Simple Magic for Magic Tricks For Kids

Simple Magic for Magic Tricks For KidsLynda Tuting's book, Simple Magic, has found a home as the primary text for the program 'Elementary Magic Tricks For Kids'. This program has been designed to enable teachers to include more magic in their lesson plans. This is a common problem among students who would like to learn magic and are less than enthused about the subject.In Simple Magic, Lynda Tuting explores the variety of tricks that can be performed with a card deck, assorted supplies (spoons, pens, pencils, etc.) and the basics of hand motions.Simple Magic is very easy to use and will serve your child well if used in the correct manner. Whether or not your child is at the beginner stage, this book can be used as a great tool to help them develop.As is often the case with these types of products, there is an extensive amount of information on the various ways to perform magic tricks. This includes some very basic topics such as what you should do when performing any of the following : If you are performing the act of stumping a man through the act of pinching his nose, you will want to know that when you are performing the gesture, your right hand must be placed above the man's left shoulder, and your fingers together.Line your bottom hand with your head. Draw up a curl in your index finger and ring finger, pointing down toward your chest. With your thumb and forefinger, press your fingers together, while placing your ring finger over your thumb.The fun part about Simple Magic for Magic Tricks for Kids is that it is an approachable book. You can use it to teach your child everything from basic to advanced techniques. All the material is available in full color photos, which makes it easier for your child to grasp all the information. This makes it very easy for your child to understand what they need to do to put together a simple sleight of hand trick.If you are serious about getting a basic book on magic for your child, Simple Magic is the way to go. It is de signed to be as easy to read as possible, yet the detailed instructions make it all the more fascinating.

Improving Mental Maths with Tas from the Tutorfair Foundation

Improving Mental Maths with Tas from the Tutorfair Foundation One of the Foundation’s most prolific volunteers, Tas F, has set up Arithmetic Intelligence - an elite Maths club aimed specifically at elevating the arithmetic capabilities and mental Maths skills in young learners.  We asked Tas to tell us more about  Arithmetic Intelligence... What is Arithmetic Intelligence? ‘In my experience as a Maths tutor,’ says Tas, ‘it is vital for learners to master arithmetic operations as it helps them to build a strong foundation in Maths, especially from a very young age.’ With numeracy, we know that confidence is key. Helping learners to feel at ease with Maths helps them come to enjoy the subject and never feel threatened by it. Arithmetic Intelligence teaches learners to approach problems through visualisation rather than memorisation, helping to boost confidence by enabling them to work arithmetic operations mentally at speed. ‘So often, students will memorise a formula without knowing how and when to apply it to a problem.  By learning to visualise problems, learners are able to decipher the relevant mathematical concepts at play and find their way to a solution much more quickly.’ The club’s Maths practice is underpinned by two very successful methods of Maths that aren’t usually taught to students in the UK. These are Japanese Soroban (Abacus) Maths and Singaporean Maths.  Using these methods, ‘students acquire and apply mathematical concepts and methods that they actually enjoy using, often developing a keen interest in Maths as a result.’ So what do we know about these methods? Soroban (Abacus) Maths The Soroban (Abacus) is a calculating board that has been widely used in Japan, China and Korea since time immemorial.  With the help of the Soroban board, students develop a profound understanding of place value, building strong conceptual foundation to underpin their learning.  Thereafter, students are able to visualise numbers and perform advanced arithmetic operations mentally and with great ease. Myriad research has established that students who use the abacus not only develop stronger mental Maths skills, but also improve their ability to concentrate, memorise information and solve problems. Singapore Maths Developed in the 1980s, the Singapore method aims to help children solve Maths problem with visual aids â€" either concrete materials or pictorial aids. Also known as the CPA, the Concrete Pictorial Abstract approach to learning suggests that learners develop mathematical thinking by understanding how something works â€" not by memorising formulae. Starting by solving simple word problems, learners are taught to use visualisation and pictorial concepts to find solutions, gradually applying and developing their mathematical thinking to process more and more complex stimuli. Tas is proud to say that, using the advanced arithmetic skills and problem-solving abilities learned during Arithmetic Intelligence classes, many of her students have won certificates of excellence in Maths at their respective schools If you’d like to find out more about Arithmetic Intelligence, you can visit the website here

Creating Classroom Behavior Charts that Actually Work!

Creating Classroom Behavior Charts that Actually Work! Classroom behavior charts, or daily report cards, are a common evidence-based intervention for kids with ADHD. When used correctly, they are an excellent tool that can help students with ADHD stay more focused, organized, and in control of their behavior. Too often classroom behavior charts arent designed or used correctly for students with ADHD, and as a result, the intervention leads to no improvement or very temporary improvement in the childs attention or behavior. In my previous post I discussed guidelines for creating effective behavior charts at home for kids with ADHD. Many of these guidelines apply to classroom behavior charts as well, but there are important additional details to attend to when charts are used at school. The good news is that just like home behavior charts, when you follow these guidelines youre setting a child up for success and are likely to see improvements in his or her ADHD symptoms and behaviors. Classroom Behavior Chart Guidelines Write clear and positive behavior goals. Your chart should communicate to your student exactly what it is that he or she needs to do to succeed. Always write the goals in a way that tells your student what to do rather than what not to do. For example, Raise a quiet hand and wait to be called on before you speak, is a much more effective goal than, Dont shout out answers before youve been called on. The first example communicates to your student exactly what it is you expect of him or her. Not only do you want him or her to stop shouting out answers before he or she has been called on, but you want him or her to sit quietly and raise his or her hand. It leaves very little room for misinterpretation! Focus on behaviors that occur frequently across activities and situations. The most successful behavior charts are those that focus on a few key problematic ADHD-related behaviors that occur throughout the day across many different classroom activities and situations. For example, Keep your hands and feet to yourself, is an effective goal that can be used all day in almost any situation. In contrast, Dont grab pencils from your neighbor during Writers Workshop, only targets a behavior during one activity. Choose goals that are within reach. Create behavior goals that your student can achieve at least 80% of the time. Goals should aim to stretch your student beyond the point he or she is at right now, while still being within reach. This might mean that you focus on intermediate behavior goals that are a step in the right direction, rather than ultimate end goals. Using reminders can be an easy way to create intermediate goals. For example, if you add a goal called, Get started right away, when your student has never (or only rarely) ever done this in the past, then he or she will probably not be successful. Instead, you can set an intermediate goal of, Get started right away with only 1 reminder. You can drop the reminder once they have mastered this goal. Include no more than 4 behavior goals on the chart. Most kids with ADHD can handle only 3 or 4 behavior goals on a classroom behavior chart. If more goals are included, students and teachers quickly lose track of them. The easiest way to keep the number of goals small, is to follow guideline #2 above: Focus on behaviors that occur frequently throughout the day. In addition, start with the highest priority behaviors. Then, over time, once those behavior goals have been mastered, you can replace them with new targets. Provide feedback and ratings consistently at multiple time points throughout the day. The least effective classroom behavior charts are those that are rated by teachers only at the end of the school day. Students with ADHD need constant feedback about their behavior, in the form of verbal praise and physical ratings on their behavior charts. Behavior chart check-in times should occur at least twice a day, and ideally three times a day. To be consistent, link check-in times to regularly occurring daily activities, like before lunch or after morning recess. Always share the ratings with your student at each check-in period. Between check-ins, praise your student when you see him or her behaving in a way that is consistent with his or her goals. Some older students with milder ADHD symptoms can switch to a single check-in at the end of the day after they have had their behavior chart in place for at least a few weeks. In these cases, continue to provide praise throughout the day and swi tch back to a 3-times per day schedule if your student starts to slip on his or her behavior goals. Use a positive points-based rating system. All classroom behavior charts should include a point goal that the student should aim for each day. These types of systems reward the child with points when he or she does something well and move him or her closer to his or her goal. In contrast, negative points-based systems punish a child when he or she doesnt do something well and move him or her further away from his or her daily goal. For example, if a child starts off the day with 10 points, and then loses a point every time they violate a classroom rule, then they are being punished rather than rewarded. Negative systems are less motivating and less effective for all kids, and especially kids with ADHD. systems should also be avoided because the sad faces act like a punishment and can be highly demotivating. Set daily point goal targets that dont require perfection. When kids are learning new behaviors or improving behaviors that are difficult for them, they will make mistakes. If daily point goal targets require kids to achieve each of their behavior goals 100% of the time, then they will rarely reach their daily target and will quickly lose interest in their behavior chart. Instead, set daily point targets that are between 70% - 80% of the total number of possible points that the student could earn in a day. Provide consistent daily rewards at school or at home. Kids with ADHD need frequent rewards to stay motivated. Rewards should be provided every day that the daily point goal is achieved. School-based rewards can work well, but in cases where strong parent-teacher communication is feasible, rewards provided at home by parents who have reviewed the classroom chart are even more effective. For kids who prefer larger rewards, weekly rewards can be used in addition to daily rewards. Whats most important is that the rewards are highly motivating for the student. If you notice that the student has stopped putting effort into his or her behavior goals, then revisit the reward options and find out if the student is still motivated to earn them. Classroom behavior charts that are designed specifically for students with ADHD can be highly effective when they are used consistently. Focus on setting clear, achievable goals and point targets, providing regular check-ins and feedback throughout the day, and providing rewards that your student is excited to earn. Your effort will pay off when you see big improvements in your students behavior! 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.

Language Learning 101 Top Strategies and Tools

Language Learning 101 Top Strategies and Tools Language Learning 101: Top Strategies and Tools Kató Lomb is my favorite polyglot.She was, to put it mildly, a total badass.She became one of the first simultaneous interpreters  and learned 16 languages.The primary part of her learning method involved reading books.Let me say that again: She taught herself languages to the point where she was able to do the most mind-bogglingly difficult kind of interpretation, by reading.But how? Like, what exactly did she do?Id love to know, because Id like to do it, too.Lombs book  How I Learn Languages  goes into some detail about her methods, but not as much as you might expect considering the sheer level of awesomeness she achieved.Polyglots today, too, willing as they may be to share their language learning philosophies and opinions, can often be difficult to emulate.It can even seem like many people who have learned languages have basically no idea how they did it.Thats not to say you shouldnt try to gain useful tips from language learning superstars. And yes, there are strategies that h ave actually been shown to be effective for language learning.But more importantly, there are multiple strategies that seem to be effective for language learning.As a learner, you owe it to yourself not to be limited by any one persons idea of what works.Today, were going to take a long, relaxed look at some tools, strategies and resources that seem to be helpful for learners. Well also see what research and science have to say about them.Consider this post a sort of dashboard you can use to maximize the comfort, efficiency and fun of your personal language learning.Ready to get started? Language Learning 101: Top Strategies and ToolsThe Best Way to Learn a Language: What Language Learning Strategies Really Work?Below are some language learning methods that show promise.Its important to remember that no study about something as subjective as language learning will be 100% definitive.Its also worth mentioning that one approach probably wont do everything for you. In fact, theres ev idence that using more strategies can mean more successful language learning.And one more thing before we begin: We talk about learning styles in the language learning community a lot, with the best of intentions. But you should know that, scientifically speaking, the idea of learning styles is bogus.Sure, you may prefer certain ways of learning to other ways of learning, and if they help you feel inspired to study, great! But again, theres no reason to limit yourself based on a preconceived idea of how you learn best. This is an open bar, so help yourself.Spaced RepetitionYou may have seen some language learning programs advertising that they use some form of SRS, meaning a spaced repetition system or spaced repetition software.  Simply put, the idea behind spaced repetition is that when youre studying to memorize something, reviewing the material at spaced intervals is more effective than mashing it into a single session.Spaced repetition isnt just about algorithms in apps, its a broader concept thats been shown to be generally effective. What this means in plain English is that regular review is important and helpful.Many hardcore learners swear by the flashcard system Anki, which has become a staple of input-based learning. Some use it as their regular method of study and to learn a lot of vocabulary very fast.Heres something to keep in mind, though: Its not necessarily important to make SRS-based learning your main study approach. For many people, thats not even realistic, especially if youre making your own flashcards. Continually creating your own learning system is a lot of work.Thankfully, you dont have to be an input hound to take advantage of SRS. In fact,  using SRS for review for just a few minutes a day can improve your retention by leaps and bounds. One study involving EFL students showed that students who spent as little as three minutes a day on computer-generated spaced repetition exercises  retained nearly three times as much vocab as other students.Later on in this post, well look at some specific SRS-based tools you can use for your learning.Comprehensible InputComprehensible input is a term used by linguist Stephen Krashen to describe a concept that means pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Its the idea that learners need to be able to understand the material theyre reading or listening to in order for natural learning to take place.This doesnt mean that you cant be taking in material thats a bit over your head. In fact, thats part of the idea: By deducing the parts you dont know from what you do know, you learn the language.Comprehensible input  seems to be  effective for vocabulary retention. Theres additional evidence that input-based study can have many positive effects on language acquisition.So thats all well and good, right? But it may not immediately be obvious how you can apply this to your own studies. How can you ensure your study material meets comprehensible input standards?Here are a few ideas:Use graded readers. These make it easier for you to select and read more material at your level, which gets you more appropriate input, faster.Learn core vocabulary first.  This doesnt directly provide you with level-appropriate material, of course. But learning the most common words in a language first will give you a greater variety of texts and listening material to choose from. Which will, in turn, give you more input.Listen to and read your input extensively. In order for comprehensible input to be effective, it doesnt just need to be comprehensible. You also need to actually take in a substantial amount of it.For some insight on what exactly extensive reading and listening is, read on.Intensive and Extensive Reading and ListeningYou can read for enjoyment over a longer period of time (extensive), or read in shorter bursts in order to more closely analyze and interact with the material (intensive). You can do the same for listening.Both of these types of input are important and ca n help your learning in different ways.Theres evidence that extensive reading can not only aid in vocabulary retention but also increase motivation. Extensive reading may be more effective overall because it provides exposure to more material. However, intensive reading may be more important at the lower levels of learning  (the article in this link downloads automatically).As with extensive reading, there are indications that extensive listening may not only increase proficiency, but also motivation. Intensive listening may have its own distinct benefits. In one study, students who did a series of dictation exercises even discovered that  their speaking capabilities were positively affected by the listening exercises.Weve already discussed some ways to implement extensive reading above, including using graded readers. If you find readers that include reading comprehension questions or exercises for short texts, you can use these for intensive reading as well. Otherwise, try searchi ng [your target language] reading comprehension practice to find online reading exercises.For intensive and extensive listening, you may want to try keeping a listening journal. An article by Anthony Schmidt  details suggestions for engaging in and tracking intensive and extensive listening using a journal. These involve using sites like FluentU (more on this below) and TED Talks. The article is written from the perspective of an ESL teacher, but the activities can easily be adapted by independent learners for their own studies.ShadowingShadowing revolves around a pretty basic concept: You read along with an audio resource, matching its pace, intonation and pronunciation as closely as you can.It was introduced under the name shadowing by polyglot Alexander Arguelles. In its original, now rather quaint incarnation, shadowing is weirdly specific. Youre supposed to go outside with a text, corresponding recording and headphones. Then, you stand up straight while walking around, blasting yourself with the language and speaking along with it as simultaneously as possible in a loud voice.Arguelles is another one of my favorite polyglots and I love that this technique is a thing. However, Ive tried shadowing the old-school way and Im not entirely convinced that the fresh air and exercise part of it is in any way crucial.Look, it makes logical sense to me that attempting to speak along with a recording could be really effective for pronunciation. It also makes sense that occupying yourself with walking and reading while also speaking might help override your normal inhibitions and allow a deeper level of learning.But sort of like with making large amounts of SRS-optimized vocabulary input ones primary learning method, I dont think its a realistic option for the average person. I get stressed out having to go to the grocery store some days; Im not going to be out in a park seven days a week yelling in Korean and opening myself up to any number of awkward interactions.Ho wever, multiple studies have shown the basic technique of shadowing to be an effective learning method. And its simple enough to do the reading and listening part on your own, indoors or wherever you want. Its also simple to alternate shadowing with any listen and repeat prompts you encounter in language learning materials.Speaking of types of learning materialsLearning with Authentic MaterialsThere are certain advantages to using materials specifically designed for language learners. As weve explored above, learner-based content can better aid comprehensible input by better pinpointing a certain level.But there are marked advantages to using authentic materials, or materials intended for native speakers, too.From the study mentioned in the extensive reading section above, we already know that extensive reading itself may increase motivation. However, a separate study on extensive reading with online content showed that  authentic texts, specifically, may be motivating for students. Also,  the value of learning with authentic materials is somewhat self-evident. After all, interacting with authentic material is the goal, the dream. Its the ideal outcome, something that any learner will need to do eventually.The trick is balancing the need for authenticity with level-appropriate material for comprehensive input. To an extent, this is a balance you can achieve as a learner. There are some sites or programs that sort out authentic material for you. You can also use certain tricks to find level-appropriate content.Once you get to an intermediate or advanced level, the exact level of authentic material tends to be less of a concern. When youre still a beginner, however, you may find appropriate authentic material on:Shopping sites.Travel or real-estate sites.Childrens educational sites.Wikipedia.Some Wikipedia articles contain more complex sentences, sure. But they also tend to contain more cognates than your average reading material, making them easier to decipher. Additionally, they follow a certain basic format of headings and subheadings that can help you make more accurate guesses at what youre reading about.Learning with FeedbackThe importance of feedback, especially early in your learning process, is also somewhat self-evident. If you dont have any opportunity or capability to correct your mistakes, its tough to improve your language skills. The question surrounding feedback is more a question of when and how much.Feedback in the language classroom is a complicated and delicate subject. There are ongoing discussions about exactly how corrective feedback should be applied. As a learner, you dont necessarily have control over how any tutor or teacher you work with might choose to incorporate feedback. (Though you should certainly feel okay about taking some control over your own lessons.)When you learn independently, however, you dont have the potentially extremely valuable personalized feedback that a teacher can give you.But theres also something to be said for taking responsibility for your own learning.  One study  showed that students who worked out the correct answers to their own errors with other students and a teacher improved their language skills more than those who were only given corrections and a possible follow-up to ask a teacher questions.Whether or not youre primarily learning with a teacher, it may be beneficial to go over your wrong answers from tests, quizzes or apps with others. You could do this with friends, or you can get in touch with native speakers  through HiNative or another language exchange app.If youre learning on your own and have questions that require more detailed explanations, you may want to get an online tutor, even if only temporarily.Now that weve looked at some strategies you can apply to your language learning, lets look at some resources that align with them.Are Language Learning Apps and Online Programs Actually Beneficial?The short answer is yes. Heres the long answer:In 2018, The Atlantic published a piece by David H. Freedman titled How to Almost Learn Italian,  which details the authors experience using the popular language app Duolingo.In the article, Freedman talks about how he was sucked in by Duolingos addictive features but found, a week before leaving for Rome, that he didnt have the Italian language skills necessary for basic interactions. He quickly grabbed some other resources, including a phrasebook, and found he was able to cram practical language pretty effectively.In other words, it seems Duolingo hadnt given him the exact vocab he needed, but it had given him an understanding of the language that made vocab memorization easier and faster. He later got in touch with the CEO of Duolingo, Luis von Ahn, who verified that the way the app had worked for Freedman was the way it was supposed to work.This story illustrates a couple of important aspects of language apps. One is that theyre still new enough that we often dont really know what to expect from them.Another is that its only logical to assume that an app that drills you with complete sentences and gets you to study every day would be effective up to a point. It doesnt make sense to expect a language app to do everything for you, no more so than expecting a textbook to do everything for you.That doesnt mean, though, that we cant expect greater and greater developments from language apps in the future. It also doesnt mean that they arent already a wonderful tool to use now. In general, studies have linked positive results to popular language apps (well look at some in a moment).They may offer some unique positive benefits as well. For example,  researcher Fernando Rosell-Aguilar suggests  that learners may find apps useful for making errors privately and quelling performance anxiety.Here are some apps (also available to use online) you may find useful for your own learning.FluentUFluentU is unique in that it already brings together many of the strategies discu ssed above, and gives you material to practice all of them.FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like movie trailers, music videos, news, commercials, vlogs, speeches, comedy skits and moreâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons.The program sorts these authentic videos into six levels and gives you interactive captions, customized quizzes and multimedia flashcards that can be used in a variety of ways.All of this means that you getThe opportunity to use authentic materials early on, and comprehensible input via authentic materials.Level-appropriate materials and features for both intensive and extensive reading and listening.Corrective feedback through quizzes, along with explanatory grammar notes.SRS that helps you know when its time to review words, but that you dont have to adjust yourself or think about too much.Audio that can be used for shadowing.FluentU is a great way to consolidate your learning and to hit a lot of important points in your studies. Plus, it keeps tr ack of all the vocabulary you learn, so you get a 100% personalized experience.DuolingoA study done with learners of Spanish  suggested that for beginner learners, an estimated average of 34 hours with Duolingo was roughly equivalent to a semester of college. It was found to be more effective for beginners than advanced students. It was also more effective for those who were motivated by the prospect of using the language for travel.This all seems consistent with the story linked above, and probably with what most of us already know about Duolingo: Its fun, its popular, its geared towards earlier learners and you have virtually nothing to lose by using it.Getting started is easy, and the format is simple. You work your way through a variety of quiz-like exercises that serve as lessons, and there are grammar explanations available if you need them.With Duolingo, you get corrective feedback that you can explore further on your own. Input should be fairly comprehensible since its doled out by level.Duolingo tests both your reading and listening skills, though the robotic audio can sometimes give you pronunciations that sound a bit off. It also spaces out your learning by letting you know when its time to review material youve learned.Youll eventually need more, but Duolingo has likely gotten a lot of people learning a language who wouldnt be doing it otherwise. For more on what you can expect from Duolingo, check out this New York Times article on the subject.BabbelQueens College conducted the study on Duolingo above and did a similar one on Babbel, which showed that Babbel may be even more effective than Duolingo. It was found that beginner users only needed 15 hours with Babbel to cover the equivalent of a college semester of Spanish.Ive tried Babbel myself and I havent found it as engaging as the two apps above. However, thats not the same as saying that its not effectiveâ€"in fact, I understand why it would be. Babbel is a bit more sophisticated than Duolingo and some similar apps. It focuses on practical language and situations. It allows you to interact with the language through a variety of exercises, some of which include voice recognition.With Babbel, you get intensive work with the language. You get native speaker audio thats comprehensible for your level. As with most apps, you get  corrective feedback.What you get with Babbel is probably more like what you get with classroom learning than any of the other apps on this list. If youre more of an independent learner like me, you may find that stifling, but if you want a lot of guidance, you may find its perfect for you.busuubusuus lessons are topic- and communication-based. The program covers level-appropriate material and prompts for  reading, writing, listening and speaking. With busuu, you can easily track your progress and test your level at any time. I think this is all fantastic.Personally, however, I find busuu a bit too involved for my tastes. There are different stages of each lesson you have to passâ€"there are activities and rewards and opportunities to connect with native speakers, too.For me, that feels like a bit much for one app. I enjoy gameification, but I like to have more control over my learning than busuu offers. That doesnt mean that it doesnt have advantages for those who want it all, though.Im bringing up my personal feelings about busuu and Babbel to show that, regardless of whats supposed to be efficient or effective, individual preferences can make or break whether youll actually get any studying done.On the other hand, you can miss out on a lot if you just listen to what other people say about a given product. If I wanted, I could gripe about how these apps are actually bad for language learners just because I dont prefer them myself, when solid research suggests exactly the opposite  is true.busuu has also gotten high marks in the efficacy department, falling between Babbel and Duolingo in terms of how good it is at replacing coll ege coursework (which, it should be stressed, isnt everything). Like Babbel, Im including it here because research indicates that it gets results and that a lot of people like using it. You could very well be one of them.50LANGUAGESI dont have a study to cite for this app. Im including it here because, like FluentU, it offers content that aligns well with some of the strategies discussed in this post.Its pretty basic, but its free and includes great material for beginners. Lessons are vocabulary-based, with complete sentences for context and audio recordings of each word or phrase that can be played separately or together.This makes it compatible with shadowing, comprehensible input for earlier learners and material for intensive reading and listening.It also offers corrective feedback in the form of flashcards and quizzes.Online Language Learning Course Resources: Your Structure and SupportOnline language courses come with their challenges and may not give you as thorough of an exp erience as an in-person class. However, they may still be a good option for learners who arent currently in a college class, due to the low cost and accessibility.The main catch to taking online courses may be that it takes self-discipline to actually finish them.  Harvard Business Review reports that only 4% of people who watch a Coursera lecture (see below) actually go on to do the whole course. However, many people who do complete courses report they experience practical benefits as a result.Heres where you can get your language learning course fix online.CourseraCoursera is a big name in online learning and currently has courses for Spanish, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, English, French and Russian.Its always worth checking the latest offerings. Courses are taught by professors from actual universities but can enroll thousands of people. You can generally join and complete open courses at any time for free, with certificates available for a fee.AlisonAlison is more of an all-you-can -eat buffet when it comes to language courses. You can pick and choose between specific subjects in a language, like tourism, dining out, writing skills, conversation skills, etc.They currently offer courses for English, Spanish, German, Irish, French, Chinese, Arabic, Swedish and Japanese. Like Coursera, Alison provides free materials to learners, but charges a fee for certificates.Open CultureHeres a list of free course resources that may be especially helpful if youre learning a lesser-taught language.Open Culture includes materials here for learning Dutch, Finnish, Greek, Hungarian, Luxembourgish, Maori, Urdu, Tagalog, Romanian and many more.Language Learning Podcasts: An Underestimated Study SupplementPodcasts can be fun, informative and, best of all, anyone can have one, right? As it turns out, the podcast format may be just as useful for language learning as for dispensing any type of information.  Multiple studies have shown podcasts to be a great all-around learning tool.Na tive-language podcasts are perfect for extensive listening practice, and some podcasts intended for language learners are great for intensive listening practice, particularly for beginners. Lets start with those.Innovative LanguageInnovative Language delivers some lessons that are available on their YouTube channels for free; others become accessible when you subscribe. Either way, you can carry engaging, level-appropriate audio featuring native speakers on your phone with you throughout the day. Lessons are currently available in 34 languages.Coffee Break LanguagesCoffee Break Languages gives you podcast-style lessons that teach French, Italian, Chinese, German and Spanish. You can access lessons for free on their website but have the option of signing up for additional content. Lessons include discussions of cultural subjects, grammar points and more.News in SlowThis collection of slowly-spoken news podcasts is fantastic for learners of Spanish, French, Italian and German.Simplifi ed audio based on cultural material is such a good language learning tool, especially around the intermediate levelâ€"though News In Slow is available for beginning, intermediate and advanced learners. Its essentially learner-friendly material with an authentic flavor.More Language Learning PodcastsLooking for more podcasts for a specific language? Here are a few lists to get you started:The 9 Most Riveting Korean Podcast Resources for Language Learners9 Elite Russian Podcasts for Winning Learners10 Awesome French Podcasts for French Learners9 Awesome German Podcasts to Accelerate Your Language Learning8 Japanese Podcasts for Accelerating Your Learning7 Italian Podcasts for Mastering the LanguageNative Language Podcasts and Radio: Necessary Language Listening PracticeSo now about that extensive, authentic listening. We already discussed why extensive listening is important. However, you may also be interested to know that even passively listening to speech while doing other activiti es  can be beneficial to your learning.Here are a couple of sources to provide you with a continuous stream of your target language.TuneInTuneIn gives you access to stations and podcasts from all over the world. Browse by language or location to find what youre looking for.RFI LanguagesDont want to spend time searching? RFI (Radio France Internationale) broadcasts world news in 16 languages.More Authentic Language PodcastsWant more? Below are some lists of radio stations and podcasts for specific languages:Authentic Brazilian Portuguese Listening in 11 Podcasts6 Native Chinese Podcasts for an Authentic Learning ExperienceThe 5 Best Spanish Talk Radio Stations to Give You Spanish Ears5 Great French Talk Radio Shows for Your Learning and Listening PleasureImprove Your German Listening with 9 Made in Germany PodcastsThe Best 3 Japanese Radio Stations and Their Top Talk Radio ProgramsTune In to the 6 Best Italian Radio Stations for Learning the LanguageLive and Breathe Russian? Check Ou t These 10 Radio Stations for Language LearningLearning Korean with Radio: 7 Essential Tips for Streaming SuccessYoull Need Lots of Foreign Language Reading Material, Too!And all the better if its free. Here are some accessible resources for your intensive and extensive reading needs.Project GutenbergYou wont find the freshest reads here, but you do get public domain texts in over 60 languages.The Foreign Language Library OnlineThis is a simple, non-intimidating resource you can use to read short articles in your target language, provided your target language is English, French, Spanish, German or Russian.You can search by language or topic category. Categories include Literature, Movies, History and In the News.Deutsche WelleHeres another news site offering up a linguistic smorgasbord. Choose from current events in 30 languages.Everything Else: Language Learning Websites for Additional Language PracticeSo at this point, weve covered almost everything in terms of language learning r esources you can access from a computer or phone, but not quite everything. There are always those resources that serve their own very specific purposes or are just handy to have bookmarked.Here are a few you might find helpful for practicing and testing your skills along the way.italkiOn italki, you can quickly find an online teacher and pay by the lesson with no long-term commitment. This makes it a convenient resource for getting speaking practice or having your language skills evaluated.Its also a great resource for  getting in-depth feedback or explanations of concepts youre struggling with.Lang-8With Lang-8, youre able to test your other language output skill: writing. On the Lang-8 website, you can write posts thatll then be corrected by native speakers, and you can provide the same service for others.Its like an open pen pal platform thats focused on corrections and more convenient for everyone. This is a good way to get personalized feedback without a teacher.Freerice.comHe res a straightforward vocabulary game that includes quizzes for English, German, Spanish, French, Italian and Latin. Theres nothing mind-blowing about it, but its an easy and fun way to memorize new words.If you play regularly enough, youll see some of the same words go by again as you work your way up through the levels, which will help you get in some review and repetition.Plus, as you play, youre earning donations for the World Food Programme.BBC LanguagesBBC Languages is just an all-around good free resource to be aware of. It gives you access to audio and video courses and links to sources for authentic materials.  Content is available for 40 languages.Whew, thats a lot! Hopefully, you see now that effective language learning isnt about any one big solution. Its more about applying certain key principles and strategies when and how you can.Most of the resources above are instantly accessible, and many of them are free. So theres no reason not to start building up a language rou tine that works for you right now.Happy learning, and have fun!

Why this NBA star is setting up a school in the Democratic Republic of Congo [Video]

Why this NBA star is setting up a school in the Democratic Republic of Congo [Video] This offseason is proving to be a busy one for basketball player Bismack Biyomo Fresh off his first season playing for the Orlando Magic, former Toronto Raptors player Biyombo is hard at work on his latest passion project - helping to build schools in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Biyomo has a deep connection to the DRC. Despite having left at the age of sixteen to play basketball professionally around the world, Biyombo’s heart and mind have never strayed far from his home country. That’s why, this summer, he’s lending a philanthropic hand to his home country by setting up a bilingual school for vulnerable children living in Goma, one of the DRC’s most war-torn regions. Biyombo recently visited the Teach Away HQ to meet the team and fill us in on his latest project: Kivu International School is set to open in September 2017, enrolling male and female students at the primary and secondary level. Children in Goma - where rebel groups, despite peace accords, continue to thrive - are at high risk of being forcibly recruited as child soldiers. In the DRC, there are limited educational opportunities for young people. More than three million children are out of school in the country right now - in fact, one in five Congolese children have never stepped foot in a classroom. Millions of children across the world who live in conflict are at grave risk of growing up without the skills they need to contribute to their society and country’s economy, exacerbating an already desperate situation. In times of instability, schools don’t just offer a safe environment for learning - they restore much-needed normalcy and stability in children’s lives and play a critical part in protecting them from the trauma and physical dangers around them. Biyombo learned to play basketball never having owned a pair of shoes, walked two hours to and from school each day and frequently went hungry. While basketball helped Biyombo and his family move out of poverty, he knows that option isn’t available to every kid. That’s why we’re excited to be teaming up with Bismack Biyombo’s charity organization, to help find teachers who are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ready to be a part of something big? Apply for a job teaching at Kivu International School today!

Happiness Is Not Something Ready Made

Happiness Is Not Something Ready Made Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions. A quote by His Holiness the Dalai Lama Dalai Lamas are the head monk of the schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The current 14th Dalai Lama won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, and is also well known for his lifelong advocacy for Tibetans inside and outside Tibet. TutorZ has Buddhism tutors working for.

Teaching in China on a tourist visa Can it be done

Teaching in China on a tourist visa Can it be done In the past, it was common practice for English teachers to arrive in China on a tourist visa and start working, while waiting for their employers to transition them to the correct Z visa status. However, teaching English in China on a tourist visa (otherwise known as an L visa) is a route we don’t recommend here at Teach Away, for reasons we’ll dive deeper into below. But, essentially, it boils down to this: A Z visa (also commonly referrred to as a Foreign Expert Permit) is what sets you up to obtaining the two key documents you need to continue working legally in any province in China - those all-important residence and work permits. That’s why we always recommend you obtain your Z visa before arriving in the country. That way, you know your employer is actually legally allowed to employ foreign teachers (which they need a license to do) before you start packing your bags for the big move. Recommended reading: Do you really need a visa to teach English abroad? Requirements for teaching English in China [Video] Candidates applying for a Z visa to teach English in China should: Hold a bachelor’s degree Be a native English speaker Have two years of teaching experience/teaching certification/TEFL certification Note: Z visa applicants are also subject to the same retirement ages as Chinese workers, so if you’re a woman over the age of 60 or a man over the age of 55, then age restrictions will apply. But lots of commenters on Reddit claim they’re teaching English in China on a tourist visa? It can’t be that big of a deal! The internet is also chock full of horror stories of expat teachers being arrested for working illegally on a tourist visa in China. And the consequences of being caught working illegally in China can be pretty dire. You could face penalties ranging in severity from fines to jail time or deportation if you’re teaching under a tourist visa. Trust us, not only have the Chinese government been tightening up their visa regulations in recent years - they’re also raiding language schools falling afoul of the law and detaining foreign teachers working without the right work permit. While these occurrences are, thankfully, becoming less and less frequent as the Chinese ESL industry continues to clean up its act, the risks you take by teaching under a tourist visa are still very real. That’s why, if your school is unable to obtain a Z visa for you before your departure, we advise you to seriously consider whether this is an offer you should be pursuing. Any reputable, well-established school will not pressure you to teach English “under the table”. They know better than most that this is a big no no with the Chinese authorities. Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. By agreeing to teach on a tourist visa, you’re highly vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous employers or unregulated agencies. Something to be aware of is the fact that many English teachers at schools in China actually have their contracts handled by for-profit, third-party hiring agencies, rather than by the schools directly. These agencies earn a commission for every teacher they place. As a result, some will go so far as to offer contracts to non-native English speaking teachers, who they know will never qualify for Z visa status. These agencies may have zero intention of ever completing the right documents for you, essentially leaving you stranded as an illegal worker in China. And open to exploitation. We’ve heard of ESL teachers placed in China under tourist visas, who not only had their wages skimmed but were forced to live in unsanitary accommodation and work extended hours without days off. Read this: How to spot common ESL job scams Can’t I just convert my L visa to a Z visa when I’m living in China? As we talked about above, if your employer is urging you to work on an L visa and convert to a Z visa at a later date, then you should know that by doing so, you’re essentially beaking the law. Plus, when you apply for a tourist visa for China, you’ll need to show proof of hotel bookings for the duration of your stay and your return flight home within the three-month timeframe permitted. Technically speaking, you could consider having an extended holiday in Asia while you’re waiting for your Z visa to be sorted out. So long as you’re willing to take on the expense of returning home or flying to Hong Kong so you can get that Z visa, that is. And that’s because: Z visas can also only be issued outside of China, in either your home country or Hong Kong. This means that, more than likely, you’ll be faced with an expensive trip back to your home county or Hong Kong so you can then re-enter under the right work permit status - an additional cost that your employer might not be willing to be on the hook for. And if your employer is dragging their heels on getting your Z visa organized once you’ve arrived, then you need to ask some serious questions about their legitimacy. So, to recap: You can’t legally teach English in China on anything other than a Z visa (that includes L and F visas). You shouldn’t move to China to teach on a tourist visa with the promise of bveing transferred to a legal working visa at a later date.

Difference Between Organic And Inorganic Chemistry

Difference Between Organic And Inorganic ChemistryThere is a difference between organic and inorganic chemistry. Organic chemistry has a lot of similarities to the common understanding of the term 'chemical science'. The name refers to the use of elements such as oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorous, potassium, iodine, and chlorine in making chemicals. With this, chemistry is related to 'things made out of things'.So, why is it that inorganic chemistry is differentiated from organic chemistry? Well, organic chemistry will be understood and sometimes confused with its counterpart chemistry. The reason behind this is the lack of common knowledge among people about what is actually happening when one starts using a chemical. Unlike the common idea, science, does not find its proper place in the society as a whole, and therefore, it tends to be misunderstood. To complicate matters, it is only through a deep understanding of science that scientists can achieve the accep tance that they need to contribute to a new era of scientific development.The main distinction between organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry is that inorganic chemistry is made up of elements that have the tendency to stick together to form compounds or to another substance of unknown nature. Chemical bonding is the main issue in organic chemistry. It deals with chemical bonds among elements. The reaction that goes on here is known as the C-C bond. Inorganic chemistry is defined as the science of the elements that are not made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, or alloys made of these three gases, and is very similar to the common understanding of the word 'chemical science'.The study of inorganic chemistry can be made by simple, boring, and boring students, as the entire chemical knowledge is related to nothing in particular. This is not at all true with organic chemistry. Organic chemistry deals with chemical bonding, and even reactions that involve chemical bonding. The best wa y to understand this bond is to understand that it is analogous to the bond in which two objects of different dimensions, separated by some distance, stick together to form a very tiny unit that is easier to manage. One can get a sense of this bond, if one tries to form a bond with any one element such as lithium, zinc, carbon, manganese, sodium, and other substances in the periodic table.The main reason for the difference between organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry is that inorganic chemistry tends to focus on the formation of elements and how they come together with atoms of the atoms of oxygen, hydrogen, or the metals. Organic chemistry is involved in the actual chemical reactions of the elements, and this gives the students the opportunity to work in their own laboratories. The only way that they can accomplish this is by using a laboratory with an instrument that is capable of controlling the chemicals. Organic chemistry also deals with the detection of chemical bonds, an d with the ability to determine the bonds, you can perform experiments like observing the reaction and testing its outcomes. Organic chemistry is a subject that requires knowledge about the elements, with the only thing that you can learn from a lab is the knowledge about bonds. However, inorganic chemistry requires that you have the knowledge of the elements and their properties, and this is an essential prerequisite to the success of the science.The issue of difference between organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry has caused a large number of controversies. Some say that organic chemistry is somehow better than inorganic chemistry, while others say that both of them are equally important and have their own pros and cons. Whatever be the case, both of them have got the same goal, which is to gain a deeper understanding of chemistry. The only difference between them is the time they take to master well.Why is there a difference between organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry? Is it because the former is based on experimentation and the latter is based on logical concepts? Or are there actually differences between organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry?I guess the answers will be found once you look into the chemistry textbooks yourself. Just remember to get a lab first before going to school to study this subject.

Free Online Tutoring - Find the Best Tutor For Your Student

Free Online Tutoring - Find the Best Tutor For Your StudentFree online tutoring is available in many areas to provide instruction and education to the learners. But, not all of these courses are meant for the regular students of the college or university.Many of the tutorials are specifically designed for the beginners and the tutor will explain in detail about the tutorial. Some even have instructional videos, which you can play for yourself. This tutorial's are created with easy to understand and simple instructions for the learner to follow. There are also those that offer the students free teaching materials, but there is a monetary incentive for those who opt for the tutorials.Free online tutoring is provided to individuals and groups who want to become better and improve their knowledge base. This is also a great way for students to have access to some internet resources.If you want to take part in the online tutoring programs then you can search the Internet or try searching f or online tutoring online. You will come across many sites that offer free tutoring services. This is an ideal way for the learners to learn from other students and at the same time help them to better themselves. The great thing about the tutoring is that the students who enroll into it, receive a clear explanation on how they can benefit the tutors.People who love to learn will surely be interested in the free online tutoring. There are many students who prefer to learn through the internet instead of the traditional way. They just love to access the internet to explore other resources. Even in the case of the online tutoring services, the learners are taught how to use the computers and the internet to facilitate better communication and much more.The online tutoring provides lessons at the comfort of the learner's home and also the cost of the lessons is very affordable. The first thing that they need to do is to sign up with the tutoring service and then start paying a few doll ars as the fee. Once the charges are paid, the learner will get the access to the necessary materials required.The advantage of the online tutoring is that it is very affordable and also you do not need to worry about their response time. The schools or colleges of college or university will always provide the student with the course material and that too with minimum inconvenience.