Digital Textbooks

Digital Textbooks Professors can now customize textbooks by editing, rewriting, or deleting various sections of them through new online software. Macmillan, one of the largest publishers of textbooks, is creating a new digital textbook program called DynamicBooks. This program will be like a Wikipedia version of textbooks, according to The New York Times. Many professors use generic textbooks and assign various outside-of-the-book readings and assignments. Also, professors typically ignore certain chapters or sections of the textbook and correct other sections in their lectures. However, this process can be facilitated with Macmillans DynamicBooks because professors can make all of these changes before a class starts. Professors can use DynamicBooks to upload syllabi, pictures, videos, class notes and assignments. Professors can now use textbooks as starting points, rewriting them to teach what is most relevant. This will increase and personalize the learning experiences for students because they wont be learning material from a book written 10 years ago. Class information will be presented in a more organized fashion, and students will be able to digitally access all of the courses relevant information in one area. Also, books purchased through DynamicBooks are likely to be much cheaper compared to more traditional formats. The New York Times used the textbook Psychology by Daniel L. Schacter, Daniel T. Gilbert and Daniel M. Wegner as an example. The books list price is $134.29, Barnes Nobles price is $122.73, and the book will sell for $48.76 at DynamicBooks. Essentially, DynamicBooks will give professors more teaching freedom, and they wont be trapped in the confines of teaching a book from an unfamiliar author. It will be easier for them to personalize every class, changing the textbooks content as needed. DynamicBooks is expected to launch in August with around 100 popular textbooks. The digital program is likely to grow into the future.

The History of Origami

The History of Origami The Complex Story Paper Folding ChaptersPaper: the Essential Ingredient of OrigamiOrigami: the Symbol of DisciplineOne Thousand Cranes for SadakoOrigami in EuropeOrigami Today‘Mary’ sat on a stool, a stack of glossy magazine pages beside her. Deftly, she manipulated each page until it was but a fraction of its original size.She went about her work swiftly and silently, only nodding a greeting as we arrived.Mary (‘my English name!’, she proudly boasts) lives in a small-ish Chinese city with her family. She and her paper crafts claim a prominent place in the household; as the senior household member, she takes her job of protecting and passing on traditional culture seriously.I just wondered why she was busily folding and refolding magazine pages.Later, around the dinner table, I got my answer. By each food bowl lay a paper bowl that Mary had folded  meant for table scraps: fish bones, peppers and slivers of ginger.There is some argument over whether the art of sculpting animals out of folded paper originated in China or in Japan but one thing is certain: the Japanese words for this practice are the ones that everyone knows.Come with us now as we explore how the Japanese learned to make paper, who the first origami artists were and why they practised their art.We’ll also look at how far origami has strayed from its iconic cranes and flowers. NanaJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YukoJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/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 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 tutorsPaper: the Essential Ingredient of Origami With a generous supply of colored paper, you too could make the origami star your trademark! Image by Gao Vang from PixabayNo matter how you cut it, paper had to be invented before anyone could fold it.Our first step to tracing the origins of origami is discovering paper-making, an act often credited to a Chinese inventor and politician named Cai Lun.Rather than inventing it, he refined the paper-making process; archaeologists found samples of a cruder type of paper along the ancient Silk Road that predates Cai Lun’s by about 300 years.Nevertheless, the relative ease and low cost of producing these hemp-fibre sheets in the manner he established meant that paper could be widely used. Soon, other provinces were making paper using a variety of fibres.The paper-making craft spread throughout Asia. In Korea, artisans discovered how to make paper out of seaweed, rice straw and bamboo fibres.Paper took the Korean Peninsula by storm! Soon, everyone had a use for paper and some envisioned e ven more paper possibilities: in 1234, Koreans invented the first metal movable type machine.The Chinese invented the movable type some 200 years earlier but they used wooden blocks.We’re getting much further ahead of ourselves than we should... the question we need to answer should be: how did paper making get to Japan?A Korean Buddhist monk named Don-Cho demonstrated the practice of paper-making to the Japanese emperor sometime around 610 AD. Soon, Japanese craftsmen were using paper to make fans, parasols and even body armour.In homes, windows consisted of rice paper; even the walls were sometimes made of paper!And then, someone had the idea to craft a keepsake box out of paper. Coating it with varnish and lacquer made it both beautiful and durable; thus an entire industry was born.In spite of its functionality, origami today still symbolises very specific aspects of Asian culture. what a personal touch a gift in an origami box would be! Image by Letterblade from PixabayOrigami: the Symbol of DisciplineEarly in Japan’s history of paper, it was very expensive so its usage was restricted to religious purposes. For instance, a wedding might feature origami butterflies. Such designs still feature in weddings today.Unfortunately, it is not known exactly when origami became a staple of Japanese culture.It is widely thought that the Shogun, an ultra-disciplined military force that ruled Japan (off and on) from 1185 to 1868 used the art of folding to teach discipline, precision and patience.Here, we have to make a distinction between two different types of Japanese origami: ceremonial and recreational.The aforementioned discipline exercises the Shoguns used would fall under the header of recreational origami â€" believe it or not. As for ceremonial origami, besides being used in weddings, this type had a more official purpose.Those samurai warriors were known to exch ange gifts. The recipient who would receive such a parcel adorned by a noshi â€" a type of ceremonial origami with a strip of dried meat or fish folded into the paper would have been a fellow well thought of indeed!Records of such gifts prove that, by the Muromachi period (1336 to 1573), origami was firmly ingrained into Japanese culture.Do you know why origami is so important in Japanese culture? Hiroshima Peace Park.Every year, millions of paper cranes make their way there from around the world, expressing a global wish for peace.Would you like to learn how to make origami animals? The origami crane has come to symbolise peace and hope Image by Ulrike Mai from PixabayOrigami in EuropePaper made its way to Europe via East Asia somewhere around the 11th Century but, here again, it was not used frivolously until a few hundred years later.The first recorded instance of an origami boat in Europe was in a book published in 1490.The next, most obvious example of origami in Europe came in John Webster’s play, The Duchess of Malfi, published in 1623, wherein a character alludes to ‘a paper prison’ - what is known today as a water bomb.Before paper made its way to northern European kingdoms, royal courts enjoyed displays of napkin folding â€" a decorative type of folding done with napkins.Some designs were rather simple; a diagonal pocket or what was known as a bishop’s fold. Others were quite elaborate: fans and roses; a fleur-de-lys fold was quite popular in France.Ironically enough, napkins were ideal for decorative folding because they were square; unfortunat ely, they lacked the rigidity of origami paper and, because of their use, quickly lost their form.That is why napkin folding was only a passing fad. After the 18th Century, it fell out of fashion, possibly because porcelain took its place as decorative tableware.Nevertheless, the ground had been laid for folding things into decorative shapes; all the royal courts needed was the right material.The next, most significant advance in European origami was surely Friedrich Froebel’s Kindergarten Method of instruction.He maintained that learning should be a hands-on activity rather than a passive exercise and rote repetition.He devised a system of student engagement that incorporates something remarkably similar to the day’s popular practice of napkin folding, except using paper rather than cloth.A few years after his death in 1852, when Japan opened her borders, they imported Froebel's method of learning and, oddly enough, adopted his recommendations for how to make an origami: double -sided square paper and no cutting or trimming allowed.Prior to the Japanese incorporating the educational benefits of origami into their schools’ curriculum, their origami practice permitted cutting (kirigami) and glueing or sewing (kusudama).To this day, Froebel’s style of easy origami using a square piece of paper is standard practice in Japan; in fact, it has opened up new avenues of industry to support the Japanese art.Japanese paper, specifically Washi paper has been voted the hands-down best by paper folders around the world. And did you know that they are now producing fold paper with crease patterns already imprinted?So, whether you are just learning how to fold or you already have several origami models under your belt, you can rest assured your paper art will turn out finer the higher quality paper you use. Today, you can make an origami butterfly by folding a dollar bill! Image by jordandemuth from PixabayOrigami TodayThe Japanese word for folding paper is universally recognised even though it was thought to have originated from the German language.It’s not so far-fetched that the German word inspired the Japanese one; it was likely imported, along with the Kindergarten Movement, sometime around 1880.Sadly, other words incorporating the Japanese ‘ori’ or ‘gami’ have fallen by the wayside:orikata: literally 'folded shapes'. Compare to martial arts katas which also involve assuming a pose or 'shape'.orimono translates to 'folded thing' (you might recognise ‘mono’ from the Japanese word ‘kimono’; that word's literal translation is 'wearing thing'.tatamigami: tatami is a straw floor matting common in Japanese homes; these mats are smaller; something we might use as place mats on our tables.kirigami: to cut paperStill, origami, at its purest, is not a lost art! Would you l ike for someone to suggest a few origami projects or maybe show you how to fold a tessellation? Perhaps point you to a few origami books for kids or talk you through a simple origami?Today, fans of the folding technique can get their origami on at clubs throughout the UK: the British Origami Society, the Folding Society; even NetMums has an origami club.And, just when you thought folding origami was merely a paper craft... would you be surprised to know that origami has engineering applications? Indeed, if you are in that line of work, you most likely have a few constructions you could bring to the next meeting...From a small town in China to a farm in rural Minnesota where I learned 3D origami (folding pages of a periodical to make a tree), origami folding has proven to be timeless, universal craft.And to think, if that Chinese politician hadn’t figured out how to make a thinner, more durable sheet of paper...We've now determined that, although origami is not strictly Japanese, i t has firm roots in Japan. Now we just need to know why...

How Do I Start Homeschooling My Child

How Do I Start Homeschooling My Child According to the United States Department of Education, about 1.8 million students were homeschooled in the U.S. in 2012, the most recent year that statistics were available. If you are contemplating homeschooling your own child, you might wonder how to begin. Great ways to get started with homeschooling include learning about the homeschooling laws in your state, connecting with other homeschool parents in your area, and creating a homeschool plan. Heres how to start homeschooling your child: Learn the homeschooling laws in your state Rules about homeschooling vary from state to state. While all states permit parents to educate their children at home, there are certain states, such as California, that may require parents to register as a private school. Other states, like New York, require students to take standardized tests at certain grade levels. You should also call your local public school district to see if you are required to officially withdraw your child from school in order to avoid an investigation from a truant officer. [RELATED: How Can Homeschooled Students Prep for the SAT/ACT?] Create a plan for homeschooling your child Homeschooling provides you with some freedom to tailor your childs education to his or her likes, dislikes, learning style, and needs. Two of the homeschooling structures that are used today include the traditional approach, where a student follows a structured, school-like curriculum created by his or her parent, and the unschooling approach, where students choose what and when they would like to learn. Many homeschool families also adopt techniques in-between these two approaches. Consider your childs personality when deciding which homeschooling route to take. Is your child an enthusiastic self-starter, or does he or she thrive with outside structure? Is your child artistic, or more focused on traditional school subjects like math and science? Consider these potential scenarios: Student A is highly self-motivated with creative tendencies. He may do better in a less structured educational environment. Student B positively responds to structure. She may do better in a more traditional homeschooling environment. [RELATED: 4 Educational Family Field Trips] Reach out to other parents who are homeschooling their children It can be challenging for first-time homeschoolers to determine which approach is right for their family. To gain more insight, you can reach out to homeschooling parents in your community and ask them how they developed their homeschooling approach. If youre having trouble finding parents who homeschool in your community, it can be helpful to chat with parents online through resources like homeschooling forums. Homeschool co-ops can also be helpful for first-time homeschooling parents. A homeschool co-op creates a space where parents can trade their expertise and experience. Look online and on social media to see if a homeschool co-op exists in your area. [RELATED: How to Enhance Your Student's Experience with Literature] Take your time when starting homeschooling It can take time for your family to adjust to homeschooling, especially if your child has already been to a public or private school. It will also take time for you, the parent, to acclimate to being a teacher. Patience is essential. Be observant of your childs progress and attitude. If something isnt working, re-evaluate it, and try different curricula or educational philosophies. Homeschooling can be very effective due to its flexibility and its ability to accommodate the needs of your child, your values, and your lifestyle. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

7 Tips to Take Your Career to the Next Level - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 7 Tips to Take Your Career to the Next Level - Introvert Whisperer 7 Tips to Take Your Career to the Next Level If you’ve been struggling in your current job for a couple of years now, perhaps it is time to prepare yourself for a new challenge. Of course, it is difficult to see the path your current career is leading you, unless you really took the time to plan every single aspect of it. Then again, you need not to fret about anything because the truth is that there are plenty of tips you can use to take your career to the next level. While some of these might seem too obvious, we are confident that they are really effective. 1. Find better jobs. Sometimes, you just really have to change things a bit for you to move up. If you have been in the same position for several years already, it is likely that your bosses wanted you there. Even if you worked so hard, it’s just that you can’t convince people that you have what it takes if you are still in the same role. Therefore, move on and take the leap. Find better jobs. 2. Hone your skills. The more skills you have, the more chances you’ll be up for a promotion. Whether you believe it or not, employers will value you more if you have more skills. And if they see your willingness to learn and improve your qualifications, they might even end up enrolling you to a new course. Well, that doesn’t mean you have to quit your job to learn things. Depending on your agreement with your employer, you can always ask for some time off work or maybe study at night. Just remember that knowledge is power. The more you hone your expertise, the more your employers will appreciate you. 3. Grow your network. Having great connections may give you an edge. When it comes to finding success in careers, networking is very important. Thus, you need to ensure you make new connections once in a while. Finding connections is never hard. You can attend conferences and participate in various seminars. You can also go out with your colleagues and bosses. As soon as you get the liking of the people around you, they’ll trust you more in dealing bigger responsibilities and projects. 4. Work even harder. Well, you should start working hard right now. You can begin by volunteering to stay late to meet deadlines. You’ll see that those extra hours could make a great difference in what your bosses think of you. Basically, you just need to go above and beyond. Be more initiative at work. Start projects on your own and impress your employers. By doing that, you will definitely stand out! 5. Consider changing industries. Okay, this one might be a bit tough, but more often than not, it can be the best decision you can do. If you think you have already reached the peak of your current career, take another ladder and find other opportunities. Some careers are just too easy to move up while others can be tough. Though changing your career is a difficult decision, you will get through it in the long run. 6. Take advantage of every single opportunity. As a professional, make it a habit of doing more than you are tasked to do. Find other opportunities you think may add value to your career. Understand why certain tasks are assigned to you. Know how these tasks will contribute to the betterment of the company. Pay attention to the bigger picture and find out how all your tasks affect the company’s goals and growth. 7. Your attitude matters. If you really want to succeed in your career, do know that your attitude matters. Arrogance and pride won’t help you in your career. Yes, your bosses can teach you about the technicalities of work, but they can never teach you how to act. If you ever find yourself caught up in a wrong situation, approach it openly and be willing to accept mistakes. Don’t act as if you know it all. It is about time to take a look at your present career. Once you decide to step higher, do your homework with diligence. Speak with professionals in your field and ask about what skills you need to be where you want to be. All your efforts will soon pay off. Author Bio: Crispin Magnus is a freelance writer in New York covering human resource management, and sales and digital marketing. When he is not working there is 99 % chance that he is planning his next trip to another country. Go to top CAREER ACCELERATION Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

3 Things Tutors Can Provide For SAT And ACT Prep That Teachers Cant

3 Things Tutors Can Provide For SAT And ACT Prep That Teachers Can't For students about to take the SAT as well as their parents, it can be a point of debate whether or not to find a tutor for test prep. Some think it would be unheard of to take the test without being prepared by a tutor or qualified teacher, while others seem to think it's an expense that can easily be spared as long as you do well in school. In truth, there are many things tutors can do for students they can't do alone or with the help of a teacher. 1. TUTORS CAN PROVIDE DISCIPLINE It's true that there are many bright students who may have the capability to prepare themselves for the SAT, but that doesn't mean they have the discipline to do so. It's also not safe to assume that teachers will provide SAT-oriented material. Having an SAT coach means that a student is held accountable for studying specified portions of material, and therefore, it gives the student the discipline needed to do so. There's no doubting that the right amount of studying will improve a test score, but some students need the incentive to actually study. 2. TUTORS CAN PROVIDE SPECIALIZED HELP Many students do extremely well in certain subjects but not-so-well in others. For example, some students are proficient in math and science courses, but struggle with writing. If this is the case, it can be helpful to find a tutor who specializes in a certain subject. You can't get all the helpyou need just from sitting in class, because lesson plans are designed to accommodate everyone. When you find a tutor, you can sit down and explain exactly what you're having trouble with. Specialized help is one of the biggest benefits of hiring a tutor or coach. 3. TUTORS ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE EXPECTATIONS OF COLLEGES The benefit of having SAT tutors is that they're familiar with what colleges expect of their applicants. Together, a student and tutor can reach goals that are both attainable and specific to the program that the student is applying to, making it more likely they will get into their top choices and excel in their programs. Get started with finding a tutor or learn more about Huntingtons SAT prep programs and how they can help you reach your SAT goals. 3 Things Tutors Can Provide For SAT And ACT Prep That Teachers Can't For students about to take the SAT as well as their parents, it can be a point of debate whether or not to find a tutor for test prep. Some think it would be unheard of to take the test without being prepared by a tutor or qualified teacher, while others seem to think it's an expense that can easily be spared as long as you do well in school. In truth, there are many things tutors can do for students they can't do alone or with the help of a teacher. 1. TUTORS CAN PROVIDE DISCIPLINE It's true that there are many bright students who may have the capability to prepare themselves for the SAT, but that doesn't mean they have the discipline to do so. It's also not safe to assume that teachers will provide SAT-oriented material. Having an SAT coach means that a student is held accountable for studying specified portions of material, and therefore, it gives the student the discipline needed to do so. There's no doubting that the right amount of studying will improve a test score, but some students need the incentive to actually study. 2. TUTORS CAN PROVIDE SPECIALIZED HELP Many students do extremely well in certain subjects but not-so-well in others. For example, some students are proficient in math and science courses, but struggle with writing. If this is the case, it can be helpful to find a tutor who specializes in a certain subject. You can't get all the helpyou need just from sitting in class, because lesson plans are designed to accommodate everyone. When you find a tutor, you can sit down and explain exactly what you're having trouble with. Specialized help is one of the biggest benefits of hiring a tutor or coach. 3. TUTORS ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE EXPECTATIONS OF COLLEGES The benefit of having SAT tutors is that they're familiar with what colleges expect of their applicants. Together, a student and tutor can reach goals that are both attainable and specific to the program that the student is applying to, making it more likely they will get into their top choices and excel in their programs. Get started with finding a tutor or learn more about Huntingtons SAT prep programs and how they can help you reach your SAT goals.

Top 4 Differences Between the SAT and ACT

Top 4 Differences Between the SAT and ACT One of the most common questions I get from my students is whether they should take the SAT or the ACT.   Frankly, the answer to that question depends on each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and personal preferences.  If you’d like to talk through your student’s unique situation, please contact us and speak with a director.Back in the day, the tests were mostly regional: students on the coasts took the SAT, and those in the middle of the country took the ACT.   Now, though, students all over the country often take both tests. Colleges accept both the SAT and ACT, so it makes sense for students to try both tests and see which one yields a higher score.There are several major differences between the SAT and the ACT:1) The SAT is more focused on complex problem-solving and critical thinking, and the ACT is more straightforward.   Generally speaking, students who enjoy solving puzzles and reasoning through complex situations will prefer the style of the SAT.   The ACT is better f or students who appreciate straightforward questions, both in math and reading comprehension.2) The ACT has a science section, and the SAT does not.   Now, before you write off the ACT, thinking you’ve forgotten everything from science class, take heart â€" ACT science is more like reading comprehension with charts and graphs.   It’s not an easy section, but you don’t need outside science knowledge to get a good score.3) The ACT is faster-paced than the SAT.   Most students feel time pressure on the ACT, especially on the reading comprehension and science sections.   Both sections have 40 questions to complete in 35 minutes. Timing practice is essential to doing well on the ACT.4) ACT math covers more trigonometry than SAT math does.   ACT math questions (especially the harder ones) will use basic trig concepts like SOH-CAH-TOA.   Make sure you understand this concept before taking the ACT.For all the differences between the SAT and ACT, most students end up scoring similarly on both tests. However, some students do much better on one test, which is why we recommend that students who are looking to maximize their standardized testing profile take both tests.  You can learn more about our efficient, 1-on-1 SAT/ACT hybrid preparation here!We’d be happy to schedule an SAT/ACT diagnostic test and help you analyze your scores â€" just get in touch with one of our directors by sending an email info@ajtutoring.com or by giving us a call at (650) 331-3251!

How Do We Learn Language 5 Key Tips That Unlock Your Brains Potential

How Do We Learn Language 5 Key Tips That Unlock Your Brains Potential How Do We Learn Language? Heres What Modern Linguists and Learners Have to Say It seems like magic.Crazy multilingual hyperpolyglots are learning six or seven or twenty languages.Others only learn one or two, but they  learn them  to exceptionally high levels of fluency,  with the  accent and local slang to pass for natives.Babies, otherwise unable to do literally a single useful thing for themselves, make the leap from babbling poop machines to creators  of fluent sentences seemingly overnight.Even retirees, old enough to be the great grandparents of the freshest generation of two-year-olds approaching fluency in their native languages, are learning new languages later in life  and doing it well.Which raises the question: how do we genius humans, with our big brains and advanced societies, learn language?The answer to that question is complicated, but we can tell you one thing outright: you dont need to be wildly intelligent, especially talented or good at languages to learn a language.The specifics of how you personally set out to learn a foreign language are particular to you, but for the most part, we all learn language through the same series of biological, cognitive and social processes that work exactly the same across cultures and individuals.Now, learning our first language as a child is a different feat entirely than  setting out to learn a foreign tongue as an adult. But to really get a grip on whats going on when were learning foreign languages as adults, it helps to understand not just how we naturally acquire our mother tongue, but also why language is both unique to humans and ubiquitous in our societies. Learning Language: The Thing That Makes Us Human?You could argue that when youre learning a language, youre at your most human.Language is something we all share as humans, and alongside our fancy opposable thumbs its one of the core characteristics that make us just a bit cooler than all the other animals.Today there are around seven thousand languages spoken around  the world, including sounds and grammatical features that can seem distinctly alien to the languages many of us are familiar with, yet all languages are  in nearly every way more similar than contrasting.Starting with the most fundamental fact, any healthy human child exposed to any language anywhere in the world will always, always learn language. Theres never once been a kid who just never quite picked it up, and there never will be.It doesnt stop there: did you know that children learn many linguistic structures in the exact same order  throughout the world, regardless of their language?The facts that language is universal in human societies and that we all learn it in the same way are two of the biggest pieces of evidence for the theory of Universal Grammar, one of the concepts that launched MIT linguist Noam Chomsky to fame. Universal Grammar argues that humans are born with an innate ability to learn languages and that the mechanisms that identify and interpret grammar are hardwired into the brain.While there are tons of argumen ts (some more compelling and exciting than others) for different interpretations of human language, Chomskys theory is and has been the near-consensus among linguists since the 1970s.Regardless of diverging thoughts on where it comes from, most of modern linguistics is in agreement that human language is essentially a system of symbols used to communicate. We use words like apple, pomme  and ????? as symbols to point our minds to the delicious red fruit that actually has no inherent relationship to the word were saying. Its just an apple or a pomme or whatever else because we say it is.You could say that its this capacity for symbolic thought that makes us human, allowing us to  use sounds, pictures, letters and other abstract representations of things or ideas that arent right in front of us.As we climb towards fluency in our first language or any other, were learning how to use and understand these symbols to communicate with others and interact with the world around us. And thats important for how we think about how we learn a language.How Do We Learn Language? Heres What Modern Linguists and Learners Have to SayChild Language Acquisition: How We All Learned Our Native Language Without Cracking a BookNobody ever had to learn how to learn their first language. It happens whether we like it or not.One of the reasons babies are so good at language learning is neurological: babies brains enjoy some special tech upgrades. While all of us were born with them, we lost them somewhere between diapers and high school Spanish.Babies, like all humans, are experts at statistical learning: observing the overwhelming amounts of linguistic information theyre presented with every day and making exceptionally accurate generalizations about the patterns they deduce. Every time you say bottle with bottle in hand, the infant brain jots down some notes on the possible relationship between the sounds its hearing and their possible relationship to that object in Moms hand.But they re also busy investigating when you use in versus  on, why you sometimes call yourself I and sometimes me, and what happens when a familiar verb gets an -ing at the end of it.Listening, analyzing and collecting statistical samples is only half of the story of child language learning.We can think of the other half as the use it or lose it principle.In combination with the masses of statistical data they gather, children employ social language learning strategies to truly master their mother tongues. This is the reason behind another universal linguistic truth: no child will ever learn a language without human interaction.Its through combining the statistical with the social that babies finally start taking off at breakneck speed and using their language to interact with other humans around one year of age. Want milk makes Daddy bring the bottle, again makes Mommy come back for another round of peek-a-boo and whats that becomes the key to unlocking all the worlds secrets.Adult Languag e Acquisition: How We Learn Language, How We Cant and How We ShouldThe two key components of child language acquisitionâ€"statistical and social learningâ€"are the same ones at play when adults learn languages. But both the adult brain and, more importantly, the adult social life feature some key differences from those of children.Adult language learning is basically the same game, just  with different rules.Being a grown-up is hard: why we cant learn language exactly like babies doSetting out to learn a language like a baby is a great strategy, as long as you remember that youre doing it  like a baby, with the differences between child and adult language learning in mind.Since both the statistical nuts and bolts and the social use of language are the main cruxes of language learning, you may not be surprised that they figure in differently to the lives of three-year-olds and thirty-year-olds.Its understanding these differences that can help you learn a language like your younger se lf.Here are some of the key differences adult language learners should be aware  of as they embark on learning a new language:Adults already speak at least one language fluently. Yes, you already have some language skills. But this can actually be a problem. One way of explaining why babies always beat us in language learning is that we as adults are actually so incredibly good at our mother tongues that it confuses the way we think about language in general. Your first language hardwires your brain for language learning and has a huge impact on any language learning that follows.Adults respond to social sanctioning, where children mostly dont. Babies arent afraid to make mistakes. If it takes them two tries or twenty to get a grammar rule or a pronunciation down, theyll keep coming back until theyve got it. Adults, on the other hand, are particularly susceptible to shame and embarrassment. Were afraid of looking stupid in front of others, so we protect ourselves by using a new lang uage too conservatively (being afraid to try out new words and forms we think we might understand) or not speaking at all.Adults communicate in mostly equal relationships. A babys main conversation partners are her parents and other adults, who naturally adapt their speech to accommodate childrens less advanced linguistic abilities. Adults, on the other hand, are used to communicating as equals. The vast majority of your speech exchanges in a foreign language force you to engage with the same level and speed of speech as native speakers.Other things demand our attention. Babies as a group tend to have sky-high unemployment rates, which means theyre free to dedicate absolutely all of their time to learning their mother tongue. For adults, between jobs and errands and relationships and the thousand other things we need to do every day just to keep ourselves afloat, finding the time to learn a language can be a challenge.Adults have to try. This is the biggest difference: a baby just n eeds to hang around for a couple years not doing much of anything, and their linguistically awesome brains take care of the learning for them. As adults, our brains are less plastic and more resistant to change, which means we have to push them, and sometimes all that trying just makes things worse.In essence, how adults and children learn language is really the same. We observe native speakers,  identify patterns in the language (statistical learning) and then we test those patterns by interacting with other people, using their feedback to correct and better nuance the patterns weve deduced (social learning).What really changes between childhood and adulthood is both our brains and our lives.But the first doesnt change as much as you might think, and we have enough control over the second to keep it from  squashing our multilingual ambitions.Brain plasticity and the critical period: the neuro-acrabatics of  how we learn languageIf theres one specific thing that separates how childr en learn language from how we as adults learn language, its the critical period.The critical period of language learning refers to the period of a childs life, from birth until somewhere between age 5 and puberty according to various experts, in which theyre uniquely neurologically prepared to acquire a language. Studies show that there is in fact a critical period for all language learning, even sign language.The trademark feature of the critical period is what gives babies their ultimate language learning advantage: increased brain plasticity.This means that babies brains are uniquely adapted to growing and changing quickly, whereas our adult brains generally become less plastic over time. And physically growing your brain isnt just one of the benefits of learning a language, but also a requirement for it.So, how do we as adults account for our decreased brain plasticity and the practical factors that make it harder for us to learn languages?5 Key Language Learning Tips That Unloc k Your Brains PotentialUsing what we know about how both adults and children learn language, we can  make our brains learn language faster and better as adults.The  following  lessons and tips  are all aimed at navigating the constraints of learning a language as an adult,  increasing your brain plasticity  and doing your best to incorporate the strategies of a child language learner into the life and reality of an adult language learner:Even though our brains mechanisms for language learning are severely weakened around puberty, we can re-strengthen them as adults.  Just by starting to learn a new language youre reawakening these parts of your brain. Borrowing learning strategies from child learners helps the process.Retraining your brain to learn second languages more easily, like you did as a child, might be one of the best language learning advantages you can give yourself.Adults and children both rely heavily on statistical learning, but they do so in very different ways. Babie s brains are like sponges, whereas adults are more like cups: dump liters and liters of language on and around the first and itll get soaked up, but the second is useless unless the language is poured directly and purposefully into it.Adult language learners need to actively pursue and dedicate time to their language learning, as well as  acquire language input purposefully.Social interaction is indispensable, but it works differently for adults and children. Babies lives are filled with a few unequal relationships with caretakers and loved ones who become personally attuned to the childs speech and learning. Its like having a flock of attentive, patient and understanding personal tutors round the clock.Adults, however, lack the guiding light of motherese,  and instead have to use their language to navigate complicated adult interactions. Adult learners need extra patience and dedication for getting through these interactions, especially in the earlier stages of learning.While most adults can only recognize speech sounds present in their own language, your ears can be reset to learn new speech sounds naturally. Part of learning a language as a baby is strategically narrowing the range of speech sounds listened to and focusing in on the ones that matter in your language, but you can retrain your ears and regain your ability to recognize and interpret new sounds that you havent previously given meaning to.Adult learners must be prepared to work extra hard to both understand and be able to pronounce new sounds in the languages they learn.Adults can achieve native-like fluency in a language learned later in life, but only under certain circumstances. Certain immersive language situations can lead adult language learners to develop native-like pronunciation, usage and even psycho-linguistic processing of a second language. Some learners who also follow other best practices attain and retain the brain activity patterns of native speakers, which may also imply a nati ve-like understanding of the language. Adult learners generally benefit most from immersion or immersion-like learning settings.Its true that there are a lot of important differences between how children and adult learn languages, and its clear that babies have some distinct advantages over older learners, but adults also enjoy certain language learning advantages over their tiny crawling counterparts.While its been a popular urban myth for decades that only children can  really  learn languages and learn them, well, nowadays we can definitively say we know better.Language is inherently human, and humans are always changing, which might be why were able to miraculously revive our childlike abilities for language acquisition and literally grow and reshape our brains when we want to or need to.So, now that you know a bit more about what learning a language looks like inside your head, you can start learning a foreign language today! And One More ThingSo you really want to learn a la nguage? Then its time to check out FluentU!FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.With FluentU, you hear languages in real-world contextsâ€"the way that native speakers actually use them.Just a quick look will give you an idea of the variety of FluentU videos on offer:FluentU really takes the grunt work out of learning languages, leaving you with nothing but engaging, effective and efficient learning. It’s already hand-picked the best videos for you and organized them by level and topic. All you have to do is choose any video that strikes your fancy to get started!Each word in the interactive captions comes with a definition, audio, image, example sentences and more.Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and easily review words and phrases from the video under Vocab.You can use FluentU’s unique adaptive quizzes to learn the vocabulary and phrases from the video through fun questions and exercises. Just swipe left or right to see more examples of the word youre studying.The program even keeps track of what you’re learning and tells you exactly when it’s time for review, giving you a 100% personalized experience.Start using FluentU on the website  with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the  iTunes store  or  Google Play store.

This Reading Program Completer Gained Confidence from Kumon

This Reading Program Completer Gained Confidence from Kumon This Reading Program Completer Gained Confidence from Kumon Ankit, 11-years-old, Math Level L Reading Program Completer Considered to be one of the most influential scientists of the 20th Century, Albert Einstein’s work paved the way for future groundbreaking discoveries and continues to inspire young scientists to make an impact on the world we live in today. He said, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” 11-year-old Kumon Student Ankit not only looks to Einstein for inspiration, but he also embodies his natural sense of wonder, and never stops questioning the unknown. For Ankit, his learning doesn’t stop when the school bell rings at the end of the day. His curiosity leads him to dive into books to try to understand the way the universe works. With a dream of becoming a physicist, Ankit credits Kumon for giving him the confidence and ability to learn independently. “In Kumon, I’ve become more independent and this applies out of the classroom as well,” said Ankit. “I’ve also learned that my success relies on me, and no one else. To be successful and to help you move forward, you have to truly understand the formulas behind things and how they work. Kumon has given me the ability to think that way.” Ever since Ankit enrolled in Kumon when he was just five years old, he has been focused on the goals that lie ahead. Before entering middle school, Ankit successfully completed the Kumon Reading Program. His love for reading was fueled by Kumon, and he can now say he has already analyzed high school level literature. Determined to also complete the Kumon Math Program, Ankit is impressively working with logarithmic equations and developing skills to solve derivatives. Ankit has taken his knowledge to the competitive level. He was selected to represent his school at the 2018-2019 North Carolina Science Fair and was awarded Honorable Mention for his work. When he is not coming up with a new scientific discovery, Ankit enjoys writing and maintaining a blog comprised of poems, short stories, and even has a book in the works! “I want to be a physicist when I grow up because I want to find out the secrets and the workings of the universe,” said Ankit. “I also want to be a writer because I want to create worlds like the ones in the sci-fi books I read.” What do you enjoy most about Kumon? I enjoy the independence that Kumon has given me. It gives me the ability to learn concepts on my own. It doesn’t outright give me the answer. Instead, it drops little hints that lead me to the main goal and leave the rest for me. If you ask for help, the Instructor will lead you, not tell you. How has Kumon helped you academically? Kumon has helped me study several grades’ worth of material in less than a year, and as a result, helps me learn material years before I even see it in school. Combine that with the independence I’ve gained and focus skills, other subjects like social studies or science also benefit. What’s the most beneficial thing you’ve learned in Kumon? I feel that the most helpful thing I’ve learned (and am still learning) is how important it is to not get distracted from your work. It’s important to concentrate as hard as your mind can, and not allow yourself to be distracted from the background noise. If you could sum up your Kumon experience in one word, what would it be? Kumon has helped me find a world where Shakespearean plays are a daily indulgence, and numbers don’t always represent values. Before I started, I imagined I had a molehill in front of me. Now, the mist has cleared, and I can see a mountain. I’ve realized that if I could go up to the end of high school mathematics while I am only ending elementary school, there’s so much more potential that lies ahead of me. My one word would be: “Insightful.” Who is your biggest inspiration and why? One of my main inspirations is Albert Einstein. Most people would think that I’m inspired by him because he persisted even while his teachers told him that he couldn’t do anything. He sought to find a new way of thinking about the universe and physics, even when there were barely any studies about space before him. He inspires me because he was able to find something new â€" an original idea. What’s your favorite book and why? I have 200+ books in my bedroom, so you can probably guess why it’s hard for me to find one favorite. After carefully picking, I chose Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials by James Dashner. There are a lot of reasons why I call this book one of my favorites. First, I like it because it isn’t a fairy tale. In fact, the main characters even get captured in the end. Overall it is a great read and I highly recommend it! How did you feel when you found out you were selected to attend the 2019 Kumon Student Conference?   I felt elated! It was satisfying to see how hard work pays off in the end. What was your experience like at the 2019 Kumon Student Conference, and what was your favorite part? At the Student Conference, I felt a sense of belonging to be with other so similar, yet different, Kumon Students and high achievers. I was inspired by the stories of former Kumon Students and their success. My favorite part was the Mummy Game, in which we had to work as a group to solve clues and puzzles to find an “exit.” What advice would you give to kids just starting Kumon? It might seem boring or hard, but if you pursue the work at your own pace and set goals for yourself, you will find yourself yearning for progress and learning. Discover even more student success stories. You might also be interested in: Meet Arianne, A Reading Program Completer Who Gained Confidence in her English Abilities through Kumon This Young Reading Program Completer Developed a Love for Literature in Kumon This Young Artist Gained Her Confidence With Kumon Kumon Reading Program Completer Motivated by Other Students This Reading Program Completer Gained Confidence from Kumon This Reading Program Completer Gained Confidence from Kumon Ankit, 11-years-old, Math Level L Reading Program Completer Considered to be one of the most influential scientists of the 20th Century, Albert Einstein’s work paved the way for future groundbreaking discoveries and continues to inspire young scientists to make an impact on the world we live in today. He said, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” 11-year-old Kumon Student Ankit not only looks to Einstein for inspiration, but he also embodies his natural sense of wonder, and never stops questioning the unknown. For Ankit, his learning doesn’t stop when the school bell rings at the end of the day. His curiosity leads him to dive into books to try to understand the way the universe works. With a dream of becoming a physicist, Ankit credits Kumon for giving him the confidence and ability to learn independently. “In Kumon, I’ve become more independent and this applies out of the classroom as well,” said Ankit. “I’ve also learned that my success relies on me, and no one else. To be successful and to help you move forward, you have to truly understand the formulas behind things and how they work. Kumon has given me the ability to think that way.” Ever since Ankit enrolled in Kumon when he was just five years old, he has been focused on the goals that lie ahead. Before entering middle school, Ankit successfully completed the Kumon Reading Program. His love for reading was fueled by Kumon, and he can now say he has already analyzed high school level literature. Determined to also complete the Kumon Math Program, Ankit is impressively working with logarithmic equations and developing skills to solve derivatives. Ankit has taken his knowledge to the competitive level. He was selected to represent his school at the 2018-2019 North Carolina Science Fair and was awarded Honorable Mention for his work. When he is not coming up with a new scientific discovery, Ankit enjoys writing and maintaining a blog comprised of poems, short stories, and even has a book in the works! “I want to be a physicist when I grow up because I want to find out the secrets and the workings of the universe,” said Ankit. “I also want to be a writer because I want to create worlds like the ones in the sci-fi books I read.” What do you enjoy most about Kumon? I enjoy the independence that Kumon has given me. It gives me the ability to learn concepts on my own. It doesn’t outright give me the answer. Instead, it drops little hints that lead me to the main goal and leave the rest for me. If you ask for help, the Instructor will lead you, not tell you. How has Kumon helped you academically? Kumon has helped me study several grades’ worth of material in less than a year, and as a result, helps me learn material years before I even see it in school. Combine that with the independence I’ve gained and focus skills, other subjects like social studies or science also benefit. What’s the most beneficial thing you’ve learned in Kumon? I feel that the most helpful thing I’ve learned (and am still learning) is how important it is to not get distracted from your work. It’s important to concentrate as hard as your mind can, and not allow yourself to be distracted from the background noise. If you could sum up your Kumon experience in one word, what would it be? Kumon has helped me find a world where Shakespearean plays are a daily indulgence, and numbers don’t always represent values. Before I started, I imagined I had a molehill in front of me. Now, the mist has cleared, and I can see a mountain. I’ve realized that if I could go up to the end of high school mathematics while I am only ending elementary school, there’s so much more potential that lies ahead of me. My one word would be: “Insightful.” Who is your biggest inspiration and why? One of my main inspirations is Albert Einstein. Most people would think that I’m inspired by him because he persisted even while his teachers told him that he couldn’t do anything. He sought to find a new way of thinking about the universe and physics, even when there were barely any studies about space before him. He inspires me because he was able to find something new â€" an original idea. What’s your favorite book and why? I have 200+ books in my bedroom, so you can probably guess why it’s hard for me to find one favorite. After carefully picking, I chose Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials by James Dashner. There are a lot of reasons why I call this book one of my favorites. First, I like it because it isn’t a fairy tale. In fact, the main characters even get captured in the end. Overall it is a great read and I highly recommend it! How did you feel when you found out you were selected to attend the 2019 Kumon Student Conference?   I felt elated! It was satisfying to see how hard work pays off in the end. What was your experience like at the 2019 Kumon Student Conference, and what was your favorite part? At the Student Conference, I felt a sense of belonging to be with other so similar, yet different, Kumon Students and high achievers. I was inspired by the stories of former Kumon Students and their success. My favorite part was the Mummy Game, in which we had to work as a group to solve clues and puzzles to find an “exit.” What advice would you give to kids just starting Kumon? It might seem boring or hard, but if you pursue the work at your own pace and set goals for yourself, you will find yourself yearning for progress and learning. Discover even more student success stories. You might also be interested in: Meet Arianne, A Reading Program Completer Who Gained Confidence in her English Abilities through Kumon This Young Reading Program Completer Developed a Love for Literature in Kumon This Young Artist Gained Her Confidence With Kumon Kumon Reading Program Completer Motivated by Other Students