim, or visit TakeLessons to search for a teacher near you! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Cee-Lo Knows.

German Lessons in Leeds

German Lessons in Leeds Honing German Language Skills in Leeds ChaptersGerman Speaking Opportunities for StudentsStudy German Through Private TuitionTake a German Language Course in a Training CentreLearn German with CactusAt the height of summer, it is admittedly difficult to think about Christmastime, when our German Christmas market is open for business.Maybe you ran across some pictures you took of it last year, which forced your recall...On the other hand, summer is the perfect time to think of a holiday abroad; are you planning to visit Berlin, Bremen or some other city in Germany?The Yorkshire-Germany ties reach far back into history; at one point in time, we were neck and neck in industrial output, innovation and socio-cultural ideas.Leeds’ fascination with German expressionism in art and culture made her unique in British society. The appeal was such that the region produced Jacob Kramer and Bruce Turner, expressionist artists directly influenced by the German movement.Do you need more incentive to seek out German lessons?One of our s ister-cities is Dortmund, herself a former industrial powerhouse in the Ruhr Valley of Germany.That city was nearly totally levelled during the bombing raid of 1945, an event that holds the dubious record for the most bombs dropped on a single target.Today, Dortmund is known as one of the most sustainable and digital cities in all of Germany. She has turned away from heavy industry and now is a leading producer of biomedical technology â€" the same as us!It's no wonder we have partnered with her.Maybe you are currently planning your holiday to Germany; wouldn’t it be great to talk with native speakers of German while you’re there?Or perhaps you are relishing the prospect of Oktoberfest when, for two weeks, when you can treat yourself to an authentic bratwurst and beer â€" while not necessarily having to wear lederhosen or a dirndl.Before all of those events come to pass, you have time to apply yourself to German lessons!Your Superprof is right on task; we now find the best Germa n courses in an around Leeds.speaking German in a more relaxed, natural environment.Yorkshire is home to some pretty dynamic German clubs and they all have one overarching goal: to promote German language and culture through a host of engaging activities.Wharfedale German Circle meets once a month but they also host many student events and gamesHuddersfield German Circle has their agenda planned through Spring of next year!They meet with other German groups in the area for the most fun and learning possibleBradford Circle for Foreign Language actually has members who are native German; they don’t offer lessons but they provide an opportunity for you to use your communication skills in a live settingAre there such German clubs in Birmingham?Granted, none of these language clubs provides formal language lessons but the opportunity for you to immerse yourself into a German-speaking environment will do wonders to help you become fluent, faster!Disclaimer: when we said ‘students’, we didn’t mean just school students. All language students can benefit from participation in these clubs, whether you have been learning German online or in a language school.That means that you, too, can build fluency while having fun with like-minded friends!Find out what German learning opportunities exist in Edinburgh...Study German Through Private TuitionHere again, is a solution to language learning that applies to students of all stripes.It might be especially viable for those who have put off language classes because there is simply no time or energy to dash off to language school after a busy day of work and family concerns.A private tutor is also an ideal solution for school students looking for supplemental language instruction outside of their German language courses, or perhaps just a shot a practising their conversational skills.The advantage of learning German with a tutor is that s/he will customise the curriculum to your needs.Maybe your speaking and listening ski lls are satisfactory but your writing skills need a boost? What if you’re cruising along in your studies but your partner has trouble grasping new language?Or, it could just be that you are getting ready to holiday abroad and would like a bit of intensive language training before you go?Tutors are up to the task in all of these situations and more.You might baulk at the cost of such lessons; would they exceed what you might pay for a language course in a formal setting? That might be the case... unless you learn with a Superprof tutor.On average, Superprof tutors in the Leeds area charge £16 per hour of instruction.Besides having your first hourlong lesson at no charge, what do you get for that money?You might choose to work with Tobias, who is a native speaker of German and has taught others how to speak German for the past five years.Emily has recently graduated from Leeds; she now holds a First Class degree in German (and French).She prefers tailoring her lessons to your prefe rences; if you need help with your German pronunciation, your lessons will consist of mostly oral exercises but if grammar is your trouble area, that is where her focus will be.Superprof has 16 German tutors in the Leeds area and thousands more ready to engage in online language learning with you.Do Superprof tutors also work in the Belfast area?So, if your life is hectic or you simply would rather learn at home â€" online or face to face, engaging a private tutor is not such a bad idea, especially not a Superprof tutor.Personal tutors are a great idea for homework help or practising speaking German Image by Gerd Altmann from PixabayTake a German Language Course in a Training CentreWe are quite fortunate that, all across the UK, there are several language training franchises with branches in just about every major city.Are there such centres teaching German in Glasgow, as well?Their vast proliferation means proves a point: they are good at what they do. We now present them in with n o particular recommendation or endorsement.Language TrainersThe teachers at Language Trainers know why people want to learn German: for business, for travel and for intellectual curiosity.With those bases well covered, you could sign up for classes with them secure in the knowledge that you won’t waste a lot of time discussing the academic aspects of the German language â€" verb conjugation and dissertations of works by Goethe, for example, if all you need is conversational German.If you can already speak German at the intermediate level or are in doubt about your level of German, you should take a placement test to see which of the Language Trainers’ classes you would best fit in with.Obviously, if you are an absolute beginner, there is no reason to test your level.You can take this test for free on their website, where you will also find their contact details.With the two-to-one class structure offered at many language schools, you and your partner can study German together Im age by StartupStockPhotos from PixabayListen and LearnWith a slightly different model but equally successful as their competitor, Listen and Learn offers German lessons to individuals or groups, in Business German or General German.Here too you may choose one-to-one instruction or two-to-one private lessons â€" an arrangement that would be perfect for you and your partner to learn German together. You may also join a larger group (provided you are on the same level as them) or you may choose to take lessons strictly online, with or without your partner.This company also offers a free placement test online and, right now, they are promoting their language training service by offering a summer discount.Did you know that Cardiff also has a Listen and Learn centre?Learn German with CactusThe Cactus language school is staffed by experienced teachers, most of whom have at least travelled abroad, if not worked and lived there.Their evening courses last for ten weeks and are arranged by lev el â€" beginner, elementary, intermediate and advanced. Here again, you may take a placement test on their website to determine your level of language proficiency.You may also be interested to know that Cactus provides Business language courses; they work directly with companies, conducting classes at select firms around the country.If you work for an international company, you may suggest to your training manager that such lessons would be of great benefit!You can believe that people looking for German courses in London would benefit from such classes!Loiners are lucky to have such a strong connection with Germany.Through their German appreciation clubs, with the many facilities that promote learning German as a second language, as well as the degree programmes offered at the University of Leeds, one might say that the Yorkshire region is certainly making a rich investment into their ties with Germany!Now discover where you could find German lessons all over the UK...

How to Cope with Stress During the Working Day - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How to Cope with Stress During the Working Day - Introvert Whisperer How to Cope with Stress During the Working Day In the world where people need to work hard to get by, it is important to separate work from ordinary life. Sometimes hardworking people have a hard time not to bring their work home to their families, but it is even more often when people find it difficult to keep their everyday troubles from interfering with their professional career. Depending on the occupation, the source of the majority of anxiety and stress comes from the places not related to the job at all. The appearance of such issues may result in lower productivity, worsening of the relationship with colleagues and authority and even losing the job.   So, what should one do if confronted with something like that? We already touched upon the subject of relaxation after the work, so we shall look at the measures that one should take so that the work result will be unaltered. We are also excluding the bad habits, such as smoking and eating unhealthy food. Here are a few strategies that might help in a stressful situation on work. More Work It may sound a little bit ironic, but for many people, increasing the effort on their job can help them to get through with troubles that they face while working. They build walls around themselves and find salvation in multiple hours of hard work. Though we definitely don’t encourage anyone to ignore their life issues, concentrating all forces on working for some period of time may be helpful. Figuratively speaking, one can ‘rest’ from the bothering issues, while putting as much as they can into work, so that they wouldn’t even have time to think about anything but the job. Knowing that there are issues that are waiting for some kind of resolution, one will try and redirect thoughts and efforts on the tasks of the job. In this case, working environment can work as some kind of retreat from troubles. Then, after finishing the working day, it will be easier to bear with various disturbances, as the mind will already be set for thinking and finding solutions. However, it is not always a perfect solution and a person should be careful enough not to ignore any issues when working. While everyday problems shouldn’t be a priority over work (in most cases), work definitely shouldn’t be more important than those issues as well. Everything should be balanced out an appropriate amount of time should be spent on one subject, then on the other. Socializing Communication with other people is crucial not only for dealing with bad situations, but also for preventing stress and depression. Many psychiatrists argue that conversation is the best cure for any mental or psychological problem. That’s why the therapies with experts in those fields are on high demand. While working, however, it is not always possible to chat with a colleague any time you’d like, that’s why the breaks are obligatory. During the breaks, a person should not smile and pretend that he’s happy, when he’s not. Every member of the staff should feel free to speak up about his or her difficulties in life, especially if those occur while working. Even if nobody will be capable of giving a proper advice, a person will feel more relieved after saying everything that he/she has to say. The situation is not always that simple. A lot of times, bosses don’t think about the anxiety of their employees. If that is the case, workers should approach the managers or supervisors with the idea that the collective listening of people’s worries might increase the productivity and the mood of workers. Engaging in Action Instead of Worrying Many believe that some people are less emotional and stressful than the others and are very puzzled about their ability to always find an escape from stress. The truth is, each one of us is emotional and full of feelings, but the most significant issue about any stressful situation is not the event itself, it’s our attitude towards it. A lot of people, when confronted with a sudden trouble, feel confused and that they’re not controlling the situation. They often find it difficult to manage their behavior and outburst of emotions as well. It is crucial not to let the situation overwhelm you, you should always be the master of the situation. That’s why it is important to teach oneself to act and not react. Instead of shouting or throwing your hands in the air out of rage, one should think about the things that he/she can do in the situation and what aspects are possible to control. Although the situation can be so daunting that it may seem hopeless, the reality is often better than it seems. Some psychologists argue that if people decide to carefully and calmly organize their actions in anxious situations, they can at least control themselves, which is roughly 50% of the solution. It can vary from on issue to another, but it is still highly advisable to be reasonable, before being emotional. Analyze the Sources of Stress If some problems occur not once, or stress is bothering you at work time and time again, it would be advisable to find out why is it happening and get to the bottom of it. The reasons for stress are usually connected with ordinary life issues, such as family matters. In those cases, it would be wise to find the best way of dealing with this kind of stress, by analyzing each of its occurrences. Analyzing those situations are also great for getting to know yourself a little bit better. By looking at the situation after some time, in a calm environment and at peace with oneself, it is easy to compare what was done and what should have been done. After doing so, you have to come to a certain conclusion and repeatedly remind yourself about it. By keeping all that in mind, one can gradually adjust oneself to the situation and reduce the negative impact of it on work. Balance At the end of the day, the most important thing about managing your day at work is the balance. A worker should be working hard, but not too hard, enough amount of time should be spent on resting, but not an extensive amount. The same with stress, it can sometimes be harmless or pretty usual when working, but a constant experience of stress is never fine. Appropriately, the cause of many stress situations at work is the lack of the topic of this clause balance. When confronted with anxiety at work, one should firstly determine whether it is caused by it or not. If it is caused by work, it’s vital to reorganize your daily schedule, so that you wouldn’t over-commit yourself and feel even more stressed out than you already are. At the same time, a lunch break or coffee time shouldn’t be longer than the time needed for you to be recharged for work again. By balancing all the necessary activities at work between each other, workers will find it easier to work during dark periods in their lives and will be able to prevent any further work-related stress. Conclusion   To conclude, there are many ways to deal with stress without sacrificing your productivity and work effort. The main thing is to find a will to try any of these strategies (or all of them) and get through with stress, depression, everyday life and your occupation. Stress at work can be devastating, but giving up should never be an option. Guest Author:  Ilya Lakisevs Author bio: Ilya Lakisevs,  the author of this text does not encourage people who experience stress at work to limit themselves with only these options. If a worker feels like the situation is more serious than he or she is capable to handle, a specialist should be contacted immediately. Do you know what your next career step is?   Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable.   Get your copy now and start your action plan today: CLICK HERE

What is it Like to Attend University of Colorado Boulder

What is it Like to Attend University of Colorado Boulder The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Erin is a Denver tutor and 2011 graduate of University of Colorado Boulder. She holds a Bachelors degree in English Literature and tutors several subjects specializing inEssay Editing tutoring, Literature tutoring, and Writing tutoring. Check out what Erin had to say about her time at University of Colorado Boulder: 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? Erin: University of Colorado Boulder is a much smaller campus than I originally expected when I first arrived. Because of this, it is very easy to walk from class to class, even if you have to cross to the opposite side of campus. Public transportation at University of Colorado Boulder is great; the school provides you with a bus pass every semester, which enables you to take any of the RTD buses (around Boulder, to Denver, or even to the airport) for free. With that said, University of Colorado Boulder and the town of Boulder are very pedestrian-friendly. Plenty of people buy bikes to get around, but it is not a necessity. The campus is very safe, but it is still important to be vigilant, especially when walking around campus at night. I personally never experienced a situation in which I felt unsafe on campus, but at any school, it is important to remain alert when alone and at night. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Erin:All the professors and teaching assistants I had at University of Colorado Boulder always made themselves available during office hours, and they were flexible if students were not able to meet at those times. For example, I worked a part-time job immediately following my classes, so meeting during office hours was sometimes difficult. However, my instructors were always willing to find time to meet with me. I would say that the academic advisers are less than helpful, at least in my tenure at University of Colorado Boulder. I imagine it is challenging to keep track of so many students, but I encourage students to monitor their own academic schedules and to use their advisers as soundboards. My adviser told me during my junior year meeting that I would not graduate on time and that I would need to take summer classes. Unsure how that was possible, but heeding his advice, I stacked my summer with classes and did the same with my fall schedule. When I met with my adviser again to figure out how I could still graduate in four years, he laughed and told me he made a mistake I was eligible for graduation that semester, ahead of my expected (and on-time) graduation date. With that said, I would have gladly spent the spring semester taking more classes, if only my adviser had informed me that if I took two more courses, I would be graduating with not only my major in English, but also a minor in Womens Studies and a certificate in LGBT Studies. Keep an eye on your requirements, and always look for those opportunities, because I know my experience with my adviser matches that of many of my peers. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Erin:I loved my dorm, Farrand Hall. It is considered the most popular choice at University of Colorado Boulder, often because it overlooks the scenic Farrand Field and Flatirons. It also has its own dining hall, which was nice because I did not have to trudge to other dorms or dining halls in the colder months. Many of my best friends to this day are people who lived on my floor, and I know we would not have met had it not been for Farrand Hall. 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? Erin:I originally started as a pre-Journalism major. After I was accepted into the Journalism major, it was announced that following the graduating class of 2013 (the year after mine), the department would be disbanded. Knowing that many of their jobs would not be around for long, many of the best professors left, and the department did not seem to be the best fit for my education any longer. I transferred to English Literature, and I believe I got one of the most interesting educations possible. I took classes that taught subjects ranging from multicultural and race relations, to zombies and LGBT literature. All of my professors were insanely intelligent, and I loved being able to learn from them. English Literature may not be Business or Engineering (both highly rated and supported tracks at University of Colorado Boulder), but I felt always supported, and I took classes that people today are still jealous they did not sit in on. 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? Erin:Full disclosure: I did rush my freshman year, and my core group of girlfriends came from that brief sorority experience. After one year, I dropped out, but I do not feel like that hindered my social life. I made friends through classes, the dorms, and neighbors once I moved to the Hill neighborhood. Greek life does have benefits during the initial meeting experience, but if it is not your style, do not feel pressured to rush. I was lucky to have a great friend group that included Greek and non-Greek people, but I do know some Greek organizations are very tightly knit, and they try to keep friendships solely within the house. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Erin:I never took advantage of University of Colorado Boulders Career Center. The few times I perused the website, I felt that many of the options were directed toward Engineering or Business students. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Erin:I enjoyed Norlin Library, but during finals, it is more of a place to see and be seen. By that I mean that it can be more distracting. My favorite secret place to study was Wolf Law, the graduate building for law students. It was never very crowded during finals time, and it was across the street from Starbucks and Einstein Bros. Bagels (which are nice to have nearby while studying for hours on end). The University Memorial Center, the student union, was nice when I was a student, and it has only gotten better since. I never did much studying there it was often a place where people met to discuss group projects or to grab something to eat before classes, so it always had a dull roar from the many people who occupied it. The new community building, the Center for Community, is an absolutely beautiful building with many resources, but since it was erected after my time at University of Colorado Boulder, I cannot attest to its study options. As far as dorm lounges go, I never spotted any that were ever really in use, mostly because lounges were simply an old couch and not much else. 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? Erin:Boulder is an amazing city. There is something for everyone. Hike the Flatirons or lounge at Boulder Creek on warm spring days. Go shopping, or grab lunch on Pearl Street when you need to get away from campus for a bit. That does not really do Boulder justice, but the best way to understand how amazing the city is is to get out and explore it. Freshman year, I definitely did not spend as much time downtown as I did in subsequent years, but it was nice that it was only a short walk away. The Hill, where many students live after freshman year, is also a great way to stay close to campus while leaving the dorms. There are plenty of food options, a great music venue (The Fox), and downtown is often where people go out on the weekends. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Erin:I had a few classes that were about 400 people, but those were core lecture classes everyone had to take, and they were supplemented by a recitation once per week. Recitations were 50-minute classes with about 20 people, which allowed you to delve deeper into the content. It also enabled you to ask questions freely. The rest of my classes ranged from 10 people to 25, and I always felt like I was able to ask questions and get the attention I needed. As far as the student body goes, undergraduates totaled about 25,000, which was a perfect size for me. I liked that I could always meet someone new, but when transferring between classes, I would always see a familiar face. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Erin:In my class, Pop Culture in Literature, we focused on zombies for the semester. My teacher was a well-known writer in the field, and throughout the course, we had a zombie defense team come in and teach us how to protect ourselves during the apocalypse. One extra credit assignment was to attend and dress up for the popular Zombie Crawl in downtown Denver. While many people thought this was not a good use of education or resources, I have to scoff at them. In this class, I learned zombie literature (The Walking Dead and World War Z were both written before their film counterparts hit screens) was much more than just entertainment with gore it was a comment on social status and dissatisfaction with society. We learned how zombie literature has punctuated Americas history of social change, and what that means for us as a society. Also, the class was offered solely to English students, and it was meant to only be a one-semester offering. After my small class of 25 raved about our professor and the coursework, the class was picked up as a 400-person lecture and opened up to the entire student body. Take that, naysayers! Check out Erins tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Round to the Nearest Thousandth

Round to the Nearest Thousandth Rounding numbers coverts large numbers and decimal numbers to simpler forms which are then useful to solve or express in a given question. Rounding to the tenths place is rounding of a decimal number to the nearest one decimal space. Rounding to the hundredths place is rounding a decimal number to the nearest two decimal spaces. Rounding to the thousandths place is rounding a decimal number to the nearest three decimal spaces and so on. This concept is commonly used in many word problem and different calculations. Example 1: Round the following numbers to the nearest thousandth. a) 12.456712. b) 45.3214. Solution: Given are the decimal numbers 12.456712 and 45.3214. a) The decimal number 12.456712 has 6 decimal spaces the number in the thousandth space is 6. For rounding the thousandth space the number right to 6 needs to be considered. Since number 7 is greater than 5. Rounding to the thousandth space gives the value 12.457. b) The decimal number 45.3214 has 4 decimal spaces the number in the thousandth space is 1. For rounding the thousandth space the number right to 1 needs to be considered. Since number 4 is smaller than 5. Rounding to the thousandth space gives the value 45.321. Example 2: Round the decimal number 0.3678 to the nearest thousandth. Solution: Given are the decimal numbers 0.3678. The decimal number 0.3678 has 4 decimal spaces the number in the thousandth space is 7. For rounding the thousandth space the number right to 7 needs to be considered. Since number 8 is greater than 5. Rounding to the thousandth space gives the value 0.368.

How to Help Your Child Find School-Life Balance This Year

How to Help Your Child Find School-Life Balance This Year The life of a child can be quite busy. School can be demanding enough, but when you add extracurricular activities into the mix, its easy to pack the schedule to the point that theres littleif anytime left. Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center reminds parents that overscheduling leads to stress and anxiety. Parents have good intentions and want their children to have opportunities to explore passions and try new things, but its important to keep the big picture in mind too, she says. Finding balance between school and life should be the goal. How can parents help their children do so? Here are several tips: Embrace the art of time management. The key to finding balance in life is carving out time for everything. We encourage our students to maintain three schedules: a master schedule, weekly schedule and daily schedule, Huntington explains. The master schedule includes all classes for a semester and important dates like test and project due dates; the weekly schedule maps out regular, fixed obligations and activities like sleeping, eating, school, study time and extracurricular activities; and the daily schedule is the plan for each daybest created each night for the following day. Time management is one of the most critical life skills and best learned early to avoid procrastination and wasted time. Prioritize. If weeknights at your house are a chaotic rush to a variety of places and homework and family dinner consistently take a backseat, spend some time looking at whats on your daily calendar and talking as a family about whether all of it should stay. You and your child should block out time each day for sleep, school, homework and dinner and work from there. Then, ask the hard questions: what are your childs top few activities? Which ones offer the greatest benefits? Which cause the most stress? Identify the time wasters. The nemesis of productivity, time wasters are lurking everywhere. Have your child write down the things that throw him or her off course the most as well as any ideas on how to counteract or avoid such distractions, says Huntington. Common pitfalls include social media, smartphones and television, but dont forget about things like household activity and noise that might be keeping your child from making the most of his or her time. Its also critical that children understand that when they stick to a schedule, theyll accomplish moreand will have more time for what they want to do. Make time for what really matters. Nobody can sustain constant productivity with no downtime without feeling the effects. Encourage your child to embrace good habitsstudying in blocks of time, taking frequent breaks and getting sufficient sleepand make time for friends, family and exercise. Neglecting these things will cause a range of problems and may hurt your childs academic performance and motivation over time. School-life balance is important for a childs well-being and happiness. Its so important that children learn to juggle multiple priorities and still find time for the want-tos in life, says Huntington. Parents should teach their children the importance of managing their time effectively and how to embrace good habits now so that they will be well equipped to navigate school and life at every stage. About Huntington Huntington 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 succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards.Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. 2017 Huntington Mark, LLC. Huntington Learning Center, the three-leaf logo, and 1 800 CAN LEARN are registered trademarks of Huntington Mark, LLC. Each franchised Huntington Learning Center is operated under a franchise agreement with Huntington Learning Centers, Inc.

#RevisionCalm First Tutors Competition

#RevisionCalm â€" First Tutors Competition The half-term is is now over and the race towards exam-time has begun. Spring will soon arrive and with it brings the air of preparing for those upcoming, important exams. Some may say that February is too early to start stressing about exams, while others will already have their revision timetables ready and their private tutor booked in to get them prepared sooner rather than later. The pressure that comes with exam time comes in many different forms for both the student and the parent; anxiety, tiredness, fear, stress, worry... and a whole lot more emotions that can sometimes be difficult to suppress. And we all know that while a little bit of stress can help motivate us to work that little bit harder, a lot of stress can cause more harmful side-effects including migraines, loss of appetite and insomnia. Here at First Tutors we know that exam time can be stressful; important exams mean important results. Revision is important but it doesn't have to be a rough ride, filled with stress, arguments and worry. It's all about starting early, being prepared and staying as calm as possible! As it's such a difficult time to relax we thought we'd help you out a little. From today we are running our #RevisionCalm competition. The prize is 50 worth of GoApe vouchers. On Facebook simply 'like' or reply to our posts using #RevisionCalm. On Twitter and G+ follow us, and retweet using #RevisionCalm (Terms Conditions are below). In the meantime to help you find that elusive Revision Calm here's some of our best tips. Revision Tips for the pressurised student 1. Revise at a desk not in your bed. It makes you feel more alert and puts you in a work state of mind. Plus it then makes your bed the relaxing place to get away from it all. 2. Plan Ahead! Make a schedule and try to stick to it. Plan each topic and time carefully instead of trying to study random topics. Structured studying is always more effective. 3. Take regular breaks. The brain can only take so much studying. If you feel your mind wandering it's probably time for a snack. 4. Turn off the sound on your devices while you revise. Sounds obvious but there's nothing so distracting and stressful as constant text, messaging and what's app alerts. Revision Calm Tips for the stressed parent 1. Don't stress your teen out by constantly checking on him/her. It will irritate them, irritate you and distract both of your from the job in hand. 2. Be there when they need you. Make sure you support your teen and make them feel that you understand what they are going through. If they feel they can ask you for your help or you are there to test them, they will feel less pressure, you will feel less stressed and the home will be a happier environment. 3. Don't create an all or nothing mindset - exams are important but making kids think it's this or nothing equals panic not motivation. 4. Work out what's really stressing you out. What's at the root of your exam panic - personal past experience, other parents throwing you into panic, a feeling that your child is struggling? Deal with this to alleviate your stress. Terms and Conditions 1. How to Enter 1.1. To enter the competition 'Like' our #RevisionCalm posts on Facebook or post a reply using #RevisionCalm. On Twitter or Google+ 'Follow' First Tutors and then retweet using #RevisionCalm. 1.2. The winner will be announced the week of the 28th March 2016. 2. When to Enter and Who can Enter 2.1. The Competition opens on Monday 22nd 2016 and closes Sunday 20th March 2016. Winners will be notified within a week of the closing date. 2.2. Entrants can enter at any point between these dates 2.3. The Competition is only open to UK residents over 21 years excluding employees and agents of First Tutors and anyone professionally connected with the administration of the competition. 3. Prizes 3.1. The prize for winning the competition will be one 50 voucher for GoApe - Outdoor adventure activities in the most beautiful forests in the UK. 3.2 The Prize is as stated and cannot be sold or exchanged for cash, goods or services. 4. Data Protection and Publicity 4.1. By entering you consent to your entry, surname and basic information about you being disclosed on First Tutors digital channels. 4.2. Any personal data relating to participants will be used solely in accordance with current UK data protection legislation. By entering the Competition, you agree that First Tutors may contact you in relation to the Competition 4.3. The competition winner will be contacted by First Tutors. You must provide accurate contact details on notification. 4.4. First Tutors reserves the right to use name of the winners for publicity and in advertising, marketing or promotional material without additional compensation or prior notice to the winners. By entering the competition, all participants consent to such use of their name. 5. Competition Rules 5.1. The Competition will be run and Prizes will be awarded at First Tutors sole discretion. 5.2 First Tutors reserves the right to suspend or to refuse entry into the competition 5.4. We reserve the right to change the competition rules and these Terms and Conditions from time to time. If we do so, we will always have the most up to date terms and conditions on the website and in the case of a discrepancy between these terms and conditions and those on the website, the website terms and conditions will apply. Your continued use of the website will constitute your acceptance of the new rules and/or Terms and Conditions 6. Liability and Indemnities 6.1. Except in the case of death or personal injury arising from its negligence, or in respect of fraud, and so far as is permitted by law, First Tutors and its associated companies and agents and distributors exclude responsibility and all liabilities, whether direct or indirect, arising from: 6.1.1. Any postponement or cancellation of the Competition; 6.1.2. Any changes to, supply of or use of the Prize; and 6.1.3. Any act or default of any supplier, which are beyond First Tutors reasonable control. 6.2. First Tutor does not accept responsibility for any liability arising from technical incompatibility, problems relating to the internet, or technical difficulties of any kind 6.3. First Tutor shall not be liable, whether in tort, contract, misrepresentation or otherwise for loss of profits, loss of anticipated savings, loss of goods, loss of use, loss or corruption of data or information, or any special, indirect, consequential or pure economic loss, costs, damages, charges or expenses 6.4. You agree to indemnify First Tutors against all liabilities, claims and expenses that may arise from any breach of your agreement with First Tutors. 6.5. By entering this contest, you agree to a complete release of Facebook from all liability in connection with this competition. 7. Jurisdiction 7.1. The Competition and these Terms and Conditions are governed by English Law. England Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim that arises out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions.

5 Fun Summer Snacks For The Kids Youre Babysitting

5 Fun Summer Snacks For The Kids You're Babysitting Image via: www.sheknows.com Nothing says summer like the sweet scent of watermelons and the chilly taste of a popsicle to defeat the dry, scorching rays of the sun. Mixing the two is nothing short of a marriage, or snack, made in heaven. Watermelon pops are both healthy and delicious, making them a perfect snack for kids while they play by the pool or the seaside. They can even be perfect for lounging around in the house. Watermelon pops are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat, and we havent even gotten to the health benefits yet! Watermelon will keep your kids hydrated while they spend time in the sun, as theyre made up of mostly water and contain important electrolytes. You will need: •4.5 cups of watermelon •Salt •Sugar •Popsicle sticks, or toothpicks •Pop molds or ice cube trays Check out the full recipe here. Ice Cream Flopsicles Image via: www.evilchefmom.com What do you get when you cross a soda and ice cream float with a popsicle? An ice cream flopsicle! With ice cream or frozen yogurt and your choice of beverage, your kids could enjoy a wide variety of flavored combinations. Some ideas are: vanilla ice cream with grape soda, vanilla ice cream with root beer, vanilla ice cream with Dr. Pepper, and chocolate ice cream with cream soda. Feel free to experiment and find the most creative flavor combo! These sweet treats will make it seem like youre coming right from the local ice cream parlor, perfect for everything from indoor adventures to outdoor shenanigans. Youll find yourself falling back into the nostalgia of childhood with this snack, enjoying these creative concoctions just as much as your kids will, if not more! Just beware the sugar rush. You will need: •18, 3-ounce Dixie cups •One gallon of ice cream •Soda flavor of your choosing •Popsicle sticks •Baking dish •Spatula Check out the full recipe here. Chocolate Covered Bananas Image via: www.youtube.com Just the thought of chocolate will be enough to make your kids go bananas! Come to think of it, why not add a little bit of that good ol Chiquita to an already perfect ingredient? These chocolate covered bananas are surprisingly healthy when prepared correctly with dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. These tasty snacks are loaded with potassium, antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C! Not to mention, theyre super easy to make and can be customized with your own personal touch, whether thats a sprinkling of walnut bits or sprinkles! The possibilities for this snack are only limited to your imagination and the imagination of your kids. Now, go on. Go bananas! (Thats the last time Im making that pun, I promise.) You will need: •4 bananas •8 popsicle/craft sticks •6 ounces of dark chocolate Check out the full recipe here. Ants on a Log Image via: http://cincyshopper.com/ants-log-recipe Entomophobes, beware! This creepy, crawly nostalgic snack will have your kids stoked about entomology sooner than you may have imagined, or at least theyll be stoked about culinary entomology. Using just some celery, a few raisins, and peanut butter, your kids can create a fun, creative treat of their very own. You can encourage your kids to be imaginative and decorate their logs however they wish! This imaginative, fun snack is easy for kids to make and both healthy and tasty for them to enjoy. Celery is a great source of potassium, fiber, and calcium, while the raisins are plentiful in iron and vitamin B. Ants on a log would be a perfect snack for any time of day when your kids are feeling adventurous and creative! You will need: •5 stalks of celery •1/2 cup of peanut butter •1/4 cup of raisins Check out the full recipe here. Watermelon and Cantaloupe Flowers Image via: http://onecraftything.com/fruityflowers/ What could be better than a relaxing afternoon of arts and crafts? Making those arts and crafts an edible snack! If you and your kids would like to make a culinary creation thats so simple, yet worthy of copious bragging via Pinterest and Instagram, these fruity, flowery creations are definitely for you. All you need is some of your kids favorite fruits (watermelon and cantaloupe will work the best!) and your combined imaginations. While the flowers of summer are fully in bloom, make some summer magic of your own with a few cookie cutters and tasty fruit dishes to create a summer snack thats both imaginative and healthy. You will need: •Fruit (You may want to avoid fibrous fruits, like mangoes and pineapples, because theyre harder to cut.) •Cookie cutters •Popsicle sticks Check out the full recipe here.