The First Thing Beginners Should Learn on the Guitar

The First Thing Beginners Should Learn on the Guitar Madalyn Danielson Whether youve just started guitar lessons or youre teaching yourself, the best way to learn guitar is by starting with this one, basic thing. Guitar teacher  Jerry W.  explains The first thing a beginner needs to learn on the guitar is how to tune. An out-of-tune guitar will  make even the best player sound bad. The best way to learn guitar is to first learn how to tune it. Then, everything you play will sound better, and the whole musical world will thank you! I recommend you tune your guitar before every guitar lesson, practice session and certainly before any  performance. In the end, training your ear to know what it sounds like to play in tune is the best way to learn guitar. In this post, I will  show you three ways to tune your guitar. 1. Using a Tuner The easiest tuning method is to use a tuner. There are many types of tuners, including ones  designed specifically for the guitar. If you have a smart phone, you can simply download an  app for tuning your guitar. I personally use PitchLab on my phone. When using a tuner,  make sure you are tuning to the correct pitches. The strings, from lowest to highest,  should be tuned to E2, A2, D3, G3, B3 and E4. I recommend that you also learn to tune your guitar  by ear. Why is this important? Because  you can still tune your guitar if you forget your tuner or your phone is dead. Even more  importantly, it will help develop your ear for pitch. There are two methods of tuning the guitar by ear. Both methods require having the lowest-sounding string in tune. To do this, find a piano or someone who is already in tune and match  your bottom string to their E pitch. If you are just practicing, then you can tune the E2 string  using your tuner. In fact, if you are just practicing on your own, you can simply tune to the  lowest-sounding string. Even if it isnt perfectly on pitch, at least the guitar will be in tune with  itself. 2. The Fifth Fret Method 1. Play the lowest string (E2) at the fifth fret, and then tune the A2 string to this pitch. When tuning to a note, it is best to loosen the tuning peg until you are below the pitch, and then bring it up until both strings sound like one pitch. 2. Play the A string you just tuned at the fifth fret, and then tune the D3 string to this pitch. 3. Play the D string at the fifth fret, and tune the G3 string to this pitch. 4. The next string is different from all the others. Play the G string at the 4th fret, and tune  the B3 string to this pitch. 5. Finally play the B string at the fifth fret, and tune the E4 string to this pitch. 3. The Harmonics Method 1. This method requires being able to play harmonics. To play a harmonic lightly, touch a  string at the fifth fret, and pull your finger away as you pluck the string. This should  produce a higher, more bell-like sound. It usually takes some practice to get this to  work well. Harmonics can be easily produced at the fifth, seventh and twelfth frets. 2. Play the harmonic on the fifth fret of the lowest string (E2). Then, play the harmonic on  the seventh fret of the A2 string, and tune it to the E string. Due to the pure sound of  harmonics, it is easier to hear whether you are perfectly in tune. 3. Repeat this for each string, using the fifth fret harmonic to tune the seventh fret harmonic of  the next string, except for the B string. You will have to tune the B string using either  the fifth fret method or a tuner, because the harmonics method does not work for this string. Now that you have learned to tune your guitar, go out and make the world a better place for all  music lovers by always playing with an in-tune guitar! Jerry W. teaches classical guitar, composition, trombone and  trumpet  in Grosse Pointe, MI.  He received his Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition from  Cornerstone University and went on to receive both his Masters and PhD in Music Composition from  Michigan State University. Jerry has been making music and teaching students for over thirty years.    Learn more about Jerry W. 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 A Klar

Classes Vs. Lessons What is the Best Way to Learn French

Classes Vs. Lessons What is the Best Way to Learn French Sign up successful Personal Attention However, commensurate with a higher cost for private lessons comes a higher focus on your learning. Just as cost of a teacher is spread over all the students in a class, so too the teachers time is divided between them: any personal attention or accommodation for your individual needs and preferences has to compete with others. If your learning patterns fit well with the teachers educational methods, this may not be much of a concern, but finding a match like that is essentially a matter of luck. Convenience Another primary benefit you purchase with the extra cost of a private lesson is convenience. Classes must take place at a set time, and students are expected to arrange their own schedules accordingly. If you miss a lesson, its incumbent on you to catch up on your own or risk falling behind permanently. Commutes can also be onerous. Again, its certainly possible that you will find a class that fits well with your schedule and doesnt require much travel to reach, but you cant count on it. A private tutor, on the other hand, only needs to work to your schedule (and their own), and can be available at a time thats convenient for you. There are limits, of course, but when its often a matter of as little as a half an hour either way to avoid conflict, the ability to control your scheduling can make all the difference. There again, tutors generally meet at your home, or in some public place convenient for you. If this means a long commute for them, you may be required to pay a little extra to cover transportation costs and time, but the  time  commitment of the commute has been shifted away from you. Private tutors are also available online. You can take lessons via Skype or Google Hangouts and receive all the same benefits of private lessons, typically at a lower cost than traditional in-person lessons, with the added convenience of being able to take your lessons anywhere you have an Internet connection. However you choose to proceed, best of luck and welcome to the study of French! Dont wait too long to get started.  Search for a French tutor near you or online today! 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 Morgan

A Day in the Life at Michigan State University

A Day in the Life at Michigan State University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teachtheyre sharing their college experiences as well. Ross is a Detroit tutor who earned his Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University in 2010. He specializes in calculus tutoring, algebra tutoring, and several other areas of math. See what he had to say about his timeat Michigan State University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options at Michigan State University. Ross: The campus is safely closed in with all the dorm rooms and classes in a 20-minute-maximum walking distance from each other. On the outskirts of the campus is where you will find the campus apartments and restaurants. There are four transportation options on campus: driving, buses, biking, and walking. The buses take you all around campus but you have to know the schedule. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Ross: My professors were always available when I emailed or contacted them beforehand but they could also be reached by walk-in appointments. The Teaching Assistants always held review sessions which were very helpful to me during the tougher classes. I was a student athlete so my Academic Advisor was in the Smith Center, which is a student-athlete academic building for campus athletes. He was always available for me, probably due to the fact that he only dealt with athletes. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Ross: Dorm life at MSU was very pleasant because of my roommate. A huge part of the dorm life experience is your roommate. This can make or break your experience, regardless of the facilities and location. The dining rooms in the dorms were great even though some included better meal options than others. One of the best things about the dorms were the events that were held on the weekends which allowed students to get know their Resident Advisors and other students in the dorms. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported at Michigan State University? Ross: My major was Mechanical Engineering because I was a math guy. I love the design part of the engineering program. As far as support, the Engineering Department gave 100 percent support to the students and supplied us with a vast amount of resources for classes. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Ross: As previously stated, I played football during my tenure at MSU, so I socialized with mostly athletes my freshman year due to the fact that we were always around each other. Though I had a demanding football schedule, it wasnt difficult to meet new people because of campus activities. How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Ross: The Student Support services did an excellent job helping students get comfortable with writing resumes, looking for jobs, choosing careers after college, and speaking with companies. Companies often visited our campus at job fairs, as well as academic events held by departments. How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Ross: Our study areas were available and spacious when there were not final exams being taken. Each floor in the dorms had small conference rooms that could be used for studying. Also, the dorms had computer labs available for those who needed access to the web. The library and the student union were always available to meet up with friends to review for tests or to simply work on homework projects. Describe the surrounding town. Ross: Downtown East Lansing was a great place to enjoy your social life. The restaurants were very delicious and clean for friends and families, as well as local bars that showed sports events on the weekends. There was a mall not too far from campus that contained everything I needed. Multiple grocery stores were located no more than 15-20 minutes from the dorms. How big or small is the student body at Michigan State University? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Ross: Michigan States student body size is about 38,000. The class sizes were perfect for me. Some courses were taught in smaller high school-like classrooms while the larger classes that were taught in auditoriums. I enjoyed both settings because each gave students the opportunities to interact with the professor and other students. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Ross: One memorable experience at MSU took place my sophomore year on the way to take a final. My roommate and I went to the wrong building for our final which made us late to the actual exam. When we arrived to the exam, after walking around campus for 15 minutes, it was jam-packed. The only available seats were two seats right next to each other and we ended up being the first two done, which was weird. We both ended up with a 3.0 in the course. Check out Ross tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Learn Painting Online

Learn Painting Online How to Become a Painter with the Help of the Internet ChaptersThe Benefits of Learning to Paint OnlineLearning to Paint Online Without a TeacherLearning to Paint Online With a TeacherImproving Your Artistic Skills Online“The best introduction to art is to stroll through a museum. The more art you see, the more you'll learn to define your own taste.” -  Jeanne FrankIn March 2018 there were a total of 4.0 million visits to the DCMS-sponsored museums and galleries in the UK (an increase of  around 17,000 visits compared with March 2017). How many of these were painters?Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Degas, Rubens, Gericault, Dali, Braque, Vermeer, El Greco, Chagall, Caravaggio, Toulouse-Lautrec, Modigliani, their work went beyond the confines of a museum. First, they had to learn how to paint.And if you don't live right next to a museum, why not go online? FernandoPainting Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaPainting Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidPainting Teacher 4.75 ( 4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPainting Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StefaniaPainting Teacher 5.00 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SakinaPainting Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenPainting Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Off2themoonholliePainting Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Benefits of Learning to Paint OnlineLearn to sketch, draw a portrait, draw the human body, paint with a knife, paint a landscape, do watercolours, gouache, oil painting,... mastering fine arts is not a walk in the park.To become skilled at painting, you need to practise (to learn how to draw expressions, master  chiaroscuro, imitate impressionist painters, experiment with painting on fabric, choose a canvas, tackle various techniques, etc.).You also need to choose a painting technique!Watch any video on painting, they will tell you artistic flair does not happen overnight. It takes years of experience to be able to achieve your goals.But the internet can be your best friend in your quest to become a professional.Having private lessons on Skype, or simply watching Youtube videos, learning painting online has many advantages.Paint When You WantThere is nothing more demotivating than having to take a painting class when you're not in the mood.If you're tired, don't have enough time or want to be doing something else, painting lessons at an art school or art workshop can quickly become imprisoning.An artistic hobby should only be done when you feel like it.If this is an extra-curricular activity, there should be no obligation.This is the advantage of online painting classes London. You decide what time suits you to paint.You may also work out a beneficial schedule when you take private painting lessons!Paint What Interests YouChoosing to learn to paint online also requires you to choose how your learn. You are entirely in control of your progress.Why not take a class in the middle of nature? Source: Visual HuntThe type of painting, technique, print, medium, you decide what you learn. A freedom you'll never get bored of.Even if you take painting classes near me face-to-face with a teacher, you should tell them what you want to get out of your lessons to make sure they are worthwhile.Paint Where You WantAt a local park, in your back garden or living room? What if you could enjoy painting in all your favourite places?Painting classes in art schools often take place in soulless classrooms. Tables and stools are sometimes the only decorations in the room.Yet the decor and atmosphere of the room greatly influence the artist.Treat yourself and take painting classes from your favourite spot.Learning to Paint Online Without a TeacherLearning any kind of art is different for everyone.I myself learned how to paint in a few different ways.First by copying what I saw and then by taking weekly classes with a teach er. But online content has also been a great source of inspiration for me.Thanks to YouTube videos, social media and art blogs, the budding artist can get inspired around the clock.YouTube TutorialsYouTube is a goldmine for painting classes. Many artists and art students who have channels openly share their knowledge with their YouTube community.Watching these videos is a great way to progress as Youtubers often explain the difficulties they have personally gone through and what they have learned from their experience. It is very easy to identify with and benefit from these stories.In addition, some channels give viewers exercises to do. Why not set yourself strict goals from week to week.Specialised Painting WebsitesBlogs or websites specialising in art are also a wonderful source of information.Websites are often presented in such a way that you can logically follow a class or course. Beginners, intermediates and even experienced painters can learn accordingly by choosing the cate gory that suits them best.Blogs are written in a more personal way.This is another good way to learn. By reading about the experiences of other artists, you can develop as a painter.Moreover, blogs allow the reader to choose articles which focus on areas that interest them. Nevertheless, blogs are generally less well ranked in comparison to websites offering online courses.You should also know about essential painting equipment...Social MediaSocial media is a great tool for painters as well as artists in general.Pinterest, Instagram,... The Internet is bursting with ideas and inspiration. Source: PixabayThis methods really flexes your imagination and creativity.Pinterest and Instagram, being very visual, are among the most popular social media platforms for artists.In the form of tutorials or demonstrative photos, a visual image makes it much easier to understand a specific technique or discover a new art style.Images are often more effective than large paragraphs of text.During you r lunch break or before bed, there's no easier way to learn how to paint than the internet.But what kind, of course, should you look for on the internet?Courses are often organised by theme:Type of painting: acrylic, oil, watercolour, gouache,Painting subject: portrait, landscape, outdoors, still life, live model, trees,Perfecting the composition, focal point, perspective, choice of colours, superposition,Drawing and painting techniques: Indian ink, charcoal and sketch, graphite pencil, ink wash, dry pastel, porcelain, fabric, pen, canvas, silk, knife, visual arts,Artistic style: graphic art, calligraphy, abstract, decorative, introduction to Chinese painting, contemporary, modern, representational art,Etc.However, there are some drawbacks.For example, online you cannot be corrected by a teacher.Of course, you can show your work to friends and get their opinion, but you can't ask a professional questions while you're working on your piece.Learning to Paint Online With a TeacherLearn ing to paint and learning to draw are one in the same. You need to be able to draw in order to transfer your idea to paper.Very often you'll have an image in your head but can't put it on paper.To learn the basics of drawing and painting online, there are more options than just websites and Youtube videos.A learning method that gives you professional advice and allows you to learn in the comfort of your own home: live painting lessons with a teacher.So put away your colouring pencils and get out your paint brushes!Because this method is surely one of the most effective learning techniques online.Hiring a private art tutor means you can get personalised lessons via chat or webcam.This way the teacher can see exactly what you're doing and can correct you if needed.This direct teacher-student contact lets you directly ask questions and, in turn, progress much faster.Opting for an online tutor also ensures you follow a consistent program from start to finish and don't drop out because o f lack of time or motivation.Indeed, setting regular appointments with a teacher helps establish a routine.Get expert painting advice without stepping out your front door. Source: PixabayIt's never been simpler to find these kinds of teachers.Plenty of Superprof teachers currently offer this learning method. You can also look at advertising posters and classifieds online.You can also take painting classes with one teacher without doing live videos.On specialised websites or YouTube channels, some teachers can offer you a specific programme to follow through a set of videos.They also give students the opportunity to contact them if they have any questions.The chance to improve your art skills and ask for advice on painting materials (brushes, palette, easel, canvas, pencils, paint, drawing board, black stone, art eraser, glaze, drawing pad, binding agent, varnish, Canson paper, watercolour paper, linseed oil, paint remover, turpentine, ...).This does not prevent you from also attendi ng a training course for all levels to learn or improve your sketching or painting technique. Painting workshops organised by artists are often carried out in larger cities as well as small ones.And why not apply for the Royal College of Art?Improving Your Artistic Skills OnlineAlthough the practice is key, so is the artistic knowledge. They complement one another.Jeanne Frank was partly right in saying that painting is best learned from visiting museums.Even if being a regular visitor to museums and art galleries like Tate Britain, the National Gallery or Sommerset House will not be enough to make you the new Rembrandt, Courbet, Manet or Da Vinci, it definitely helps.The art world is a very broad field and any form of inspiration is beneficial. While some musicians are inspired by paintings and vice versa, sharpening your eye for art is an excellent way to find inspiration.Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Dance at the Moulin de la Galette. Source: Visual HuntIf you don't happen to live in Lo ndon, don't panic!Many historical works of art are available online. On art websites, Google images, or even directly on museum websites, it is possible nowadays to find most great masterpieces from recent centuries online.But what to look out for?The composition, colours, technique, everything is good to take in. Make a list of the elements you would like to emulate in your own work during your private painting classes.Reproducing famous works is also a great way to make progress.I personally have used images taken from the internet when painting. My reproductions have not only taught me different painting techniques but also how to respect the dimensions of the human body as well as perspective.You'll also find a range of articles and discussions on art history for free on the internet on platforms like YouTube.Now learn more about how you can become a painter...

Build Math Skills With Tutoring Services

Build Math Skills With Tutoring Services Building Mathematical Skills For Academic Success As a parent it is difficult to watch your child struggle with math homework. The nightly routine of completing the assigned homework may lead to frustration, confusion, and feeling overwhelmed. Math shouldn't be the dreaded evening chore. Instead it should be an opportunity for your child to apply previous knowledge to current understanding while completing the assigned homework tasks. It is important to understand the core knowledge strands that comprise a student's mathematical learning. Whether your child is in second grade or a sophomore in high school these concepts are vital to mathematical understanding: Counting and Cardinality - Counting, cardinal numbers, comparing numbers, and understanding quantities Operations and Algebraic Thinking - Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, use of multiple operations, relation of operations to one another, factors, multiples, numerical expressions, patterns, and relationships Number Operations in Base Ten - Place value, sequencing, place value in arithmetic, place value in fractions and decimals, and applying and understanding relational place value skills Fractions - Equivalence, ordering, building fractions, and arithmetic with fractions Measurement and Data - Understanding measurable attributes, classifying, measuring length, telling time, representing and interpreting data, estimating, counting money, applying geometric measurement principles, using probability to evaluate outcomes, and converting measurements Geometry - Identifying, analyzing, comparing, classifying, creating, and composing shapes with specific attributes, graphing points on a coordinate plane, understanding congruence and similarity, and using geometrical understanding to solve real life problems Proportional Relationships - Ratios, analyzing proportional relationships, and applying rate reasoning Expressions and Equations - Algebraic expressions, reasoning with equations and inequalities, quantitative relationships, variables, radicals, integer exponents, and linear equations Functions - Defining, evaluating, and comparing functions and modeling quantity relationships Statistics and Probability - Statistical variability, distributions, random sampling, comparative references, probability models, and bivariate data These skills are distributed among grade levels to provide a careful progression of skill attainment. Students are expected to master basic and prerequisite skills before moving on to more difficult concepts. These basic skills are then applied to current understanding to create ongoing learning and mastery. Tutors at Huntington Learning Centers use their deep understanding of mathematics and knowledge of how students acquire math skills to create customized tutoring sessions. Regardless of a student's current understanding or skill mastery, the professionals at Huntington Learning Centers can create a program that is ideal for cultivating basic academic skills.There are several effective strategies that parents and students can utilize to improve academic skills, including: Knowing the standards Each state and school district has different mathematical standards for each grade level. Understanding what your child is expected to master, and which specific skills are assessed, is crucial to cultivating strong academic skills. Taking the time to read and understand the standards documents will give you insight into essential academic skills and how these skills build upon one another. Working the problems Math is learned by working the problems. Students must spend time in ongoing practice to master basic concepts, understand formulas, and connect math skills to prior learning. If your child is struggling with a specific skill you can generate multiple opportunities for ongoing practice. This repetition will build solid foundational skills over time. Applying basic concepts True mathematical understanding occurs when a student is able to apply basic concepts to larger problem solving tasks. Many tasks require students to apply a variety of skills across mathematical strands. Consider a problem requiring a student to calculate elapsed time. This problem is far more complex than just reading the time on an analog clock. A student must be able to tell time to the minute, subtract, add, regroup, apply basic problem solving strategies, and participate in mathematical communication. Asking for help If your child is continuing to struggle with the assigned math homework it may be time to ask for help. The professional tutors with Huntington Learning Centers are experts at understanding why a student is struggling in math. Assessment data is used to create a customized learning plan that incorporates both a student's strengths and weaknesses. Personalized tutoring sessions are carefully crafted to meet the specific needs of each student.

Simple Academic Strategies Part Two

Simple Academic Strategies Part Two Improving Academic Performance In our last article, we talked about how thinking strategically is as important to students as it is to businesses. We described how, by thinking strategically about what classes to take, any given student can position him or herself well to graduate on time even if they switch majors, be more attractive to employers, and enjoy their academic experience, at the margin, more than they otherwise would. In this post, we’ll explore some simple, obvious, but powerful strategies for performing well in any given class. I wasn't the best student in high school, but I do remember setting goals. The problem was with the goals I set. I wanted to get “As and Bs.” Well, if you aren’t the most diligent student, and your goal is “As and Bs, “ what happens? You get As, Bs, and Cs â€" nobody meets their goals all the time, particularly if they aren’t the most diligent student. Putting aside the fact that I wasn’t the most diligent student, this was an example of poor goal setting, which you could also call poor strategy. Here’s another example, ever since high school, I’ve been amazed at the number of students who didn’t fully realize how their grade in any given class was going to be determined. They didn’t gather the simple facts that would help them determine what percentage of your grade is based on homework, attendance, tests, quizzes, or projects. If you don’t have a full understanding of how the grade is determined, your chances of earning a high grade are drastically diminished. Or, the effort you must exert to attain a high grade will invariably be higher than it needs to be, because you focus on the wrong things. Again, bad strategy. Moving beyond how the grade is determined into the meat of the article, many students get frustrated by not understanding concepts in class, having difficulty on homework, exams, and papers, and ultimately struggling to get an “A” while ignoring simple actions they could be taken to improve their situation. They retreat to the library or their room, put their head down, and study for hours, which is tiring and not much fun. In this article, I’m not even going to address specific strategies for achieving better understanding of difficult concepts and improving memory which will ultimately improve your performance. Previous articles on the growth mindset and deliberate practice cover topics like this. You could also read A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Algebra Here, I’ll just describe some simple, yet strategic approaches to doing better in any given class. First, you need to set a goal. If you’d really like to get an “A,” make that your goal. If that’s your goal, you will naturally be inclined to work a little harder to meet that goal. If you say “A or B”, it’s far more likely you’ll meet your goal â€" and not get an A. Second, you need to gather some simple facts on how the class works. For example, many teachers or professors make it clear that their class will operate in specific ways: many of the exam questions are direct derivations of problems reviewed in class, or any student should feel free to drop off their reports a few days in advance to obtain feedback before final submission or class participation counts for a lot (or a little) or some concepts you’ll need to know are covered not in class, but in the required readings done for homework, or office hours are from 3-5 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays, and I’m happy to cover questions from class, homework, or exams, etc. Reading the syllabus in detail and attending the first class to learn the intricacies of the professor, and in general, the process of understanding how you’ll be graded, is really the fact-base that should feed into your plan of attack for the class. If you know you’ve never performed well on written assignments or essays, written assignments count for 50% of this class, but the teacher is also willing to read and provide feedback on any given paper that is turned in a week before the due date, then you need to make plans to have that paper finished for review 7 days in advance. So, now we’re getting into what alternatives to consider and plans to make coming out of the fact-base you’ve developed about the class. Let’s consider two scenarios: completing a paper early, and using office hours. If you just get your paper done 7 days in advance, the professor will sometimes review it and provide you with feedback. I’m not saying this is always true, but it sometimes is. Do you think your chances of getting a good grade go up if your professor is reading a final version that incorporates the suggestions he or she made to you already? Absolutely they go up. They go up a lot. Or, let’s consider homework and office hours. Many students are busy. They have a lot of classes, and many other responsibilities. But, the simple strategy of a) always doing assigned homework and b) going to office hours if you don’t understand something in the homework is one of the most simple, but powerful ways to perform well in a class. But, few students follow it. It takes a little dedication and time management, but honestly, it’s easy to do. The final step is simple, but important. If your strategy is to get every paper done 7 days in advance and have it reviewed, and to complete your homework and attend office hours if you need to, you have to plan the time to actually do those things. This is where time management and organization skills play a key role. A good strategy, poorly executed, won’t lead to the results you’re looking for. To learn more about being more strategic in school business, and life, consider reading Nine Things Successful People do differently. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(215486, '52337b73-0659-4f8e-b26c-4c198e0cdabf', {});

A Relaxation and Coping Guide for Pre-Business School Students

A Relaxation and Coping Guide for Pre-Business School Students pixabay.com When it comes to post-undergrad planning, pre-business school students certainly have a lot on their plates. Between studying at all hours of the day and night for the GMAT and working to stay at the top of their games academically, socially, and professionally, those aiming for business school are always on the go. Yet, just like any other stressed-out college students, they deserve to power down every once in a while and simply breathe. If you are a pre-business student and find yourself periodically wanting to tear your hair out or cry, or both, you may benefit from some suggestions on relaxation. pixabay.com Get organized and get things done early With so much to do, it’s easy to feel constantly overwhelmed, overworked, and sleep-deprived. Having a schedule of priorities is paramount to your sanity, as it allows you to list out all your tasks and complete them in a timely manner. A planner or simply a notebook is a good place for you to jot down all your to-do’s. You may find it helpful to rank your tasks according to their importance and then plan out roughly how long each one will take. Once you’ve organized everything, you will have an easier time of looking at your tasks and knowing what you should do first. For some, getting organized even serves as motivation to tackle duties more quickly and efficiently. If you’re one of those people, you’ll probably feel immense relief and satisfaction after crossing off some of the bigger things on your list. By taking initiative with your responsibilities whether they are completing homework for your many business classes, taking time to study for the GMAT on your own, or preparing for an important interview you’ll be able to step out from under that gray cloud and enjoy the sunshine in your day. pixabay.com Take some time to yourself For busy pre-business students (or any college students, for that matter), setting aside time specifically to relax sounds absurd and unfeasible. But in many cases, the advantages of spending extra time to relax outweigh the time you ordinarily would have spent stressing over something. Even when it seems impossible, there is always a way to incorporate some “me time” into your day. If you prefer to start out small, set aside 10 minutes to do something different from whatever you’ve constantly been doing. Tired of being chained to your desk with your computer and books? Go for a quick walk outside and enjoy the sun on your face; chat with a friend for a few minutes to get some human interaction. Feeling drained from constant networking in your business clubs and organizations? Retreat to a quiet space and recharge yourself, perhaps by listening to music or reading a good book. You know yourself best, so don’t hesitate to reflect on what the most effective, life-giving relaxation options are for you. After you’ve allowed your mind and soul to truly rest, you’ll hopefully feel significantly more energized, fresh, and prepared to tackle the rest of your responsibilities. Spend time with friends preferably not in a business or academic setting At this point, you may have spent so much time in the same atmosphere, surrounded by the same people and doing the same things, that you’re dying to be in a new environment, at least for a little while. If most of your friends are from the business realm of your life, make it a point not to discuss business-related things while you’re out having fun (unless, of course, you want to talk about business, which is perfectly fine!) Hanging out with friends from other parts of your life is a bonus: you’ll be exposed to the new details of their lives, rather than the same thing you’ve been thinking about or stressing over for much too long. By spending just a few hours in their world talking, laughing, and joking, you can temporarily take your mind off your own situation and simply enjoy the moment. pixabay.com On the flip side, talk to someone such as a mentor, parent, professor, friend, etc. about your business school goals Having someone to turn to so you can voice your ideas and worries, as well as receive advice and support from someone about your business-related ambitions, can lift a huge weight off your shoulders. Talk to someone who has experience and knowledge relevant to what you want to accomplish with your MBA. Perhaps visit one of your business professors during office hours, or approach a trusted mentor or friend for support and advice. Also, don’t knock the idea of asking your parents for help. Even if they don’t necessarily have a similar background as yours or know much about the corporate world, they know you and are sure to offer some wise words that you can take to heart. Learn more about Kaplan’s test prep options and start building the confidence you need for Test Day.

9 Free Educational Apps for Kids

9 Free Educational Apps for Kids Summer is already in high gear. If you are a parent that means youre probably struggling to find things to keep your kids occupied. What if I say there is a new, clever way to help your kid gain the skills and keep them occupied during summer? All you need is your smartphone. Mobile apps can be a life-saver, especially if they are not just educational, but free to download! Here is a list of the best free educational mobile apps for toddlers, preschoolers, and kids: Preschool Math Games for Kids This is an educational game for your kids. They will get experience counting, reading and writing in a fun, interactive way.  (Ages 2 to 8) Lets Do the Math The app can  help your youngster learn math basics more easily. This app can be used either as flash cards or as a series of puzzles to teach basic concepts. (Ages 6 and up) Peter Pigs Money Counter With the help of wise Peter Pig, kids will practice sorting and counting coins to earn. Also, they will find out fun facts about U.S. currency.  (Ages 4 to 7) Funbrain Jr. This is a collection of unique and fun  games for preschoolers that helps jumpstart their journey of learning. (Ages 2 and  up) Kids Math After playing this fun  math game, your kids definitely will calculate faster.  (Ages 3  and up) Learning Letters for Kids This is a small app for easy learning of the letters.  (Ages 2 and  up) Kids Toddler Puzzle Puzzingo This is an educational game to engage the mind of your toddler with 25 professionally illustrated puzzles.  (Ages 2 and  up) 123s ABCs Handwriting Fun The app can  help your kids to  learn basic handwriting by tracing letters and hearing them spoken.  (Ages 2 and  up) Brain Café â€" GeoQuiz This is a great game  for testing young learners’ knowledge of global geography.  (Ages 4  and  up) Read more about fun summer activities in the article Educational Fun Activities to Keep Kids` Brains Active in Summer. Also you can visit TutorZ.com to find a private tutor for your  kids  and get all benefits from summer tutoring. 9 Free Educational Apps for Kids Summer is already in high gear. If you are a parent that means youre probably struggling to find things to keep your kids occupied. What if I say there is a new, clever way to help your kid gain the skills and keep them occupied during summer? All you need is your smartphone. Mobile apps can be a life-saver, especially if they are not just educational, but free to download! Here is a list of the best free educational mobile apps for toddlers, preschoolers, and kids: Preschool Math Games for Kids This is an educational game for your kids. They will get experience counting, reading and writing in a fun, interactive way.  (Ages 2 to 8) Lets Do the Math The app can  help your youngster learn math basics more easily. This app can be used either as flash cards or as a series of puzzles to teach basic concepts. (Ages 6 and up) Peter Pigs Money Counter With the help of wise Peter Pig, kids will practice sorting and counting coins to earn. Also, they will find out fun facts about U.S. currency.  (Ages 4 to 7) Funbrain Jr. This is a collection of unique and fun  games for preschoolers that helps jumpstart their journey of learning. (Ages 2 and  up) Kids Math After playing this fun  math game, your kids definitely will calculate faster.  (Ages 3  and up) Learning Letters for Kids This is a small app for easy learning of the letters.  (Ages 2 and  up) Kids Toddler Puzzle Puzzingo This is an educational game to engage the mind of your toddler with 25 professionally illustrated puzzles.  (Ages 2 and  up) 123s ABCs Handwriting Fun The app can  help your kids to  learn basic handwriting by tracing letters and hearing them spoken.  (Ages 2 and  up) Brain Café â€" GeoQuiz This is a great game  for testing young learners’ knowledge of global geography.  (Ages 4  and  up) Read more about fun summer activities in the article Educational Fun Activities to Keep Kids` Brains Active in Summer. Also you can visit TutorZ.com to find a private tutor for your  kids  and get all benefits from summer tutoring.