by: Chuck Lunsford
As parents we all want our children to grow up to be well educated. But sometimes your kids may not want to jump up and go do their homework or they get frustrated when school becomes, confusing, tedious or boring. Fortunately there are a lot of ways that you can make learning fun for your children.
Have a game for everything
Just as a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down a dash of fun can turn chores and homework into games. Have the mindset that anything can be turned into a game and you may be surprised at how creative you can become. If you have a negative attitude about homework and use it as a threatening thing or something that you must do when you misbehave, of course your children are going to avoid it. Instead, switch the tables and have homework be the reward. You can help to teach the metric system by making a map where specific metric directions are to be followed in order to find the ‘treasure.’ Reinforce geography or social studies by having dinners that reflect the types of foods eaten by people living in different parts of the world. The most ordinary games and sports can be altered to create games that your kids won’t be able to resist.
Blur the line between home and school
Make sure that during school is not the only time that your kids have fun learning things. You should be teaching your kids at home as well as entrusting their education to teachers while they are at school. In the beginning you may have to sneak learning opportunities into your child’s favorite games but over time, setting aside time to learn and experiment will become more habitual and your children will begin to think more analytically about their studies at school and the world around them. You do not have to make learning feel like homework. It should be a fun thing, an activity that your kids look forward to. In the following paragraphs you will read about resources that are available to you to help you with your creative learning ideas.
Have a positive attitude and use outside sources
You do not have to be a scientist to teach your kids about science or a mathematician to teach your children their times tables. What is most important is that you have a positive attitude about learning. When you show excitement about learning it is likely that your children will follow your example. Children are highly impressionable and will sense your energy level and be prone to mimic it. Here are some examples of things that you can do at home and find online to help you and your family to stay excited about learning.
* Monitor the growth of a plant. Does talking to it make it grow faster? How long did it take to bloom?
* Record the changes of the moon and learn why and how it looks different every night.
* Measure your child’s growth over time and learn about how the body changes, repairs itself, etc.
* Cook or bake and talk about how molecules react to hot and cold.
* Take a look at your appliances and talk about how they work.
* Look online for excellent science project ideas as well as help preparing for a science fair.
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Jumat, 19 Desember 2008
FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING: 5 MORE PRACTICAL TIPS
by: Aaron Kuroiwa
In my previous article we discussed the basics of learning foreign languages. To supplement your experience we will go over 5 more practical language learning tips that you can apply easily in your daily life. These tips to accompany your already existing foreign language learning studies.
1. CARRY A DICTIONARY: I know that sounds hard to do. I’m not talking about carrying Webster’s collegiate dictionary that would require its own backpack. You can find miniature dictionaries that can easily fit in your pocket or purse. Although it will never be convenient this is how I learned to speak French fluently. While I was in France anytime anyone said anything I didn’t understand I could instantly look it up, and then use it in my vocabulary. Also, anytime there was a French word I wanted to say I could instantly look it up. This is so important because there are so many times when you are out and you want to know how to say something but are unable to. Then by the time you get home and can look it up you have either forgotten the word or forgotten altogether and you have missed out on a great opportunity to you improve your language skills.
* One alternative that is also effective is to carry a pocket notebook where you can keep a running list of words you’ve learned or want to learn.
2. WATCH MOVIES: The great thing about English movies is that everyone wants them so that means they all get dubbed into a couple of languages. This may only work for French, German, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, or Japanese but is still a great tool. Turn on the dubbing for the language your want to learn and enjoy your movie. Don’t turn on the subtitles even if you don’t understand because you will start to focus only on the subtitles and not gain anything from the experience. Subtitles can be a good tool for learners who are already advanced and want to learn the exact idiomatic meanings of sayings. This is also a great tool to increase your listening comprehension. Start a small segment of the movie. Listen carefully and then replay it over and over until you understand every word. Secondly, mimic the voices exactly in each segment. This will allow you to learn proper pronunciation and accent.
3. READ THE NEWSPAPER: There are several ways to get Newspapers, Magazines, and Comics in foreign languages. I mention these forms of print media because they are the most conversational. They will teach you to speak and write like a native does in their natural state, not when they are trying to speak in dramatic or intellectual terms. You can find these materials at libraries, online, or for languages like Spanish and Chinese often times at your local newsstand. Most of them are free. I prefer the online sources because they are always free and easy to get. You can find links to Newspapers in foreign languages here: http://www.letutor.com/resources. Comic books are great because they are the most conversational print material. You can see the people in action and connect with what they are talking about.
4. WRITE LETTERS: Even if the letter is pretend write a letter about your day. This will force you to learn new words and to think in the language. Although you WILL make mistakes, don’t worry, it is all apart of the process. I look back at some of the things that I wrote when I was starting and wonder what I was thinking. Even though the writings are reminiscent of the ramblings of a crazy man it helped me to refine my abilities. I can see the progress in my writings month by month they improve significantly. Don’t forget to pay attention to your Conjugations.
5. THINK THE LANGUAGE: Think as much as possible in the language. When you are thinking at anytime during the day do it as much as possible in the foreign language you are learning. Fill in the blanks with your native language but just keep thinking in the language. This is HUGELY important. One of the biggest problems when learning to speak a foreign language is HABIT. If you are not used to thinking in the language how will you speak. This will prepare you to be comfortable and confident when confronted with the opportunity to speak the language. If you make this a habit it eventually becomes natural and extemporaneous.
Stay tuned for more articles on improving your language skills in the near future. If you have questions or requests feel free to contact the author.
In my previous article we discussed the basics of learning foreign languages. To supplement your experience we will go over 5 more practical language learning tips that you can apply easily in your daily life. These tips to accompany your already existing foreign language learning studies.
1. CARRY A DICTIONARY: I know that sounds hard to do. I’m not talking about carrying Webster’s collegiate dictionary that would require its own backpack. You can find miniature dictionaries that can easily fit in your pocket or purse. Although it will never be convenient this is how I learned to speak French fluently. While I was in France anytime anyone said anything I didn’t understand I could instantly look it up, and then use it in my vocabulary. Also, anytime there was a French word I wanted to say I could instantly look it up. This is so important because there are so many times when you are out and you want to know how to say something but are unable to. Then by the time you get home and can look it up you have either forgotten the word or forgotten altogether and you have missed out on a great opportunity to you improve your language skills.
* One alternative that is also effective is to carry a pocket notebook where you can keep a running list of words you’ve learned or want to learn.
2. WATCH MOVIES: The great thing about English movies is that everyone wants them so that means they all get dubbed into a couple of languages. This may only work for French, German, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, or Japanese but is still a great tool. Turn on the dubbing for the language your want to learn and enjoy your movie. Don’t turn on the subtitles even if you don’t understand because you will start to focus only on the subtitles and not gain anything from the experience. Subtitles can be a good tool for learners who are already advanced and want to learn the exact idiomatic meanings of sayings. This is also a great tool to increase your listening comprehension. Start a small segment of the movie. Listen carefully and then replay it over and over until you understand every word. Secondly, mimic the voices exactly in each segment. This will allow you to learn proper pronunciation and accent.
3. READ THE NEWSPAPER: There are several ways to get Newspapers, Magazines, and Comics in foreign languages. I mention these forms of print media because they are the most conversational. They will teach you to speak and write like a native does in their natural state, not when they are trying to speak in dramatic or intellectual terms. You can find these materials at libraries, online, or for languages like Spanish and Chinese often times at your local newsstand. Most of them are free. I prefer the online sources because they are always free and easy to get. You can find links to Newspapers in foreign languages here: http://www.letutor.com/resources. Comic books are great because they are the most conversational print material. You can see the people in action and connect with what they are talking about.
4. WRITE LETTERS: Even if the letter is pretend write a letter about your day. This will force you to learn new words and to think in the language. Although you WILL make mistakes, don’t worry, it is all apart of the process. I look back at some of the things that I wrote when I was starting and wonder what I was thinking. Even though the writings are reminiscent of the ramblings of a crazy man it helped me to refine my abilities. I can see the progress in my writings month by month they improve significantly. Don’t forget to pay attention to your Conjugations.
5. THINK THE LANGUAGE: Think as much as possible in the language. When you are thinking at anytime during the day do it as much as possible in the foreign language you are learning. Fill in the blanks with your native language but just keep thinking in the language. This is HUGELY important. One of the biggest problems when learning to speak a foreign language is HABIT. If you are not used to thinking in the language how will you speak. This will prepare you to be comfortable and confident when confronted with the opportunity to speak the language. If you make this a habit it eventually becomes natural and extemporaneous.
Stay tuned for more articles on improving your language skills in the near future. If you have questions or requests feel free to contact the author.
Best Way To Learn A Foreign Language
by: Richard Henderson
I have never quite understood how to learn a foreign language. It is a shame too. Learning a foreign language is pretty necessary in this day and age. If you learn foreign language, it makes you more employable in a variety of areas, as well as enhancing your cultural experience. Say what you want about modern translations, but until you learn foreign languages you never get to experience the beauty of foreign writers. Nevertheless, I have only managed to learn a foreign language once, and it was so difficult for me that I doubt I will ever try it again. It was just too much work!
I managed to get all the way through college without ever successfully completing a learn foreign language program. I took a little bit of French in high school, but I dropped it after a couple of semesters. In general, I was a good student. Most subjects came easy to me, but I couldn't manage to learn foreign language no matter how hard I tried. I loved French culture and French literature, and I desperately wanted to learn how to speak French, but it just wouldn't come. I ended up taking an American sign language class to get rid of my learn foreign language requirement. Even that was difficult!
I struggled with learning a foreign language all through college. I went to a liberal arts university that demanded it, and I knew that I could not graduate with the degree that I wanted unless I managed to learn foreign language. I tried using how to speak French software, hiring a private tutor, and working with conversation partners, but nothing worked. I only successfully managed to learn foreign language when I finally went abroad. I spent a year in France, and it was one of the most difficult years of my life. Ultimately, however, it was also one of the most rewarding. I would never have managed to learn foreign language without it, you see.
To this day, I believe that the only way to really learn foreign languages is to completely immerse yourself in another culture. If you can speak English at all, you will not learn how to speak a foreign language. Instead, you will keep falling back on your English skills. If you need to learn foreign language in order to interact on a daily basis, however, it will come much more quickly. If I learned a foreign language in a year, you can probably do it using the same methods in six months!
I have never quite understood how to learn a foreign language. It is a shame too. Learning a foreign language is pretty necessary in this day and age. If you learn foreign language, it makes you more employable in a variety of areas, as well as enhancing your cultural experience. Say what you want about modern translations, but until you learn foreign languages you never get to experience the beauty of foreign writers. Nevertheless, I have only managed to learn a foreign language once, and it was so difficult for me that I doubt I will ever try it again. It was just too much work!
I managed to get all the way through college without ever successfully completing a learn foreign language program. I took a little bit of French in high school, but I dropped it after a couple of semesters. In general, I was a good student. Most subjects came easy to me, but I couldn't manage to learn foreign language no matter how hard I tried. I loved French culture and French literature, and I desperately wanted to learn how to speak French, but it just wouldn't come. I ended up taking an American sign language class to get rid of my learn foreign language requirement. Even that was difficult!
I struggled with learning a foreign language all through college. I went to a liberal arts university that demanded it, and I knew that I could not graduate with the degree that I wanted unless I managed to learn foreign language. I tried using how to speak French software, hiring a private tutor, and working with conversation partners, but nothing worked. I only successfully managed to learn foreign language when I finally went abroad. I spent a year in France, and it was one of the most difficult years of my life. Ultimately, however, it was also one of the most rewarding. I would never have managed to learn foreign language without it, you see.
To this day, I believe that the only way to really learn foreign languages is to completely immerse yourself in another culture. If you can speak English at all, you will not learn how to speak a foreign language. Instead, you will keep falling back on your English skills. If you need to learn foreign language in order to interact on a daily basis, however, it will come much more quickly. If I learned a foreign language in a year, you can probably do it using the same methods in six months!
Using a Student’s Strengths for Better Studying
by: Jim Hartley
At SuperCamp, the learning and life skills academic summer camp for kids 9-18, we focus on individual’s particular learning styles. Knowing one’s own learning style, or strengths, can help when it comes time to study for a test. At SuperCamp, we make this point by telling campers the story of Slim ‘n’ Bil.
Slim ‘n’ Bil are both very smart people – smart in very different ways. Slim ‘n’ Bil both have a wide range of skills. Whenever they meet, they like to show off their talents to each other, and practice their skills to build their intelligence in different areas. The question they ask each other isn’t ‘How smart are you?’ it’s ‘How are you smart?’
When Slim ‘n’ Bil first got together, they realized that their names together spell out each of the eight different ways that we’re all smart – and they created ways to practice and improve each area. Check this out:
S – Spatial-visual read maps, create 3D art, look at hidden-shape puzzles.
L – Linguistic write stories, give speeches, play Scrabble
I – Interpersonal take on projects in groups, get to know people
M – Musical practice beats, play an instrument
N – Naturalist look for patterns, do odd-one-out puzzles
B – Bodily-kinesthetic play with a hackey, act things out, dance
I – Intrapersonal keep a journal, create goals for yourself
L – Logical-mathematical do logic puzzles, play tic-tac-toe, look for reasons
Everyone is smart in all eight ways, and we may have particular strengths. When you study, use these strengths to study in a way that will be most effective for you. When you’re not studying, try out some of these practices to improve the areas you find challenging. No two people are the same, and we’re all smart. The question is, how are you smart?
Learn More at SuperCamp
At SuperCamp, our exceptional staff go in-depth with campers from age 9 to 18 on helping them identify their own learning style and how to go with their particular strengths. Our Youth Forum is seven days long and is for students going into grades 4-5 in the fall. Junior Forum and Senior Forum are 10 days long. Junior Forum is for incoming 6-8 graders and Senior Forum is for incoming 9-12 graders. We even have a college boot camp, Quantum U, an 8-day programs for incoming college freshmen.
SuperCamp is held at eight beautiful colleges across the U.S. throughout the summer. Quantum U takes place at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. More information on our programs is available at www.supercamp.com and www.quantum-u.com.
We also offer a unique 3-day Parent Weekend at which parents of kids in SuperCamp gain an insight into what their children are learning in their programs. In the process, parents tell us they learn a lot about themselves, as well. You can view a Parent Weekend video at http://www.SuperCamp.com.
At SuperCamp, the learning and life skills academic summer camp for kids 9-18, we focus on individual’s particular learning styles. Knowing one’s own learning style, or strengths, can help when it comes time to study for a test. At SuperCamp, we make this point by telling campers the story of Slim ‘n’ Bil.
Slim ‘n’ Bil are both very smart people – smart in very different ways. Slim ‘n’ Bil both have a wide range of skills. Whenever they meet, they like to show off their talents to each other, and practice their skills to build their intelligence in different areas. The question they ask each other isn’t ‘How smart are you?’ it’s ‘How are you smart?’
When Slim ‘n’ Bil first got together, they realized that their names together spell out each of the eight different ways that we’re all smart – and they created ways to practice and improve each area. Check this out:
S – Spatial-visual read maps, create 3D art, look at hidden-shape puzzles.
L – Linguistic write stories, give speeches, play Scrabble
I – Interpersonal take on projects in groups, get to know people
M – Musical practice beats, play an instrument
N – Naturalist look for patterns, do odd-one-out puzzles
B – Bodily-kinesthetic play with a hackey, act things out, dance
I – Intrapersonal keep a journal, create goals for yourself
L – Logical-mathematical do logic puzzles, play tic-tac-toe, look for reasons
Everyone is smart in all eight ways, and we may have particular strengths. When you study, use these strengths to study in a way that will be most effective for you. When you’re not studying, try out some of these practices to improve the areas you find challenging. No two people are the same, and we’re all smart. The question is, how are you smart?
Learn More at SuperCamp
At SuperCamp, our exceptional staff go in-depth with campers from age 9 to 18 on helping them identify their own learning style and how to go with their particular strengths. Our Youth Forum is seven days long and is for students going into grades 4-5 in the fall. Junior Forum and Senior Forum are 10 days long. Junior Forum is for incoming 6-8 graders and Senior Forum is for incoming 9-12 graders. We even have a college boot camp, Quantum U, an 8-day programs for incoming college freshmen.
SuperCamp is held at eight beautiful colleges across the U.S. throughout the summer. Quantum U takes place at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. More information on our programs is available at www.supercamp.com and www.quantum-u.com.
We also offer a unique 3-day Parent Weekend at which parents of kids in SuperCamp gain an insight into what their children are learning in their programs. In the process, parents tell us they learn a lot about themselves, as well. You can view a Parent Weekend video at http://www.SuperCamp.com.
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