How to Help Your Elementary School Student Cope with Test Anxiety

How to Help Your Elementary School Student Cope with Test Anxiety Many students experience test anxiety, especially on standardized exams or assessments that affect their promotion to the next grade. As a result, its important for students to develop test-taking skills since they're used throughout primary and secondary school, as well as into college and beyond. If your elementary school student has test anxiety, here are four ways to help him or her cope: 1. Know the assessment(s) First, find out what exam your student is anxious about. There are many different kinds: unit tests in a specific subject, mid-year assessments, end-of-year exams, and more. Some tests take all week with a special testing schedule while others may be a few hours or may fit within a single class period. Is the format multiple-choice or short answer/essay? Will students use computers or test by hand? Youll want to know the purpose of the exam and its format and depending on that information, youll be able to discuss with your child an appropriate attitude toward it and how much significance it should have in his or her life. These tips to help you analyze practice test resultsmay help ease some test anxiety. 2. Communicate with your students teacher Your childs teacher can tell you more about the test, and youll be able to discuss with him or her how students are preparing for it at school, as well as anything helpful that you can do with your child at home. Ask the teacher for any resources or tactics that might be helpful for the specific exam, as these can help to lower your elementary school students text anxiety. He or she may refer you to someone within the school who has more or different information, such as the principal. In any case, communication with your students teacher should help you better understand the test, as well as what your child is doing in school to get ready for it. 3. Practice test-taking skills at home Even though your home is a different environment than your students school, discuss and practice test-taking skills there. Depending on the age of your child, you may want to talk about filling in bubbles, carefully reading directions, eliminating answers, skipping and returning to questions, and double-checking your responses. You may also want to talk about time management throughout an exam so that your student doesnt feel rushed. When you speak with your childs teacher about the test, ensure that what you are doing at home works and is helpful for the exam in order to best lower test anxiety. You may also want to consider a test prep tutorwho can help reassure your child. 4. Encourage your child to eat and sleep well during exam week On test days, make sure your child eats and sleeps well. Balanced meals and a good nights sleep will help to ensure that he or she has the necessary brain energy to do well during the day. If the exam spans several days, teachers often give little or no homework during this time. In that case, plan after-school relaxation time for your student. A schedule of healthy eating, sleeping, and winding down should help your elementary school student cope with test anxiety. These tips may help your child mentally prepare for test day. Even though many assessments are high-stakes, dont forget to emphasize learning for learnings sake. Celebrate your child for what he or she has learned and done well in throughout the year. Even when not directly linked to test-taking, these moments of success may help your studentfeel better about school and about taking important assessments.

What is a Capo Everything You Need to Know Here.

What is a Capo Everything You Need to Know Here. What is a Capo? Jessica Dais A capo is a helpful device that allows you to easily change the key of a song while using the standard “open position” chords that every guitarist knows. With a capo, you can play those same chords in any fret position along the neck of the guitar. Keep reading to find more answers to all of your capo-related questions! What is a Capo? A capo (pronounced “cape-oh”) is a small clamp that you can attach to the neck of the guitar at a specific fret. What does a capo do? It keeps all of the guitars strings depressed at that specific fret, all of the time. The parts of the capo that squeeze the strings against the fret board are made of rubber, so they don’t damage the wood on your guitar.   Let’s say you attach the capo at fret two. It will squeeze down all of the strings at fret two and keep them pressed down. So it’s like you’re playing a note at fret two with your finger, but on all six strings simultaneously. If you were to lay your index finger across all six strings at fret two and press down hard enough so that all the notes at fret two sounded clearly on each string, that technique would be called a “barre.” This barre technique is used by guitarists all the time, but if you are just beginning you may not have tried it yet and when you do, it will take a few weeks to master. Attaching a capo is a much easier way to achieve the same result. You could say that the capo produces a permanent barre at a specific fret. Now let’s look at what exactly happens when you have a capo attached to your guitar. How Does a Capo Work? Let’s use the capo attached at fret two as an example again, although you can put the capo across any fret. Once the capo is on, when you play your strings open, the notes that sound are not E, A, D, G, B, and E (the notes of open strings six through one). Instead, they are F#, B, E, A, C#, and F#. We say these notes are “one tone higher” or a “whole step” higher (the distance of two frets) than the normal open string notes. If you think of fret three as if it were fret one, and form a C chord as you normally would (but above the capo), it will sound as a D chord. If you played a song with Am, G, and C chords (which would be in the key of C major), you will hear Bm, A, and D chords (which would move the song to the key of D major). Every time you move the capo one fret higher, you have raised the music by one key. The most common reason for changing the key of a song is to make it easier to sing in your vocal range. To hear the sound of a guitar with a capo on, listen to “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles. The capo is on fret seven and it gives the guitar a bright, mandolin-like quality. The chord progression would be in the key of D major, but with the capo on, it comes out in A major. Who Should Use a Capo? For beginners, using a capo means that you can play more songs with a limited knowledge of chords and delay learning those difficult “barre chords” you may have heard about. But capos are not just for beginners. Many songwriters use capos so they can play chords in the style theyre accustomed to anywhere along the neck of the guitar. By moving the capo, they can easily try singing a song in different keys until they find the one that works best for their voice. In fact, flamenco guitar players routinely use a capo in the first few frets for two reasons â€" to play songs in the traditional keys, but also for the way the capo tends to push the strings closer to the neck, making chords and fast melodic runs easier to play. Try this if your guitar is a beginner model that is a bit more difficult to play. SEE ALSO: 5 Guitar Gadgets That Will Change Your Life Which Capo is the Best? There are a few different capo designs. One of the best capos is the Shubb, which retails for about $16 on Amazon. It’s made of rugged steel and clamps on very securely. This is handy because if you accidentally bump the capo while playing, it won’t pop off and ruin your performance. If you’re on a budget, one of Amazon’s best sellers is the UGY plastic capo which retails for about $7. This capo uses a spring action and can be attached or moved very quickly by squeezing two levers together. There are many manufacturers making capos in this style. A third option is the Dunlop elastic capo, starting at around $3. It uses a stretchy elastic cloth that attaches to a rubber coated, pole piece. Several holes are provided along the elastic to allow for different tensions, as the neck gets wider the higher you go. Whatever style you prefer, you need to make sure you order the right one for the type of guitar you have. If you order the wrong one, it won’t squeeze the strings correctly. A “steel string” guitar capo has a slight curvature to the part that lies across the fret board, as the fret board on a steel string guitar is slightly convex. A “nylon string” guitar capo is wider and very flat. Many beginning guitarists often ask their instructors, What is a capo? Now that you know what a capo is and how to use one, you’ll be on your way to playing more songs than you thought you could! You’ll also be able to more easily play and sing along at the same time. Although the capo can be a very helpful tool, try not to rely on it too much. It’s still very important to expand your knowledge of different chords on the guitar. Need some help mastering some of the more challenging chords? Check out TakeLessons. Our expert guitar instructors can help take your skills to the next level! Need Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Mike J. teaches  acoustic guitar, bass guitar,  blues guitar, classical guitar, as well as  country guitar  in Ogden, UT. He received his Applied Music Degree from  Mohawk College and has gone on to receive many certifications and awards since then. Mike is a  full time music instructor with over 30 years of experience teaching, performing, and writing music.  Learn more about Mike J. here!

Violin Lessons Cardiff

Violin Lessons Cardiff Make The Most Of Violin Classes In Cardiff ChaptersWhy Do You Want To Learn The Violin?Gain Formal QualificationsLooking For Violin Lessons Based On Age?What If I’m Struggling To Find Violin Lessons?What To Look For In A Violin TutorEver wanted to take a violin lesson in Cardiff, but didn’t know where to start?Whether you’re after private instruction or group lessons, having a good music teacher by your side can make all the difference when it comes to making you more comfortable when playing the violin, and, crucially, making you a better player and musician.This article outlines some venues that offer music education in Cardiff, in particular, music schools or tutors who offer violin lessons near me.You’d like some individual lessons to learn more about the different styles of music you can play with the violin;You would like to learn some new skills, whether that’s improvisation when playing, sight reading, or learning how to read sheet music; orYou’re looking to improve your confidence as a player in general.O nce you have an idea of why you’d like to play the violin, it should become easier to find a tutor in Cardiff. This is because you can look for tutors whose experience and skills match your learning goals.If you'd like to learn to play the violin in a symphony orchestra, a violin teacher can help (Image Source: Pixabay)Gain Formal QualificationsEqually, whether you’re looking to complete a degree in music, or just want to learn an instrument like the violin for fun, there is no shortage of places where you can learn according to your ability level.For example, let’s say that you’re an advanced violin player who wants to study music formally. In Cardiff, you can study music at the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama,For string instruments, several study programmes are available, including:“BMus (Hons)Postgraduate Programmes in Music PerformancePostgraduate Programmes in Orchestral PerformancePostgraduate Diploma Advanced Professional Practice”There’s plen ty to appeal to students as well, as the College’s training can include things such as orchestral training, chamber music masterclasses, and performance classes, to name a few.Of course, if you’re not looking at getting a formal degree or qualification in the violin, there are still tutors out there that can help you in Cardiff, and we’ve outlined a few tutors you might like to research below!The viola; andThe violin.If you have a young child that would like to learn the violin in Cardiff, then there are Stringbabies violin tutors you can turn to.Catherine Chamberlin is a violin teacher advertised on Stringbabies and is based in Cardiff, South Glamorgan. She accepts students from the age of 3 and up. She’s a highly experienced tutor, having achieved an MA in Musical Performance, a BMus (Hons) and a DipABRSM in Instrumental Teaching.However, this isn’t the only place in Cardiff where you can learn to play the violin. Cardiff Music School, for instance, offers violin tuition , and boasts a rather impressive “100% pass rate across the full range of instruments”. The school teaches a wide range of instruments, from the guitar (acoustic, classical, and electric) to the drums, harp, cello, violin, as well as music theory and parent and child lessons.As an added incentive, the Cardiff Music School offers a free 30-minute lesson to all new students. In terms of ongoing pricing, a 30-minute lesson on a one to one basis costs £15 while a 60-minute lesson costs £30.If you'd like to learn how to read sheet music, then violin lessons can certainly help (Image Source: Pixabay)Violin Lessons For AdultsIt’s great that there are so many places for children to learn an instrument like the violin, but if you’re an adult learner, sometimes you can feel a bit left out.Thankfully, there are music school and tutors out there who also cater to adult learners.After all, you may have never learnt an instrument as a child, or only decided you’d like to learn the vio lin later in life.Places such as Staccatos Violin Tuition, for example, offer private one to one tuition for the violin for both children and adults. You can also learn with Staccatos Violin regardless of your ability level, whether:You’re an absolute beginner who has never studied music theory or a musical instrument;An intermediate violin player looking for more regular practice; orAn advanced violin player looking to get even better.The content of your lessons is likely to vary based on your ability level.For example, if you’re a beginner when it comes to the violin, you might learn to play “simple tunes, basic scales and music theory…”If you take Staccatos Tuition’s “Progress Violin” classes, then lessons help make sure students “are playing with the correct techniques and we help them to learn and progress in whichever way they need to. Some students like to take their graded exams, others do not. As with all our students we teach music theory as well.”Alter natively, if you’d prefer to take a more formal approach to music lessons and playing the violin, then you may also consider taking music exams. Staccatos Tuition is happy to support students wanting to take the ABRSM exams from grade 1 through to grade 8 and try to prepare their students “for their exams in a way which ensures that they are able to take them with confidence.”When it comes to pricing, a 30-minute lesson at Staccatos Tuition costs £10, a 45-minute lesson costs £15, and an hour-long lesson costs £20.What If I’m Struggling To Find Violin Lessons?The above isn’t a comprehensive list of every violin teacher that you can find in Cardiff.There are other tutors out there. For example, you might ask around (if you have friends that play the violin as well) and see if they have a tutor that they would recommend, or you could see whether any music students at university in Cardiff are offering violin lessons.Equally, you can also find other violin tutors in Cardif f through an online search. Tutoring websites, including Superprof, have a wide-ranging database of tutors across a number of subjects, including music tuition.Whether you’re looking for:Piano;Guitar;Drum; orViolin lessons (or another instrument)There should be a tutor on Superprof that can help you. You can also review the tutors’ profiles to see what their experience in violin tuition is like and see whether their experience would be a good match when it comes to your learning needs as a violin player.What’s more, you can also see a tutor’s hourly rate, meaning you can see whether a tutor’s services are within your budget.Violins can come in all shapes and sizes. Speak to your violin tutor about which violin might be best for you (Image Source: Pixabay)What To Look For In A Violin TutorBelow are just a few things you might like to think about when deciding whether a violin teacher is right for you:Does the tutor have experience teaching any particular style or method (su ch as the Suzuki method)Does the violin tutor have any experience as a professional musician, or do they have a music degree?Does your prospective tutor offer a one to one private lesson, or would you have to take a group lesson to learn the violin?Does the music instruction include areas such as ear training exercises, and would there be any performance opportunities?Aside from thinking about what the content of your violin lessons might look like, it’s also worth looking at the practical aspects of hiring a tutor, including:The tutor’s location (would you have to travel extensively to have lessons, or are they relatively close by?);How much lessons cost;How often you’d like to have lessons (often weekly is recommended, but some tutors are more flexible); andHow long you’d like your lessons to be (typically you can find 30, 45, or hour-long sessions).If you’re interested in learning the violin from a particular music school or tutor, but you can’t find the information y ou’re looking for on their website, remember that you can always try to get in touch with them to ask them any unanswered questions you may have.After all, it’s best to be as confident as possible that a tutor is a good match before booking onto any lessons!Find more violin lessons in the UK:Violin lessons in LondonViolin lessons in LeedsViolin lessons in BirminghamViolin lessons in ManchesterViolin lessons in GlasgowViolin lessons in EdinburghViolin lessons in Belfast

Online Write an Equation of the line Tutors

Online Write an Equation of the line Tutors In a coordinate plane, by joining few points we can draw a straight line. The equation of this straight line formed can be written by taking any two points on the line and writing the equation in either slope-intercept form or point-slope form of the line. Slope of a line is the direction or the steepness of a line and it is useful while writing the equation of a line. Equation of a line is written in terms of the variables x, y and also a constant. Example 1: Write the equation of a line with a slope of 3 and passing through the point (1, 2). Given: Slope of the line, m = 3 Point = (1, 2) Point slope form of a line== (y y1) = m(x x1) Therefore we get: (y 2) = 3(x 1) This gives: y 2 = 3x 3. Simplifying the equation we get: 3x 3 y + 2 = 0 == 3x y 1 = 0 Hence the equation of the given line is 3x y 1 = 0 Example 2: Write the equation of a line with a slope of -1 and passing through the point (4, 3). Given: Slope of the line, m = -1 Point = (4, 3) Point slope form of a line== (y y1) = m(x x1) Therefore we get: (y 3) = -1(x 4) This gives: y 3 = -x + 4 Simplifying the equation we get: y 3 + x 4 = 0 == x + y - 7 = 0 Hence the equation of the given line is x + y 7 = 0.

10 Essential Study Tips for Learning French

10 Essential Study Tips for Learning French Suzy S. With the right study plan in place, you can make learning to speak French a lot easier! Take this advice from French tutor Carol Beth L. to create a study plan that is, in a word, magnifique! If you are learning French or know people who are, you may have realized that many people have different ways to approach learning new things. What works well for you may not work well for another person, and vice versa, and each approach may have varying results. When it comes to learning French, here are a few things you can try. 1. Take a class This is a very effective method for many people â€" provided, of course, that they are diligent and keep up with homework and studying on their own. Depending on where you take your class, those without much time may be able to find a class that does not require much homework. Language conversation classes often have very minimal amounts of homework. Keep in mind, however, that classes with little or no homework outside class are unlikely to allow students to advance very quickly on their own. This is also true of classes that meet less frequently, since learning a language takes constant repetition. 2. Find a tutor If you dont have time for a class, need individual help with your class, want to go at your own rate, or need to accommodate a complicated or busy schedule, a French tutor may be able to help. Tutors typically help just one person at a time. If it is appropriate to you and your tutor, some tutors may accept more than one student in a subject at the same time. 3. Set aside time on your own to study Usually, those without a schedule for keeping up with regular practice on their own advance less quickly because they do not study as much or at all. Some people begin learning French knowing that they will not have much time to study on their own. If this is your case, be sure that your methods can accommodate this. If your time is limited, keep a set of vocabulary flashcards or a small notebook with vocabulary and grammar notes with you at all times, and you can pop them out when you have a minuted or two free. You can also find great resources online to help you practice, such as blogs and YouTube videos for learning French. 4. Be consistent long-term Learning a language doesnt happen overnight, and it doesnt happen without regular practice. If you stick with it only a short time, or study sporadically, you are not likely to advance quickly. If you have a set time every day or even 3-4 times a week to study, practice, and reinforce what you have learned, you will progress steadily. 5. Connect with others who speak French locally Find a French language meet-up, conversation groups, or start your own. Depending on your area, Meetup.com can be a valuable site to find other francophiles. Sometimes universities or colleges may be able to help you find francophone connections. The Oldenborg Center at Pomona College in Claremont, CA, for example, organizes foreign language conversation tables at lunch time for its students. Community members must pay for their meal, but are otherwise welcome to join. Try searching online for French conversation groups in your area. 6. Watch French videos Depending on your level and interests, this could include cartoons, childrens movies, comedies, documentaries, or YouTube videos. Lower level students often start with subtitles, but transitioning to watching without subtitles when you reach the right level can be a big deal â€" it means you are understanding enough to follow everyday conversation. Remember also: subtitles dont necessarily have to mean English subtitles. For many students, French subtitles for the spoken French can be as helpful as or more helpful than the English. By following spoken and written French simultaneously, you are reinforcing both forms and the connection between them. 7. Keep a diary or journal Even at a low level, you can do this. Use the limited language you have and find a few simple things to write something about your day. I began this at the end of my first year of French from middle school, and when I came back to school after the summer, I had one of the best retention rates in the class. 8. Read in French When you see how the experts write, you will begin to pick up on patterns they use. If you are not very advanced, look for childrens books, such as fairy tales or comics. Asterix et Obelix and Tintin are two popular French comics series. 9. Travel to a French-speaking country This is perhaps not for those on a tight budget. If you have money to set aside for a vacation or study program abroad, however, it can be a wonderful opportunity. Some exchange programs will allow for classes or homestays that will permit a French immersion environment. As a tourist, you can also see the country, go on tours (including tours in French), and learn about its history. It may take a higher linguistic level and more persistence to convince people to speak to you in French if they know some English. Even if they use their English to try to help you, however, people will appreciate your efforts to speak French. 10. Get a penpal You might exchange only a few letters or emails, or you could find a life-long friend. Either way, its a another way to practice your French and learn about a native-speaker â€" and for them to learn about you. Penpal programs are out there, often because the programs founders value the international exchange they foster. A few websites that offer penpal services include Students of the World, interpals, and mylanguageexchange.com. Working with a tutor is one of the best ways to improve your French quickly. TakeLessons tutors are available to help you learn French and many other subjects either in-person or online via Skype. Schedule your French lessons today! Carol Beth L. teaches  French lessons in San Francisco, CA. She has her Masters in French language education from the Sorbonne University in Paris and has been teaching since 2009.  Learn more about Carol Beth here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Harumi Ueda

Locations for Wedding Photos

Locations for Wedding Photos The Best Places for Wedding Photos ChaptersThings to Keep in MindDoing the Shoot on the Day of the WeddingChoose Places that Mean Something to YouBeautiful Landscapes for Wedding PhotosFocus on Your PassionsTravel to Get PhotosChoosing Original Places“It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.” - Friedrich NietzscheA lot of couples think about their friends and family when it comes to planning their wedding. The same goes for their wedding photography. Whether you want studio photos or you’d prefer photos from the day, the goal is the same; get photos that you like. To help you, here’s some advice on the best places for wedding photos. AllanPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPhotography Teacher 5.00 (7) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TimothyPhotography Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Anosh nadeemPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoPh otography Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RosiePhotography Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MattPhotography Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyPhotography Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThings to Keep in MindOrganising a wedding photoshoot should be an enjoyable part of planning your wedding day. Wedding photography is for capturing the best moments of the event so that you can put them in a beautiful photo album or up on your wall. This is why where you get your photos taken is important. Think carefully about where you'll be happy taking a white dress! (Source: Pexels)For successful wedding photos, you need to focus on the details as they’ll ensure that everything runs smoothly.Firstly, you need to think about the lighting where you’re getting your photos taken. After all, light is what makes photos work. No light, no photos. This doesn’t mean that you need natural light as a professional wedding photographer can always use a flash but natural night tends to work better in photography.The bride and groom should also think about colour. You don’t want colours that are too bright as they’ll distract from the bride’s dress, which is usually white. That said, you still need a place that looks nice.  Similarly, you need to think of somewhere you can get to while wearing a wedding dress.You don’t necessarily need to get these photos on the day but you probably don’t want to get your dress covered in muck from a dirty path. After all, separate photoshoots ar e normally done before the day of the ceremony.You can always ask for advice from your photographer. They should know some good places to get photos or at least the criteria and they might even suggest a few places for you to choose from.The important thing is that you feel comfortable with the places that you’ve chosen. It needs to be somewhere you can accurately capture your love for one another. Capturing your feelings is more important than the surroundings.Check out our advice for taking better wedding photographs.Doing the Shoot on the Day of the WeddingSome couples decide to get photos of the bride and groom, the wedding party, and the guests on the day itself. Whether it’s for budgetary reasons or just because you’re already dressed for the occasion, if you find the right moment on the day, you can get your photos done then.Between the prep, the ceremony, the speeches, the meal, and the dance, it can be difficult to find a peaceful moment to get photos of just the two of you. Again, work this out with your photographer if you want to get some photos together on the day. If you're getting married near some beautiful locations, you always do a photoshoot on the day of your wedding. (Source: Skitterphoto)However, in terms of where to do it, you’ll need to find the perfect place that isn’t too far from the venue. This might be a park, castle, neighbouring woods, a field full of flowers, or just under a nice tree. If you’re doing your photos on the day, consider this when choosing your venue.Finally, you’ll want your photos to be of you happy and relaxed so don’t squeeze in a photoshoot into an already busy schedule. If it’s going to be too difficult, schedule it for another day.Of course, if you schedule wedding photographs on a different day to the wedding ceremony, expect to pay more as you'll be paying for the photographer for another day.Choose Places that Mean Something to YouWhere you met, where you had your first kiss, your favourite park, etc., choose places that mean something to both of you where you have a lot of happy memories or a place where you like being. These are the perfect places for your wedding photos. Make sure you choose places that are special to you rather than cliché locations. (Source: sh112)Again, talk to your photographer about some of these places and they can suggest which of them will work best as photos. They may also find a way to bring different places together as a theme.Even if they’re not the most aesthetically-pleasing places, the fact that they mean something to you is the most important. Furthermore, you’ll feel very comfortable in them and this will show in all your photos.It’s much easier to look happy in photos when you are. A good photographer will let the wedding couple do their thing and capture a great candid photo when they're looking their happiest.You might want engagement photos from the exact place you got engaged or where you had your wedding reception. After all, you probably chose your wedding venue because you liked the place! AllanPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPhotography Teacher 5.00 (7) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TimothyPhotography Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Anosh nadeemPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoPhotography Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RosiePhotography Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MattPhotography Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyPhotography Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsBeautiful Landscapes for Wedding PhotosYou’re probably looking for beautiful photos that you can hang up in your home. The nicer the place, the nicer your photos will be. Some places look good from almost any angle.Take castles, for example. There’s a fairytale-like quality to them and you can get tonnes of photos from different parts of the building and around the grounds. While it might be a bit cliché, castles make for great wedding photos.  Similarly, you might want it f or your venue.Fields of flowers also provide a romantic setting and there are very few people who don’t find flowers beautiful.The seaside and forests also work great for romantic photos. However, think carefully about the shots you want to take as some locations may seem like they'd make the perfect wedding photos but in practice, if you didn't have a beach wedding, you mightn't want to get your wedding dress covered in sand, especially before the big day.On the other hand, if you've had a destination wedding, you might already be in the perfect place to get some fantastic photos or footage for a wedding video or album.Focus on Your PassionsYour wedding photos should be in places that evoke feelings. These places can give your wedding photos personality. Try to incorporate your passions into your wedding photography. (Source: Aperturastudios)For example, if you both love cooking, photos in a farmer’s market might do the trick. Maybe you love horse riding and would like your photos taken in a stable. Ideally, you want something that you’re both passionate about.In the cinema, surrounded by classic cars, in an old library, surrounded by animals, on a golf course, etc., there are plenty of places that can show off your passions and love for one another. Similarly, you won’t need to decorate these places.Don't get photos of you holding hands if you're not that type of couple. You'll want to pose naturally and the best wedding photographers will ensure that you look happy and comfortable in your wedding pictures.Professional photographers can capture great pictures of newlyweds doing what they love or sharing special moments to put in their wedding album.If you have any photo ideas, discuss them with your photographer.Travel to Get PhotosWhile this option isn’t for everyone on account of the cost, you might want to consider going somewhere special to get your wedding photos. You could even get photos taken on your honeymoon in exotic surroundings.It’d be hard to get bad wedding photos in Venice, for example. Gondolas, canals, Venetian streets, the whole place is inspirational. Of course, you’ll need to hire a photographer there or pay to fly one out!Similarly, you’ll want a photographer who can speak English well. The photoshoot will quickly become irritating if you can’t understand one another. You won’t have this problem if you go closer to home.  That said, you could get some wonderful photos in Rome, Paris, Seville, or Prague.Choosing Original PlacesEven if your wedding takes place in a traditional setting, why not get some wedding snaps in interesting places?A fairground, on the train, an old abandoned building, whatever you like.You can get some original photos. Similarly, you’ll end up wit h something that will always make you smile when you look at it.You might also get some original photos from just letting the photographer do their thing. Experimenting with analogue photography may also yield some interesting results. That said, it’s harder to edit these photos afterwards.Of course, before you try and be original, try to be yourself! Spontaneity is the best recipe for good photos!

Healthier, Wealthier, Wiser Making New Years Resolutions in English

Healthier, Wealthier, Wiser Making New Years Resolutions in English With the start of a new year, people make resolutions. These are intentions to do something new or to change old ways or habits in the year ahead. You, for example, might resolve to learn English this year!What are your resolutions for 2011? Let’s learn some vocabulary.Personal lifeI resolve to…..Take up a hobby or a pastime.Learn something new and explore a fresh talent.Engage in foreign travel.Catch up with old friends.Quit bad habits like smoking or excessive drinking.Battle the bulge (lose weight).Get in control of finances, reduce spending and get out of debt.Read more books and broaden my general knowledge.Be more environmentally conscious and recycle.Professional LifeI resolve to….Embark on further education to develop my job prospects.Do some voluntary work in my community.Stop procrastinating (putting off) and to take my career goals more seriously.Explore the job market and find more challenging work.As we learn vocabulary on making resolutions lets listen to a news r eport  on this very issue. See if you can answer the questions below:When does the report say is the right time to start our new years resolutions?How many adults in the UK have vowed to be fitter, thinner, healthier or wealthier at the start of the new year?What body carried out the study?How many people will have given up on their resolutions within a week?What percentage of people sticks to new years resolutions for the entire year?What is the most difficult promise to keep?What is the most popular new years resolution according to the study?What percentage of people made a resolution to save money last year?How did you get on? Feel free to send us your answers and email us any questions you might have on the class.

Distracted Driving Teens with ADHD

Distracted Driving Teens with ADHD For teens, passing a road test and receiving a drivers license are exciting milestones. As drivers, teenagers gain the freedom and autonomy that they crave, and their parents are happily released from their carpooling duties! While there are many positives that come with driving, there are also significant risks that cant be ignored. It is widely known that newly licensed adolescent drivers are at high risk for motor vehicle accidents. In fact, the risk of being in an accident is almost 3 times higher for teenagers than it is for adults over the age of 20.1 This risk explains why insurance rates are much higher for adolescent drivers, and why many states have graduated driver licensing programs in place (e.g., driving is only allowed until 9pm, no passengers are allowed in the car, etc.). Texting and using a cell phone while driving only compound these risks, and cell phone use accounts for 10% of all fatal car accidents.2 Despite laws in many states banning text messaging while driv ing, over 44% of teens say that they still text and drive.3 While the risks are already high for teen drivers, they are even greater when ADHD is added into the mix. The cognitive skills involved in driving a car are the very skills that are impaired in kids, teens, and adults with ADHD. ADHD is associated with deficits in the executive functioning skills responsible for staying focused, planning ahead, managing emotions and impulses, and reacting quickly to changes in the surrounding environment all of which come into play while driving. With this in mind, its not surprising that the rates of car accidents, speeding tickets, and other traffic citations are even higher among teens with ADHD than teens without ADHD.4 Recent studies using driving simulators have found that teens with ADHD had difficulty staying in their lane and driving at a consistent speed. In simulator tasks that included texting, both the teens with ADHD and the teens without ADHD drove more poorly but the texting-related impairment in teens with ADHD was significantly worse than in the teens without ADHD.4 Knowing that driving risks are higher for teens with ADHD, parents are encouraged to take extra steps to help their adolescents develop safe driving skills. Effective treatment with ADHD medication improves teen driving. ADHD medication has been shown to improve teen driving skills during driving simulator tasks. If your teen takes medication for ADHD, require them to take their medication consistently once they start driving. Teach your teen about the risks of driving with ADHD. Feeling invincible is a hallmark of the teenage years, and many teens with ADHD underestimate the negative effects that their ADHD symptoms have on every day activities including driving. Make sure your teen is aware of the increased risks that come with having ADHD, and the reasons why his or her driving will become even more impaired if he or she texts or faces other distractions while driving. Lack of sleep will impair driving abilities. The effects of sleep deprivation on driving performance are profound, and under extreme conditions can be as impairing as alcohol. Poor sleep also negatively impacts ADHD worsening the symptoms of inattention and impulsivity, and slowing down reaction times. Mix poor sleep, ADHD, and driving in teenagers and the result is a very risky combination. Encourage your teen to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, and when he or she cant, consider not allowing him or her to drive that day. Develop your own house rules around driving. Many states limit the time of day when teens can drive and the number of passengers allowed in the car. While these limits are protective, teens with ADHD may need even more stringent rules. If you think that your teens ADHD symptoms are interfering with his or her driving ability or he or she is not demonstrating the level of maturity needed for safe driving, then create your own driving rules. Consider requiring more practice driving hours than what is mandated by state law, not allowing friends in the car even after the state-based limits have been lifted, limiting driving to short distances and only on weekdays during daylight hours, and having your teen use an app that reduces cell phone distractions while driving. Create a driving contract. Work with your teen to draw up a driving contract that outlines driving rules that you can both agree to. Whenever possible involve your teen writing the actual contract. Your teen will be more invested and respectful of the contract if his or her input was valued when it was created. ADHD symptoms pose a serious risk for teen drivers, but there are steps that parents can take. Encouraging your teen to take his or her ADHD medication daily, get good sleep, and work collaboratively to develop driving rules and a driving contract, can help keep your teen safe on the road. 1 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Fatality facts: teenagers 2015. Arlington (VA): The Institute;http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/teenagers/fatalityfacts/teenagers 2 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2017). Traffic Safety Facts: Summary of Statistical Findings. Washington D.C.: NHTSAs National Center for Statistics and Analysis; https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/documents/812_381_distracteddriving2015.pdf 3 Olsen, Shults, Eaton (2013). Texting while driving and other risky motor vehicle behaviors among US high school students. Pediatrics, 131, e1708-e1715, 4 Narad et al. (2013). Impact of distraction on driving performance of adolescents with and without ADHD. JAMA Pediatrics; 167, 933-938. 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.