4 Guitar Exercises For Faster Fingers

4 Guitar Exercises For Faster Fingers Suzy S. Want to play the guitar faster? Incorporate these guitar exercises, as shared by Greeley, CO teacher  Andy W., into your practice sessions throughout the week A crucial step to successfully melt faces with your guitar solos is to play fast! So, how can you achieve this feat? Here are some suggestions. Alternate Picking Alternate picking is one of the most efficient ways to pick fast. This is simply a downstroke followed by an upstroke. Everything suggested here utilizes alternate picking. There are many ways to alternate pick. Some people focus the movement between the right index finger and thumb. Others rotate from the forearm. From experience and from what most trustworthy musicians find, rotating from the wrist is the most comfortable and efficient method. You want to turn the wrist left and right as if turning a door knob. Now, let’s address tension real quick. Playing with tension in your fingers and wrist doesn’t mean that you’ll play faster and more comfortably. It actually strains your hand and wrist and keeps you from increasing speed. Instead, make sure you relax your fingers and wrist. Also, when you alternate pick, it can be easy for the downstrokes to be louder than the upstrokes, making the notes sound uneven. A way to counteract this is to play melodies, scales, or licks using only upstrokes. This is a challenge, but well worth spending time on! Play Quarter Notes “Play quarter notes to play fast?“ you reply. Yes, before you spend all your time playing blazing eighth and sixteenth notes, practice guitar exercises to make sure that your quarter notes can be played in time. You should be able to play quarter notes that comfortably sit in the pocket of slow to fast tempos. Once your quarter notes are in time, then you can play eighth and sixteenth notes and increase your speed from there. Speed Bursts Using one note, play three quarter notes followed by four sixteenth notes. The quarter notes allow you to lock into the metronome, while the sixteenth notes challenge you to play faster. Start out slow around 80 bpm and keep raising the tempo in increments of 5 bpm. Chromatic Scale Play a chromatic scale that takes you up and down across all the strings. Starting from the low E string, play four notes per string, until you get to the high E string where you’ll play five notes. Then work your way back down to your original starting note on the low E string. Do this exercise by playing sixteenth notes. Start out slow around 80 bpm and keep raising the tempo in increments of 5 bpm. (If you’re unfamiliar with the chromatic scale, it’s all of the available half steps. Going up from C it would be: C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C. And going down from C: C, B, Bb, A, Ab, G, Gb, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C.) Finally, Just Go For It! Now I know I’ve said to slowly work your way up to faster speeds. That approach works great, but now let’s add to that another method. And that is: just go for it! If you’re trying to play a fast lick, then just try playing it fast. This forces you to feel the lick at the faster speed. Granted you probably won’t be playing very cleanly or evenly, but that’s OK right now. It’s important for you to get accustomed to new uncomfortable tempos and this method sure does that. Now, it’s up to you to make these guitar exercises a habit. And if you do, then you’ll be playing lightning-fast solos in no time! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Matt Clark

Exploring The A Level Biology Curriculum

Exploring The A Level Biology Curriculum Discover the Biology A Level  Curriculum with Our Biology Tutor's Guide ChaptersThe Importance Of A Biology A LevelFurther Education And Career Prospects For Biology StudentsA Level Biology: An IntroductionTips For A Level Biology StudentsAt a glance, this linear specification offered by AQA covers a range of core topics such as Biological Molecules, Cells, Genetic Information, Energy Transfers and Gene Expression, the last two being taught at A Level only.The AS Level course is split into two exams, each worth 50% of the final grade and lasting 1 hour 30 minutes. The second year, however, is assessed over three written exams, each taking 2 hours to complete and making up 35%, 35% and 30% of the final mark respectively.OCR Biology A Level AS Level (H020, H420)This specification leans on the practicality of Biology for students and integrates problem-solving to help pupils understand biological concepts and scientific methods. Like the above, the course is split between the two years of study.The course is said to refresh the popular themes from GCSE Lev el specifications and embeds new teaching modules centred around answering the all important question: How does Science work?Tips For A Level Biology StudentsSchool isn’t easy for anybody, no matter what it might like seem on the outside. Some students may struggle academically whilst others might have emotional difficulties to keep on top of… but the main things to remember are to use all of the channels available to you to prepare for your final exams and not to suffer in silence!So many students feel that, because they chose to study a given subject as one of their three or four A Levels, they should be reasonably good at them. This, of course, is not always the case.Moreover, struggling with parts of the curriculum doesn’t mean that you are bad at the subject; some pupils simply excel in certain areas of a subject field whilst others are good all-rounders.There are many ways that you can make life easier for yourself when studying towards your A Levels, and the great thing is that many of them are free. The key to learning success is to plan, so get organised now and take inspiration from our tips below to help you with your Biology studies.Hire A TutorWhile this first option may not be free, it may be incredible value for money and worth the cost in the long run.You might find it useful to hire a tutor to help you to improve your level of understanding of the topics in Biology, rather than getting close to the exam and realising that there are large gaps in your learning.Tutors are particularly useful if you are falling behind for any reason, if you want to ensure a better grade or if you have specific requirements to meet in order to study Biology at the next level.Build A Study And Revision PlannerIt is never too early to start thinking about your exams, even if they are over a year away. We bet you are more than happy to think about the summer holiday that you have been promised after the exams over!You can use many online tools to help you build a planner, one of which can be found via The Student Room, but it is just as easy to create a hand-written diary  or countdown calendar if you prefer.If you opt for the paper version, you’ll need to go out and buy yourself a calendar, diary or planner, but bear in mind that this should ideally be an academic one which runs from September to September.A planner can help you to approach the exam period with a level of preparedness and confidence. Photo by Irene Bonacchi on Visual huntIn this planner, be sure to write down all of your key dates, like the dates of the exams if you know them already, to give you clearly defined goals. Focus on the mock exams or deadlines for key pieces of homework if that seems less daunting than counting down to the actual exam itself.Don’t forget to keep the journal up to date by putting in any class-related deadlines, listing revision sessions, ticking off the past papers you have completed and adding useful reminders. If you work well with visua ls, then why not buy some extra special coloured pens, highlighters or stickers to make your planner more exciting!If you find it easier to create your study planner digitally though, you can benefit from linking it to your mobile phone calendar and then receiving alerts without having to remember to carry around or consult your diary. You also have the chance to personalise a digital countdown if you so wish.Think, Ask, Prepare!Don’t be afraid to ask questions in and out of the classroom, and don’t leave it until it is too late! Your teacher will be more than happy to help you when you have questions about the course or the exam, by either offering you advice or by pointing you in the direction of resources to look at.However, don’t forget that there are many others ways to get answers nowadays. For instance, the Internet is a huge network that connects us with resources but also with people who have similar interests and who can offer helpful discussions.Forums like the one found on The Student Room are specifically designed for students to interact with eachother, share their concerns, offer advice or simply to vent frustration about their education.Looking for a biology a level tutor?

What is a French Seam

What is a French Seam Learn How to Make a French Seam ChaptersWhat Is a French Seam?Why Use a French Seam?How to Make a French SeamWhat Sewing Equipment Do You Need?The Best Sewing Tutorials OnlineHow Can You Learn to Make a French Seam?Learning to sew can take some time.  However, once you do, you can make yourself a new wardrobe with a cute dress or by sewing a t-shirt.  Whether sewing a bag, customising your jeans, decorating a tote bag, or using a serger, there are many different ways to learn how to sew.Just like cross-stitch, crochet, knitting, embroidery, and patchwork, sewing requires dexterity and passion when it comes to folding, tracing, cutting, etc.So get a few free patterns, some fabric offcuts, crowbar, a thread, canvas mount, and a sewing kit and follow a few guides.Whether you’re starting a sewing blog, setting up a haberdashery, or just for yourself, here’s what you need to know about the French seam and some advice about it.make frequent use of your seam ripper and starting again - at the risk of damaging your fab ric, why not make the French seam a standard practice?Why should you choose this type of seam over another?This technique is useful for people who are sensitive to seams, like babies. As adults, we would be hard-pressed to feel the difference between a thread and a type of material but the youngest humans, with their brand new skin - so very sensitive is it, that they might compare the abrasiveness of thread to steel wool, especially next to the softness of terrycloth.Naturally, babies are not the only people with hyper-sensitive skin, as we've alluded to above. If you or anyone in your circle proves to have such a sensitivity, you may make them a few shirts or dresses with French seams because that type of  seam won’t directly touch their skin.Designers like incorporating the French seam in designs of clothing that doesn’t have a lining. The technique can be used to hide the seams in the same way that a second layer of cloth (a lining) would.As you might have intuited, today's fashions do not always permit a lining, so a French seam is the next best step to hiding seam flaws - yes, even designer labels sometimes bear minute flaws in their cutting and stitching!To say nothing of the fact that French seams are far more elegant than serged seams.Besides lending garments an obvious distinction, the French seam is really useful for thin, light, or even transparent materials. You may find it adds an extra layer of strength to your silk, jersey or nylon creations.In fact, most experienced seamstresses advocate for the French seam if you are working with silk!Although a serger has nearly the same effect - in that your edges won't come unraveled and that they can be ironed flat, they don't have the elegance, style and comfort that a French seam offers.But then, not everyone has such a machine; nor does everyone have access to one. Should that be your case, you may consider the French seam as a good alternative when you don’t have a serger.As the French seam allo ws for very smooth edges, if you get used to making them, you might find you don't need a serger at all!Even if you’re a novice to the needle arts, the technique involved in sewing French seams is quite simple.  It offers further benefit if you were to sew clothing that should have a lining; such ambitions projects call for skills that, perhaps, you don't yet have mastery of.Rather than attempting to marry two disparate fabrics together, say a cotton dress with a nylon lining, why no leave off the lining altogether and opt instead for the French seam? You can always learn how to add a lining later, once you feel more confident behind your sewing machine.There are so many online sewing tutorials you could learn the technique of executing French seams from! Naturally, we'll feature the best of them a bit later in this article but, for now, with your Superprof's help, it's time to try your hand at stitching a  French seam.Keep in mind that you can only really use a French seam on str aight edges like the shoulder, side or the bottom of a t-shirt. It’s almost impossible to use this technique on round seams like on a collar.Don't forget: be patient! This technique takes more time to execute properly than any ordinary seam does; you will have to sew, fold, iron, cut and resew - far more steps than regular stitching! Now, on with the lesson...Did you think that sewing was just for women?  If you don't like the look of the thread, you should choose a French seam. (Source: Bru-nO)However, as you are most likely much more interested in learning how to make a French seam than combing through Internet sites, we withdraw our challenge and present you with some of the best places you can get online tutorials for French seams and any other sewing quandaries you may have.Sewing.ComFrom their clever logo (the I is a needle and the O is a button!) to their informative, easy-to-digest articles, this site is a delight for anyone interested in plying a needle, be they new at th e art or a seasoned veteran with sewing room to work in.On their site you will find a complete guide to stitching, from basic stitches to the more difficult to execute pick stitch used for hemming quality garments.You will find a page of vintage patterns, some you can download for free and others that require payment of a small fee. Another page has helpful information regarding how to organise your sewing room, how to alter clothing and sewing your home decor.What we found most helpful is their page on sewing techniques.Under that tab, you will find a list of sewing hacks to make every project easy to sew. Do you have trouble sewing in zippers? Do your buttons always fall off? Are you perpetually frustrated when sewing elastics and gathering fabric? Sewing.Com has all of your answers and more.However, if you are a beginner at sewing, you would most likely be more interested in their Sewing for Beginners video tutorials that cover everything from   how to make a scented sachet to cr eating a lace skirt.You can do French seams either by hand or with a sewing machine. (Source: wnk1029)The National Sewing CircleThis is website curated by 4 wonderful and talented American seamstresses who have built a database of instructional videos; some you can watch for free and others for a small fee.Their 'Core Skills' section includes videos on topics that range from the technical - how to adjust the bobbin on your sewing machine, to the practical: how to sew invisible zippers.As your sewing skills progress, you may appreciate their Finishing Touches sector or browse through their Design Workshop. Of course, you may refer to their Tips and Techniques video collection at any time during your sewing experienceAt this point, you might be wondering why we haven't yet mentioned YouTube...There are indeed plenty of YouTube sewing channels; some of them demonstrating rather advanced techniques. However, what we've seen of them is such a hodge-podge of of the art; there seems to be no clear progression between threading a needle and finishing a garment. You would most likely end up going from video to video, wondering why it is so difficult to find easy-to-follow sewing lessons.We're not saying stay away from the site and don't watch any of what there is on offer there; we only wish to point out that there are better online tutorials  available to get you starting with your sewing projects.Much to our good fortune, several experienced seamstresses have put together compilations of the best online sewing tutorials, conveniently located on a single web page:Sew Some Stuff has put together 12 of the best sewing tutorials on the 'net in an easy to follow format.Not be be outdone, Seams and Scissors has compiled 10 videos of basic sewing skills, from sewing buttons to using bias tapeSeasoned Homemaker Leslie has foraged around as well; her site also boasts a list of instructional sewing videos!Profession Pincushion may just be the best site for online sewing tutori als!Sponsored by Spiegel, the online clothing retailer, Professor Pincushion has over 350 free video tutorials covering a wide variety of sewing-related subjects. However, it is their page titled Sewing Class  that really eliminates the competition.Professionally organised by topic - Thread 101 to What is a Tracing Wheel, these videos each last around five minutes, telling you all you could want to know about any sewing implement or technique. There is even a video on how to sew a French seam and a mock French seam!One word of caution, however: the videos are narrated in American English. You could encounter some terminology you might not be familiar with and the accent might make these videos a bit hard to understand.All over the Internet you can find sewing tutorials online but, overall, for quality learning, the best solution is always to find a teacher or mentor to work with.Getting together with others who are passionate about needle arts is a step in the right direction; you m ay find a group you click and, perhaps, even a mentor to learn from through The Sewing Group.How Can You Learn to Make a French Seam?If you’re worried about attempting your first French seam or you’d prefer to get to grips with the basics before you start, you can always get someone to help you.If The Sewing Group doesn't quite feel right, have a look around  for sewing workshops or sewing classes for beginners and start learning to sew and don’t forget to check out Pinterest for inspiration, too!A lot of sewing organisations offer lessons around certain themes (sewing for children, overcasting, zippers, customising, sewing a button, hems, choosing the right needles, etc.).  You can find courses that last just a day and learn how to do a French seam. It’s rare that they’ll last any longer than this. You’ll also learn how to follow patterns and the different steps involved.You could also choose a private tutor.  They’ll help you learn how to do a French seam as well as other sewing techniques. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or an expert, private tutorials can work around your schedule.There are also sewing tutorials, sewing blogs, and haberdasheries.  You have to choose which one works the best for you. Don’t forget that this is a technique that’s used a lot in haute couture and at respectable fashion houses, too!Discover sewing course from then to now  or take online sewing classes. You can also check sewing classes Glasgow, in Manchester or Leeds.Learn from the greats of the fashion world.

What to Know About the SAT Subject Test in Spanish

What to Know About the SAT Subject Test in Spanish When diving into college admissions, SAT subject tests can play a significant role in your test prep schedule and acceptance chances. With many subject tests to choose from, the College Board gives students the unique opportunity to showcase their strengths in specific subjects. The SAT subject test in Spanish can provide many benefits to students hoping to further their Spanish studies at the university level. When understanding the SAT subject test in Spanish, its important for students to note the two available versions of the exam, the suggested prerequisite knowledge to take the exam, and how to best utilize prep time. Looking to pursue Spanish studies during college? Keep reading to learn what to know about the SAT subject test in Spanish. Know the different versions of the SAT subject test in Spanish The SAT subject test in Spanish contains 85 multiple-choice questions that must be answered in 60 minutes. Like other SAT subject tests, your score on this exam will range on a scale of 200 (lowest) to 800 (highest). Students should be aware that there are two versions of this assessment available: the Spanish test and the Spanish with Listening test. Below is a breakdown of the two exams: The Spanish test Contains reading questions Offered five times per yearAugust, October, December, May, and June. The Spanish with Listening test Contains both reading and listening questions Offered only in November In order to complete the listening section on test day, students must bring their own portable CD player with headphones. Before making your decision, examine your strengths and weaknesses in regard to this subject, and be honest with yourself about which version you may perform better on. [RELATED: How to Succeed on SAT Subject Tests] Know if taking the SAT subject test in Spanish is right for you Taking the SAT subject test in Spanish is recommended for students who have a strong academic background in Spanish, who have learned the language at home, or who wish to receive college credit toward a foreign language requirement. If your score on the SAT subject test in Spanish meets your schools requirements, you may have the opportunity to test out of introductory-level courses at your desired school. If you have questions about how taking this exam will influence your college courses, speak with an admissions counselor at your prospective college or university. [RELATED: Should I Take SAT Subject Tests?] Know when you should sit for the SAT subject test in Spanish If your motivation for taking this test is to showcase your skills to colleges, you should aim to take it before applications are due. If youre hoping to earn college credit, take the test as close as you can to the end of your most advanced Spanish class. This way, youre able to absorb the most information possible before sitting for the exam. Know how to prepare for the SAT subject test in Spanish Materials from your present and former Spanish classes are useful study guides for the SAT subject test in Spanish. Focus on topics that were especially problematic for you by reviewing graded tests and quizzes. Utilize strategies like flashcards to memorize vocabulary, and find unique ways to strengthen your listening comprehension ahead of test day, like Spanish audio books or television programs. Additionally, an SAT subject test in Spanish tutor can help you hone in on specific areas that could benefit from improvement. [RELATED: How to Make a Smart Study Routine] The SAT subject test in Spanish may pose many benefits to your college admissions goals. Research how your intended schools utilize exam scores, and honestly assess your current skill level in order to make the best decision for you. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Teaching Children Strong Communication

Teaching Children Strong Communication Teaching Your Child to be a Strong, Effective Communicator Communication: its one of the most valuable skills a person can have throughout life. Effective communicators are better able to develop and maintain relationships with others, express what they know, ask questions in the classroom, at work and elsewhere, and advocate for themselves and others. And while you communicate each day with your child, are you teaching him or her to become a good communicator with others? Keep in mind that communicating is much more than just listening and speaking. Here are a few of the most important abilities and traits that strong communicators have: Actively engaged in learning Attentive Observant Clear and concise messaging Convincing when expressing an opinion Thorough when explaining something detailed or specific How can you help your child build good communication skills? Here are a few tips and suggested activities: Ask why. Children are born curious, and as a parent, its your job to nurture that curiosity. One way to do so is to encourage your child to express his or her opinions and ideas. Whether your child is talking about the solution to a math problem or a favorite football teams defensive lineup, encourage sharing thoughts and opinions. Dont stop at what your child thinks and why; ask your child how he or she knows something. Encourage your child to keep a journal. Journaling is an excellent way for children to hone the art of expressing themselves. Many children have school journals in which their teachers have them record observations or reactions to certain writing prompts, but a personal journal is a great way for children to put their ideas and feelings in writing, think critically about why they feel the way they do about things, build writing skills and much more. Get your child involved in extracurricular activities that build communication skills. Activities such as debate team (or similar programs for younger children) are great opportunities for students to form opinions, develop arguments to support those opinions and express them to others. Similarly, student council helps children build leadership and both oral and written communication skills. Model good communication. The primary way that your child will learn how to communicate is by observing you. So, be present when your child speaks to you. When interacting with others while in your childs presence, speak clearly and honestly, always saying what you mean in the most unambiguous manner possible. Talk frequently with your child about how to engage others in conversation, how to listen actively and how to get and keep someones attention (and how not to). Work together on good listening. Listening well is a critical part of being an effective communicator. Your child needs to understand that listening involves more than just hearing someone speak; it means focusing on the person speaking while simultaneously processing information. It means watching for non-verbal cues as well as listening to words being spoken. It means confirming understanding after a speaker is finished speaking. Encourage your child to think about others feelings and reactions. People who are self-aware and able to recognize how their actions and words impact othersin other words, those with high emotional intelligenceare generally well equipped to communicate effectively. Some of the building blocks for emotional intelligence include awareness of ones own (and others) strengths and weaknesses, perseverance, independence, and assertiveness when joining discussions or expressing ideas. Whenever possible, help your child practice these skills. Remember: communication is not inherent, but rather, a skill that must be strengthened over time. Work with your child on developing strong communication skills and you will help him or her build skills for lifelong success. No matter what your child does in life, knowing how to communicate with all different types of people will serve him or her well.

Distracted How to Develop a Focused Study Plan

Distracted How to Develop a Focused Study Plan Improving Academic Performance So you want to learn how to study better and use your time wisely and effectively? You’ve got your books, pen, paper, computer, and mind to dig in for a solid chunk of time and maximize your study period? Well, think of it like exercise. Have you ever gone for a run? The first ten to fifteen minutes can be a real pain, can’t they? But once you get into the rhythm of it and your lungs and muscles are warmed up, it starts to flow. It starts to feel great. It even starts to be fun! And the payoffs are numerous. Below are some excellent tips for most effectively utilizing your study period while also taking care of your stress levels and well-being. Minimize Distractions First things first, folks. You’ve got to put the phone away. You know this. How can we really focus if we are distracted with reading texts, scrolling Instagram, and sending funny Snaps to our friends? Think of it like taking an hour to go for a jog or choosing a side salad instead of french fries once in a while - we make sacrifices because they are ultimately good for us and help us feel better. So know that when you go into a study period, whether it’s twenty minutes or ninety, that you are going to turn the phone off (or leave it downstairs), and view checking it when you’re finished as a nice little reward. (More on rewards in a bit.) If you need technology to study, I recommend using a laptop and disengaging text and email dings and logging off Facebook and other social media sites. The best of both worlds is to be able to have the temptation of technological distraction but not giving in! This really builds up strength in the brain. Make a time-management plan and reward yourself Focus on time-management. If you are a truly squirmy individual who can barely study for half an hour, I recommend breaking your study chunk into three or four segments - you can set a timer if you like, and every fifteen or twenty minutes take a stretch or drink some water or give yourself two minutes to goof off. And those rewards are essential. Yes, we are sophisticated human beings, but we are also animals, and much like Pavlov’s dogs we can train ourselves pretty quickly - in this case with rewards and self-soothing. Let’s say you put in a solid thirty minutes reviewing ACT questions or AP Composition rules. When that timer dings and you take a stretch, give yourself a reward that you find soothing and nurturing. It might be a little snack or warm drink, or perhaps a promise to yourself that you’ll get a massage or a do a relaxing meditation or buy that shirt you’ve been eyeing. I recommend small rewards for increments like twenty, thirty, and forty minutes and larger re wards when you’ve completed a practice test, essay, or done well on an exam. Know yourself Developmental psychologist Howard Gardner discovered and nurtured the idea of multiple intelligences and how most individuals tend to perform at a higher level in two or three categories (i.e. verbal, visual, logical, etc.), and a bit lower in one or two. This is, of course, not fool proof or set in stone, but it might help give you a better understanding of your natural strengths and areas where you can grow. (To learn more, click here.) Bottom line? Know yourself as a student. Know your strength as a studier. Do you benefit from flash cards? Online programs like Quizlet? Do you study better alone or with a partner? Does it help to talk out loud? Are you more of a verbal or visual person? All of these factors are important when it comes to studying and essential when it comes to overall learning. I am usually someone who works better alone, but I found in college that when I studied for larger exams with a partner from a class (not a close friend with whom I would just end up gabbing) I was more successful. The motivation and accountability of a study partner was a positive factor for me. I also knew that taking notes and using tools like flash cards were beneficial for me, whereas viewing clips and videos didn’t support my memorization process as much. You might find that forty minutes of studying each night is the sweet spot for you, or perhaps you have one of those very focused minds and can pull off a solid ninety minutes to two hours before needing a break. Maybe you prefer standing to sitting. Music to silence. Libraries to your desk at home. See what works for you and nurture that. Warm up to the tricky material Attempt at times to go for the jugular. It’s easy to focus when we study on the areas we like or know really well, but this can end up being a waste of time. Be willing to get uncomfortable and study the trickier concepts and shakier methods. Practice those. Then do it again. If, however, a concept is really stumping you or you are growing inconsolably frustrated, move on. Make a note that you’ll talk to the teacher or a classmate and gain more insight and clarity to what is confusing you. Don’t get discouraged - we all get overwhelmed and confused! (Here’s a great TED talk on growth mindset, which can often help motivate and inspire us when we are feeling stuck.) Take care of yourself! Most of all, take care of yourself. Don’t study when you are exhausted, hungry, or angry - studying will only make you feel worse, and you likely won’t retain the information as well. Make sure to get plenty of rest and drink lots of water, and study when you’ve had a snack and are in a relatively balanced mood. And cramming is so nineties, so don’t do it! Always keep a good balanced perspective and work on that growth mindset, and nothing can stop you from growing and succeeding as a student! Questions or comments? We would love to hear from you! Contact us here. About the Author Stephanie Ingraham is a former English teacher turned writer and tutor with a BA in English from UCLA and a Masters in Education from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles. She is deeply passionate about education, psychology, child and adolescent development, literature, and writing. She believes the education world can benefit greatly from the meditation world - mindfulness and self-compassion are key! In her free time she loves reading and writing, music, baking, yoga, dance, animals, and exploring new cities. She currently lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Tips to help kids deal with back to school stress. - ALOHA Mind Math

Tips to help kids deal with back to school stress. This article talks about how back to school can be a stressful time for children. Most parents have gone through the experience of seeing their kids deal with the start of a new grade, and wondered how they can make that transition easier for the child. Here are some simple tips to help kids deal with the start of a new school year in a smoother and more confident manner: Do a private orientation: If the school allows you to visit during the summer break, put in a couple of hours with your child exploring all the important areas like classrooms, cafeterias, the gym, and the locker rooms. If possible to coordinate with a couple more kids who are starting the same grade, it would make it even more of a fun outing. Listen: In the first days after school starts, your child will go through a lot of new experiences, and unless you spend time listening to all her stories you will not be able to share them with her. Make sure you spend a lot of one-on-one time with her and get to know about anything that might be bothering her, so that you can reassure as well as intervene if necessary to make it a bit easier on your child. Relaxation techniques: If your child is starting a new phase such as high school, the back to school stress can be difficult to deal with at times. The best way to prepare him for times like these is to teach them to sit and relax, or take a break for 5 minutes whenever things seem overwhelming. As children grow older, techniques such as meditation can also be a big help. This articlein the Huffington Post talks about a few more. Back to school.Image courtesy:http://www.flickr.com/photos/usnationalarchives/4726880787/sizes/z/in/photostream/ Family time: Ensure that at least one mealtime is spent eating together as a family, and includes talking about your day at work or school. This helps children release the stress of the day, and may also lead to healthy discussions from older siblings on how to deal with common problems at school. Break from other activities: If your child takes part in other scheduled activities such as sports coaching or music classes, try to take a short break from some of these until the school schedule settles down. These tips should help towards stress management in young children for those back to school days. You can help your child cope with school related blues by trying out our classes at Aloha USA which will help your child build their confidence and in all round mental development. Please see our website for more details: http://www.aloha-usa.com

5 Things Every Student Should Do This Summer

5 Things Every Student Should Do This Summer Summer is a great opportunity for students to figure out what they are good at, what they love, and what they want to do in the future. Therefore, my advice to all students  would be: 1. Make a summer plan. Ask yourself questions like: Do I want to work this summer?, Do I want to learn something new?, Do I need a mentor?, Am I going to be doing the same thing all summer, or different things?. Remember, there are no correct or incorrect answers. Its completely up to you! 2. Find a mentor, someone you think you would enjoy being like in some way. It could be a teacher, boss, tutor, coach etc. Students who connect with empowering adults outside of their families usually are less reckless and more focused on what really matters.  A good mentor would encourage any skills and hobbies a student may have, and help to develop new ones. 3. Volunteer. I believe volunteering can make you a strong job candidate after graduation. 4. Organize something fun with people you have something in common with. For example, a bike ride will be fun, interesting, and could even be an educational experience. 5. Take a quick flight somewhere new and exciting. Flights, especially last-minute deals, can be so cheap! I promise you it will be the best thing you ever do in terms of finding out about yourself and what you want in life. Enjoy your summer!