Time Child Care Learning Center - Helping Parents Stay Productive

Time Child Care Learning Center - Helping Parents Stay ProductiveA tutor time child care learning center is the most ideal place for child care or education of any sort. Not only will the children's benefit but also the parents and teachers who pay to attend the class and the attendees in general. A time care class is only one of the advantages that a child care learning center offers.Usually, most children and adults in a class or group need the extra help for certain classes or projects. A child care learning center is one such way of getting all the guests to join in on the class. This is a good chance for learning is always a good thing.Parents are not going to appreciate it if they pay for one child care time, then the other child care needs to be done by the tutor time child care learning center. In addition, the parents cannot understand why they cannot attend to their own kid, while the other kids are being attended to by the tutor time child care learning center. Now, the tu tor child care learning center can be instrumental in helping the parents get away from the situation and enjoy their own child, while having the advantage of having their child schooled by someone else, while the other kids are attending the school.The tutor child care learning center is there to help the parents to schedule their own child's lessons. The parents will then be able to attend to their own child and their other kids as well. This is really a wonderful arrangement for both parties.A tutor time child care learning center will offer classroom tuition classes for classes or projects. These can be utilized to both the parents and child at the same time.A tutor time child care learning center is like a school without the classes or books, classes without the teachers and the food. It's like sitting in a room with no one around and being able to learn while watching TV. If that isn't a life style change, then what is?Tutors or caregivers do not have the kind of time to spend with their own children, especially when they have a lot of things to do and other family members that are usually busy themselves. A time child care learning center is a perfect solution for those who are having problems when it comes to time.

More Standardized Testing What is the SBAC

More Standardized Testing What is the SBAC SBAC: Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium What is this new SBAC test anyway? First off, SBAC stands for Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, which is a long name that basically stands for ‘a test your child has to take’. Some of your children took the first version of this exam already as some schools administered it in spring 2014. All of your children will be taking it in spring 2015 (its never too early to get an Orange County private test-prep tutor). To get a taste of what your children will be going through next year, I decided to take a section of the practice test myself. You can also take a section if you want. So how did I do? Unfortunately I didn’t get a score because of a technical error (I couldn’t answer all of the questions because some of the electronic components where inactive. This does not give me a great first impression and brings up a whole other issue: Is computerized testing really better than paper testing, given that, on paper, I could have filled in all the bubbles with my pencil? That is another topic entirely but one worth exploring. So, aside from the technical difficulties, what did I think of the test? To be honest it seemed a tad like the SAT, but in a simpler format. It was multiple choice and the section I took was based on a short passage. However, there were some important differences to consider. First, there are multi part questions. For example, If your child gets answer 6A wrong, they will most certainly get part 6B wrong, as part B directly relates to or supports part A. I highly recommend that you take a practice test yourself to better understand what the changes will be: View an SBAC practice test here: Smarter Balanced Practice and Training Tests Why do we need an SBAC? The general theory behind grade level standardized testing is to measure the following: How well students are learning, how well teachers are teaching, how effectively school districts work, and if the current content of aforementioned standardized tests represent the ‘average’ student (READ: Content Knowledge and the Common Core Standards). Keep in mind that the ‘average’ student in the state of California might be different than the ‘average’ student in another state and that the ‘average’ student in 2014 might be different than the ‘average’ student in 2020. The term ‘average’ is also a tricky one since its definition can change so rapidly and extensively. For instance, a C grade used to accurately define the average student (technically it still does) but the average college bound senior will certainly not have a 2.0 GPA (that would be straight Cs). Most students and parents are not really happy with being defined as average but we still have to define average in order to become ‘above average’. The justifications go on and on and, whether we like it or not, consistent standardized testing is a reality of 21st century student life. To get some more official definitions and reasoning about the SBAC, take a look at the CA department of education site: California Department of Education Just down the road from Irvine Unified, Capistrano Unified offers some helpful information about the SBAC, check it out here: Capistrano Unified School District My next thought about the SBAC is, why do we need to keep changing standardized tests? (We will also see a new SAT in 2016.) The main goal of standardized testing at the secondary level is to determine if common core ideals are being met and to what degree as well as to identify areas for remediation. So why is it so difficult to meet common core? Perhaps it has to do with the fact that different children learn in different ways and it is hard to test the abilities of every student in one exam. Perhaps finance comes into play. The more money going into a school district means more teachers, better qualified teachers, and smaller class sizes. Unfortunately the opposite holds true, less money means less quality. Regardless, the best way to cope with all these changes is to be informed. One issue that is of great concern is that I can’t seem to figure out how the SBAC is graded. (The SAT, on the other hand has a handy formula in the back of their practice test book Make sure you run through the test book with an Orange County private SAT tutor). I would like to know which questions are worth more than others and which, if any, give partial credit and so on. This is what a few public school teachers have to say about speculation of the SBAC: UHS Evaluates Upcoming Common Core Smarter Balanced Assessment. It seems that these teachers are as curious as I am. However, curiosity means that we, as educators, don’t really know what all this means yet. I would be very happy to see children learn about things that they can apply to everyday life and to learn interdisciplinary skills, but I am not yet convinced that an update in standardized testing will result in this. I am waiting anxiously, along with all of you, to find out if SBAC takes our children’s’ education to greater heights or keeps things stagnant (An Irvine in-home academic tutor will take your childs learning to greater heights). The only way to know for sure is to wait, listen and find out. All blog entries are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at info@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us post about. Orange County parents and students, listen up! Beat the summer slowdown with a private, in-home tutor. We work around your schedule so you can stay sharp while having fun in the sun. Read: 10 Reasons You Need a Summer Tutor. What are you waiting for? Call us. Teach.com

Choosing the best elementary school for your child - ALOHA Mind Math

Choosing the best elementary school for your child Choosing the right elementary school for your kid is very essential. Getting the perfect elementary school for your child can keep you and your child free from various headaches. You may fail to realize at this moment, but the right educational institution will create a bright future. This will create a love of learning in them and will build a good educational foundation. This blog gives you some tips that will help you choose the right elementary school for your little one. Your child will spend much of his time in an environment which will be different from the loving family, so you must choose one where your child senses a feeling of affection and acceptance. Try finding a teacher is committed to his or her students. You can find out by talking to the teacher personally. Look for a classroom that has a lot of books on their shelf. Your child will be able to learn new words through reading. The school should set time aside for reading and storytelling. Maths is a subject which is generally not liked by many students, but maths must be started in the beginning years. Dont go for an elementary school that has no time reserved for recess and play. Playing and exercise have vital importance which shouldnt be ignored especially when they are young and their minds and bodies are growing. Playing boosts the cognitive learning procedure. You must understand that the right elementary school can build your childs future, so you must choose the school accordingly in your childs benefits. If you want to give your kids a head start, visit us at Aloha Mind Math and increase the maths, reading and writing skills of your child to stay ahead in this competitive world.

Healthy Eating Schedule It

Healthy Eating Schedule It pexels.com According to Courtney Peterson, the study author and assistant professor of nutrition sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, “The more you can eat your food earlier in the day, even if you’re not changing the timing of your meals, the better … Not everyone can always change their diet. But most everyone has some sort of control over when they eat or … how much food you eat at each meal.” So why exactly does timing matter? Our body has an internal clock on a 24-hour cycle (this is known as the circadian rhythm, for those of you that vaguely remember your high school human anatomy class). Essentially, certain times of day are better for certain things, which now includes eating. According to Peterson, “We know your best blood sugar control is in the morning. We also know that when you eat food, the energy it takes to digest it is a little higher in the morning.” This isn’t the first study of its kind, either. Past research (in mice) found that eating throughout the day increased weight more than those that ate their food earlier in the day. The study also found that mice that ate while they should be sleeping can disrupt their learning and memory (as a little bit of a sidenote). This study, however, was conducted on people and had similar findings. The study followed 11 people with two different eating schedules over a period of four days. The first eating schedule allowed participants to eat between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. The second eating schedule was more “traditional” in that participants ate between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The only variable here was the time slot, as both groups ate exactly the same amount in terms of calories. While calorie burn wasn’t affected, researchers found that eating earlier in the day burned about 6 percent more fat. On top of this, the hunger levels were even throughout the day for those that ate earlier in the day, although they “fasted” between dinner and breakfast (an 18-hour span). Why is this? If you think about it, going 18 hours without a meal sounds miserable. However, researchers say that when your body has gotten its fill of calories for the day, it recognizes that and is no longer hungry. If this is true, weight loss is about to become that much easier. (Or, maybe not easier, but a lot more structured). To attempt this eating plan, the six-hour window of eating is hard to adjust to. Peterson recommends individuals attempt an eight-hour window (from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) until their bodies adjust. Of course, individuals could also eat more for breakfast and lunch than they do for dinner, so the bulk of their calorie intake occurs at the beginning of the day rather than late at night. So basically, by eating your meals earlier in the day, exercising regularly and ensuring that you’re eating healthy, you should have no problem losing or maintaining your weight. And keep an eye out for further studies, as it’s likely that this will not be the only study commenting on eating times versus what you’re eating in regards to weight loss and/or gain. In the meantime, don’t take the study too seriously, but I wouldn’t count it out either, as the results tend to speak for themselves. So if you can manage to change your eating schedule, it looks like (at least at this point in time) it’s going to be worth it. While that probably means no late night pizza to soak up your night out, it also means a healthier, happier you. So take your pick and go out there and focus on it, and you’ll do just fine! Happy eating! (But only between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.).

An Online Algebra Tutor: A Quick and Easy Way to Start Using Algebra on the Web

An Online Algebra Tutor: A Quick and Easy Way to Start Using Algebra on the WebFree algebra is a term that is used when one is looking for an online tutor on the web. Of course, in this case, you are referring to people who offer to provide you with an online algebra tutor on the web so you can become an advanced algebra student.However, this is not to say that there is no such thing as an online tutor on the web that offers you an online math tutor or an online algebra tutor. Quite the contrary, there are many such people who are willing to provide you an online algebra tutor, so that you can do the online math work and then come back and do the algebra on your own time, after which you can do all of the proofs.In fact, one of the ways that you will get an online algebra tutor is to actually go to someplace where a person provides you with an online algebra tutor. For example, if you want to use the online algebra online tutor to help you with your homework assignments or your colle ge classes, you will just have to pay them a fee.Of course, if you do not like paying for anything, you can also consider using the option of searching for free online algebra tutor. When looking for a free algebra online tutor, you should be aware that you will be spending much more than the fees that you would pay to someone that provides you with an online algebra tutor. Also, these people who provide free online algebra tutors usually charge you a fee for getting the full package that includes the online algebra tutors and the books they provide you with.For example, if you decide to search for a free online algebra tutor, you will have to search for someone who provides you with an online algebra tutor and a whole lot more. While searching for the online algebra tutors, it is important to keep in mind that you will need to look for the online math tutor that has either already been given the name 'free algebra tutor' or someone who has recently been given the name.This is becau se the free online algebra tutor might not really provide you with an online algebra tutor. On the other hand, the online algebra tutor that is known as a free algebra tutor might just provide you with a free algebra tutor package that includes algebra textbooks and some math software.Another important thing to keep in mind is that you should look for someone who is willing to provide you with an online algebra tutor even if you pay for their services. Of course, you will have to check out the policies of the person that you are going to consult before you go ahead and pay for their services.

Best Online Chemistry Programs For Kids

Best Online Chemistry Programs For KidsThe best online chemistry programs for beginners and the older children are the Ti 84 CE programs. Not only will the programs provide an interesting and challenging curriculum, but they also allow for students to work on projects and earn up to eight credits for every course they take.Online chemistry programs for children work on the premise that a student's learning should be relevant to the real world, and science in particular. To that end, these programs focus on creating science experiments that are more than just simple teaching tools. Students may work with materials that have real-world applications, which helps them understand the science behind the experiments. Students are also taught how to create their own experiments, which allows them to obtain further insights into the field of chemistry.These programs are an excellent substitute for college courses, since they provide students with an engaging curriculum that allows them to int eract with other students around the world. Instead of attending classes that may not be as applicable to their needs, students can learn the same lesson, but at a lower cost. They can also participate in online discussions about a variety of topics, and even take part in science fairs and competitions with other students.These programs are flexible enough to allow a student to complete the program at their own pace. They also allow a student to participate in any number of projects within the class. Even if they take different projects from different courses, they will still have to complete the program.There are many excellent options for those who are interested in pursuing chemistry at a higher level. Although there are dozens of options out there, there are only a few top choices for the younger set. These include the Ti 84 CE Chemistry Programs, where the student has a large selection of courses to choose from and a very quick timeline to complete each class.This program focus es on real-world projects, ensuring that students are well versed in chemistry and can work with real, yet simple and easy to handle chemicals. Students are taught the basics of chemistry, including using mixtures, liquids, solids, gases, etc. In addition, students will also learn basic calculations, along with how to be able to handle the proper equipment when conducting chemical reactions.Though it is one of the top choices for the younger set, this program can also be taken by students who have previous experience in chemistry, as long as they have taken college courses. For example, students who have taken courses such as organic chemistry and biology will find that the math is fairly easy, while they have already done a little inorganic chemistry. Overall, this program is a good choice for any student interested in pursuing chemistry at a higher level.

Learning Italian Preparing For Your Italian Exams

Learning Italian Preparing For Your Italian Exams Learn Italian: How to Validate Your Italian Studies Through GCSE's and Beyond ChaptersItalian Studies and GCSE PreparationLearning Italian at A LevelThe International Baccalaureate in ItalianThe opportunity to learn Italian is often overlooked in favour of studying the top three foreign languages emphasised in our school system: French, German and Spanish.That is not to say that Italian is not offered by our national curriculum, just that students are less likely to select Italian as their second language.You can also learn Italian online.A study conducted by the British Council reveals that the language of Dante Alighieri is the seventh most popular language at A Level, with the ranks of Italian learners remaining stable from GCSE upwards.The number of test takers choosing Italian does not compare to those who sit for the French exam.In the UK, only around five thousand students prove their Italian language skills each year, compared to the one hundred  and  fifty thousand who sit for French exams.Nevertheless, Italian remains a language elective for students at secondary school, all the way through A Levels and into university.Could it be that you are a native Italian speaker and wish to make use of your language skills to improve your marks on your exams?Maybe you are a second-generation English-Italian, and have thus been bilingual all of your life.Now, closing in on your exams, you wish to formalise your learning â€" drill in Italian grammar and learn all of the rules.Find out why las cosas bellas in Italian translates to the beautiful things â€" in other words: why word order is reversed.Here is where a private tutor of Italian could be most beneficial to you. Find out how much an Italian tutor will cost  or find free Italian learning resources.Superprof is your guide to language learning and  refinement, within and without the national education system.Starting with this roadmap to success with your Italian lessons!Let this be your roadmap to successful Italian results on GCSE! Source: Pixabay Credit: S. Ferrario aspects of the It alian learning experience that may only have been glossed over during your mandated language classes.The focus of your Italian studies is predicated upon your goals.If you have absolutely fallen in love with our favorite romance language, to the point that your entire future hinges on your ability to use the proper verb tense and express yourself fluently, your studies should be all-encompassing.Conversely, if you have opted for Italian classes because your mates have all chosen to, you might be satisfied learning only Basic Italian.Find the best Italian teacher here.Either way, you will most likely spend a great deal of time  during your Italian lessons studying the written word: reading comprehension and the ability to write in Italian.You will most likely study classic works, among them, quite possibly, Dante's Divine Comedy.Your initial forays into Italian language learning makes it possible to envision a future in which you semester in Naples, Rome, Venice or Milan.While there, immersed in the language and culture, you would most certainly develop your spoken Italian skills.Speaking with shopkeepers, neighbours and new friends will give your listening skills a boost, as well.Buon giorno, Signora! Scusi, sono inglese, non parlo italiano. Grazie mille, Signore!Before any of that can happen, you must sit for your GCSE. In order to prolong your Italian studies, you must perform well on that exam.To that end we recommend:Growing adept in your use and understanding of spoken Italian â€" through debate, conversation and narrative illustrationCultivating the ability to relate ideas in conversational Italian, over casual subjectsadvancing understanding, interpretation, explanation, and concept definition in the Italian languageDeveloping the ability to read Italian fluently (comprehension is a given)None of this will happen overnight, or effortlessly. You will have to put forth a substantial amount of work, time and dedication.To make this burden lighter, please c onsider adding these to your studies:The Arts: music, especially Italian opera; movies and the study of paintings â€" from the renown classics by Leonardo Da Vinci to the more obscure canvases by Gentileschi.Sociology and economy of Italyyou may be interested in Italy's impact on the UK and the global economy, as well!Science and technologyfrom Galileo to Fermi, few countries have advanced scientific and cosmic principles as profoundly as Italy has!Preparing for A Levels should not consist of only book learning Source: Pixabay Credit: kmicicanLearning Italian at A LevelUpon satisfactory completion of your secondary education certification exam, you may further your studies in Italian language courses by preparing for A Levels.Having diligently applied yourself to your language lessons, you will have hopefully attained high marks on the foreign language portion of your GCSE.Having done so will make it easier for you to succeed at this higher level of language learning.Obviously, this more strenuous exam requires more intense study of this most romantic of romance languages.The good news is that the exam consists of two parts.AS Level ItalianOne  portion concerns itself with spoken Italian: expressions and responses.A criterion of this exam is how well you manage conversational Italian and your ability to engage in discussion.To that end, the examination offers you the advantage of selecting the topic you will expound on.Let us suppose you choose Italian culture as your topic.Four questions that may require your thoughts and ideas could be:A trip to Italy: why do Britons prefer to holiday in Tuscany?Italian cuisine: discuss the comparative merits of pizza, lasagna or pasta Bolognesein fact, you may choose to discuss each region's signature pasta dishItalian music: from Andrea Bocelli to opera, what the Italian music scene offers the worldItalian architecture: from the Vatican to the Tower of Pisa, how building design has impacted the worldOf course, you would be speaking Italian during these discussions. Of course, you Italian pronunciation as well as vocabulary would be assessed.The second portion of the AS exam covers reading and writing.Overall, the emphasis is on fluency in writing.Essay prompts will be both oral and written, with the intent of gauging comprehension in both methods of communication.You will have two and a half hours to compose your thoughts and put them on paper.Italian spelling, word order, verb conjugation, and use of adjectives and adverbs all weigh on your ability to write and understand la lingua d'italia.You must write a researched essay for your A Levels in Italian Source: Pixabay Credit: SSPA2 Level ItalianThis exam follows the pattern of the AS level, but with more intense focus on your ability to use new language in more diverse situations.It also tests your ability to understand and respond to Italian audio, in following instructions and in debate.Speaking Italian at this level should demonstrate a proficien cy that comes from intensive language usage: perhaps an immersion program.You are not expected to be fluent at this stage of your Italian language lessons. However, you should demonstrate yourself as advanced intermediate.You could perhaps sojourn through Siena or Sardinia, picking up language along the way.This suggestion is not as outlandish as you may think.Schedules and finances permitting, spending a significant amount of time anywhere in Italy â€" Florence or Milan, if you are a fashionista, is perhaps the best way to imbue yourself with Italian language and culture.If this type of immersive journey is out of your reach, you could chat with a native speaker online. There is no better way to improve your conversational Italian than, well, having Italian conversation!The speaking and listening portion of the A2 requires you to speak Italian for thirteen minutes.The written portion calls for you to submit a researched essay about life in Italy.Here is where the intimate knowledge you gained of Italian schools, society and traditions during your stay in our favourite Boot will help you.Where do you go from here?Sitting for the IB will put the world of global enterprise in your hands Source: Pixabay Credit: StokpicThe International Baccalaureate in ItalianWhen you elect to sit for Italian exams at A Levels, you are making it clear that Italian phrases will be a part of your everyday life.Of course, your career field does not have to be language studies; you could focus on anthropology, architecture, history or art.Equally clear: having sat for A Levels, you anticipate attending a university for more Italian courses.In fact, the above-mentioned report compiled by the British Council reveals that most  anyone who opts for Italian at GCSE level maintains their love of l'italiano throughout their academic career and beyond.The trouble  is, with societies around the world becoming more competitive, a university degree, even from the finest UK institutions, is not necessarily a passport to a better job.If you aspire to be such a global citizen, you must surely intend to prove your knowledge of Italian through the International Baccalaureate.Especially if you have just completed a few semesters at the University for Foreigners at Perugia. This most rigorous of exams requires you to sit for six separate segments, including a foreign language component.As you have been studying Italian for most of your academic career, wouldn't that be your language of choice?Another facet that you must choose for your IB â€" as the International Baccalaureate exam is known, is an aesthetics subject: music, art or theatre.Molto Bene! That is where you will shine!Again, we assert: learning a language means learning its culture.That means the food, the music and movies, the art... everything about Italy.As you have been compiling an Italian phrasebook over the years, as you have grown enamored with how to speak Italian; for all of the Italian articles you have rea d or composed, all of your dedication to learn a language comes down to this.Every Italian language course has prepared you for this moment: validating your Italian vocabulary at the highest level possible.Find a language course with a private tutor near you:Italian language courses londonItalian language courses ManchesterItalian language courses LeedsBuona Fortuna!

Buying a Violin What to Consider

Buying a Violin What to Consider What Should You Ask Yourself Before you Buy a Violin? ChaptersWhat Are the Different Types of Violin?Violin Tuning: Where to BeginWhat is the Cost of Violins?Caring for Your ViolinStradivarius ViolinsWhether you’re completely new to music lessons or you’re simply looking to fully commit to your musical education by purchasing a violin of your very own, the process of looking for a suitable violin can quickly become complicated.When it comes to choosing a violin to suit you as a player, music teachers can be incredibly helpful in providing advice around violin makers, suppliers in your local area and the prices you can expect to pay for a range of violins.However, heading in the right direction can be difficult if you haven’t yet met with your violin instructor but you’re looking to buy an instrument before your first lesson.Getting to grips with the world of violins can help you feel a bit more confident on your visits to music shops.Having a good idea about the things to consider when looking for your ideal violin will give you a far better chance of a successful purchase.Whether you want to know more about the various types of violin, the history of string instruments, violin sizes, playing the violin, how to tune and look after your violin or the pricing for different types of violin, this article will guide you through the wonderful world of the smallest member of the string family!Given that most violin lessons for beginners are taught to youngsters, naturally their first instruments are of a smaller size than those played by adults.Hiring or buying a violin of the correct size is absolutely essential for any violinist as playing a violin of the wrong size can lead to discomfort and even hinder progress â€" so don’t be tempted to buy a larger violin for a young musician to grow into!Whether you're renting or buying, the student should be able to comfortably hold the scroll of a violin in the palm of their left hand for the instrument to be a good fit.So, what other types of violin are out there?The electric violin is a popular choice for those who perform regularly in front of large crowds, as their make-up enables their sound to be amplified and played through electronic sound systems.Electric violins are the same size and have the same number of strings are acoustic violins, so switching between the two is not difficult for violinists.Another alternative to the acoustic violin is the electro-acoustic type (also known as semi-electric or acoustic-electric).Electro-acoustic violins are all about flexibility, as they provide the player with the sound of an acoustic violin whilst giving them the option to transmit this sound through an amplifier.Most violinists are happy to keep playing their acoustic instruments, while more advanced players and those who are working towards a career on-stage tend to opt for more advanced violins.Violin Tuning: Where to BeginFor those who are encountering stringed instruments for the very first time, tuning up can be daunting.How to tune a violi n properly?  How do I know when each string is in-tune? What happens if I snap a string?Violins have four strings which are tuned in perfect fifths.This means that the pitch of each string is from lowest to highest is the fifth note of the scale of the one before it. So, the strings are tuned to the notes G, D, A and E (where G is the lowest note and E is the highest).So, what is the correct way to tune a violin?The way you tune a violin will depend on how out-of-tune it is in the first place.For example, if your violin has just had new strings put on it and you’re tuning them for the first time, use the tuning pegs (located beyond the fingerboard).Turning the tuning pegs tightens and loosens the strings. It’s important to remember to be gentle with your violin’s strings â€" even if they are horrendously out-of-tune!Turn each peg slowly as you pluck the string to listen to the pitch. Once it has reached the right pitch, move onto the next string.The other way to tune-up is to use the fine-tuners which are located on the violin tailpiece.Learning to tune a violin properly is important to ensure quality sound. Source: PixabayIt is recommended that you use the fine tuners (rather than the tuning pegs) as much as possible to prevent string breakages.Your violin teacher will be able to show you how to properly tune your violin, however, there are also plenty of online tutorials to help you too. TomViolin Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StacyViolin Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtieViolin Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BenedictViolin Teacher 5.00 (8) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaisiiaViolin Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AmyViolin Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuísViolin Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoViolin Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is the Cost of Violins?When the time comes for you to begin your search for a violin of your own, you’ll notice that the asking prices of violins can vary a lot depending on the make and model of the violin, as well as the level of player each violin is intended for.So, if you’re a beginner looking to purchase your very first violin, how much money should you be prepared to part with?There are many ways to find out which are the best student violins for beginners, such as approaching violin specialists at your local music shop or looking for advice online.As a general rule, you should expect to pay £50- £100 for your very first good violin outfit, however, if you’re looking for a musical instrument which will suit you in the long run, it can be worth investing up to £300 in a good-quality violin which is suitable for both beginner and intermediate players.For instance, most violin shops sell brands of student violin such as Windsor and Antoni, which are reputable yet affordable and inexpensive options with a heightened level of playability to suit any beginner violinist.As you progress in your musical career, you may want to invest in a high-specification instrument which will help you to produce a richer tone and to showcase your technical skills.Stentor and Forenza are among some of the violin makers which develop violins for intermediate players.But remember, don’t just make decisions based on brand names.Remember that within every brand are various models of violin which are developed with the needs of specific types of student in mind, so make sure that you do your research on specific models before you make a final decision!Caring for Your ViolinLearning how to play the violin involves much more than learning how to play the right notes in the right places.As a musician, it’s your responsibility to take care of the instrument that you play to ensure that it is in the best possible condition when you play it.Proper maintenance of yo ur violin will ensure that it produces a high-quality sound as well as reducing the risk of damage.For violinists, good maintenance means taking steps to care for your instrument on both a regular and long-term basis.So, how do you take care of a violin?Most of your violin maintenance takes place after you’ve finished playing your violin.Once you’ve finished practicing your pieces or rehearsing with your orchestra, you should wipe down your violin with a dry cloth. Doing this will remove any dust or residue which may build up and affect the violin’s overall tone if not removed.Keeping your violin in a case will protect it from damage ¦ source: Pixabay - LaPorteAnother essential care tip concerns the violin bow. Violin bows are made of horsehair and, like the violin itself, they are quite delicate and therefore require a level of care.Just as you tighten the bow hair before playing your violin, you should also loosen it before putting the violin and bow away in a violin case.V iolin cases also play a mian role in looking after your violin, as they provide a tailor-made cushion for the instrument. Violins should always be stored in a hard case when not being used - and remember to remove your violin shoulder rest and practice mute before you put your violin away!Cleaning the dust off your violin, keeping it in a case and loosening the horsehair on the bow are just two things you can do to care for your instrument on a daily basis â€" but what about in the longer term?Changing a violin’s strings is must for any violinist. It is recommended that players change their strings once every 12 months (less-experienced violinists should visit an expert at a violin shop who can lend a hand before they learn to do it themselves).With time, violin strings can become worn as the rosin builds up on them. This can eventually affect the violin’s sound and put the strings at risk of breaking, so re-stringing is an essential part of keeping string instruments sounding b right.Stradivarius ViolinsOne of the famous names that constantly crops up in discussions about violins is ‘Stradivarius’.But what makes Stradivarius violins so special? And can you still buy them today?Stradivarius string instruments get their name from their makers, the family of Antonio Stradivari, an Italian family who crafted violins, violas, and cellos during the 1600s and 1700s.Though only around 600 of the original Stradivarius violins still exist, many manufacturers have attempted to copy the classic Stradivarius design in tribute to the famous makers.Most original handmade Stradivarius instruments are owned privately or by museums, and if you’re looking to buy a  strad  of your own, you’ll need to have at least £2 million in your back pocket!Nevertheless, the Stradivari legacy is an important part of the rich and interesting history of stringed instruments which lives on in the violin crafting of today.You can look around for violin lessons london if you wish to l earn more and are based in the capital.

12 Classic French Movies All Students Need to See

12 Classic French Movies All Students Need to See Suzy S. Nothing beats relaxing with a great film while you practice your French! French tutor  Carol Beth  shares her favorite French movies for students Watching movies is a great way to maintain and expand your knowledge of French, and there are quite a few enjoyable French movies out there. The following list covers many of the most well-known films that students should check out. The list begins with the most “tame” movies and progresses to those that include romantic themes (or scenes) and sometimes violence. For later films, parents and teachers of younger French students may wish to preview, warn, supervise, obtain guardian permission, or wait until the children or students are mentally and emotionally ready. Ratings are included where possible. 1) Astérix et Obélix contre César (1999) This film is based on the popular French comic strip starring the two title characters. Astérix is a fierce and clever little Gaulois who with his big, strong sidekick Obélix and the rest of their village stands up to the Romans who have taken over the rest of Gaul (Frances old name), and would love to finish off their task by taking over Astérix and Obelixs village. But, Asterix and Obelix are too clever for that, right? This film was followed by Astérix Obélix: Mission Cléopâtre in 2002, Astérix aux Jeux Olympiques in 2008, and Astérix et Obélix: Au service de sa Majesté in 2012. Unlike the comic strip, these four films are all live-action films with real actors. There have also been quite a few cartoon-based movies from the 1967 cartoon Astérix le Gaulois all the way up to the 2014 3-D cartoon Asterix: Le Domaine des dieux. Not all seem to have been rated. As a reference point, Astérix Obélix: Mission Cléopâtre was rated PG. 2) La Gloire de Mon Pere (My Fathers Glory) (1990) La Gloire de Mon Pere follows the experiences of a young boy during a vacation outside the city of Provence, in the south of France. The landscape and ways of life depicted in the film are typical of French families at the time of the film; southern French landscape still appears similarly today. La Gloire de Mon Pere also has a sequel, Le Chateau de Ma Mere (My Mothers Castle) (1990), in which the boys family returns to the city for work and school, but continues to visit the same country house on the weekends. Not rated. 3) Les Choristes (2004) For music and education lovers, Les Choristes is a little like a French Mr. Hollands Opus. The main character, a teacher, takes a job at a private boys school which is ruled with an iron fist by an overly-strict and closed-minded principal. The new teacher develops a more positive relationship with the students with his understanding character and love for music. The impact on all their lives is great, especially for one little boy, who grows up to become the films narrator. Rated PG-13. 4) Jean de Florette (1986) Jean de Florette is based on a novel by Marcel Pagnol, and tells the tragic tale of Jean de Florette a hunchback with a love for life, determination, and work ethic who returns to the land he has inherited in Provence with his wife and daughter. Their neighbors, an uncle and his grown nephew, pretend to be friends, but really have an eye on their land. Jean de Florette is followed by a sequel, Manon des Sources (1986), which follows the story of Jeans daughter, Manon. Manon des Sources follows up on and resolves much of what happened in Jean de Florette. Rated PG and PG-13, respectively. 5) Cyrano de Bergerac (1990) Cyrano de Bergerac is based on an 1897 French play by Edmond Rostand set in 18th-century Paris. Cyrano is a proud and eloquent soldier with a gift for poetry, but he is not very good-looking and is particularly sensitive about his rather large nose. He falls in love with his cousin, but she has her eye on a handsome but tongue-tied, ineloquent young soldier in Cyranos regiment named Christian. Out of his desire to express himself, without disrespecting the cousin he loves, Cyrano initiates a devious plot with Christian. This is a great film for those who love tragic romance that is also somewhat intellectual. Rated PG. 6) La Vie en Rose (2007) La Vie en Rose recounts the story of Edith Piaf (played by Marion Cotillard). Piaf was a famous 20th-century singer around the time of World War II who, despite difficult and humble beginnings and personal problems throughout her life, captured the French imagination. Rated PG-13. 7) Les Compères (1983) Les Compères begins with a worried mother who calls two old lovers to help her find, help and bring back home her troubled, runaway son. She independently tells both lovers neither of which is her husband nor the actual father her son has always known that they are his father. The boy is thoroughly confused when they find him almost simultaneously with the same claim, but comes to appreciate their humorously opposite personalities. Rated PG. 8) Timbuktu (2014) Timbuktu follows the story of Kidane, a cattle herder, who lives outside of Timbuktu at a time when religious fundamentalism has become more common. Though his life is at first peaceful, local ruling jihadists soon disrupt his and his familys lives. Includes Tuareg, Bambara, French, Arabic, and a little English. Rated PG-13. 9) Le Fabuleux Destin DAmélie Poulain (2001) Le Fabuleux Destin DAmélie Poulain was a hit in the US when it first came out, following the life of Amélie as she seeks true love. Amélie is a cute and sweet but mischievous character who puts her crush through quite a search through Paris to find her. Rated R. 10)La Femme Nikita (1990) Nikita is offered a chance to avoid punishment (life in prison) for past crimes in return for her role as an assassin. After some convincing, she does so â€" quite successfully cultivating her feminine charm, discretion, and deadly aim. As she builds her new life, she also finds herself a boyfriend she loves and who loves her. But then a mission goes awry. I do not recommend this film for especially young viewers or for those who are sensitive to romantic or violent scenes. Rated R. 11) The Trois Couleurs Trilogy The Trois Couleurs trilogy, consisting of Bleu (Blue), Blanc (White), and Rouge (Red) (named for the colors of the French flag), follows the stories of three groups of individuals whose stories are connected by the intersection of their lives. The films stories are said to represent liberty, equality, and fraternity â€" the ideals of the French Revolution. Bleu explores the life of the main character, Julie, as she seeks emotional liberty after the death of her husband and daughter in a car crash. Blanc follows Karol, a recent divorcee, as he seeks equality through revenge. And finally, Rouge explores the relationships between the characters and, at the end, connects the main characters from all three films. All three films are rated R. 12) La Haine (1995) La Haine examines the tense relationship between a group of poor Parisian immigrant youth and the police, caused in part by their actions and in part by prejudice towards them. The entire film is in black and white. Rated R. Are you a Netflix subscriber? Find the best French movies on Netflix now with our monthly guide to the cream of the streaming crop! Do you see a film that might fit your tastes? Many of them are available in the foreign films section of local video rental stores or on Amazon. Or, if theres a French movie you love that didnt make the list, tell us about it in the comments below! Carol Beth L. teaches  French lessons in San Francisco, CA. She also studied Japanese in high school and college.   She has her Masters in French language education from the Sorbonne University in Paris and has been teaching since 2009. Learn more about Carol Beth here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by  Sara Robertson