Thursday, April 2, 2020

Teaching Jobs In Todays Job Market

Teaching Jobs In Today's Job MarketThere are a wide variety of freelance tutor vacancies listed on the internet. The kind of work can include tutoring private parties, assisting children and adults with their studies or taking pre-required tests for a career in the health field. There are a number of features to watch out for when scouting for a tutor. For example, there is a great deal of competition in the teaching industry.Check out the advertisements posted in the classifieds sections of the newspapers' online. There are usually advertisements that run on the international editions of the daily newspaper. If you spot a position you like that doesn't have a deadline, don't just contact the tutors immediately, contact the school or tutoring company.As a company you may get a job by posting the job in their employment page. This can be seen by them by filling out a form on their site. However, it is your responsibility to contact the school to be considered for the position. So make sure to check them out!There are online options that you can take advantage of. Often a tutor will advertise an opening to one or more classes of interested students. Usually when the class has reached a certain level of completion, they will offer the position to a new student. The ad will look similar to a job posting for a car wash or a gas station. The difficulty is finding a position.Often a tutor will post that they are closed for now. So the job seeker can see if they can get a gig somewhere else. Don't be surprised if the teachers' union contacts them with a new contract that may give the school a spot back on the schedule of this tutor. Since the teacher will receive a larger salary, it may be of great benefit to them as well.The entire process is somewhat challenging. However, the rewards that come with such tutoring may be significant. In fact, it may be necessary to keep looking in the marketplace in order to keep up with the changes. Because you can make a living from this type of work, it is possible to build a wonderful business.Take a moment to review some of the freelance tutor vacancies listed on the internet. It's a great way to get back to college!

Sunday, March 22, 2020

4 New Years Resolutions for Students

4 New Year’s Resolutions for Students The closing of a calendar year signals a new opportunity for you to make the most of the upcoming months of school. Setting goalssuch as New Years resolutionsis one way to do so. In the new year, you might consider setting goals like, I will boost my GPA to a B+, or, I will proactively complete projects more often. Below, youll learn about four New Years resolutions for students to set this coming semester. New Years resolution #1: Make an impact in your community Whether your high school carries a community service requirement or not, it can feel great to give back to your local community. Opportunities to volunteer in 2019 may include: Working with a local nonprofit organization Mentoring younger students at an elementary school Picking up trash off your towns streets. If youre not sure how to get started, ask your guidance counselor where you can find opportunities to give back. Not only does it feel good to make an impact, but its also something positive you can put on your college applications. New Years resolution #2: Reexamine your priorities While its important to involve yourself in extracurricular activities that enhance your college application, its also key to analyze your commitments to ensure youre involved in the best opportunities for you. In the new year, set aside time to identify what commitments best suit your long-term goals and personal interests. If an activity, for example, causes excess stress or is negatively affecting your grades, it may be time to reevaluate your involvement. On the other hand, if theres an organization youve wished to join, make it a priority to learn more about it in 2019. [RELATED: How to Maximize Your High School Extracurriculars] New Years resolution #3: Gain confidence in your academics High school is a time when you begin to figure out who you are and what your long-term goals may be. Take stock of where your academic interests lie, and look for ways in the new year to engage in activities and classes that support these interests. A great way to gain confidence in your academic areas of interest is to find opportunities to further these skills. Additionally, surround yourself with friends who support your goals and encourage you to succeed. [RELATED: How High School and College Students Can Setand AchieveAcademic Goals] New Years resolution #4: Make time for personal interests Much of your high school years are spent in class preparing for college. During this time, however, its also important to pursue classes, extracurriculars, and outside activities that make you excited about your educational experience. In 2019, set aside time for yourself every day to do something that you enjoy. That could be an elective class, a club, a sport, or even taking time at home to read or explore a hobby. Having this time to expand your interests can help you stay more focused in school and motivated to succeed in the new year. [RELATED: The Importance of Self Reflection: How to End the Year on a Positive Note] 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.

Friday, March 6, 2020

The 50 Best Guitar Songs Ever From Different Eras Genres

The 50 Best Guitar Songs Ever From Different Eras Genres Jessica Dais Everyone’s list of the “best guitar songs” will be different, but there are certain moments in history when we all seemed to fall in love with the same music together. These songs have stood the test of time, and become enshrined as the classics of guitar repertoire. Although the following list is by no means comprehensive, it is a representative sample of some of the best guitar songs of all time including everything from classical to rock. The 50 Best Guitar Songs of All Time Before we dive into which songs made the list and why, check out this clickable infographic for a preview of 25 top guitar songs. Best Acoustic Guitar Songs Wish You Were Here Pink Floyd This popular song was destined to some form of greatness because of Pink Floyd’s established reputation. The fact that the main acoustic guitar riff is so playable has also helped this song become a staple for many beginning guitarists. Fire and Rain James Taylor This song was one of the singles off James Taylor’s second album that made him particularly famous in the 70s. To this day, he still frequently plays “Fire and Rain” in concert. It’s known to both older and younger audiences who are familiar with his music. Hotel California Eagles A reflection on the excesses of the Rock ‘n Roll lifestyle, this song features both acoustic and electric guitar work that stands out and complements each other. Blackbird Paul McCartney An ode to struggling Black women in Detroit, the unassuming charm of this song makes it a favorite for beginning guitarists. The unusual left hand intervals make it challenging but not unattainable. American Pie Don McLean An enchanting (and sometimes cryptic) ode to Rock ‘n Roll history, this song is still popular as a tune for beginners to learn their basic guitar chords on. Wonderwall Oasis Released on their second album, “Wonderwall” has become Oasis’ biggest hit. It’s the most streamed song released before 2000, and its the archetypal example of 90s pop chord playing. More Than Words Extreme Ironically the most popular song of a much heavier band, this song was released in 1991 and has since forced its writers to embrace their softer side. Known for their heavy, funk-metal style, Extreme reached a much wider audience with this vulnerable ballad. Dust in the Wind Kansas Another crowd pleaser on this list of best guitar songs, Dust in the Wind particularly hit a nerve during the spiritual seeking of the hippy era. The intro has charmed fingerpicking beginners since the song’s release. Redemption Song Bob Marley Taking inspiration from Marcus Garvey, Bob stripped away all the rich instrumentation of his reggae roots and reduced this song to simply the acoustic guitar and singing. The song has remained popular both as a protest song and a staple among beginning guitarists. Sound of Silence Simon and Garfunkel This song begins with a simple but haunting guitar hook that is immediately recognizable to fans of the folk-pop duo. Paul Simon’s fingerpicking technique remains a great teacher for beginners of the craft. Best Rock Guitar Songs Stairway to Heaven Led Zeppelin The song every guitar teacher gets tired of teaching, but still listens to in secret and quiet admiration of its epicness. Sweet Child o’ Mine Guns n Roses Another perfect example of a heavy band whose most famous song is a vulnerable love song. This one somehow manages to maintain its epic rock quality amidst all the intimate lyrics. Voodoo Child Jimi Hendrix This is one of several songs Jimi did that changed rock history. The raw power that he holds together with his indescribable talent made this a piece that captured the imagination of rock guitarists for generations. I Love Rock n Roll Joan Jett A perfect integration of power chords and simple blues licks make this an ideal introduction to rock guitar. It’s also great for getting people to sing with you in a bar! Sunshine of Your Love Cream Another song that is often used to introduce rock guitar to beginners, this song has a soulful punch that continues to draw Clapton fans back to his early days. Back in Black AC/DC Of the tremendous library of ridiculously catchy riffs in the AC/DC canon, this one stands out near the top. Seven Nation Army Jack White Many millenials who didn’t grow up with the early rock records find this song to be the gateway to the rest of the rock experience. Easy to play, easy to love! Smells Like Teen Spirit Nirvana This is another song that is famous partially because of its poignant lyrics that spoke to the rebellion of a generation. It’s also a perfect song to learn power chords on. Smoke on the Water Deep Purple This song gets a bad rap because so many guitarists know the first hook but not the rest of the song. The rest of the song is certainly worth a listen, though! Crazy Train Ozzy Osbourne This song has both one of the easiest power chord riffs and one of the hardest guitar solos. It’s a song that fans love to sing and guitarists love to play! Best Folk Guitar Songs Sweet Home Chicago Robert Johnson This unassuming folk blues song comes to us only from field recordings, but it was incredibly influential on many British rock stars. Johnsons raw guitar style and troubled lyrics heavily influenced the Stones, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, and others. The Times They Are a-Changin Bob Dylan This unapologetic protest song summarized the rebellion of the hippy generation and became a folk standard that is still sung and played to this day. If I had a Hammer Peter Paul and Mary Sung by many folk artists, this metaphorical song served as a rallying cry for social change and remains a campfire favorite. Dont Think Twice Its Alright Bob Dylan One of Bob Dylan’s more personal songs, the intricate fingerpicking in this tune lends a unique quality to lyrics about love gone wrong. Have a listen and youll quickly find out why this made our list of best guitar songs.   Alices Restaurant Arlo Guthrie Many audiences wonder if Arlo made up the verses on the spot. In any case, the 16 bar guitar loop is the jumping-off point for a lengthy political rant that anyone with a sense of humor can enjoy. Scarborough Fair Simon and Garfunkel Based on an English poem, this song is accompanied by Paul Simon’s mysterious fingerpicking and a vocal melody that many remember as a childhood lullaby. Big Yellow Taxi Joni Mitchell This song is definitely a foot-stomper! It has had activists singing the charged lyrics since its release at the height of the environmental movement in 1970. Mr. Bojangles Jerry Jeff Walker This song was written in New Orleans when the composer was arrested and put in a cell with a street dancer. The story has been a favorite among folk artists since its premiere on a radio show in 1968. Minor Swing Django Reinhardt First recorded in 1937 by the Hot House Band, this is one of Django Reinhardt’s most famous tunes. It’s also a standard introduction to gypsy jazz. Guitar Boogie Arthur Smith This song was first released in 1945 and has since been played by many other thumb-picking greats, including Tommy Emmanuel. Best Classical Guitar Songs Asturias Isaac Albeniz A landmark of the classical repertoire, this piece is more reminiscent of flamenco traditions from Andalucia than the northern Spanish region of Asturias. This is probably because it was given its name by a German publisher after the composer’s death. La Catedral Agustin Barrios-Mangore The masterpiece suite by a South American composer, La Catedral is a musical illustration of a grand building and a service within the building. E Minor Bouree J.S. Bach This piece is a popular selection from the Lute Suite in E minor. It often tricks beginners because it sounds good at a slow speed but it’s meant to be played rather quickly. Etude in A Minor Dionisio Aguado Often the first piece a classical student will ever see, this simple fingerpicking etude is a great introduction to the process and pleasure of classical guitar! Recuerdos de la Alhambra Francisco Tárrega This piece is the most legendary of tremolo classical guitar pieces. Using a technique that involves rapidly plucking a single string, the difficulty of this song is matched only by its profound beauty. D Minor Chaconne J.S. Bach One of the most profound pieces in the classical repertoire, this piece was originally written for violin. It has since been transcribed for pretty much any other instrument that has a virtuoso to play it, and guitar is no exception! Mazurka Choro Heitor Villa-Lobos This prolific Brazilian composer had many great pieces, and this one is the first in a suite called “Suite Popolaire Bresilienne.” Give it a listen and see if you can resist the urge to learn all five movements. Prelude from the E Major Lute Suite J.S. Bach One of the most famous and uplifting pieces in classical repertoire, this piece falls under the fingers almost serendipitously and fills a room of any size with the warmest musical bath you can imagine. Study in B Minor Opus 35 no 22 Fernando Sor A gem of the beginner’s classical guitar repertoire, this is a piece that teachers often introduce to their students. Give it a listen and you’ll see why it’s so unforgettable! Romanza Anonymous “Romanza” is another charming piece frequently learned by beginners. The gentle repetition of fingerpicking over the beautiful Spanish melody make this a favorite for both players and audiences. Best Electric Guitar Songs Under the Bridge Red Hot Chili Peppers Mournful and rich in feeling, this guitar riff is great for getting early picking techniques going. It’s also an excellent choice when you want to play something recognizable to a lot of guitar fans. Sultans of Swing Dire Straits This is a favorite of music lovers and musicians alike! It includes a rhythm riff that’s not too difficult, along with some solo passages that will give any player a run for their money. Gravity John Mayer John said he was particularly proud of this song because he felt he could apply the lyrics to any situation he found himself in. The soulful guitar work captured the interest of many electric guitarists, both aspiring and established. La Grange ZZ Top This band had a knack for writing hooks, and Billy Biggons had a knack for playing crazy blues solos. Both are reasons La Grange made it on our list of the best guitar songs of all time! Freebird Lynyrd Skynyrd Anyone who has played in a band has probably heard more audience members scream “Freebird” than any other song in history. Most people actually request it as a joke! While My Guitar Gently Weeps The Beatles The fact that the lyrics of this song refer to a guitar is almost accidental among its deep reflective nature. Maybe it’s a factor in the song’s popularity with so many guitarists. Eruption Eddie Van Halen “Eruption” ripped open the gates to progressive guitar playing. The song still stands as a staple for aspiring electric guitar virtuosos to master. Johnny B. Goode Chuck Berry This pioneering piece opened up the sound of early rock to wider audiences. It’s another favorite song for electric guitarists to learn. Pride and Joy Stevie Ray Vaughan This song can be difficult to learn at first because of its muting techniques, but it brings along the full power of the Texas Blues to anyone who masters it! Layla Eric Clapton “Layla” is revered for both its powerful lyrics and its captivating virtuosic guitar hook. Clapton fans expect to hear it at every concert. Now that youve seen our list of the best guitar songs of all time, what would you add? Let us know in a comment below! These are the songs that inspired most kids to pick up an axe in the first place. If you’re interested in learning the guitar, this list will give you some easy songs to start with as well as some masterpieces to aspire to. Post Author: Jonathan B. Jonathan B. teaches acoustic guitar, bass, and more in State College, PA. Jonathan is a Temple University, Music Theory graduate and YouTube celebrity with thousands of subscribers.  Learn more about Jonathan here! Need Private Lessons? 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Thursday, March 5, 2020

Ask a Law School Admissions Expert Hamada Z.

Ask a Law School Admissions Expert Hamada Z. Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Hamada Z. is the co-founder of Write Track Admissions, a global admissions consulting service. He has counseled hundreds and hundreds of students all over the world and is currently leading the international expansion of Write Track Admissions. Hamada received his law degree from The University of California-Berkeleyand his Masters in International Relations from The University of Cambridge. Being highly knowledgeable in all areas of admissions, Hamada has advice to offer for students going down any path see his Law School insights below. VT: How much time should be set aside to adequately prepare for and complete a Law School application? Hamada: The law school application process is quite onerous, requiring preparation in terms of school selection, letters of recommendation, outlining and drafting the personal statement and diversity statement, revising the law school CV, and possibly drafting a compelling addendum. Undertaking all these materials requires a minimum of 2-3 months of preparation - ideally starting in August and completing the process in late October/early November. VT: What is the single most important thing applicants should focus on with this application? Hamada: By far, the personal statement is the lynchpin to an applicants candidacy. It will dictate their profile and can literally make or break their candidacy. I, for example, spent from June to October drafting and re-drafting my personal statement till I knew it was perfect. How now know it was perfect? Because years later reading it still gives me chills in terms of how personal and critical it was in illustrating who I was and who I hoped to be. VT: What are the biggest mistakes one can make on a Law School application? Hamada: One of the most fundamental mistakes is not adequately explaining any extenuating circumstance in an applicants academic record. An addendum is probably the most often overlooked aspect of the application and yet this single document can truly serve to mitigate a poor LSAT, explain a misguided semester, and/or shed light on how a personal affliction had an sizable impact on the applicants life and scholastic results. VT: What do Law School admissions officers look for most in an applicants essays/personal statements? Hamada: Based on insider feedback from various Admissions Committees (adcoms), I have taken note that they are most interested in accepting students who demonstrate (in no particular order): 1) a strong sensitivity and appreciation for diversity, 2) determination and desire to effectuate change at any level in any space, 3) critical and analytical thinking, and 4) an unyielding sense of determination to be zealous advocate for their future clients, whether it be in the courtroom, boardroom, or in the field. VT: Is there anything on a students application that would automatically disqualify them from being considered for the program? Hamada: When you are applying to a given states bar, you are asked to file a moral character application. One of the main purposes of the application is to ensure the applicant does not engage in activities that would undermine their moral fabric. This same ethical standard is also applied in law school where an applicant who demonstrates questionable moral character and turpitude is simply not tolerated. VT: What about the Law School admissions process differs the most from undergraduate admissions? Hamada: The quality of writing in your application must display much more analytical and persuasive scholarship. You are about to embark on a degree that requires excellent writing skills so there is no room for error here, unlike in your college applications. Moreover, you now need to demonstrate why you are choosing this degree, unlike college where you could have entered undeclared. After all, we are talking about a 3-year and $100K+ commitment. VT: What kinds of things (experience, grades, etc.) might a student lack that would lead you to advise them not to apply? Hamada: While the LSAT is critical, I believe that a 4-hour exam should not derail your life-long dream. Having said that, I think a poor GPA reflects badly in terms of a sense of maturity and the ability to handle the rigor of a law degree. While immaturity in your first or second your of college is understandable, a horrific GPA throughout college without sufficient cause is, frankly, inexcusable in the eyes of top programs. Also, if in response to why law school? the candidate states: I have no other option, I want to make money, I want to save humanity, I automatically flag this as a case that needs further thought. VT: Is there anything you might see on a students application that would quickly put them ahead in the running? Hamada: Other than submitting your application early or having an above 170 LSAT, 3.9+ GPA and/or stellar Letter(s) of Recommendation, I would say the number one thing would be creating a logical flow between who you were as a child, what you studied in college, what activities you undertook and why (scholastic, personal, volunteer, professional), and how this shapes what you want to do in the future vis--vis law. That element of continuity provides added credibility in your candidacy in that you will see law school all the way through en route to a successful career. This is because you have demonstrated maturity, responsibility, and the notion that your actions have a common line of logic and clear thinking. VT: What advice do you have regarding LSAT test prep? Hamada: Practice, practice, practice past test questions under actual timed conditions! Also take a big picture approach to see what the administrators are trying to test. If you can find that pattern, the underlining purpose of the question, you will crack the test and never look back. Also keep in mind if you are scoring in the 150s or less on your first diagnostic exam, then I highly advise you take a test prep course. If you are still struggling, then get a tutor to find the issues you are personally facing. Remember, test prep is a one size fits all teaching method, so one-on-one instruction can be very helpful. It is unfortunate that the LSAT can still dictate your prospects of admissions, but there is hope I am a living testament of that belief, as are numerous candidates we have worked with over the years. VT: What do law school admissions officers look for in recommendation letters? Hamada: One word: Specificity. Adcom loves to see a recommender go into great detail about why you are articulate, interpersonal, analytical, and simply brilliant. Like a legal opinion, the more detail and facts offered, the more likely the letter of recommendation is genuine and coming from someone who is willing to go to bat for your candidacy. Visit WriteTrackAdmissions.com for more information on Hamadas admissions services. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Dont Crack The Singers Guide to Vocal Registers [Audio]

Dont Crack The Singers Guide to Vocal Registers [Audio] Suzy S. As a singer, learning how to adjust your vocal cords is what helps you sing low notes and high notes with ease! This is what happens when we talk about vocal registers. You may have already heard about head voice and chest voice, but what else should you know?  Here, voice teacher  Elaina R.  breaks it down If you’ve ever heard a teenage boy’s voice crack (or heard your own voice break, as you try to reach a high note), you already know something about vocal registers. It may seem like your voice is simply your voice  after all, you only have one set of vocal cords    but vocal registers can  make it feel like your voice is split into several different pieces. Here’s what’s going on in your larynx to cause those changes â€" and what you can do to avoid the dreaded crack in the future. What Are Vocal Registers? Vocal registers are caused by shifts in your vocal cord positioning. A good way to visualize this is with your hands. Try clapping normally, then try “clapping” them using just a portion of your palms. Notice a difference? The same thing happens with your vocal cords. The Three Main Vocal Registers There are three main vocal registers that I want to address first, starting with the lowest and ending with the highest. To get a better idea of what these sound like, watch this funny video that uses pop music to illustrate different registers. Chest Voice  (also known as modal voice) A quick note on the term “chest voice”  it has nothing to do with your chest. I have no idea why it is called that. What it sounds like: Strong, lower. Most people speak in chest voice. Vocal cord production: Thick, fat vocal cords vibrating evenly along the length of the cord. Listen: Head Voice Same deal here  head voice has nothing to do with your head. What it sounds like: Higher, lighter. This is what female opera singers predominantly use. Vocal cord production: Long vocal folds, partially touching (only about a third of vocal cords vibrate during head voice singing). Listen: To learn more about chest voice vs. head voice, take a look at the video below by teacher Melody M: Whistle Tone (also known as flute register) Whistle tone is relatively rare, but I am including it here because I have it and lots of people ask me about it. I consider it one of the three main registers because there is a strong, defined break between whistle and head voice very similar to the one between head and chest voice. What it sounds like: Very high, pure. Mariah Carey is one of the most famous users of this upper register. Vocal cord production: Long vocal folds almost entirely touching; only a small area vibrates, producing sound. Listen: Mixed Registers If you mix blue and yellow paint, you get green. This color mixing applies to vocal registers too. There are middle registers possible between basically all vocal registers. Vocal Fry  (also known as glottal fry) Vocal fry isn’t really a combination of any two registers; instead, it is considered an “extended technique” or even a vocal fault for classically-trained singers. What it sounds like: Low croaking. Vocal cord production: Thick, floppy vocal cords that are barely moving enough to produce sound. Listen: Chest/Head Mix  (also known as middle voice, modal voice, healthy belt, just “mix”) What it sounds like: A mix of head and chest voice, very useful for singing  high notes in pop and musical theater without sounding strained. High belters such as Ariana Grande and Idina Menzel use this a lot. Vocal cord production: Longer vocal folds partially touching (a bit more vibrating space than in full chest voice). Listen: Head/Whistle Mix I don’t know how popular this one is, but it does exist. What it sounds like: Lighter, easier notes at the top of the coloratura soprano head voice range (D-F6 for me); slightly heavier notes normally at the lower end of whistle range (F#-A6 for me). Vocal cord production: Slightly more vocal cord vibration than in pure whistle, but not much. P.S. If you’re wondering where falsetto is, I didn’t forget about it I just didn’t think it merited mentioning as a mixed or true register. Here’s why. So, Why the Cracking? Cracking between registers normally occurs when a singer snaps from one register to the next. So if you’re singing in chest voice and you abruptly switch to  head voice, you might crack. How can you overcome this? In theory, the answer is simple: learn how to sing in mixed registers and glide in and out of registers. I used to be a belter, and I had a horrendous crack between my chest and head voice. Only after years of work am I able to glide smoothly from one to the other and fully exploit my chest/head mix. With lots of practice and the right voice teacher, you’ll get there too. Post Author:  Elaina R. Elaina R. teaches opera voice and singing in Ypsilanti, MI, as well as through online lessons. She received her Master of Music from  the University of Michigan, and she has a B.M. from the University of Southern California. Learn more about Elaina 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

4 Things to Do the Week Before the ACT

4 Things to Do the Week Before the ACT The week before the ACT is often full of last-minute study sessions and hard-to-calm nerves. While a little stress around your ACT test date is hard to avoid, there are things you can do to help reduce that stress and prepare for a successful exam experience. Things to do the week before the ACT include avoiding cramming, getting adequate rest, and organizing your test-day necessities. Looking to prepare for your upcoming ACT? Here are four things to do the week before the ACT: 1. Avoid cramming the week before the ACT It might seem like a great strategy to gain as much new knowledge as possible in the time leading up to your ACT test date. However, its more helpful to spend the week before the ACT reviewing materialnot cramming new content. Not only is it less effective to study under such pressure, it also causes more exam-related stress. During the week before your test, focus on reviewing basics for a designated amount of time each day. This can help your knowledge stay fresh until exam day, without overwhelming your brain. [RELATED: What I WIsh I Knew About Taking the ACT/SAT] 2. Get adequate rest the week before the ACT With the ACT just a week away, you may feel tempted to stay up late hitting the books every night leading up to the exam. Dontits important to get enough sleep the week before the ACT in order to ensure youre as rested as possible to tackle the test. Also, as noted above, cramming is rarely a productive method of studying. Instead of staying up late to study, try going to bed an hour or so earlier each night this week. This will help both your brain and body feel rested on test day. 3. Stay active the week before the ACT Getting some extra exercise every day can help you feel refreshed, relaxed, and less stressed. Consider going for a walk, jog, swim, or bike ride during your free time. Additionally, you could destress with your fellow classmates through a game of soccer, volleyball, basketball or handball. Keeping your exercise fun and creative can motivate you to stick to it all week. [RELATED: What is an Average ACT Score?] 4. Get organized the week before the ACT Theres nothing worse than waking up to the sound of your alarm clock on ACT exam day and scrambling to find your testing supplies. Reduce your morning-of stress by getting your test supplies together throughout the week. Make a checklist of the following items, and mark them off as you place them in your bag or backpack: Your printed ACT admissions ticket An official photo ID such as your school ID An eraser Sharpened #2 pencils A calculator Water Healthy snacks such as fruit, vegetables, a sandwich, or nuts [RELATED: How to Avoid Running Out of Time on the ACT] Feeling stressed before the ACT is normal. However, you can reduce that stress substantially in the week before the ACT by taking steps to be refreshed and ready for exam day. Good luck! 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.

Italian For Beginners Young Learners

Italian For Beginners Young Learners Where Can Children Learn Italian in the UK? ChaptersWhy Teach Children Italian?Italian Classes for Children Aged between 3 and 6 Years OldItalian Classes for 7-13 Year OldsItalian Lessons for Older ChildrenLearning Italian OnlinePrivate Italian Tutorials“I speak in Latin to God, Italian to Women, French to Men, and German to my Horse.” - Charles V, Holy Roman EmperorAny reason’s good for learning a foreign language. Whether it’s for speaking to women, getting a job, or learning about another culture, taking Italian classes can help you learn a language and travel to another country!Don’t forget about the kids! Studies show that the best time to teach children a second language if before they reach the age of 7. Once a child surpasses this age, any language they learn will always be a foreign language rather than a second mother tongue.Let’s have a look at language centres where children can learn more about Italian. DanielaItalian Teacher 5.00 (9) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuciaItalian Teacher 5.00 (4) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarilùItalian Teacher 5.00 (8) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarcoItalian Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AntonellaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GiusyItalian Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EnricoItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FedericaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhy Teach Children Italian?Italian is spoken by 63 million people in Europe. That’s 12.52% of the EU. It’s in 3rd place behind German and English.There are some great reasons to learn Italian:You can discover a rich language and cultureIt can be an easy language to learn (relatively speaking)Speaking Italian can boost your career.The last reason is why a number of students decide to start learning Italian at university. In fact, there are tonnes of advantages for students studying Italian in Italy.The UK does a lot of business with Italy. Italy has a large and diverse economy that includes:IndustryTourismLuxury goodsAgricultureFashionCuisineTaking Italian classes might lead to a job in a famous Italian multinational like Ferrero, Fiat, Gucci, or Nutella.There's a good reason some of Italy's biggest companies make food. (Source: pixabay.com)In addition to the career benefits, learning Italian is also great for learning about the history of the country over the centuries. You can visit plenty of fascinating monuments without needing a translator.Italy is the 4th most popular country in terms of tourism and has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country.You can sign your children up for Italian for beginners courses adapted to them. The sooner they learn a language, the more likely they’ll become bilingual in it.However, as you may know, language learning isn't hugely popular in the UK, Italian isn't the most popular language to learn, a nd there are plenty of different cities in the UK. To help, Superprof has put together a list of a few places where you can learn Italian.Italian Classes for Children Aged between 3 and 6 Years OldHave you considered signing your child up for an Italian language class?  Learning a language is something they can keep for their whole life. At what age can children start learning Italian? From birth!Here are a few select places where children aged between 3-6 can learn Italian that you should check out if you live near them and have a child wanting to learn Italian.Just Speak Italian (London)This centre aims to teach young children Italian. You can find the centre at Speak Up London, 139-143 Oxford Street, London.The teachers are all qualified and all qualified native speakers.  Native speakers are important since your children will be learning Italian in a less-conventional setting and will greatly benefit when it comes to speaking by hearing authentic Italian accents and expressions. There are a variety of different types of Italian courses. There are options for both private classes and group classes in which your child can learn about:The Italian alphabetItalian vocabulary and grammarItalian culture through books and mediaThe lessons at this centre focus on ensuring that children have fun and learn basic Italian. When a child is having fun, they don't even notice that they're learning phrases in their new language. After 10 lessons, parents are also given an update on how well they can speak Italian.  The lessons take place on weekday afternoons or on Saturdays.They're not bow ties, they're butterflies! (Source: pixabay.com)Bambini LingoBambini Lingo is a multilingual kids clubs with centres in various locations around the UK. In addition to teaching children to speak Italian, they also offer French, Spanish, German, and Mandarin. You can find their language learning centres in Chiselhurst, Weybridge, Devon, Ipswich, and Peterborough.They offer courses in Ital ian (as well as in other languages) for children as young as 18 months. Of course, this will be basic Italian, phrases, and everyday Italian words rather than intensively studying Italian grammar, verbs, and conjugations.  An Italian course for pre-schoolers starts at £7.50 per class. Italian lessons London is also a popular search term on superprof.Baby Bright Eyes (Sheffield and South Yorkshire)Baby Bright Eyes focuses on parent and child classes and offers classes in Italian, French, and Spanish. Their language courses run for five weeks and are taught by fluent and native speakers of each language. DanielaItalian Teacher 5.00 (9) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuciaItalian Teacher 5.00 (4) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarilùItalian Teacher 5.00 (8) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarcoItalian Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AntonellaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Giu syItalian Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EnricoItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FedericaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsItalian Classes for 7-13 Year OldsCertain language centres offer classes for older children and pre-teens. At this age, children can learn more complex concepts such as grammar rules.While young children can learn to speak Italian online, it's much better for younger children to use their expressions and greetings face to face with other children their age. This is why we've put together this list of language centres offering Italian courses for children aged between 7 and 13 years old where they can learn to speak Italian alongside their peers.Italy isn't the only place you can learn Italian. (Source: photos.uncoated.uk)Parla Italiano (North London)Parla Italiano currently offers classes for children aged from 0-8. However, classes for older children may be offered depending on demand. The language courses run for 10 weeks and take place on Saturdays.  This centre is great for any child that wants to learn how to speak Italian.  Children are taught by native qualified teachers.In addition to language lessons for children, they also offer a range of different Italian language courses:A1A2B1Upper Intermediate/Advanced Conversation ClassesLa Dante in CambridgeRather than focusing solely on apps to teach your child Italian, why not send them to an Italian language centre?  La Dante in Cambridge’s Young Italian Learners class is available for children aged between 5 and 10 years old.  Classes take place on Saturdays between 2 and 3 pm.Children will be taught using a variety of different activities including role-play, museum visits, gardening, and cooking. They’ll also play games to help them learn the language while they have fun.  There are also classes offered for a variety of different ages and levels.Italian Lessons for Older Ch ildrenThere are plenty of benefits to taking Italian at GCSE and A Level. Italy does a lot of business with the UK yet very few students actually study Italian. This mismatch between supply and demand means that studying Italian can be a lucrative decision for your child's professional future.If your child has decided to take Italian at school, there are also Italian lessons for secondary school children and sixth formers. That said, even if they're not studying Italian at school, they can still choose to take Italian classes if they're interested in it.Whatever your child’s level, a tutor can help them prepare for their exams.  Here's an Italian language centre where older children can improve their Italian skills and study for their GCSE or A Level.International House (Bristol and London)International House has various centres in London, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Aberdeen, and Belfast. Unfortunately, since their main focus is teaching English around the world, they only of fer foreign language courses (including Italian) in their language centres in Bristol and London.You can also complete a level test on their website so that you know which classes you should be looking at. Furthermore, you can opt for group classes or one-on-one tutoring.Learning Italian OnlineDon't forget that you can also learn Italian online if there isn't a language school in your area. There are plenty of resources online that can test a wide range of different language skills. You can download fun apps so that your child can practise their Italian on long car journeys, for example.Find the best Italian lessons online here.You can't beat the real thing, can you? (Source: pixabay.com)As we said earlier, it's quite difficult to gain fluency in Italian with just apps and websites, they are useful for practising and there are plenty of free lessons available.While there are a lot of free apps and websites, the best language learning websites and apps tend not to be. However, it's a dvisable that when your child is still learning a few basic Italian words and phrases, you needn't invest in the more costly options.Private Italian TutorialsFinally, don't forget that you can always hire an Italian tutor to work with your child. One-on-one tutoring allows every session to be adapted to your child's strengths and weaknesses. If there are certain Italian phrases they keep forgetting, for example, their tutor will make sure that they get extra practise during their language course.You can find native Italian tutors across the UK. These tutors are happy to travel to your home and many of the tutors on Superprof offer free Italian tutoring for the first hour. This means you can try out their Italian language lessons without paying a penny.