The Best French Revision Guides

The Best French Revision Guides A Guide to the Top 10 Revision Materials for Learning French ChaptersKS3 French Revision ResourcesGCSE French Revision GuidesA Level French ResourcesWhen exam time comes around, being armed with the right revision materials makes all the difference to your confidence on exam day.Unlike subjects like maths and science, French revision has to be a lot broader than learning a particular method for solving problems.GCSE, AS and A-level French exams are all about gauging your language skills as well as assessing your understanding of a range of issues â€" so you can never do too much revision.Because of the abstract nature of language exams, targeting your revision can be difficult at times.There are, however, lots of good resources which will not only help you to improve your French speaking, listening and writing skills, but which are tailored for your specific course and exams.So, whether you’re a key stage 3 student looking to brush up on their French skills before your first GCSE French lesson, or you’re a GCSE, AS or A-level French studen t wanting to know more about the resources on the market, Superprof is here to tell you all you need to know about French revision resources!French grammar is notoriously difficult to learn.With eight simple verb forms and any number of tenses and moods, remembering how it all works can be tricky.This is where the CGP New French Grammar Handbook comes in.CGP is a trusted provider of revision guides, and their French textbooks are no exception.Their French Grammar Handbook covers all of the key points which KS3 and GCSE French students are expected to know, as well as explanations and grammatical exceptions.If you’re particularly focussed on perfecting your French grammar skills, there is also a workbook that can be used alongside the handbook â€" so you’ll not only be able to learn French grammar but also put it into practice.GCSE French Revision GuidesSitting your GCSE exams can be stressful at the best of times â€" so having access to the right resources can make a huge differ ence to your confidence in the exam hall.The most helpful resources in terms of your exams will be the ones which are tailored to your specific course and exam board ¦ source: Visualhunt - fanzThe main exam boards which are used for GCSE French are AQA and Edexcel â€" be sure to check which exam board your school is using before you start buying revision guides!Here are three great revision resources for French GCSE students:AQA GCSE French: Foundation and Higher Student BooksThe AQA GCSE French books are usually the textbooks used to accompany your French lessons in school and should, therefore, be provided by your French teacher if AQA is your exam board.The AQA GCSE French textbook comes in two versions: foundation and higher.This is to do with the paper you will be sitting at the end of your study. The foundation paper is for students aiming for a grade C (grade 5), whereas the higher paper is for students aiming towards a grade A* (grade 9).So, if you are sitting a GCSE French exam from AQA, this textbook is your best port of call, as it has been written by the exam board itself.Revise AQA and Revise Edexcel French Revision WorkbooksThe Revise Edexcel and Revise AQA GCSE French revision workbooks are great for anybody who believes that practice makes perfect.Whether you want to practice your French grammar skills or brush up on your vocab, with the help of these books, you’ll be able to get as much practice as you like!There are also revision guides available to accompany these workbooks. All resources can be found on Amazon.You may get more suggestions for materials to review from your Superprof tutor if you take French lessons online!CGP GCSE AQA and Edexcel French Complete Revision and Practice (9-1)When it comes to talking about the best revision guides, the name ‘CGP’ always crops up â€" and it’s because they’re the best!CGP’s attitude towards revision guides is that they should be thorough yet concise, and detailed yet accessible so tha t any student can benefit from them.They offer all kinds of revision resources for GCSE French, but their Complete Revision and Practice book is the most comprehensive.They also cater for both AQA and Edexcel, so you can benefit from CGP’s revision wisdom whatever your exam board!With CGP’s Complete Revision and Practice, not only will you have detailed explanations for all kinds of topics and grammar points, but you will be able to try out your newly-acquired knowledge with the exam-style questions in the workbook â€" just what you need to ace your GCSE French exam!A Level French ResourcesThe jump from GCSE to A level is a significant one. Even with AS exams in-between, you have to hit the ground running once you start the sixth form.A level French is all about learning to discuss a wide range of topics with a high level of fluency and spontaneity.However, your French teacher will tell you that there is a big difference between learning how to speak a language and learning how to pass an exam in it.A-Level French can take you a long way in terms of education and career ¦ source: Visualhunt - University of Central ArkansasSo, while you might be keen to become fluent in your everyday French, you won’t be able to access the top marks without a good understanding of the topics studied during your course.But never fear! There are plenty of revision guides to help you prepare as best you can for your exams so you get the grade you deserve on results day.AQA Year 1 AS and Year 2 A Level French Student BookJust like at GCSE, A-levels can be taken with AQA or Edexcel, and there are resources for each exam board.AQA provides two student books:Year 1 and ASYear 2 and A LevelThese books are usually used to accompany your course content and are great revision resources as they are written by the exam board themselves. In addition to key vocabulary and grammar points, there are also practice questions as well as listening exercises available to download from the p opular platform, Kerboodle.Edexcel A Level FrenchEdexcel’s A-level textbook includes the AS content â€" so you only have one book to worry about!This textbook has been written with the student’s progress in mind to make the transition from GCSE to A-level French as smooth and natural as possible so as not to discourage students.By using this textbook as a revision guide, you will be able to develop your reading, listening, writing and speaking skills with tips on usage in each area as well as advice on your personal research project.French Grammar and UsageFrench Grammar and Usage by Roger Hawkins and Richard Towell is recommended all over the country by A-level French teachers and university lecturers in French.This reference grammar book is perfect for anyone who wants to brush up on using a particular grammatical structure by reading detailed explanations with plenty of examples.There is also a workbook available to accompany this handbook, so you can test out your performanc e and see how you progress!  Use these resources alongside french lessons  london for an all-round learning experience.

Logo Design Where To Start

Logo Design Where To Start How to Create Your Own Logo ChaptersWhat Does a Logo Do? Characteristics of a Successful LogoHow Do I Create a Logo?What Software Should I Use to Create a Logo?  Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your Famous Logos?Designers and graphic artists are always being asked to create logos for their clients. This task might seem simple at first glance, but it’s actually a long and rigorous process. Designing a logo is very different from other types of art.Creative without strategy is called 'art.' Creative with strategy is called 'advertising.' - Jef L. Richards â€" professor of American advertisingDo you want to learn to draw a logo but don’t know where to start?Discover all the necessary steps in the creative process and mistakes to avoid so that you can design a logo which will stand out and make a difference.A logo design shouldn’t just be attractive â€" it must also have a meaning and be memorable and recognisable to everyone. The graphic design of a professional logo leaves nothing up to chance! FernandoDrawing T eacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidDrawing Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenDrawing Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Julia janeDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EvelinaDrawing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat Does a Logo Do?Logos are indispensable! After all, a logo is the visual or corporate identity, the branding of a company. It is an image that connects the company to its target audienceWithout saying much at all, this little picture, the company logo, allows the consumer to identify not only the company name, but also its product and culture.A good logo needs to convey a message, and this forms the basis of all visual communication.The colours of the logo will usually follow a scheme which will branch across all communication platforms and media related to the company, such as business cards, letterheads, flyers, websites, and brochures.So to put it simply, a company’s logo is a crucial and integral part of all of its marketing and communications. It allows the general public to identify a company and its characteristics at a glance, and lets them build the ink with the company’s values as well.Logos have an important impact on the public â€" so much so that there is even a board game which is entirely dedicated to them! Children are often really good at this game, which is proof that images have a real impact and can remain in the collective unconscious at a very young age.Characteristics of a Successful LogoA logo must be simple, easily memorable and adaptable to different formats. Photo on VisualHunt.comDesigning a logo shouldn’t be left up to chance â€" it should consciously meet several essential criteria to perform its purpose.Before you get started with creating your image to represent your company, it is important to keep in mind your company objectives and values when you make your initial sketches.A logo must be uniqueThe is obviously your starting point. The logo must be your own creation, something truly original. If it looks like another logo, it will confuse its audience and you might even be accused of plagiarism. So yes, you’ve got to show some originality when creating a logo â€" a bit like designing a tattoo!A logo must be timelessWatch out for fashion trends that will pass quickly. A logo must be designed to last and be throughout time. Even though it can be modified if necessary as the business evolves, it must retain its graphic identity â€" which is why it needs such careful consideration in its conception.A logo must be simpleA logo must be easily remembered, as it’s only meant to be seen very quickly. The idea is to identify the company at just a glance. If a logo is too complicated with too many levels of reading or detail, it will not fulfil its function.A logo must be legible in black and whiteBecause the logo of a company is not always reproduced in full colour, it’s important that it remains legible even in black and white or duotone. Be careful with gradients and shades of colours that may make the logo unusable in black and white.A logo must catch the eyeA logo should not go unnoticed - it needs to catch the eye and draw us in. This is one of the biggest challenges when creating a logo. Finding the colours and the graphics that will have an impact on the public is a central part of the thought process.A logo must adapt to all mediaA logo must remain visible and readable regardless of the medium it’s integrated in. Have you ever noticed small logos printed at the bottom of posters? Some stand out and are easily identifiable, whereas others become almost non-existence. Experimen t with different media to make sure your logo works flexibly.You could also follow our guide to drawing anime and manga if that's more your style. FernandoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidDrawing Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenDrawing Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Julia janeDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EvelinaDrawing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHow Do I Create a Logo?Before launching straight into the creative phase, you’ll need to have a serious think about the main elements that will characterise the logo.The creation and reflection stages are essential to the design p rocess. Photo on Visualhunt.comOnce you’ve done this, you’ll need to draft out some versions of your logo and compare them to see how these elements work best.The reflection phase of designing a logoThere are some important specifications when approaching logo elements. A logo can be hardly or quite detailed, depending on your design, but it’s important to look at the essential features of the business to help you in this decision.It is also useful to have a look at the competition in your field or market so that you can make your logo stand out among the rest.The most important points to remember when creating a new visual identity are:Choosing a colour schemeEach colour has a meaning, and so the choice of colour is often used to represent the activity of the company or the sector in which it operates (green is commonly used for ecology and nature, for example). Colour is also a great way to catch the eye and convey a message.Integrating the company name in the logoThis is a choice that needs to be made, as it’s completely up to the designer’s own taste. Some brands are able to transmit their identity in their logo without having to mention the name of the brand, like Apple’s iconic apple, for example.Deciding whether or not to add text to the logoIn many cases, multiple versions of a logo are created, with or without a baseline, according to their use. In some circumstances, a logo might require some additional text, whereas in others just the image will suffice. In all cases, the images must be coherent and the company identifiable.The format and direction of the logoYou need to think about the length and height of the image, and whether it will be round or square in shape, for example.The font used for text Try to use original typography if possible, to make the logo as unique as possible. A well-chosen font will transmit essential information about the company clearly to its audience.In businesses, brainstorming is a commonly used method of as king the right questions, determining ideas and making the first steps towards development, and it’s just as good a method when drawing too. You can try different ideas the main image   - as a comic book figure, an abstract design, or even just letters.To find inspiration it’s also important to do some research and look into the world of graphic design.First sketches of a logoWhen we talk about the first sketches, it’s because the creation phase begins with just a pencil and a free hand. You’ll start placing your different elements together and rework them in several sketches until you find what works.When it comes to creating a logo, remember that the first idea you draw will probably not be the final product.Why? Simply because the first idea is often too conditioned, and doesn’t have enough originality. Once you’ve experimented a bit, your logo will become more unique and original.The first ideas that come to your mind are the same as most people’s. In other words, it’s important to move away from these ideas and refine them in order for your own graphic design to be distinctive.It’s not an easy task conveying one or more messages in just a single image. Every detail counts. And that’s what makes a logo powerful. Colour, typography, format, text, negative space â€" each element must serve a purpose and build a message to reflect the company.Graphic design is all about elements working in harmony, including shape, proportion and symmetry â€" a bit like drawing a face or a hand.Some logos are directly inspired by the Fibonacci sequence - the famous golden ratio, or the divine proportion. This is the case for logos such as Apple, BP, Pepsi and National Geographic, for example.During the creation phase, it is important to take a step back. Leave your work to one side and come back to it later with a fresh eye. The project will mature naturally and new ideas will emerge.Every graphic designer has their own methods to find inspiration. Photo o n VisualhuntFinalising your logoA logo only becomes a logo when all the elements mentioned above come together in an overall harmony.Graphic designers know this well having studied various forms and experimenting with different models â€" graphic design can’t be improvised.The attention to detail from a professional perspective will certainly be different to that of a typical person, but if the harmony of a logo isn’t perfect then it won’t attract the attention of a typical person, which is what a logo should do.  Whether you use a creative agency, a graphic studio or a freelance graphic designer to create your logo, one thing is for sure: a professional will be able to explain their creation and justify their choices.In all cases, a logo must be submitted to several people before being validated. Everyone will have a different perception, which will help you make any necessary adjustments and finalise the perfect logo.Why not try your hand at drawing a 3D logo for your compa ny?What Software Should I Use to Create a Logo?  Logo design is a creative endeavour that can’t be rushed or improvised. For this reason, many people like to use software to help them create the perfect logo.You can easily find online logo design sites that let you easily create a logo in just a few clicks. For sites like this you don’t need any specific knowledge of graphics, or even how to use a logo generator, as it’s all so simple to navigate.Is this really the right solution?  A company’s logo is made to withstand time and to make a lasting impression. That’s why it’s so critical to create a professional and high-quality logo which will stand out and catch people’s attention. It’s not enough to just browse image libraries and add a name!When creating a logo, it’s also crucial to make sure that it can work in all possible formats in order to be applicable to different media too. Creatives tend to use Adobe Illustrator, a vector graphics software specifically fo r creating logos, icons, drawings and typography.If you’re looking for a free graphic design software, Gimp is perfect for your needs.Photoshop is an image editing software that works with a grid and pixilation system that doesn’t quite offer the same possibilities as specific graphic design software does. Vector drawing software can reduce and enlarge images in high definition without losing quality.Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your Famous Logos?To finish up, let’s do a little test and see if you can find the hidden messages in some examples of famous logos that we all see on a daily basis.Logos transmit all sorts of messages, but some of them are hidden - even in the ones we think we know! Photo by Superprof.Toblerone: a bear hides in the mountain, in reference to the emblem of Bern, the Swiss city where the chocolate is made.The Tour de France: do you see the stylised cyclist? It’s in the letters O, U, and R and the front wheel of the bike is the orange circle.FedEx: an arr ow is hidden between the E and the X, in the negative space of the logo.Carrefour  : Here again we can see that the C for Carrefour appears in the negative space of the logo.Continental: The C and the O form a wheel in black and white.PMU  : You can see the horse at the front of the logo, but can you see the punter brandishing his ticket? Look a bit closer at the green shape in the white horse.And now it’s up to you to find your inspiration and get started!Some drawing classes might help you to get your creative juices flowing. Find a drawing class london.

50+ Fun and Interesting Facts About Italy

50+ Fun and Interesting Facts About Italy Brooke Neuman There are so many fun, interesting facts about Italy that its hard to compile just one short list. Whether youre planning your next vacation to Italy or youre just curious about this fascinating culture, learning everything you can about the country will make you even more impressed with all Italy has to offer. Here, weve compiled the top 50 most interesting facts about Italy that we think youll enjoy. Fun Interesting Facts About Italy Interesting Facts About Italy: History Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world, welcoming some 46 million foreign visitors annually. Its also the fifth most populous country in Europe. Vatican City in Rome is the smallest country in the world and is led by the Pope himself. Another interesting fact about Italy, the capital city of Rome is almost 3,000 years old. The colors of the Italian flaggreen, white, and redhave special meaning. Green represents hope, white represents faith, and red signals charity. Italy boasts the eighth largest economy in the world. Interesting Facts About Italy: Language Many musical terms are written in Italian because early composers from the Renaissance era were Italian. Of all the Romance languages, Italian is the closest to Latin. From Venetian to Sicilian, there are dozens of Italian dialects used throughout the country. There are only 21 letters in the standard Italian alphabet. The Italian alphabet doesnt have the letters J, K, W, X or Y. Interesting Facts About Italy: Superstitions Don’t be surprised if your hotel in Italy doesn’t have a 17th floor. Italians believe that this number is unlucky because when the Roman numeral for 17 (XVII) is rearranged is looks like VIXI, which means “I have lived,” a symbol that’s associated with death. Italians believe that the  corincello charm,  which resembles a chili pepper or a small horn, will protect them from the evil eye. According to Italians, placing a hat on a bed is bad luck. Traditionally, when priests  visited the dying to give them their last rights, they  would remove their hat and put it on the bed. If a cat is crossing the street, don’t be the first one to cross it’s path. It’s believed that black cats are a symbol of witchcraft and the devil. Dont give someone your best wishes. Instead, say In bocca al lupo” or into the wolfs mouth, as this means good luck. Italians believe that if someone brushes over a single person’s feet with a broom that he or she will never get married. Interesting Facts About Italy: Geography Europe’s three active volcanoes, Etna, Stromboli, and Vesuvius are all located in Italy. Italy has more earthquakes than any other European country. There is bronze statue of Jesus Christ submerged in the Mediterranean Sea off San Fruttuoso. The island of Poveglia is said to be so haunted that public access is prohibited. Almost four-fifths of Italy is either mountainous or hilly. Interesting Facts About Italy: Arts Sciences Italy is home to the world’s oldest university, the University of Bologna founded in 1088. Some of the most well-known artists and authorsincluding Dante, Da Vinci, and Michelangeloare from Italy. Italy has more masterpieces per square mile than any other country in the world. Ballet originated in Italy during the 15th century and it was  Catherine de Medici who introduced it to France later on. Many of the most influential scientists and mathematicians were born Italy, including Galileo Galilei and  Alessandro Volta. Interesting Facts About Italy: Law In the city of Turin, dog owners must walk their pooch at least three times a day or risk being fined. Woof. Unless you want to pay a hefty fine, don’t eat or drink while sitting on church steps or within a church courtyard. In 2012, the town of Falciano del Massico in Campania made it illegal for residents to die because the town’s cemetery is full. On the beaches of Eraclea on the Venetian Lido, it’s illegal to make sandcastles or any other kind of sand structure. Fun Facts About Italy: Culture La famiglia is very much a part of the Italian culture. In fact, it’s common for single children to live at home until their 30s. According to Italian culture, you must respect your elders.  Always stand when an elder person enters the room. Fashion is also important in Italy. After all, some of the world’s most sought after designers, such as Armani, Versace, and Prada, hail from Italy. Italians are known for communicating with hand gestures and facial expressions. Theyre also known for being late! First impressions are important to Italians, so be sure  to demonstrate respect and politeness toward othersespecially  in a business setting. Fun Facts About Italy: Food Wine Unsurprisingly, Italy is the world’s largest exporter of wine. However, it’s the second largest producer of wine after France. On average, Italians eat half a pound of bread a day. What’s more, estimated pasta consumption is 70 pounds per person annually. Bread is not meant to be an appetizer. Rather, Italians use  it  to wipe the remaining sauce off their  plate. When dining in Italy, don’t ask for salad dressing or other condiments. Olive oil is the only acceptable “condiment” in Italy. From Cappelletti to Cavatelli, there are over 140 types of pastas. Some of these pastas are only native to specific regions. Check out this interesting fact about Italy: Italians consume over 45 bottles of wine per year, per capita. Fun Facts About Italy: Inventions In 1948, Roy Jacuzzi invented the jacuzzi using specialized water pumps to help his son who was suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. You can thank Bartolomeo Cristofori for developing the very first piano in 1698. Other musical instruments invented in Italy include the violin, the guitar, and the organ. In 1896, the first ice cream cone was created by an Italian immigrant who settled in New York City. No wonder why Italians love caffeine, the espresso machine is an Italian invention built by  Angelo Moriondo in 1884. Pretzels were actually first made in Italian in 610 by an Italian monk who gave them to children who learned their prayers. Fun Facts About Italy: Sports Italy has hosted the Olympics three times in 1956, 1960, and 2006. Italy has won the World Cup four times, the most Word Cup wins second to Brazil. Believe it or not, volleyball is a very popular sport in Italy. In fact, the Italian Volleyball League is one of the most well-respected and talented leagues in the world. Italy is host to one of the three most famous bike rides in Europe,  â€œGiro d’Italia” (Tour of Italy). Hopefully, these  fun and interesting facts about Italy have inspired you to finally take that trip to Italy youve always dreamed of. But before you jet off to Italy, make sure you take some Italian lessons so you can speak to the locals and learn even more fun facts about Italy firsthand. 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

Reading, Writing Spelling Made Fun

Reading, Writing Spelling Made Fun Help for English for Kids: Conquer Reading, Writing and Spelling Learn English Fast ChaptersActivities to Build Spelling SkillsHelping Your Child Learn English ReadingHow to Cultivate a Love of WritingHumans learn to communicate within days of arriving into this world.A newborn arching his back is a sign that he wants to be picked up.Not surprisingly, communications experts and early education advocates recommend teaching basic sign language to babies as young as three months old.Science has proven that toddlers who know how to communicate effectively have fewer temper tantrums and are more receptive to new ideas.Besides, signing boosts baby's cognitive abilities.Beyond establishing a method of early communication, teaching English language skills is a bit more complex.Let's take a look at what aspects of English your child, now enrolled in school, is striving to learn.You can get an overview of Key Stage learning in this handy guide!Childhood favorite 'I Spy' can be used to teach spelling skills Source: Pixabay Credit: Free-Photoscheck here.Learn what will be taugh t and tested at each Key Stage! Get some help for English lessons for kids with a private English tutor.Cultivate a love of reading with these fun activities Source: Pixabay Credit: TrivistarHelping Your Child Learn English Reading“Mommy, what does that say?” asked five-year old Benjamin, pointing to a large yellow sign on a lorry.“ Large Goods, Sweetheart.” replied his mother.We certainly cannot fault this young learner's mum for being attentive, but we have to point out that she missed a ready-made teaching opportunity.What letters do you recognise? She could have asked.Or maybe: what sound does the letter L make?Young children seldom ask idle questions.On the contrary; their sometimes merciless interrogation is driven by a desire to know and understand their environment.This is your chance to capitalise on their natural curiosity by providing bite-sized nuggets of education, especially meant to gain proficiency in English skills like reading, writing and spelling.Working closely with your child's English teacher, you can discover activities and games that do not feel like learning reinforcement at all.Non native English parents, listen up! This is also your chance to gain fluency in your spoken English!More English tutor here.Repetitive ReadingChoose a few stories that resonate with your child; ones s/he has declared a preference for.Hopefully, those stories have lines that repeat, such as in The Three Little Pigs.Let me in! Let me in! / Not by the hair on my chinny-chin-chin!This type of line works wonders with young learners, especially if you add 'sound effects'.While you read, point to each word with your finger as you speak it, and pronounce each word clearly.Soon, you will find that your child will say select lines with you. When s/he does, stop saying it and let him/her have all the fun!If s/he is a reluctant participant, prompting should give encouragement: “What does the wolf say?” for example.This activity helps your child establish a correlation between the written and spoken word, and gives early exposure to word recognition.For more advanced learners, you can select words within the text for him/her to read, such as 'let' or 'hair'.Or you could ask: “Do you know this word?” while pointing to random words in the text.Do you know where to find the best resources to help your child master the English language?Word Scavenger HuntUsing sticky notes, paste a series of words around your child's room â€" or throughout the house.Once you have a sufficient number of words posted to make the activity interesting, challenge your child to find words:that start with a certain letterthat describe a specific category â€" clothing, food, maybe the contents of his room.That are names of colorsthat describe family relationships â€" mother, father, sister, brother and so onIf your learner is at beginner level of reading, you might shadow him/her to help sound out unknown words.If your child is learning English as a foreign la nguage, you may try writing the words in your native language underneath the English word, at least for the first few rounds.For more advanced readers, the more specific categories would be suitable to practise reading.This game would be fun for birthday parties and playgroup get-togethers, too!The Internet is full of ideas to enhance reading ability, should you be looking for more of such activities.Before we explore ways to cultivate a love of writing, let us talk a minute about learning disabilities.Statistics show that more than a quarter of a million school-aged children in the UK are learning with some sort of disability.Not being fluent in English is not considered a disability under these guidelines.Unfortunately, it is generally only the most obvious of disabilities that are quickly recognised.Others, such as dyslexia, are more difficult to spot in younger learners.If you have concerns about your child's progress in reading, writing or spelling, or putting phrases together, be sure to talk with those who teach English to your child.Early testing leads to quicker intervention.Taking steps to work around learning disabilities will keep your student from being afraid to learn English mechanics.Knowing what to expect helps, too! Read all about Key Stage learning and exams in this guide!Share your love of writing with yhour child through unconventional means Source: Pixabay Credit: StockSnapHow to Cultivate a Love of WritingWriting for younger learners is a slow process because it takes time to develop the precision and control needed to shape individual letters.Still, there is fun to be had in learning how to write the English language with the youngest students.Making Bold StrokesPrepare an area in your home or garden where you won't mind a bit of a mess, and a surface to write on.Using easy-to-clean compounds such as: water-based paints, or even condiments such as mustard and red sauce, you can guide your early learner to form letters with exaggerated b rush strokes.Better yet, permit finger painting.Once your little scholar demonstrates sufficient control â€" by writing progressively smaller, you can graduate to writing on paper, with a pencil.Nothing Beats TraditionWith this tip we pay tribute to generations of parents who have hoisted their child onto their lap and guided tiny, pencil-clutching hands to form letters. Their method of training future writers was way ahead of its time.Muscle memory learning involves building neural pathways so that repetitive movements no longer require conscious thought.There is nothing wrong with this tried-and-true method of helping your child improve writing skills.A note of caution: if your child demonstrates as either left-handed or right-handed, this teaching technique would work best if you are inclined to use the same dominant hand.Pick a WordThis ongoing activity involves your child's favorite books.From each page, ask him/her to choose the best words and copy them onto a posterboard, or into a notebook if s/he is a bit more advanced.Conversely, you could write words your English learner doesn't know.You can then have a discussion about what the words mean, why s/he chose them and what other words are related to them.Spelling practice ties in with this activity, as you can spell the word while s/he writes it.Once you have a sizable collection of words, gathered over several days, you should encourage him/her to arrange the words into a story of his/her own.See this page for further ideas on writing practice.All of these activities, targeted to developing specific English language skills, all have one central figure: you.You are the language teacher your child will follow from the outset of his/her English speaking.

How to Improve Your GMAT Quant Score [Part 1]

How to Improve Your GMAT Quant Score [Part 1] GMAT MBA Admissions Blog While I’d describe myself as above average at math, when I was preparing for the GMAT, I realized two things: I hadn’t taken a pure “math class” in a long time and... I’ve never been good at mental math. Context: My Math Background and GMAT Quant Score First, a little context on my background â€" which I think many GMAT test takers might relate to. In high school, I was in the advanced math classes, including Calculus. I took the ACT a few times, and if I can remember that far back, my ACT-Math score was above the 90th percentile every time â€" sometimes much higher. In college, I majored in Finance, which required a lot of math. After college, I became a business strategy consultant, and built lots of extremely advanced financial valuation models, and gained tons of valuable experience debating arcane and complex valuation principles â€" which again, involve a lot of math. All in all, if you’d asked me whether I was “good at math” I would have said yes. But, I hadn’t really taken a pure math class in over 6 years. Also, for whatever reason, doing relatively simple math quickly in front of colleagues, or even figuring out a tip at a restaurant in front of friends, always made me nervous. I struggled with mental math. And sure enough, my GMAT math score was lower than I was hoping for. I ended up scoring very well on verbal, but in only the 75th percentile on Quant. I ultimately was able to get into Kellogg, which is at least one data point that violates the 80/80 rule (i.e., a rule of thumb many people believe in, which suggests that top MBA programs want to see both Quant and Verbal scores above the 80th percentile). So, based on this experience, this post offers a two part strategy for improving your GMAT quant score: Focus on Building Understanding of Key GMAT Quant Concepts â€" In this post, I’ll urge you to clearly identify and be realistic about the difficult math concepts you don’t fully remember or understand, and use your GMAT prep time learning or re-learning these concepts, not just doing practicing problems. Improve Your Mental Math Skills â€" In my next post, I’ll address the importance of mental math on the GMAT and provide some easy-to-implement ideas and tips for improving your mental math skills. The ideas in these posts come from both my reflections on how I could have improved my own personal GMAT score and many discussions with expert GMAT tutors as I’ve built MyGuru over the past several years. Idea #1 - Focus on Really Understanding Difficult (and sometimes new) Concepts The GMAT tests math concepts and skills you may not have been exposed to for a while: Algebra, Geometry, Trig, Statistics, world problems, etc. For example, I took Calculus in high school, effectively testing out of all but a few math classes in college. So, I hadn’t taken that much pure math in a while, even though my job was very quantitative. It’s obviously critical to review all of these math areas (i.e., you’ll need to know the rules of exponents and all about angles of triangles on the GMAT), as well as become comfortable with data sufficiency and integrated reasoning question types. So, there’s just a general point to be made about reviewing all of the relevant concepts, re-familiarizing and refreshing yourself. However, there were a few concepts which, although I would sometimes muddle through and answer questions correctly, deep down I could have told myself I didn’t fully understand. When you get a problem wrong, it’s natural to review the correct answer, and use the explanation provided as a way to learn how to do the problem. However, this sometimes leads to a superficial level understanding of any given concept. With the right set up, you might start to get a good portion of that question type correct moving forward, but on test day you may not fare so well if the question is worded differently, etc. For example, I always had trouble with the GMAT questions that involved counting the ways that a group could be organized. I went through my entire GMAT prep process without really nailing those concepts, or even knowing the official name for the concepts that those questions tested. But, I did a bunch of practice problems, and had convinced myself that I was good to go when/if questions of that nature were asked. Years later, I asked one of MyGuru’s most senior GMAT tutors to write a few GMAT blog posts for us, and he chose a topic called - Combinatorics. He chose this topic because, as he says in the post, “This is an introductory post on combinatorics - the art of counting. Combinatorics is one of the most difficult parts of the GMAT because it is not part of the standard American high school curriculum. With many other troubling types of problems, such as rate questions, fraction / decimal / percent problems, etc., a bit of review and a lot of practice will do the trick, but, in general, to get a handle on combinatorics problems students have to learn something new.” Most of GMAT Quant topics were concepts I fundamentally understood well after some review, because I had previously learned them, but not this one. I fumbled through learning Combinatorics on my own. Here are four “hints” that you don’t truly understand any given topic on the GMAT: Obviously, if you get most of the questions of any given type wrong, that’s a strong signal. Even if you think the errors are silly, if you consistently miss one type of question, there’s a problem with your core understanding. You get some, or even most, of the questions of any given type right, but when the question is worded differently, you’ll mess up You’d have trouble explaining the concept to a friend You’d never been exposed to it before studying for the GMAT (e.g., Combinatorics for most people, Probability for some people, etc.) I also just think that most of us have an intuitive sense for when we only understanding something on a superficial level. You just need to be honest with yourself. The stress of taking the GMAT in real-time in a testing center will generally cause you to miss any relatively difficult question that tests a concept about which you aren’t very confident. Don’t say to yourself, as I did, that you’ll “figure it out on test day if I happen to get a question like this.” In our experience, here are the GMAT Quant concepts that many students struggle with, since they may never have learned the concepts in school. These can account for about 20% of the questions on the GMAT. Number theory â€" understanding primes, squares, etc. Combinatorics â€" the art of counting Probability â€" what is the chance x will happen given y and z? Rates â€" questions about movement, time, distance, etc. In my next post, I’ll address the importance of Mental Math and provide some tips and ideas for improving your mental math skills. Please visit our MyGuru tutoring page to request a GMAT tutor in your area! hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(215486, '6baac2ae-05a3-4610-9d1f-265c8cbd809f', {});

4 Things to Know About Working in Retail

4 Things to Know About Working in Retail Image via: www.pixabay.com However, do not go into the job being naïve. Working customer service jobs of any kind have their drawbacks. Customers can sometimes be impatient or rude  but do not let this discourage you. The purpose of your job is to help people fulfill a need of some kind, whether they need clothes, food, or any other kind of product. You are there to help. If you keep this in mind, none of the scowls or the rudeness that you will encounter will bother you and you will enjoy your time working a retail job. You’ll find new friends Do you remember that age old phrase “There is no ‘I’ in team? Without a doubt, it holds a lot of truth, especially when it comes to working in customer service. As much of a superhero  as you might be, you would not make it far working in retail without some sidekicks. Your coworkers will become your family after you have been working for a while. You will have survived all types of disasters together, and the shared chaos will bring you all closer together. Think about it: you will be spending at least 15 hours per week with these folks, so eventually, you will grow close. When the holiday rush has all of you gasping for air, your coworkers will be there to lift your spirits and your energy. When there is a crazy customer that just took everything crummy about their day out on you, your coworkers will be there to support you. When the day is going by slowly and you need something to make the time go by faster, your coworkers will be there to make you smile. Trust me when I say that having an epic team of coworkers will make working in retail so much better. You’ll get epic discounts What is perhaps the absolute best part about working in retail? You guessed it! The discounts! While you are watching all of these customers purchase all of the things you want for yourself, you can keep in mind that you will be able to get the same items for a lower cost. Sounds pretty sweet, right? You can give in to temptation with discounts of anywhere between 30 percent and 60 percent off depending on where you work. Want a job at Charlotte Russe? Pick up some affordable heels while you are at it. Want to work at a grocery store? Enjoy some discounted groceries. Just do not let the power go to your head! After all, you do not want to end up spending every paycheck on things you might not necessarily need. Do not let your inner “shopaholic” get the best of you. Image via: www.pixabay.com You’ll have a flexible schedule This is probably the most important aspect of any college student’s part-time job: the scheduling. Many places of work will be awfully stingy about their hours. I used to work at a part-time job that required 16 hours per week minimum. While that does not seem too bad, it certainly has its drawbacks when it comes time for finals week. With that being said, retail managers are typically very understanding when it comes to college students and their schedules, so if you need to take on fewer hours for one week, you should be able to without a problem! Keep in mind, your supervisors will most likely need more help during the holiday season, so be sure to keep in contact with them and keep them updated on your schedule needs. You are more likely to get what you need when you are upfront right away.

Making a drama out of a confidence crisis

Making a drama out of a confidence crisis Drama class can be a real 'love-it-or-hate-it' experience for students. They tend to either thrive on the attention and relish performance, or else are struck dumb with fear at the thought of performing in front of their peers. For many it is also hard to see the academic value in a subject which, throughout history, has been seen as frivolous entertainment. The academic value lies in its relationship to literature. The best example is Shakespeare, a man whose work is covered in every English course in the country. However, Shakespeare's work was not written to be read, but to be performed. The opportunity to explore a playwright's work in its original context is a massive aid in the understanding and study of the text. Then there are the personal skills it can help develop. While drama class can be a traumatic experience for some, it can also help build confidence and presentation skills, both key attributes for succeeding in the workplace. For those who really struggle performing in groups, but could do with developing confidence, a private tutor specialising in speech and drama may be the perfect compromise. Smaller classes and more structured tuition can encourage even the quietest wallflower, while developing a wider knowledge of theatre and poetry. The opposing view is that drama classes can encourage those who are naturally inclined to exhibitionism, but is of little use in helping develop those skills for those who find it difficult. What is your view on this? Is drama a help or hindrance in encouraging self-confidence in pupils?