Tips on Finding the Best Tutoring

Tips on Finding the Best TutoringStudents of average math find themselves scrambling for a good tutor. Though they do not expect to learn anything from a mediocre tutor, they still seek out the best ones possible in order to help them keep up with their homework and make sure that they do not fall behind. Finding the right tutor can be quite a challenge, however, because it is not easy to find one that fits your personality, but also helps you learn faster and improve your grades.Students who are always late often complain that their tutor is unreliable. Therefore, make sure you check the reputation of your tutor before you sign on the dotted line. It is also important to find the tutor who does not hide any learning secrets about the subject that the student is learning. Students need to be able to see what the teacher actually teaches, so make sure that your tutor is forthcoming and honest about his or her methods.If your tutor is reliable, he or she will gladly tell you about thei r tutoring service. While there is nothing wrong with a little learning about the industry, many tutors will go into great detail to try to protect their clients, and will more than likely leave you in the dark about how your lesson will go.Most students don't want to think about their math lessons until they start to feel anxious about the difficulty of the difficult subject. While your tutor may be able to cover all the complex topics in an effective manner, it is not always possible. When this happens, students will have to begin making notes of what they don't understand so that they can get better later on.This can be a major factor when it comes to choosing the best tutor: it is very hard to keep track of your tutoring budget, especially when your schedule is full. You may have to limit the amount of money you spend on your lessons if you do not want to lose out on money that you can use for other things. This will usually mean that you will have to be more resourceful in find ing the tutor you can afford. For example, if you are paying the tuition to a college, you might have to use some of your own money to pay your tutor.Many students want to take advantage of the average math tutor because they are eager to learn something, even if they do not really like the subject. It is important to not let an instructor try to sell you on the subject or convince you that it is cool or easier than it really is. You will feel the need to defend yourself if your tutor tries to persuade you into making mistakes and become unhappy.Tutoring is not something that everyone should try to do. Make sure that you find a tutor who has good reviews, and that you know exactly what to expect. Many people will look for good reviews in the local newspaper or online reviews, but these are just opinions and not a true representation of what actually happens with your math lessons. Make sure that you take the time to find out what a tutor does, the best way they explain their methods , and how they will help you reach your goals.

Characteristics of Prokaryotes Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace

Characteristics of Prokaryotes Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace The cell without membrane bound organelles is called a prokaryotic cell. The prokaryotic cell have the simplest organization. The prokaryotic cell is simple, small and most primitive. They are probable the first to come into existence perhaps 3.5 billion years ago. The prokaryotic cell is the most primitive cells from morphological point of view. The prokaryotic cells are known for their rapid multiplications as compared to most of the eukaryotic cells. They vary in size. Example- Bacteria, Blue green algae, Mycoplasma or Pleuro Pneumonia like Organisms (PPLO) .The prokaryotic cell do not show any intracellular compartments. A prokaryotic cell is essentially a one envelope system organized in depth. Characteristic features: 1.Lack of organized nucleus. The genetic material is present in the form of nucleoid. 2.Nuclear membrane is absent 3. DNA not complex with histones 4.DNA in a circular form and not packed into chromosomes 5.Membrane bound organelles are absent 6.Cellular respiration is carried out by cell membrane 7.Absence of nucleoli and mitotic apparatus 8.Cell wall is made up of murein 9.The cell membrane may infold to form mesosomes. 10.Flagella are simple and made up of flagellin and 9+2 organization is absent 11. Cytoplasm does not show streaming movement 12.Microtubules are absent 13. Ribosomes are of the 70S type 14.Different kinds of pili are present 15.Replication of DNA occurs continuously throughout the cell cycle.

Spanish Lessons Manchester

Spanish Lessons Manchester Finding Spanish Courses in Manchester ChaptersSpanish Classes for AllFinding Spanish Lessons Near MeOnline Spanish LessonsHello, Mancunians! Did you know one of your twin cities is Cordova, in southern Spain?The province of Andalusia in southern Spain endured Roman influence in its antiquity. And then, for a while, it fell under Muslim influence; during this time it was considered the centre for innovation and learning and was, at one time, the largest city in Europe.Just as Cordova was where innovation found inspiration, so too was our township, exploding onto the world industrial scene. In fact, Manchester bears the distinction of being the world’s first industrialised city!Our cities share quite a bit of parallel history, not the least being Roman architecture.So much is there to preserve and admire that the whole of historic Cordova has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Wouldn’t you love to go see it all?If so, you may want to learn how to speak Spanish.Your Superprof obliges, finding the best Spanish l essons for every need and every level, in and around Greater Manchester.Slip on your Cordovans; it’s going to be a long walk!Do you actually wear Cordovans?You might be interested to know that both the method for tanning the leather and the colour called cordovan originated in our twin city.In the Seventh Century, when the Visigoths inhabited the area, they fashioned clothing and footwear out of a certain type of leather through a processing method still in use today.OK, enough history! This article is supposed to be about Spanish lessons in our city, after all...Off we go to find Spanish classes for young and old so that you might walk those ancient streets confident in the knowledge that you will be able to talk with native speakers of Spanish!How much does a Spanish tutor in Belfast or Edinburgh charge?Nor would you necessarily be enthused having to endure a lecture on the works of Cervantes in his native language if the sum total of your Spanish vocabulary consists of ‘Bueno s Dias’ and ‘adios, amigo’!You may well enjoy the sound of Spanish whether spoken or sung but â€" meaning that that lecture may not sound so bad but, if you’re in class to learn to speak Spanish, surely you would want exposure to a more effective teaching method.Also, if you are a beginner, you would want Basic Spanish classes. However, if your mate or bestie has some grounding in Spanish grammar and vocabulary, s/he might want intermediate lessons.Before signing up for Spanish language classes, it is important to know your level and your purpose for studying Spanish.Besides the aforementioned Business Spanish which obviously would include a business vocabulary (the grammar would remain the same), you might choose Spanish lessons because:You do intend to visit Cordova or any other Spanish speaking region or country soon.You have realised the benefits of being bilingual and selected Spanish as your second language.It is, after all, the most popular language for English speake rs to learn!You/your child is enamoured of the language and culture of Spain and other Latin countries.Said child has elected to sit GCSEs and/or A-Levels Spanish; language training would lend a certain edge to their language skillsYou intend to travel the world as an ESL teacher to native Spanish speakersThat last is not so farfetched!For one, the total number of Spanish speakers worldwide is ranks right under the number of English speakers. For two; Spanish, in one form or another, is spoken on no fewer than four continents.And here, we have another point to consider: what type of Spanish will you learn?If you are pursuing Spanish language studies for the love of learning, that question really doesn’t matter. But, if you’re learning is targeted toward a specific goal, say, retiring to mountainous Madrid or starting an alpaca farm in Peru, Spanish pronunciation takes on a whole new meaning.To look at the adverts, teachers and language schools don’t seem to highlight the type of Spanish they teach.If you have a specific region of the Spanish speaking world in mind, you should ask any prospective Spanish instructor if the variety of Spanish they teach would be suitable to your learning goals and where you would use your Spanish language ability.Could you find great Spanish classes in Leeds?Searching for anything 'near me' could lead to amusing results! Source: Pixabay Credit: TumisuFinding Spanish Lessons Near MeWell, not near me exactly; you have no idea where I am. That phrase refers to people’s penchant for typing such into their favourite search engine so much that the phrase 'near me' itself has become a search keyword, irrelevant of where you actually are!Searching for Spanish classes 'near me' may yield surprising results...It seems everyone is in on the ‘near me’ trick so conducting such a search will result in Spanish lessons as far away as the US, or worse: a general Yelp rundown of ‘near me’ lessons with varied locations!It would be m uch better to trust in your Superprof, who has hit the ground and investigated Spanish language schools in and around Manchester!First on our list of picks would be The Spanish Factory.Their name is perhaps a nod to our city’s industrial heritage â€" how clever! Nevertheless, their Spanish language courses are so diverse; there is surely a curriculum for everyone who wants to study Spanish!Find out if one could take similar Spanish classes in London...They offer Business courses as well as Conversational Spanish, school support for those enrolled in the Spanish program at school; they even have a language course for the littlest learners!Their pricing is quite reasonable. For example, a 4-week intensive course is currently only £99!If you’re preparing to dash off to Spain on holiday, this might be a great way to learn beginner Spanish...We are quite lucky to have an Instituto Cervantes right in our city!Not only is this organisation dedicated to promoting Spanish language and c ulture through various workshops and seminars but they actually have language classes you may enrol in!Their courses are set up in accord with the Common Frame of Reference for European languages so, if you were at the intermediate level, you could just jump right in and advance accordingly.Furthermore, they will assist with test prep, be it for Spanish A-Levels or for the Dele â€" the Spanish language ability certification test.In case you are wondering where these facilities are and how to get in touch with them, we’ve compiled all of that information in the table at the end of this article.You may be interested to know that Instituto Cervantes also offers online courses... but they are not the only ones!Find out where you could take Spanish lessons in Glasgow...Even small children can learn Spanish online, although maybe not quite this young! Source: Pixabay Credit: LuidmilakotFind out where you can take Spanish lessons in Cardiff.Online Spanish LessonsThere is nothing wrong wi th choosing this method of learning Spanish. People today are plenty busy; they might not have time or energy to repair to a learning centre a couple of nights a week no matter how passionate they are about learning Spanish.Online lessons provide you with the scheduling flexibility to make it home in time for tea without having to rush out again immediately afterwards.All you need to take Spanish lessons online is a stable Internet connection, a webcam and a decent headset and a desire to learn. And a Spanish teacher, of course...Spanish is the second most studied language on Italki, an online language learning platform where language teachers set their own rates and schedules.To make use of this teacher marketplace, you will need to create a profile, and then you can start shopping for your ideal Spanish teacher.Once you’ve bookmarked a likely teacher profile, it is time to set your schedule on their calendar: when would you like to have your Spanish lessons?At the appointed time you simply log in to your Skype account or whichever platform your chosen teacher specifies and, voilà! You are now on your way to fluency in Spanish!All of this begs the question: what if you and that teacher don’t click? Most of their Spanish teachers offer a discounted rate for their introductory lesson, a sort of a trial run, for that specific purpose. Most Superprof language tutors offer their first hour of lessons for free!Indeed, you may consider any of Superprof’s Spanish tutors; there are more than 70 in the Manchester area alone! That means that, if you’d rather have one to one lessons or even learn Spanish with a small group of friend, your Superprof tutor could come to you as well as teach you Spanish online!Another online outlet for language learning is Live Lingua, whose teachers also offer a free introductory hour of learning. Furthermore, unlike Italki, their rates are set by the platform administrators and, the more course hours you pay for in advance, the l ower the cost!Through Live Lingua you may learn anything from test prep and review to Business Spanish, Medical Spanish... even Spanish for priests!So... how is Cordova sounding as your next holiday destination?Better, now that you know where you can turn to learn Spanish, we’ll bet!Name of SchoolPhysical AddressWeb AddressPhone NumberWhat They TeachThe Spanish FactoryPeter House, Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 5ANhttps://www.thespanishfactory.co.uk0345 852 0286Youths and adults Student Support and test prep; Business SpanishInstituto Cervantes326-330 Deansgate, Campfield Avenue Arcade, Manchester M3 4FNhttps://manchester.cervantes.es/en/default.shtm0161 661 4201Youth and Adult courses online courses Test prep various workshopsUniversity of ManchesterOxford Rd Manchester M13 9PLhttps://www.languagecentre.manchester.ac.uk/learn-a-language/courses-for-all/spanish/0161 306 6000Beginners' through advanced SpanishABLE ManchesterrSwan Buildings Swan Street Manchester M4 5JWhttp://able-ma nchester.co.uk0161 637 3062Spanish for Adults and Children aged 6-11Not a Mancunian? Find out where Brummies go for their Spanish lessons!

Studying in an Arabic-speaking Country

Studying in an Arabic-speaking Country Signing Up to an Arabic School ChaptersWhich Country Should You Study Arabic In?How to Choose the Right University in an Arabic-speaking CountryHigher Education in the Persian Gulf“A tree begins with a seed.” - Arabic ProverbIt’s much easier to learn Arabic by studying in an Arabic-speaking country.Universities in the United Arab Emirates saw a rise in foreign students from 206 in 2006 to 862 in 2016.According to Cedwyn Fernandes, the director of the Middlesex University Dubai, there was only one international university with 645 students in 2002 and now there are 26 with over 30,000 students.If you want to learn more about Islam by studying the texts, are interested in working in North Africa or the Arabian Peninsula, or just want to learn more about Middle Eastern culture, learning to speak Arabic is one of the best ways to do it.There are few better ways of learning a language through immersion or by studying in a country where it's the official language. With so many Arab countries, there are plenty of o ptions for learning Arabic and there are plenty of schools where you can learn the language.There are 22 members of the Arab League (countries where Arabic is spoken) so there are plenty of choices of places to go to. Arab culture is rich and varied so if you want to learn the Arabic alphabet, improve your linguistic skills, and find out more about Arab culture, studying with Arabs is the way to go.Here’s our guide on how to choose a university in an Arabic-speaking country.How to Choose the Right University in an Arabic-speaking CountryOf course, going to study at a university in an Arabic-speaking country isn’t the same as applying to a university in the UK.You’ll need to think about how easy it to do and your goals.Here is a list of things to think about when choosing universities:Your level in ArabicBudgetThe type of education you wantThe safety of the countryThe type of ArabicTuition feesThe cost of livingThe prestige of the universityYou should definitely consider gettin g Arabic lessons before you go as well to increase your chances of being accepted onto a course.In the UK, you can do a degree in Arabic Studies to learn more about the language, history, and culture of Arabic-speaking countries.This means that you’ll have to learn the Arabic writing system, grammar, vocabulary, and the literary version of the language.Lookup for Arabic classes here.In terms of costs, studying in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expensive. Tuition can cost up to £13,000 and you’ll need around £1,400 per month to cover the costs of accommodation, transportation, and food.That said, Morocco is very cheap although the universities aren’t usually as prestigious as those in the Persian Gulf.88.5% of the population in Dubai are foreigners who’ve come to learn the Arabic language, study at a university, or work in the United Arab Emirates.One reason to choose certain universities is how they’ll further your career once you’ve graduated. Internation al competition is increasing and somebody who has a degree from Dubai may find a job more easily than someone who studied in Cairo.Finally, four universities from Saudi Arabia were featured in a list of the best universities in the Arab world.Saudi society, however, is one of the most closed off in the world. If you want to study Islamic science, you can still get a student visa for Saudi Arabia.  While it’s more complicated, it’s not impossible!Saudi Arabia is the only country in the Arab world to have created its own brand of education whereas its neighbours in the Gulf are importing universities such as the University of Wollongong, Curtin University Dubai, the University of Middlesex, London Business School, and the University of Canada, for example.Higher Education in the Persian GulfArabic is an important language in international relations and knowing how to speak is becoming increasingly important for recruiters.Learning Arabic will open a whole new world to you. (Source : Guenni13)In the Gulf, a lot of teaching takes place in English and Arabic.Keep in mind that universities here tend to have very strict admission policies and you’ll need to have really good grades if you want to study a degree in one of these prestigious universities.  These places can also be very elitist.With fees going up to £13,000 per year, it can be very difficult for working-class students to attend these universities without the very best grades and that’s if they manage to get together the admission fee!Students from the United Arab Emirates don’t actually have to pay these fees as their education is completely free. However, many students will need scholarships or a student loan to fund their studies in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.Education in the Arab states of the Persian Gulf is a major concern: the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia have invested billions into research and the funding of new schools.Each city, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, e tc., are attracting prestigious schools.  The city of Dubai even has an entire area of the city dedicated to education, Dubai International Academic City.There are over 70 universities in Dubai offering courses in all manner of subjects.  The most common courses cover business, marketing, cinema, media, law, economics, management.Your studies may start sooner than you expect! (Source: Free-Photos)Finally, if you want to study Arabic at a university in Qatar or the United Arab Emirates, for example, you’ll need a student visa. You’ll also need to be sponsored by the host university. A student visa can cost up to £600, too.Of course, there are a number of countries that we wouldn't recommend studying due to security risks. For example, the Arab spring has destabilised some states in the Arab League and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine means that these places should be ruled out as a potential destination for learning Arabic. Similarly, you should avoid Yemen, Lib ya, and Syria.Are you still ready to go?Then check out the different universities and go for it!

Why Taking (Video) Voice Lessons from Christina Aguilera is a Bad Idea

Why Taking (Video) Voice Lessons from Christina Aguilera is a Bad Idea Suzy S. Can you learn to sing through videos, like the ones advertised with Christina Aguilera? Read on for voice teacher  Elaina R.s thoughts   Have you seen the online ads offering  a voice lesson course taught by Christina Aguilera?  Promos for the course have inundated many Facebook feeds, and since I know many professional singers and voice teachers, I’ve been able to watch them react to the ads. Most voice teachers have been amused, terrified, or both by the prospect of people learning how to sing from Ms. Aguilera. Why are the degree-holding vocalists of the world not on board with Christina Aguilera teaching voice? She is, after all, a six-time Grammy Award winner with an estimated net worth of $130 million. Are we just jealous? The short answer is no! We are truly concerned for voice students who turn to Christina Aguilera for advice, and here’s why. Talent Does Not a Teacher Make You are likely an expert chewer. You chew food many times a day, and you have done so for your entire life. One could argue that you are a talented chewer, even. But what if someone who didn’t know how to chew asked you to teach them to chew? You would likely have to think long and hard about your process. In the end, the best answer many people would be able to come up with is, “You just do it.” Christina Aguilera is a gifted singer. She has a good voice and natural musicality, and her performances often reflect that. However, her innate ability to sing and the fact that she was born with a good singing voice do not mean she knows how to teach singing. As any teacher will tell you, teaching is in and of itself a skill, and it isn’t one that Christina, with her flourishing artistic and television career on top of parental duties, has had any time to curate. Modern Pop Technique In addition, Christina Aguilera is a pop singer who specializes in belting (high chest voice). Belting is an extremely taxing form of singing that, when done wrong, can produce disastrous results. Not only does bad belting sound horrible, but it can rapidly destroy your voice. The vast majority of voice teachers are university trained, which almost always means they have a foundation in classical vocal technique. While classical singing sounds very different than belting, the same rules (breath support, throat relaxation, resonance) apply. Learning proper vocal technique through classical pieces   or at least less taxing pop pieces   greatly reduces the chance of vocal injury. If learning to sing with low-impact music is like light strength training, trying to skip to belting is like immediately attempting a 300-pound deadlift. It’s just plain unhealthy. Knowledge is Power Frankly, the most famous pop singers in the world today usually have no idea what they are doing. Christina Aguilera was blessed with a fair amount of natural ability, but as many of her performances exhibit, she falls prey to many of the same issues that beginning voice students have. She often suffers from jaw, neck, and tongue tension, resulting in a pressed, flat, raspy sound (and sometimes cracking). Even pop singers who do not have these issues are just vastly talented people who can’t teach anyone how they do what they do. Professional voice teachers, on the other hand, are a different breed. We may be talented, but we also dedicated ourselves to learning how singing works. We have studied anatomy and vocal technique in an academic setting and can describe exactly why specific faults, such as cracking and straining, occur. A good voice teacher is not just a good singer; she knows the specific details of what she is doing to sing well, and she can describe those details to her students. That’s something that even the most talented singer in the world can’t do. Can I Learn to Sing With Other Online Videos? Too busy for lessons, and want to just  teach yourself to sing  using YouTube videos or other programs? Heres the thing absolutely nothing can substitute the help that a private teacher can provide you. While you can learn to  sing songs and basic music theory with online resources, if you want to sing well, working with a vocal teacher is extremely important. Your teacher will be able to notice and correct bad habits that can lead to injuries or those that may be affecting your sound. Plus, the motivation and inspiration you can get from this type of guidance can make a huge difference! Ready to find a teacher? Browse our teacher profiles here. Want to ease into learning? Check out our free,  online group singing classes! Post Author:  Elaina R. Elaina R. teaches opera voice and singing in Ypsilanti, MI, as well as through online lessons. She received her Master of Music from  the University of Michigan, and she has a B.M. from the University of Southern California. Learn more about Elaina here! Photo by D.S.B 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

What Every Parent Should Know About the Common Core Assessments

What Every Parent Should Know About the Common Core Assessments Our approach to education has changed a great deal in recent years. For instance, students of all ages must complete a growing number of tests in order to ensure that they are learning and retaining information. This reality can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you take into account the jargon and regulations that surround each exam. Perhaps you have heard of the Common Core State Standards Initiative and its related assessments. With 43 states participating in this initiative, many families may be wondering how its annual exams will affect their students. This guide aims to help. Here is what every parent should know about the Common Core assessments: They vary from state to state The 2014-2015 school year is the first year in which students will be tested on their understanding of the Common Core State Standards. Assessments will be offered by two consortiums PARCC, or Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, and the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium. Each approaches assessment differently. Arkansas, Colorado, District of Columbia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, and Rhode Island plan to give the PARCC exam. (Pennsylvania has expressed an interest, but has not yet committed.) The PARCC assessment is computer-based and consists of two parts. There are also two optional tests one at the beginning of the year and one in the middle. The second group, the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, consists of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium will also utilize a two-part end-of-year exam. The first portion will be adaptive, while the second section will not be. Both will be computer-based. Each state chose its specific assessment or chose to abstain Each individual state was responsible for choosing which assessment would be provided to its students. However, while some states are working through the two organizations discussed above, others are developing their own comprehensive exams. You can help to prepare your student(s) There are several things you can do to help your student preparefor the Common Core assessments. First, introduce him or her to different technologies, such as video and electronic text. (This is especially important if your child is young.) These 3 ways can help you better utilize your electronic textbooks. Both assessments focus on comparing, contrasting, and synthesizing information, so you can also practice these skills with your student. Encourage your child to respond to questions using a computer, and practice computer skills manipulating graphs, typing, and so on. These are some great tips on how to create a good study environment. Students will be asked to write on the assessments, which may differ from past exams that were largely based on multiple-choice questions. Many students will find it useful to complete sample prompts, as this allows them to perfect their timing. These are some great tips for writing an essay. Finally, ensure that your studentis making real-life connections to the test material. When they can connect, they will be more likely to truly learn and remember the exam content. As always, be sure to check your states Department of Education page for the most recent and relevant information on Common Core assessments.

The Quick Guide to Japanese Culture

The Quick Guide to Japanese Culture The Practical Guide to Japanese Folklore ChaptersTypical Martial Arts in JapanGeishas: Mysterious Japanese ArtistsSumo, the Ancient Sport from the Land of the Rising SunJapanese History: Traditional Japanese WeaponsIn Asia, there are plenty of different countries, each with their own diverse culture. Japan is one of the eastern countries that many people are interested in because of its cuisine, art, countryside, and cultural heritage. An estimated 20 million tourists will visit the country in 2020.Japanese culture is broad and varied and blends the traditional with the modern. Japan is home to traditional cuisine and folklore as well as modern technology. However, tourists enjoy the traditional far more than the modern.In this article, Superprof is looking at most popular Japanese traditions, sports in the country, sumo, Geishas, and traditional Japanese weapons. So get your yukata ready, we’re off to discover Japan. NanaJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EllyJapanese Teacher 5.00 ( 1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoJapanese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MelanieJapanese Teacher £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YukoJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamesJapanese Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PippaJapanese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarikoJapanese Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTypical Martial Arts in JapanMartial arts are popular all over the world. While boxing is probably the most popular combat sport in the UK, Japan has a long history with martial arts. Here are some of the most popular martial arts in Japan. Japan has a long history of martial arts. (Source: gregorycosta)Combat Sports and Martial ArtsMartial arts are a type of sport and self-defence generally using punches, kicks, and grabs. The most popular martial arts from Japan are judo and karate, with most cities in the UK having clubs for bothThere are also other martial arts jujutsu, the precursor to judo, and aikido, a sport based on using your adversary’s strength against them. These are violent sports but they’re about becoming more peaceful:“Martial arts were used on the battlefield and for training the Samurai. Today, these martial arts still train samurais but represent piece. Martial arts are designed to nurture peace.” - Hiroo MochizukiThere are also martial arts such as Shorinji Kempo and Nippon Kempo. These two combat sports were inspired by other martial arts but they also teach spirituality.Mastering Weapons in JapanThere are also martial arts that make use of weapons. Here are a few of the more popular martia l arts with weapons:Kendo: using a sword.Jukendo: using a bayonet.Naginata: using a naginata (a pole weapon)Iaido: using a sword with a focus on quickly drawing a sword and responding to sudden attacks.Kyudo: using a Japanese bow.These are all the result of Japanese military training rituals for samurais, warriors, or armed monks.Geishas: Mysterious Japanese ArtistsPopularised in the film “Memoirs of a Geisha” and promoted by the Japanese government as a symbol of Japanese culture, Geishas continue to fascinate westerners and the Japanese. Here are a few things you should know about them. Geishas are artists and entertainers. (Source: patrik671)A Refined Artist and Courtesan“She paints her face to hide her face. Her eyes are deep water. It is not for Geisha to want. It is not for geisha to feel. Geisha is an artist of the floating world. She dances, she sings. She entertains you, whatever you want. The rest is shadows, the rest is secret.” - Memoirs of a GeishaGeishas certainly are mysterious with the white makeup, hair in buns, and ornate kimonos. Geishas are artists whose job is to entertain their clients.Contrary to popular western belief, Geishas are not prostitutes. In Japanese culture, this is very clear. Geishas are not supposed to provide these types of services. Their main role is to play an instrument like the shamisen, perform traditional Japanese dances, to accompany their clients and to serve them.Geishas Throughout HistoryGeishas originated in the 13th century when artists were invited to Kyoto to entertain the emperor though these were generally men . During the 17th century, women started performing these roles as geisha.You could find them in tea rooms and some would sell their bodies to wealthy customers. In fact, a Geisha’s virginity could be sold for a fortune through prostitution. However, it should be made clear that a geisha isn't a prostitute.The golden age of geishas was during the 19th and 20th century and there were thousands of them around Japan, particularly in Kyoto in the Gion neighbourhood. They were very fashionable and popular, making the business very lucrative.The Second World War resulted in the closure of the Okiya for a year. While the Geishas could return to work after this time, few did. The practice was further hurt by the fact that the Japanese government made it illegal for girls to leave education before the age of 16.Today, there are still geishas, but in far fewer numbers than in their heyday. There’s been an increase in popularity in recent years, though. There are still a few who don their kimono in a teahouse or geisha house and perform traditional Japanese dance, kabuki theatre, calligraphy, or the traditional tea ceremony.Talk about talented!Sumo, the Ancient Sport from the Land of the Rising SunOf all the sports done in Japan, the most unique and special is probably sumo. It may seem strange and difficult to understand, but it’s an important part of Japanese history. Here’s what you need to know about Sumo, Japan’s national sport. Sumo wrestling is a combat sport, ritual, art, and sacred ceremony all at the same time. (Source: 12019)The Rikishi and the Rules of SumoA sumo wrestler is also known as a rikishi or sumotori. These combatants practice a sacred art in the dohyo, a ring 4m in diameter. Each rikishi holds a rank from novice to yokozuna (grand champion) as well as a shikona (ring name).Before a match, the rikishis complete a purification ritual on their body and mind and the dohyo itself is also purified. They then get into position for combat. To win, they need to throw their adversary to the ground or remove them from the ring.There are 6 main sumo tournaments per year with 3 of them occurring in the capital city, Tokyo. It’s very popular in Japan and is more than just a sport, it’s a way to communicate with the gods.Sumo Through the AgesAs the legend goes, sumo arose from a battle between two gods for control of the Japanese islands. Much later, a mortal by the name of Sukune, who is considered t he father of sumo, fought a man to the death.Sumo was introduced into the emperor’s court in the 8th century but it was just a shinto ritual. It became a veritable martial art in the 9th century and became popular across the whole of Japan.In the 17th century, sumo become a professional sport and entertainment for the rich. Promoters emerged and started offering budding rikishis a career. During the Edo period, sumo turned towards the general public. The ranking system later appeared.Today, it’s very popular in Japan!Japanese History: Traditional Japanese WeaponsJapan is a country that developed for many years without any outside interference. It was able to forge its own culture and military discipline, too. This is why there are several traditional weapons that are unique to Japan. The Katana is one of Japan's most symbolic weapons. (Source: skefalacca)Japanese Bladed WeaponsJapan is known for its swords: they commonly appear in Japanese cultural works and the most famous one is undoubtedly the katana. These curved samurai swords were used before the arrival of gunpowder weapons in the 16th century.Among the most famous Japanese blades, we could mention:The Katana (a sword over 60cm)The Tachi (an older sword, used by samurai horsemen)The Wakizashi (a shorter sword between 30cm and 60cm)The Tanto (a Japanese dagger under 30cm)The Tessen (a metal fan with blades)The Naginata (a wooden lance with a curved blade at the end)The Yari (a lance between 2.5 and 4m in length)The Kunai (ninja dagger)The Sai (a three-pointed dagger)We could also mention weapons like the Kama and Kue, types of hooks. These were agricultural tools that were used to defend Okinawa.Ranged Japanese Weapons and Blunt WeaponsThere are plenty of Japanese ranged weapons. The Yumi, a traditional Jap anese bow, is one of the most important. There are a whole bunch of ranged weapons in Japan including shurikens (metal stars) and senbon (metal needles).There are also blunt weapons used to strike foes such as nunchakus. However, there are also a whole range of batons that could be as long as 1.8m.  You might also be familiar with the tonfa, or tunkunwa, which evolved into the batons commonly used by law enforcement in the west.Now you should know a bit about Japanese culture. If you want to learn more, check out our other articles on Japan. You could also improve your Japanese with a private Japanese tutor. Don't forget that many of the Japanese tutors on Superprof offer the first hour of tuition for free!

Monthly Volunteer Notables - NOVEMBER - Heart Math Tutoring

Monthly Volunteer Notables - NOVEMBER - Heart Math Tutoring Monthly Volunteer Notables NOVEMBER Monthly Volunteer Notables NOVEMBER December 15, 2014 Dear HEART Tutors, This monthly email includes (1) Important Logistics, (2) Tutoring Tips, (3) More Resources (OPTIONAL), and (4) Just for Fun (OPTIONAL).   Thank you for taking a minute to read this. (1) Important Logistics Winter Break Package In December, we will be giving students a Winter Break package that includes Math Games and a Holiday Card!   Students will receive a prize if they play the math games at home during Winter Break. Please spend two minutes writing a quick note on a holiday card when you arrive for tutoring the week of 12/1.   (All materials provided.) You will see directions for Holiday Math Games at tutoring the week of 12/8 and 12/15.   Please spend 5-10 minutes during your tutoring session making sure your students know the card games well enough to play them at home with siblings and friends. Upcoming School Holidays no school, no tutoring (download here  ) Wednesday, Nov 26 to Friday, Nov 28 â€" Thanksgiving Break Monday, Dec 22 to Friday, Jan 2 â€" Winter Break Monday, Jan 19 â€" Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Friday, Jan 23 â€" Teacher Workday Please bring back the take-home notebooks you no longer need. (2) Tutoring Tips This video shows a quick tip from Billingsville Math Facilitator Nikia Graham.  She says to make sure the students (not tutors) are the ones doing the work with the math manipulatives. They need the hands-on experience with the numbers, even if it takes extra time and patience. Goals Does your student know what he/she is practicing?   Ask and find out.   If your student believes he/she is practicing “connecting cubes” or “hiding game,” he/she needs a review of the concept goals.   The notebook title is a good place to start. Continue to encourage hard work and perseverance.   Learning requires willingness to work hard as concepts get difficult, so praise students when they stay focused and continue trying in the face of a challenge, not just when they get the right answers. Please feel free to flag me down for help at any time during tutoring.  There is no need to wait until the end of a session to discuss issues or ask questions.  I want to provide real-time support so that you and your students can get the most out of your time together! Keep having fun!   Your students are so happy to see you each week. (3) More Resources (OPTIONAL) This One Page Curriculum Overview includes one-sentence goals that explain the big idea of each of the six notebooks. What is the point of “Strategies to 20” notebook?   This video shows how students should be able to add above ten by breaking apart numbers using the combinations they internalized in the prior notebook level, Combinations to 10. For those in the “Combinations to 10” notebook To clarify, a student needs to spend multiple lessons working with the same assigned focus number to sufficiently internalize the combinations. Most students need to complete Lessons 1 â€" 5 with one focus number to know the number’s parts.   Afterwards, the student will begin again with Lesson 1 using the next focus number.   Though it may seem counterintuitive, you will save time in the long run by working on only one new number a time. (4)   Just for Fun (OPTIONAL) HEART Holiday Parent Breakfast â€" Save the date and plan to join at your schools event to meet your students’ parents and teach them card games they can play at home to reinforce the number sense students are building in HEART!   We will play Holiday Math Games, eat food, and celebrate students’ work in the program. Winterfield Friday 12/12, 7:45 8:15 Highland Renaissance Wednesday 12/17, 12:15 12:45 Montclaire Thursday 12/18, 7:45 8:15 Billingsville Friday 12/19, 8:00 8:45 Also, please email your coordinator if you would be willing to help in any of these roles: set up, clean up, making the Winter Break packages, taking photos. Please email your coordinator if you would like to be on your schools substitute tutor list, which means you would occasionally recieve an email asking you to fill in for an absent tutor, when volunteers are out of town or sick. Check out pictures and articles on HEART Tutoring’s Facebook page!   You can also follow HEART on Instagram and twitter (@HEARTTutoring). It is exciting to see the way many of you are gaining traction with both the relationships and the math.   Thank you for your consistency and enthusiasm.   Please let me know of any questions, feedback, or concerns. Many thanks, The HEART Team