Friday, March 27, 2020

Online English Language Learning Conversation Lessons

Online English Language Learning Conversation LessonsOnline English language learning conversation lessons may seem to be perfect for those that don't want to go out to a class or take part in an actual classroom. Well, it certainly is, but there are some things you have to consider before making this decision. While some people may love to learn while they're on the internet, there are also plenty of people that believe that the Internet is just another way to access the information that is available in a classroom.Learning on the computer is different than taking classes, but it's not that far off from that. If you haven't already taken a look at what kind of tutorials are available online, then you're really missing out. The fact is that most people aren't interested in classes when they can sit down with their laptops and simply chat about whatever they're interested in. This type of conversational language learning is a great alternative to actually going out and learning, but y ou still need to know a few things.While some websites will give you the ability to sign up to participate in online language learning conversation lessons, others will give you an option to download these lessons right into your browser as they're uploaded. This is great if you want to use your computer while you're out and about. There's no one else in the car or waiting for you when you need to get something done. It's something you can do all by yourself.Another benefit of doing language learning conversation lessons is that it is free. Although you will need to pay for a certain number of credits in order to continue on with the lessons, it's definitely worth it. You can download many of the lessons onto your hard drive and keep them there to review whenever you have a few minutes.It's important to remember that while it may be good for some people to do these language learning conversation lessons on the computer, others would prefer to take the time out to meet with other peo ple while they're doing it. This is especially true if they're in different parts of the country. While this doesn't necessarily mean they don't like doing it, it can definitely slow things down.That being said, however, if you're going to choose the computer to do your language learning conversation lessons, then there's nothing wrong with sitting down with someone in the real world while you do it. Yes, you may feel a little guilty at first, but you'll come to appreciate the fact that it's your life that's being saved by taking your lessons online. Now isn't that nice?Learning the English language is simple when you have all the tools you need to learn, but there are still some things that need to be taken into consideration. As long as you take the time to decide which learning method is best for you, you should be able to find a method that works well for you.

Friday, March 6, 2020

5 Fantastic and Free Spanish-Learning Websites for Kids

5 Fantastic and Free Spanish-Learning Websites for Kids Suzy S. Looking for resources on learning Spanish for kids? There are so many strategies for teaching Spanish to kids  that its  easy to feel  overwhelmed with all the options. To help you in your search, weve compiled some of the best, top-rated websites to learn Spanish for kids below. These are websites that your child can visit daily and expect to discover something new and exciting each time. All five of these Spanish websites for kids include activities that are fun, and best of all free! 5 Free Websites to Learn Spanish for Kids 1. OnlineFreeSpanish OnlineFreeSpanish  is one of our personal favorites for learning Spanish for kids. Based on your child’s familiarity with Spanish, you can adjust the difficulty level from beginner to intermediate or  advanced.  The site includes 19  lessons that are precursors to several activities and fun games. Parents can even  print out coloring pages related to each of the lessons! Your young scholar will quickly learn Spanish vocabulary relating to farm animals, the seasons,  emotions, schools supplies,  and more. 2. ABCYA ABCYA teaches  elementary school students a multitude of subjects. On their  Spanish  page,  you will find two exciting carnival-like games to enhance your child’s skills. Spanish Word Bingo has 11  categories to choose from, which feature more than  200  vocabulary words and phrases. Spanish Word Toss also has 11  categories to choose from, including animals, months of the year, and transportation. We recommend these games for Spanish learners in first grade and up. 3. Digital Dialects Digital Dialects  is great for older,  middle school aged kids. Learning Spanish for kids is different than learning it as an adult, and perhaps more fun with engaging websites like this one! On Digital Dialects, students can practice greetings, verb conjugations,  units of time, and more with fun and interactive games. 4. PBS PBS is well known for its learning programs, and this is no exception! The  â€œOh Noah!” videos are sure to build your child’s Spanish vocabulary. Learners will discover the Spanish language through activities, games, and videos along with the relatable star  character, Noah,  who lives with his grandmother in a Spanish-speaking neighborhood. Each activity and game uses a variety of useful Spanish  vocabulary. Your kids will learn how to use adjectives like colors, how to discuss chores, and more. 5. Rocklingua When it comes to learning Spanish for kids, this site is a must-have. Rocklingua is a multi-faceted learning site run by teachers, musicians, animators, and computer programmers. Through songs, games, worksheets, videos, and a picture dictionary, your child will build his or her  foundation in the Spanish language. The free songs and games are clearly labeled, and other learning opportunities on the site are available for purchase. BONUS: Check out Spanish Playgrounds YouTube Channel for more fun songs and videos for teaching Spanish to kids! Keep in mind that all of these websites, though great resources, are not the same as Spanish lessons for kids. In order for your child to be truly  invested in learning the Spanish language, he or she will need a Spanish teacher. These websites work best when used as supplemental tools to help your child practice the material taught by his or her Spanish tutor. A tutor may also have additional recommendations, such as Spanish learning apps, for making practice fun and engaging. Post Author:  Breeana D. Breeana D. teaches Spanish lessons in Abington, PA. Specializing in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, she is currently enrolled in Temple Universitys Elementary Education program.  Learn more about Breeana here! 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  Donnie Ray Jones

4 Tips for Team-Based Learning

4 Tips for Team-Based Learning If youre a believer in having students work together to practice what they learn, you definitely need to explore team-based learning. As described by the Team-Based Learning Collaborative (TBLC), this instructional strategy divides classes into three steps: preparation, in-class readiness assurance testing, and application-focused exercises. Here are a few tips from Huntington to help you get started incorporating team-based learning into your classroom: Assign pre-reading. These might include textbook chapters, articles, audio or video lectures, or other materials that help students get up to speed on the work you will cover in class the following day (or a week ahead of time). Follow a readiness assurance process. A critical part of team-based learning is making sure students are prepared to learn. The pre-class preparation is important, as is the individual and team readiness assurance testing, which holds them accountable for acquiring foundational knowledge that kicks off the learning process (more about this on TBLCs website). Form teams based on important criteria. Your goal should be to group students (four to six students is the ideal group size) so that there is a fairly even distribution of skill. These teams should stay together throughout each unit so they can grow together. Develop activities that allow students to apply what they learn. Working in teams, students should solve problems that let them demonstrate what they did in the readiness assurance process. These activities should encourage students to defend, challenge, and discuss each others thinking and problem-solving processes. For more guidance on team-based learning, read TBLCs Introduction to Team-Based Learning.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

The Popes Visit to the United States

The Popes Visit to the United States The pope got a lot of attention when he visited the United States recently. He has been a big story in our media, partially due to his reputation for being humble. For instance he chose a simple and inexpensive Fiat as his car for his U.S. visit. According to news reports, he does not choose the exact car, but only asks that his car be simple and modest. Has the Pope visited your country? If so was it an important event? Do you think the Pope visiting the U.S. is important? Why or Why not?Answer the questions below in comments and we will respond. 1. What cities will the Pope visit in the United States? 2. Was the atmosphere glum when the pope arrived? 3. What type of car did he take once he arrived? 4. Does the Pope feel that he is less critical of communism than capitalism? 5. Was the Popes meeting with Fidel Castro formal or informal? 6. What two things do Fidel Castro and the Pope have in common? 7. Will he speak about the US embargo on Cuba during his address to the congress?You can listen to the popes speech below. His English is slow but with few mistakes.

Your guide to teaching jobs in Taiwan

Your guide to teaching jobs in Taiwan We recently posted a number of teaching jobs in Taiwan with HESS starting in August, so we’ve gathered some helpful information for teachers who are looking into teaching in Taiwan. Whether you’re thinking of applying for one of our upcoming positions or want to keep your eye on teaching jobs in Taiwan for the future, we hope you find this blog useful. Types of teaching jobs in Taiwan Taiwan, and in particular the capital city of Taipei, has long been a hotspot for English teachers abroad. Many teachers choose Taiwan when teaching abroad due to its low cost of living, high salaries and the increasing demand for teachers. English is commonly taught in public and private schools in Taiwan, where most of the teaching opportunities in Taiwan are. Public school teaching jobs in Taiwan With English a compulsory subject from the elementary school level and up, there’s no shortage of teaching jobs in Taiwan's public school system. Teachers working in public schools in Taiwan can expect to make around $2,000 - 2,400 USD a month. Contracts usually last from six months to a year and a performance bonus on completion of a contract is also common. Other benefits include a housing allowance, airfare, health insurance and at least two week's vacation. Candidates applying for teaching jobs in Taiwan public schools must be certified teachers, with at least one year of relevant teaching experience. Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. Private school teaching jobs in Taiwan There are a wealth of job opportunities for English teachers looking to teach in private schools in Taiwan available right now. For teachers in private schools in Taiwan, salaries are usually in the region of $1,400 - 2,100 USD a month. There’s ample opportunity for travel in your free time, as most private school teachers get around 20 days off over the course of the school year. Benefits include airfare, health insurance and - in some cases - a housing allowance. Overtime is also an option for private school teachers in Taiwan, which can help boost your earning potential. Candidates applying for teaching jobs in Taiwan public schools must be TEFL or TESL certified. Past teaching experience is an advantage, but it is not necessary. Right now, Teach Away is hiring certified teachers for high-paying teaching jobs in Taiwan in private or public elementary and high schools throughout the country. Make sure you get your application in soon for your chance to teach in Taiwan this fall!

First Year Anniversary Beach Party

First Year Anniversary Beach Party Tutorz Celebrates its First Year Anniversary with sun, food, and fun. Port Hueneme, California, July 18th, 2007. Re-released March 9th, 2011. The first year anniversary was a momentous occasion for all Tutorz stakeholders. The Saturday event not only marked a milestone in the companies development it also gave employees an opportunity to socialize in a casual setting outside of the office. The afternoon began with a wonderful presentation by Dirk Wagner, founder and CEO, that focused on site functionality and usage statistics. Mr. Wagner highlighted Tutorz’ success in saying: “In one short year Tutorz’ has become the largest tutor referral site on the web indexing well over 10,000 tutors nationwide.” In addition to the educational lecture, appetizers, prepared by Dhammika, Human Resources Director at Tutorz, were a tasty treat for the audience. Shortly after the presentation everyone gathered for a group photo, squinting in the sun, most of the guests managed to keep their eyes open in what turned out to be a great photo, “thanks Tutorz Family.” Following the photo many guests enjoyed a walk on the Port Hueneme pier, which was full of fisherman that particular afternoon. A great fishing spot, everyone observed as fisherman baited hooks and dropped lines in hope of a meal for the evening. Lucky for the Tutorz Family their host had already caught our fish at the local grocer and was preparing a spectacular meal as they enjoyed the scenic stroll. Youth at the event had some fun as well and got a chance to show off their athletic abilities at the pier. Anthony, a middle school student in attendance, ripped up the surf on his sponge as others from the Tutorz Family watched and cheered him on. No celebration could be complete without a wonderful feast to round out the evening. Everyone bellied up to the table after the walk to enjoy a delicious Barb-B-Que complete with salmon, chicken, corn, and other goodies. Leaving the event with a happy belly and a sense of greater accomplishment Saturday evening the Tutorz Family is excited and motivated for the future. Looking forward to another year of success, employees are focusing on changing the way people think about finding a good tutor in their area. We would like to thank those who made this year such a success for Tutorz. Specifically we would like to extend our gratitude to: Natalya for her professional tutoring experience and knowledge, she was a inspiration in establishing Tutorz; Nick for professional hardware expertise and staging server setup contributions; Shahan, for his professional advice on domain name selection and additional advisory contributions; Namol’s “through the grapevine” feedback and support for logo (color) and front page design; Kristin’s professional writing expertise and contributions, creativity, and honest feedback, a former teacher, we are fortunate to have her on our team; Prianka, thanks for enduring the traffic on the 101 just to be there and support us, we think your parametric extraction algorithm would be a marvelous contribution to the site, “wouldn’t it?”; Ira and Chumlung for providing the Tutorz office with a gorgeous view, “it’s a great working environment”; Paul Ng, f or his professional engineering advice and networking configuration expertise; Michael Probstel, for his professional business advise and expertise; Shirley for “owning the crawlers, they run like clockwork, thanks,” we are looking forward to another spectacular development in Shirley’s Email Manager; Sameer and Eric for their contribution to the business plan competition and hiTech Octane competition, “Eric we are still smiling whenever we watch your Oscar winning performance on the Tutorz commercial”; Dhammika for her professional Human Resources advice; and Bryan for his Marketing and Advertising consulting efforts and other contributions. We would also like to congratulate Michelle who recently started her own apparel business (www.miventiwristlets.com) and thank her and Brian for attending. Dhammika, Bryan and Ryan thanks for preparing the event, without your help it wouldn’t have been such a great success. Especially Dhammika for taking charge, planning, organizing, and preparing the Barb-B-Que, appetizers, and other delectables, thank you. We would like to thank everyone again that came to celebrate, prepared, and played an active role in Tutorz’ First Year Anniversary and made it such a joyous occasion and we look forward to the Second Year Celebrations. We have many useful developments and programs in store for our tutors, students, parents as well friends and family.

Can Creativity Be Taught

Can Creativity Be Taught We'll probably never have a concrete answer to this age-old question. Try as we might, myriad online tests attempt to help us discern how creative we are. For those who score high on these tests, that's great. But what about those of us who feel we could use an extra boost of creative energy? Is it possible to be taught creativity? Answering this question may prove easier if we first acknowledge some universal truths about creativity. Truth #1: Creativity takes work There is a notion circulating that creative genius is innate, perhaps somehow even tied to our genetic makeup. Thomas Edison didn't wake up one day with the incandescent light bulb prototype etched into his mind. He worked countless hours at solving the problem of how to build it. Bestselling novelist Stephen King treats his writing like a 9-5 job and works at it daily. The creative muse tends to alight on those who regularly put in the time and the energy. Truth #2: Creativity takes breaks Everyone has sat frustrated before a problem, unable to readily discover a solution, even after a long time spent hacking away at it. The best thing to do in this case is something else. Listen to music, take a walk, have coffee with a friend. Oftentimes stepping away from a problem can be just as effective as stepping up to it. Truth #3: Creativity is full of trial and error Creative people admit their failures and aren't afraid to throw ideas out the window if they're not working or coming to fruition. Tossing out rough drafts of a screenplay or admitting when a dish you've cooked tastes terrible are both productive efforts toward creating something worthwhile in the future. Don't get bent out of shape about failure: it helps you recognise success. Truth #4: Creativity celebrates its successes On the flip side, creative people key into their intuition and aren't afraid to acknowledge when something is good or worth holding onto. Recognisng when you've latched onto an idea with steam and forging ahead with it is remarkable. Sharing your successes with others is one of the best things about creative work. So, can creativity be taught? Remember: everybody is at least somewhat creative. No one person should think they are utterly devoid of creative energy. Give yourself a little credit, and don't think that if you're not painting watercolors regularly, you're not creative. Try to discover how you best create. Find your ideal environment, and commit to routinely practicing what it is you love to do. Stop worrying about how creative you are, and spend more time thinking about what it is you want to create.