How to Write an Effective Back-to-School Checklist

How to Write an Effective Back-to-School Checklist A back-to-school checklist is a useful, highly personal way to organize yourself for the coming school year. A checklist can help you navigateand maximizethe weeks before the first day of school, especially as you ease out of summer classes, vacation, or work. Below are five steps you can take to write an effective back-to-school checklist. Consult your school supplies list and summer assignments Unearth the supplies list you received in June or locate a copy online. You likely own a number of the required supplies already; check your inventory of folders, paper, and writing utensils to see what can be used this year. Then make a shopping list of what you do need to buy. In addition, review your summer homework assignments and add to your checklist any essays, reading, or worksheets to complete before school starts. If you do have any summer essays to complete here are some great tips for writing an essay. Refer to your calendar Whether you keep a physical planner or consult an electronic calendar, consider important dates and schedule your time accordingly. Mark the first day of school on your planner, as well as any significant dates at the beginning of the yeartryouts for sports teams, school meetings, holidays, etc. Determine when you will finish summer assignments and when you will buy school supplies. This will help you pace your back-to-school prep as you also keep in mind the larger scope of the school year.Theseare some great tips to keep and use a calendar! Consider extracurricular commitments You may already be involved with an athletic activity or club. Plan around these commitments as you ready for the school year. Also consider those activities that you wish to join this coming yearclubs, performances, sportsand how you can mentally or physically prepare for them. Think about out-of-school commitments as well, such as prep sessions with an SAT tutor. The key to effective back-to-school planning is understanding where and how your academics and extracurriculars fit together. Include goal-setting Make your back-to-school checklist purposeful by including manageable goals. Goal-setting may be intimidating at first, so it is crucial to set realistic objectives that interest you. If you would like to join the newspaper club, consider reading three to five news articles each week. If you plan to prepare for the ACT or SAT before school begins, consider creating flashcards to study each day. Adding goals to your back-to-school checklist can keep you focused as you approach the new semester. Keep it manageable As with goal-setting, ensure that your checklist is a manageable length. Too many tasks will slow you and likely deter you from using your checklist, and too few tasks will not be productive. Write enough detail next to each item so you know precisely what must be done, but not so much that you have to read through a flood of information. Having a family member or friend look your checklist over for reasonableness is an excellent idea; they can help you identify unrealistic tasks and hold you accountable for those you do take on. An effective back-to-school checklist is not difficult to write, and it will help you focus on tasks that you must complete. Keep your checklist in an easily accessible placesuch as your smartphones notepad or in your plannerand refer to it regularly while you enjoy the rest of your summer.

Emblematic Piano Composers

Emblematic Piano Composers The Greatest Pianists of All Time ChaptersTop Pianists: Johannes BrahmsLudwig van BeethovenPiano Composers: Joseph HaydnWolfgang Amadeus MozartThe Pianist Robert SchumannBest Pianists: Frédéric ChopinThe Piano According to Pyotr Ilyich TchaikovskyBest Pianists: Giuseppe VerdiFamous Composers: Ludovico EinaudiVocabularyAs Arthur Koestler said, “True creativity often starts where language ends.”.The piano is one of the most popular instruments to learn how to play.When people think of composing music for the piano, they invariably think of classical or romantic music.With names such as Haydn, Mendelssohn, Franz Liszt, and Hector Berlioz, there are literally tonnes of talented classical and romantic composers who didn’t just influence their contemporaries but generations of later musicians.Of course, this list is by no means extensive and you're always welcome to suggest your favourite piano composers in the comments below. They don't necessarily need to be classically trained or classical musicians, either!What ’s better than a piano when it comes to expressing creativity? LouisPiano Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlisonPiano Teacher £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErenPiano Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BarbaraPiano Teacher £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Chi yuenPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomPiano Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtiePiano Teacher £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTop Pianists: Johannes BrahmsBrahms was a composer, pianist, and conductor who spearheaded the Romantic period.Every symphony starts out with someone writing some music on their own. (Source: coyot)Throughout his musical career, he left an indelible mark on classical music: 122 original works, 17 for the piano, which might seem to pale in comparison to composers like Schumann and Chopin.Brahms is known for his heterogeneous approach to music and in addition to his piano music, he created fugues on the organ and plenty of chamber music which is often associated with small orchestras.Brahms was never much a fan of being compared to Beethoven. However, Brahms first symphony is often considered to be Beethoven’s Tenth.Ludwig van BeethovenBy the age of 12, he’d already written 3 sonatas.  By the age of 26, he lost the most important sense for composers, his hearing.Did you know Moonlight Sonata (Sonata No. 14) evokes his negative feelings towards going deaf?Beethoven’s compositions are extremely interesting because the artists straddled the line between the Classical and Romantic periods.  His first works were inspired by the Viennese School (of which Mozart and Haydn were top of the class) and would later influence other artists such as Brahms. His work continued to change as quickly as music did.His repertoire was absolutely huge: Chamber music, sacr ed music, and symphonic pieces, too.  His fifth symphony is still known as one of his most famous pieces.Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is known today as the anthem of the European Union and is an incredible piece. Wagner would later refer to the Beethoven’s 9th as “the greatest western symphony of all time”.The ninth symphony is also thought to cursed as each composer died after writing their ninth symphony.For example, Antonin Dvorak, Franz Schubert, and Gustav Mahler.Take piano lessons London.Piano Composers: Joseph HaydnAs a member of the “Classical Viennese Trinity” alongside Beethoven and Mozart, Haydn’s compositions would have a huge impact on Mozart himself.With so many great piano composers, it's hard to make such a short list. (Source: Tama66)Just like Beethoven, he can be considered to transition Baroque and Romanticism.  The composer is generally known as a symphony conductor and a master of string quartets, to such an extent that he is often considered to be t he father of both.The debate rages on! One thing for sure, by listening to his symphonies, we can better understand Haydn.His 106 symphonies were spread over 40 years and are considered to be his trademark.Unlike his frugal approach to the string quartet (which he probably invented), he never seemed to stop writing symphonies.Wolfgang Amadeus MozartThe child prodigy. Mozart’s influence is immeasurable! Both in terms of classical music and everything he represented.  The very mention of his name conjures up the idea of genius.When he died aged 35, he left behind a repertoire of over 600 pieces.While 24 years his senior, Haydn always considered Mozart to be one of the greatest composers the world had ever seen. Coming from a master in his own right, this is quite the compliment.It’s mainly in his concertos, symphonies (Mozart inherited them from Haydn), and sonatas that we can see the greatest pieces written by Mozart, which are all pretty much perfect in terms of each classical a rt form. LouisPiano Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlisonPiano Teacher £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErenPiano Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BarbaraPiano Teacher £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Chi yuenPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomPiano Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtiePiano Teacher £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Pianist Robert SchumannSchumann fully deserves to be placed alongside the greatest composers of all time. His works are considered to be the peak of the Romantic period which was unlike the Classical period which evoked universalism.Along with Brahms and Schubert, he’s one of the spearheads of the Romantic Lied branch which recreated poems musically. This style was particularly popular with the Germans.The German composer br ought together various styles throughout his career, from symphonic music to chamber music and concertos (violin concertos, piano concertos, etc.).In terms of the number of works he created, you could say he was inspired by Beethoven, especially when talking about symphonic music.Best Pianists: Frédéric ChopinWhile we often talk about Chopin as a piano virtuoso, which he is, we often forget to talk about him as the amazing composer that he was.Frédéric Chopin is arguably one of the most famous French composers. (Source: Walkerssk)He and Liszt were the fathers of modern piano technique and their influence on other composers is undeniable: Maurice Ravel, Claude Debussy, and Sergei Rachmaninoff, to name a few.Those who rubbed shoulders with Chopin would say that he was spontaneously creative, that the spark could appear at any moment (especially in summer) and that would be the start of several weeks of work.His wife, George Sand (Aurore Dupin Dudevant), said that he was capable of locking himself in his room with only feeling like sadness, anger, madness, or joy to keep him company as he continued to compose. George Sand also mentioned “meticulous and desperate perseverance”.The Piano According to Pyotr Ilyich TchaikovskyYou can’t mention artistic composition without talking about the Russian School.  We could have equally mentioned Igor Stravinsky, Dmitri Chostakovitch, and both Sergeis, Prokofiev and Rachmaninoff, to show just what immense talent there is in Russian composers.Tchaikovski paved the way for Russian composers. He’s the foundation of Russian Romanticism.His works are impressive both in quantity and in eclecticism.  He was the composer of eight symphonies, four orchestral suites, five concertos, three ballets, eleven operas, as well as 100 melodies and hundreds of piano pieces.His talent is often associated with the symphony and the orchestra first and foremost.  In terms of style, the composer was known for mixing Russian folkloric sty les with European musical sensibilities which made his music easily recognisable.Best Pianists: Giuseppe VerdiIn the same way  that the Russian School gave us so many great composers, we also have to mention the Italian School with composers like Puccini and Rossini.Giuseppe Verdi is one of opera's greats! (Source: webandi)Like many other Italian composers, Giuseppe Verdi made his mark composing operas. As a contemporary of Wagner, the Italian composer would be massively influenced by his work throughout his career.His most successful operas include Othello, Rigoletto, Nabucco, and Traviata, which are all 3-act or 4-act operas.Verdi was also famous for other styles, too, with compositions including sacred music and instrumental music. Over a century after his death, Verdi’s operas remain classics of the genre.Famous Composers: Ludovico EinaudiSince we certainly need to also mention contemporary composers, let’s talk about Ludovico Einaudi, one of the greatest composers of our ti me.Einaudi’s compositions are famous for being melodic and at the crossroads between two worlds: a mix of classical music and contemporary pop, which explains the vast diversity of people who enjoy his music and travel to see him perform it live.For those specialising in the piano, he’s considered a minimalist composer as his musical themes are often simply modified by a harmonic transformation.His talents as a composer can be seen in a number of films as well for brands like Sony and Lancôme.His compositions for films including Olivier Nakache’s Intouchables and Xavier Dolan’s Mommy have helped boost his career.While this list was dominated by classical musicians, as you dive deeper into learning about the piano, don't forget to check out modern pianists as well as pianists who play contemporary music. There's such a wealth of great music for the piano out there that it would be a huge shame to limit your search to just one or two genres!VocabularyOne of the trickiest thin gs about learning music is just how many terms there are. In a number of our articles on music, we've included a little glossary at the end. If you want to become fluent in music, you'll just have to read all our articles!FundamentalA fundamental is the main note in a chord. For example, the C in a C major chord is the fundamental.GrupettoA grupetto is a group of notes played in quick succession around the main note.Find out who are/were the best pianists in the UK!Take a look at these famous piano players.

STEM Activities for Fall

Must-Try STEAM/STEM Activities for Fall You are likely familiar with STEM (or science, technology, engineering, and math) as an education movement across schools in the U.S. A newer movement, STEAM, includes an A for art as a bridge to the other disciplines, as well as an essential component for driving innovation and problem-solving. Introducing your student to STEAM and STEM through engaging activities can be very beneficial. STEAM/STEM activities for fall can include exploring nature, experimenting with building and design activities, and getting a jump start on a science fair project. Interested in incorporating STEAM and STEM activities into the autumn months? Keep reading for must-try STEAM/STEM activities for fall: [RELATED: What is the STEAM Movement?] Explore nature with fall STEAM/STEM activities The world is your oyster when it comes to learning about nature via STEAM or STEM. Look around your backyard or a public park for elements to observe in your natural environment: for instance, mushrooms and tree rings, as well as more autumnal items like fallen leaves and pine cones. Go on a scavenger hunt outdoors for naturally occurring fractals, and then recreate them at home with art supplies. On cooler days, bring nature insidegrow flowers or other plants indoors, and record their development. Trace the veins of autumn leaves, and then research the purpose of these veins. Use fall STEAM/STEM activities to build and design objects The process of building and designing objects develops engineering skills, and it asks students to problem-solve questions of physics and balance. Try a classic activity, like building the perfect egg drop contraption. Experiment with various materials, like wood, paper, marshmallows, and clay. Build a structure using bamboo skewers joined by balls of clay or gumdrops, or make a geodesic dome by feeding pipe cleaners through straws and securing them. Dont forget to consider different types of structures, such as bridges and boats. On the design end, origami is a great STEAM-based learning activity that touches on fractions, geometry, and physics. Follow instructions to make a specific design, or try multiple ways to create the same design. Draw mazes and use magnets, on both sides of the paper, to move through the maze. Experiment with different art materials like watercolors, vinegar, oil, and dish soap, which you can use for tie dye or other paper projects. [RELATED: 4 Ways to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills] Get a head start on science fair projects with fall STEAM/STEM activities Fall is a great time to try various science experiments, especially ahead of the science fair that often takes place in the spring. Make a volcano, create a water cycle in a plastic bag, or grow flowers in the dark. Whip up a batch of Oobleck, a mixture of cornstarch and water that acts like a liquid and a solid based on how you interact with it. Ask your childs science teacher for ideas, or find books that pertain to your students interests. [RELATED: 3 Ways to Get Ahead on Your Students Science Fair Project] Fall is a great time of transitionboth in nature and at schoolthat is ripe for STEAM and STEM activities. Have fun! 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.

Why Take Acting Classes

Why Take Acting Classes 3 Great Reasons To Take Acting Classes Chapters1. Learning To Act Is A Real Confidence Booster2. Learning To Act Enhances Listening And Negotiating Skills3. Drama Skills Can Increase Your Overall CreativityIf you have ventured onto this blog post, then it is likely that you are already interested in drama and the amazing possibilities, opportunities and benefits that acting lessons offer you. That is a good place to start!Now it is my turn to explain to you why investing in an acting workshop or seminar is something you should and must do, even if only to satisfy a hobby. Likewise, if you've dreamt of a life in the entertainment industry, then there are various acting classes just waiting to be discovered.First and foremost, let's explore what acting classes are on offer, what they consist of and roughly how much they cost.Types Of Acting ClassesThere are numerous  types of acting camps on offer  (aside from attending full-time art schools, or attending a postgraduate course that equips you with a bachelor degree in the p erforming arts) which can help you to develop different elements of the dramatic arts.Before you sign up for any class, you should familiarise yourself with the options available to you and decide on which is best suited for your own personal goals and financial budget.To save you attending expensive classes that don't meet your expectations, here is a list of just some of the courses you might encounter when looking around for acting classes to participate in.Acting Technique (High Importance For An Acting Career)The intensive Acting Technique class is the fundamental actor training  for an aspiring actor or actress with dreams of being a TV actor or going to New York City to mingle with film and broadway stars. Most serious actors will go to drama school but as someone who comes into drama later in life then this well rounded master class really is a must to give you a foundation in the industry.Individual classes will differ in layout and content due to different techniques and a pproaches used by teachers (i.e. they might adopt the Sanford  Meisner Technique, the Alexander Technique, Method Acting, Stella Adler or other) so take the time to investigate two or three classes if you know that you have a preference.Audition Technique (High Importance To Work In The Industry)Equally an important class to attend if you plan to audition for professional roles, the instructor in this lesson  focuses on the audition and callback process and how to be confident going into either scenario.Scene StudyThis training will introduce you to  studying, analysing and practising scenes off and on-camera. While it is important in understanding scenes for a play, film or television show, the class leader will still want you to draw on your acting techniques, like those learnt from the above classes.Sight ReadingAlso referred to as Cold reading, this class is great for improving in this discipline. It is best suited to those who are auditioning for roles that don’t offer much i n the way of preparation, like short adverts or brief appearances. It will teach you to quickly prepare a text and deliver it confidently, allowing you to spend more time thinking about your performance.ImprovisationThose presenting in the moment on live TV or on stage in front of thousands of spectators may have to improvise from time to time. Improv, as it is also known, is valuable for actors and comedians because it enables them to think fast, embrace spontaneity  and to be more aware of timing.Commercial ActingAnyone looking to appear in commercials should place this high on their list, but with improv being required for most commercial auditions, you shouldn’t rule out the above Improvisation classes too (with the first probably outweighing the second in terms of value).VocalVocal coaching is not just for people interested in singing; the voice is equally as important for actors in how they tell their story. This class is good for people looking to appear in stage production s, as they will be taught breathing techniques, how to sing and ways to control their vocal abilities.MovementThis is the physical version of the above course, i.e. with an acting teacher teaching you how to use your body and movement to evoke feelings in performances. It teaches you awareness of all aspects of your body, from your limbs to your facial expressions so is, again, good for those theatrical performances.ClassicalDesigned for trainees looking to appear in classical performances like Shakespearean plays, for example, in class you will learn about period acting, including dialect, accent and speech. Voice and movement techniques and other acting tips will make up part of this course, and you will be taught how to read and analyse the complicated English in classical literature.Classical acting refers to the method of learning to act out classical literature like Shakespeare's plays. Photo credit: EaglebrookSchool on VisualhuntVoice-OverThese are slightly different to vocal lessons because they focus on the specific branch of acting: voice-overs. These classes are only necessary for those wishing to pursue this as a career, so it isn't worth wasting your time and money on these lessons unless you have to master the technical aspects of this job.Highly Influential Acting TechniquesYou may have noticed that some techniques were referred to above.Just like the different movements in drama have changed throughout the years, there are also various types of acting techniques  that have come from strong and seasoned influences in the industry. Some have been around for a long time, whilst others have emerged thanks to modern developments in theatre.The Stanislavski MethodThe Stanislavski method  draws on feelings and experiences that are said to convey the truth about the characters being portrayed. The actors are encouraged to put themselves in the mindset of the person they are playing and to find links and things in common to make their performances feel more genuineClassical ActingThis term is quite broad and encompasses the expression of voice, body, imagination, improvisation (or improv) and script analysis. It is based upon the theories and principles of a selection of classical actors and directors from over the years, including Stanislavski.Method ActingMethod Acting is made up of a range of techniques formulated by Lee Strasberg in order to develop a cognitive and emotional understanding of the actor's character. The individual is asked to draw on their own experiences to identify with their role on a personal level, so it is also based loosely on Stanislavski's ideas too.The Meisner TechniqueThe Meisner Technique asks the actor to focus on nothing but the other actor or actors in the scene with them, as if nothing else in the world exists during that moment. The idea is that the intensity of the performance makes the scene feel more authentic and powerful. It has connotations with the Stanislavski method.Practical Aesthetics Last but not least, Practical Aesthetics is a technique that derives from a conception that David Mamet and William H. Macy came up with, based once again on the Stanislavski method, along with the Meisner technique and the philosopher Epictetus. The approach includes script analysis, repetition exercises and explores adaptability.Looking For Acting Classes In Your AreaNo matter where you live, you are sure to find an acting class near you. However, as you will have gathered from the above, there are many different branches of acting that you could choose to focus on.If you aren't fussy and just want to reap some of the rewards that drama classes offer, then you will be able to choose a workshop that is convenient and priced right for you. If, on the other hand, you want to learn a specific skill like improvisation, then you might have to do a bit more research, pay more for an acting coach or travel further afield.Regardless of which class you attend, the main thing is that you fee l comfortable in the environment and that it brings about positive feelings. It is okay to feel a little nervous at the start, and even to dread your first session, just as long as you can see how the class is or is going to benefit you in the long run.So don't hesitate to look up drama classes London and take the plunge into acting.How Much Do Acting Classes Cost?Drama schools will often have predetermined fees listed on their websites, updated annually, to give you an idea of how much tuition like this costs. Likewise, independent classes will advertise their prices on forums, websites and other listings but the challenge is working out what is cheap and what is expensive for adult classes!Some classes may only charge £45 for a single workshop, yet others may offer a block of three for £65. Meanwhile, some courses in central London or at acclaimed academies might charge hundreds of pounds - it really is a minefield!The best tip I can give you is to do your research and to trust your instincts. In most cases, elevated prices are due to the teacher being highly respected for what they do or because you are   likely to gain more skills from attending the workshop than other courses (which both mean better value for money). So if it is within budget and it gets you excited, then go ahead and sign up! CarlActing Teacher 5.00 (5) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaActing Teacher 5.00 (8) £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ElifActing Teacher 5.00 (10) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CalumActing Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChristopherActing Teacher 5.00 (9) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LowriActing Teacher 5.00 (8) £85/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielActing Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CiaranActing Teacher 5.00 (5) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors1. Learning To Act Is A Real Confidence BoosterAnyone w ho has had even a minor, supporting role in a school or village play, or who has attended their first ever acting workshop, will admit that learning to act and to portray a character is a truly liberating experience. Not only is it time spent forgetting about all of your own financial worries, relationship troubles, work stress and other concerns, it is a time for you to soak up all of the energy and gusto of the person you are playing and transmit that to the stage.It is often said that some people 'are meant for the stage'. In fact, many parents and grandparents proudly talk of their younger generations being destined for life as a star, because of their wild imagination and 'don't care' attitude. While I do believe that some people are indeed born to be film stars, I am in no way saying that less self-assured human beings shouldn't even bother competing. Far from it!People often say that their children are destined for the stage, because they extrovert in a number of ways. Photo on VisualHuntI am a firm believer in taking yourself out of your comfort zone to really find a sense of accomplishment. That is why I think that acting classes are the perfect way to bring an introvert's personality and emotions to the surface and help them to realise that it is good to express themselves and to be heard (even if it is through the voice of their character initially!).But acting isn't only an activity that makes you seem more extrovert. Acting brings all of its participants a number of positive long-term effects.Firstly, taking part in acting classes and rehearsals means interacting with other like-minded individuals in the class and results in combating shyness or awkwardness in social situations, thus vastly improving social skills. When you join an acting class, you are more than likely going to develop new bonds and friendships that could wind up being relationships for life!Furthermore, acting classes encourage you to become focused on yourself and explore your own uniqueness and individuality. By learning to understand yourself better than ever before, you can also work on expressing yourself more effectively.Interestingly, performing in front of an audience can teach you more about yourself than you could have discovered on your own!The way that you react and interact with an audience says a lot about the way you engage and connect with those around you. That is why some actors and actresses have stood out in history as being so electric to watch on stage or on screen, with the legendary Audrey Hepburn being a perfect example.Finally, if you are a beginner in the world of acting, then any small accomplishment (like walking through the door on that first day!) can feel like you have overcome a big hurdle. Reaching new goals and challenging yourself culminates in a great sense of achievement and is often the best cure for low self-esteem and conquering your fears.2. Learning To Act Enhances Listening And Negotiating SkillsNo matter your li ne of work, communication skills are absolutely necessary for success. What kind of employee are you if you can't listen to even simple commands and what sort of manager would you be if you didn't listen to the concerns of your faculty?Drama classes are a great way to fine tune your communication skills, and particularly to enhance your ability to listen. This does not mean your ability to simply hear and process an instruction, it means to receive an instruction, truly understand it and respond to it in an appropriate manner.There is nothing more frustrating than having to repeat yourself over and over again before you are finally understood, so don't be that person who doesn't fully engage in conversations or who is easily distracted.Similarly, don't be that individual who is having an intense chat with a friend, nodding along, but in reality is thinking about what they are going to eat for dinner. Listening is just as important in enriching your personal life as well as advancing in your professional one.Many would say that speaking and listening are skills that are dying out thanks to digital communication, but when it comes down to it and technology fails us, our personal interaction is always there and ready for action. And, truthfully, there are few scenarios in life where it is better to put something down in writing to convey a really important message.Listening is a vital skill for any performer, especially those who are often involved in improvisation work and must react quickly and feed off of others' comments. Plus, actually listening to your co-star talking transforms a scene into a more authentic performance, as opposed to just standing and waiting for cue line.As a result, the scene becomes a true conversation instead of a rehearsed set of lines.Moreover, any person who watches a performance on-stage or on-screen benefits from being a good listener because it allows them to really appreciate and get the most from what they are watching.In addit ion, educational establishments are aware of the positives that drama classes bring to their pupils and their ability to communicate and interact in other academic lessons on the curriculum.Learning to listen can bring joy to many parts of your life. Photo on Visual HuntActing classes teach you about physical movement and expression, which includes helping you to show that you are listening as well as helping you to actually listen.During your acting workshop, you will learn about body language and posture (like smiling, making eye contact and nodding your head as nonverbal cues) as well as vocal coaching tips which help you to master the art of timing (i.e. not interrupting, summarising and paraphrasing).3. Drama Skills Can Increase Your Overall CreativityThe arts, with drama included, have a huge effect on mood, and happiness goes hand in hand with creativity. As such, doing something creative like taking on acting roles can make one feel feel happy in that moment. This euphoric f eeling can often last long after the experience and turn into excitement for the next time that they take to the stage.Just like doing creative activities can make someone feel happier, such distractions can also play a part in preventing someone from feeling sad. Research by Boston College has shown that acting classes can help people prone to depression or unhealthy behaviours to adopt healthier attitudes and more positive emotions.How can drama improve your creativity skills?Many youths and adults suffering from anxiety or depression showcase introvert traits and characteristics, almost as if they are being suppressed or inhibited. By learning how to act, these people can turn this around and counter any negative feelings by learning from the characters that they are portraying.It may seem counter-intuitive but by placing a drama student in a role playing a troubled personality can help them to better understand their own reactions and sentiments.Other reports have shown that tee nagers in acting classes not only became more confident, but they also grew in other ways. For example, they became more empathetic and thoughtful, which in turn means that they broadened their creativity and imagination.But will adult acting classes benefit you as much as after school activities help teens? Very much so.Drama skills are a fantastic addition to any person's resume, as they not only show your employer that you have interests outside of the workplace, but they also bring with them a range of additional, versatile (and very useful) skills. We have already mentioned that acting classes can teach individuals about the art of listening, but they also encourage self-expression, confidence and creativity, all of which can really benefit most workplaces.Not only could a sharper and more creative mind come up with better ideas and suggestions for improvement, they can also be far more influential over their peers. This is why so many corporate team building activities involve role-play - this and acting are one and the same!So if you are impressed by the astounding knock-on effects that a bit of drama training can have on all aspects of your life, then why not go to your manager and suggest that the company considers booking acting workshops for staff to improve productivity and creativity, or get yourself down to your nearest drama class to see and experience the full effects for yourself here and now!

Is there Alien Life in the Universe

Is there Alien Life in the Universe Are Aliens Real? Yes â€" Of course there’s Life on Other Planets. ChaptersHave We Ever Seen Alien Life?What Actual Evidence Do We have for Extraterrestrial Life?Where Might Aliens Be Living?Why Can’t We Find Aliens?The question of life existing somewhere beyond our planet Earth is one that has focused minds for centuries. Whilst the idea gained currency after the so-called Copernican revolution â€" back in the sixteenth century â€" there is evidence that even the ancient Greeks were considering the idea of alien life millennia ago.It’s an idea that has fascinated us â€" we humans who have always lived our lives as the strongest creatures on the block. The notion that there are other forms of life with greater intelligence than ours, living somewhere in the more than a hundred billion light years of the universe, fills us as much with horror as it does with excitement.However, the universe, as you’ve just seen, is pretty damn big. We can’t even imagine the distance of a light year, let alone a hundred billion of them. And this, really, this is the main argument in favour of the hypothesis that humans are not the only intelligent life in the universe.Think about it. The chances of there being only one habitable planet in all of this massive space is teeny-tiny. If there can be life here, why can’t there be life on another planet too?Well, indeed. This is why astrophysicists are so excited about the possibilities for life in another part of outer space. And whilst we might not be talking about little green men and Martian UFOs, something that we can say is living is almost certainly somewhere out there.Here, we’re going to have a look at some of the most fascinating aspects of the discussion around alien life. And if you have any more, just ask.Find out everything about astronomy - and the differences between cosmology, astrophysics, and astronomy! PetarPhysics Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamPhysics Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr parikhPhysi cs Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RubenPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankPhysics Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JidePhysics Teacher 4.80 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DorothyPhysics Teacher 5.00 (5) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RahulPhysics Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHave We Ever Seen Alien Life?As a kid, you’d often go around the playground asking each other, ‘do you believe in aliens?’. And certainly, amongst everyone in your school, there’d be one person who would claim to have seen them.Lots and lots of people have made such claims. From those who claim to have been abducted and examined medically by extra-terrestrial life, to those who report seeing ‘flying saucers’ and other types of UFO sightings, there have been thousands of supposed sightings of aliens. However, pretty much all of them remai n unconfirmed â€" or can be explained by other means.This has never stopped anyone believing in these things, however. And there is almost no chance that you will have missed out on the major conspiracy theories relating to aliens. From Area 51, in Nevada, USA, housing the ruins of unidentified flying objects, to governments around the world suppressing information regarding aliens, there are plenty of them.Get a maths physics tutor here. Do aliens live on Mars?Ancient Astronauts.All of this comes from that original fascination with aliens. And modern scientists and writers have sought all over the world for further evidence of human contact with life beyond earth.One of the most enduring controversies around alien life is in the interpretation of ancient texts and artworks. Some people claim that evidence of ancient human contact with aliens is evident from cave paintings in Val Camonica, Italy, from the hieroglyphs on the Egyptian pyramids, and from ancient Japanese figurines.Indeed, some have even suggested that our modern day religions were born through contact with the extraterrestrial â€" with the idea of a god coming from the awesome power of some life beyond our planet.All of this, however, is speculation.Find out about the major milestones in astronomy!What Actual Evidence Do We have for Extraterrestrial Life?The most important question for any astrophysicist interested in the hunt for alien worlds regards th e proof of alien life: what actual scientific evidence do we have that aliens exist?And the answer to it may well be a disappointing one. There isn’t any conclusive evidence that points to the existence of life anywhere in our solar system, the Milky Way, or anywhere else in our universe either.What Maths Suggests about the Chance of Alien Life.The primary evidence for that we are not alone in the universe is a logical one â€" that the chances that there is only life on Earth in the whole of the universe is extremely slim. There are thought to be about forty billion Earth-size planets in the Milky Way galaxy that are in the habitable zone of stars.And whilst this doesn’t mean that any of them have the right conditions for life, there’s quite a high chance that one of them might â€" even if we don’t recognise its life as life (see more on this below). And that forty billion are only those planets that are in our galaxy. There’s a lot of space left beyond the Milky Way.The D rake Equation, proposed by Frank Drake in 1961, comprises the different numbers that are needed to calculate the chance of life in the Milky Way. And whilst these are hugely disputed, it seems more likely than not that there is â€" or there has been â€" life elsewhere.Learn about our solar system! Is this where the government is hiding aliens? - Image from BBC/Getty Images.The Case of Mars.Mars has always been the planet most commonly associated with the search for extraterrestrial life. And that’s simply because it’s the closest to us.Yet, there have been a whole load of recent breakthroughs that suggest that, yes, indeed, Mars may well have had the conditions that make life possible.These include water â€" with the 2013 NASA mission to the Red Planet suggesting that there was once a large freshwater lake there. There is also evidence of river beds, polar ice caps, and minerals that depend on the presence of water.These days, NASA is putting a lot of effort into their missions to Mars, looking for evidence of fossils and organic carbons.Why is Water Important in the Search for Alien Life?The search for water on Mars has taken up a lot of our research into the planet. And you may well wonder why.What we know about life on Earth is that it depends on water. Water makes up w hat we are chemically â€" and the chemical reactions that produce us are heavily dependent upon the relationship between water and solvents.Whilst there is the trouble that life could exist in a gazillion different chemical ways across the stretch of the universe â€" and that the search for water is based only on our experiences of our own life â€" water makes a pretty good starting point for science. Go with what you know, as they say.Where Might Aliens Be Living?Which brings us to our next question. Scientists have to go with what they know when doing their research into the possibility of alien life â€" and into the possible habitability of other planets. This is pretty much the basis of how science has always worked.As such, the search for life has developed from the study of planets that are most like ours. They might be at a similar place as we our to our sun. They might be of a similar size. Earth-like planets might, as we have seen, have water on them.These are the most like ly places that aliens would live in the universe. And this is where scientists look for signs of life. Europa â€" one of the moons of Jupiter â€" is one such place that is thought to be potentially habitable.Find out about the life cycle of a star! Some images of space are just jaw-dropping.Why Can’t We Find Aliens?This is not the fairest of questions, honestly. Because, in the great scheme of things, we haven’t really been looking for aliens for very long at all.A better question might be what might prevent us from finding aliens? Or even, why haven’t we found aliens so far? Both are good questions, but they are the sort of questions that have a million possible answers.The most likely answer is that, given the age of the universe and given its size, there is really very little chance that any aliens we might meet would be on the same historical trajectory as we are.They might still be just little microbes â€" or they may well be hugely technologically developed and are even now flying around the universe in machines we couldn’t possibly understand.Other theories suggest that many potential places for extraterrestrial life are in subterranean lakes, like on Europa. It may well just be pretty hard to physically see thes e things â€" even if they are there.Would We Even Recognise Alien Life if we Saw it?The most important point remains: would we even know an alien if we saw one?As we’ve said above, human science is based upon what we know â€" and a methodology such as this will only produce results that we can recognise.However, the truth is that life may be living all over the place in forms that we just don’t recognise â€" as we believe life to be this thing.In that case, we may never find aliens at all.

Public School Admission Interview Questions Revealed

Public School Admission Interview Questions Revealed Being a tutoring company with some of Britain’s best educators we have got our hands on the tutor’s holy grail - a certain, very exclusive list of interview questions for public school 13+ admission. We have anonymised them but know they will be very helpful with interview season almost upon us. Enjoy! 1.Why do you want to go to a single sex / co-ed school? 2.Why do you want to go to a boarding school? 3.Why do you want to come to this school? 4/ 5.What is/ are your favourite sports? 6.What is/ are your favourite subjects? 7.What is the last book you read? 8.How many sibling(s) do have? 9.What are your other interests? 10.What do you dislike the most? 11.Do you enjoy travelling? and which countries have you recently visited - what can you tell us about your favourite places of interest 12.Who is the PM of England? 13.What recent news has disturbed you the most? 14.Do you know any boy(s) who have been to this school or currently here with us? 15.Where do you live? 16.What do your parents do for a living? 17.What would you like to do when you grow up? 18.How far is your house to this school?- how have you travelled here today? 19.What is your worst subject(s) at school? 20. How tall are you and how much do you weigh? 21.Tell us/me a bit about yourself? or Give us three words that your friends would use to describe you. 22. What other schools have your parents applied to for you - or you would like to go if we do not offer you a place here? 23. Did your parents or anyone prepare or tutor you for today’s interview? Looking for a tutor? You can search  Tutorfair and our fantastic selection of Admissions tutors. We also have  experienced 11 plus tutors. Check out more great  Tutorfair blogs  for 11 plus admissions: How to get into St Paul's School-Stage 2 Top 15 Books for 11 plus students

Staying Organized on Summer Road Trips with ADHD

Staying Organized on Summer Road Trips with ADHD Family road trips are fun and exciting, but they can also be stressful when one or more family members have ADHD. Some of this stress comes simply from being in close quarters and having to stay seated in the car for long stretches of time. While you cant do much to cut down on the amount of driving thats required for your trip you can tackle another source of stress disorganization. When youre in the car with kids, especially kids with ADHD, things can get messy quickly. You may start off with a clean car, but buckle kids into the back seat with their games, drinks, and food and the car can go from clean to a disaster zone in 5 minutes or less! This chaos makes it hard for kids with ADHD to keep track of their things, and can be the source of arguments, whining, and even tears. Often this backseat chaos doesnt get left behind once you reach your destination. When things are disorganized at the beginning of a trip, it is very hard for kids to become organized once theyre on the road . As a result, the hotel room quickly mirrors the messy car. Fortunately, it doesnt have to be this way. Using a few simple organization strategies before and during your trip will empower your children to keep their things organized. Kids with ADHD will learn that even though they may struggle to stay organized, there is a lot that they can do to keep track of their own things. Plan and create an activity bag for each child. Before your trip, work with your kids to make a list of the games and activities that they will keep in the car. Provide each child with a reasonably sized bag and let him or her know that everything he or she brings needs to fit inside. Travel cosmetics caddies can be the best car activity bags. They can hang from a car headrest, they can easily fold up and be carried into restaurants and hotel rooms, and they have clear pockets for keeping things organized. Label each of the pockets with the items that should go inside, and your kids will easily know where their things should be stored. They can also check the pockets before they leave the car, restaurant, or hotel to make sure they havent left anything behind. Clean out the backseat every time you stop for gas. Avoid letting wrappers, food, and other trash build up in the backseat by cleaning out the car every time you stop to refuel. Keep a trash bag in the car to make the cleanup easier. You can put your kids in charge of the clean-outs either by rotating the person responsible for the entire car, or by making each kid responsible for his or her own area. Make the task more fun by playfully scoring his or her clean-out efforts. Your kids will be aiming for 10s in no time! Wet-wipes are your friend. Deal with spills and messes before they get sticky by keeping wet-wipes and paper towels in the back seat. Your kids can do most of the spill clean-up on their own, but double check when you stop to make sure there isnt too much sticky goo left behind. Pack only what you need. One of the best strategies for staying organized on the road is to bring fewer things with you on your trip. Its always tempting to over pack, but its especially tempting with road trips because youre not restricted by airline luggage limits. Resist the urge to bring everything but the kitchen sink, and pack only what your kids will really need. When it comes to packing kids clothes, try packing each days outfit in its own gallon-size ZipLock bag. Put one complete outfit, including the shirt, shorts, socks, and underwear in a bag labeled with the day of the week and your childs name. Do this for every day of the trip, and your child will easily be able to find what he or she needs. As an added bonus, youll have only packed the clothes that are necessary and nothing more. Use a pop-up hamper. Dirty clothes can pile up quickly, and before long they can take over a hotel room. Keep the laundry under control by bringing along a pop-up hamper. These collapsible hampers take up very little space in a suitcase, and make it easy for kids (and adults) to see where their dirty clothes should go at the end of each day. With a little planning and a few good strategies you can help your kids stay organized while theyre on the road, even when they have ADHD. Everyone will feel more relaxed, and your kids will feel proud of how well they were able to keep track of their belongings independently. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

5 Benefits of Developing Great Teamwork

5 Benefits of Developing Great Teamwork 5 Benefits of Developing Great Teamwork Working as a team is something that every student will have to do throughout their K-12 experience and promotes valuable skills that will help them conquer college and career. For the most part, students are graded based on their abilities, and so they sometimes get frustrated when they work as a team. Alternately, some students love working with peers especially those with similar interests and abilities. Either way, developing great teamwork is one of the best ways students can be successful in a practical environment. 1.   Practice for the future Once students finish their education and go out into the working world, they will work as part of a team on a regular basis. Students who develop these skills early are likely to be more successful when they get out into the real world. Many teachers assign group projects so that students have the opportunity to work on this skill during the early and middle grades. Getting along with different personality types is one of the best ways to achieve a complex goal and meet important deadlines in either school or career. 2. Sharing responsibility Students who develop great teamwork can split up tasks and play to their set of strengths. This allows members of the group to help each other out and share responsibility so that they can finish a particular assignment or reach the desired goal. Teamwork isn’t just for group assignments, in fact, students might want to start a club, organize a community service project, or help plan a field trip. When students work together, they can achieve more with less individual effort (READ: Costa Mesa Tutoring Tips: Improve Your Studying Skills Over the Summer). 3. Communication Working as part of a team also helps kids learn how to communicate effectively and will help them out in every part of their lives. Communication skills are essential in the K-12 environment but will also encourage success in the working world as well as student’s personal lives. There are so many instances where clear communication can resolve a conflict with classmates or friends, but most kids need to work on these issues before finding the right words to say. Kids who can communicate well tend to do better in school, have more friends and be able to ask for help more easily. 4. Personal encouragement When students work as part of a team, they also encourage each other to be successful and focus on important study habits that will help them throughout their education. Kids who work as a team can help each other with academics, be great role models for each other, and provide a peer support system when students start to become overwhelmed with homework assignments or test prep. Once students get into the college prep years, personal encouragement will become more important than ever as students persevere through this stressful but important time in their education. 5. Group projects Students who develop great teamwork skills will also be successful when it comes to group assignments. Many teachers want to see how well their students can work together and will assign points based on good teamwork. Teachers want to see that students can get along and share responsibility rather than just be successful when working as an individual. Every student will have the opportunity to complete a group assignment all the way from first grade through the end of college. Whether students are working as part of a team to complete a 2nd-grade science project or getting together with classmates to organize a brand new college level club, teamwork is a helpful skill that propels students towards success. Build your social and team-working skills with the help of a private Los Angeles academic tutor from TutorNerds. Call us today to learn about our special Los Angeles summer tutoring deals. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.