Thursday, April 2, 2020

Learning English Tips to Become a World Class Learner

Learning English Tips to Become a World Class LearnerSo, if you have decided to start studying English, the first thing you will need to do is to start learning how to become a world-class learner of English. Well, there are many ways of becoming a world-class learner. There are a few tips in this article that can help you learn how to become a world-class learner in English.First, you should always remember that no matter how great your English is, it will never be perfect. Always remember that you will not be perfect and this is the best way to practice speaking and understanding your English, just as it is in any other language. You should also try to understand your mistakes as much as possible, and think about what you could have done differently. This can really help you get better and faster at the same time.Second, always think about perfection is not something you can attain because you cannot become perfect. So, instead of thinking about perfection and being disappointed, j ust think about what you can do to become better. Try to think about the biggest mistake you made in the past and try to try and improve on it.Third, if you want to become a world-class learner of English, remember that you have to give up yourself to learn English. You should keep your self-confidence in mind so that you can feel comfortable with yourself and be able to speak, read, and write in English.Fourth, learning English should not be boring. You should always be as interested as possible in learning English and work at it. If you do not feel this way, just give up the English language for now.Fifth, most importantly, make sure that you always go back to learn more English because you will always forget something. If you want to improve at English, the best way to do it is to be patient and learn more than one lesson at a time. Just keep practicing and you will see results very soon.So, if you want to be a world-class learner of English, follow these five tips. Remember that you should not give up and should keep learning because you will never be perfect.

Sunday, March 22, 2020

A Day in the Life at University of California, Los Angeles

A Day in the Life at University of California, Los Angeles The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Christine is a Los Angeles tutor specializing in SAT prep tutoring, French tutorinig, AP History tutoring, and more. She graduated from University of California, Los Angeles in 2013 with a Bachelors degree in Global Studies. See what she had to say about her school: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or safe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Christine: UCLA sits between Bel Air and Westwood Village, a prime spot in the urban hub of Los Angeles. Its located atop two hills, one dubbed the Hill where all the dorms are, and the hill of main campus where all the classrooms, lecture halls, and libraries are located. Its about a 10-15 minute walk between the two. The first buildings of main campus were built in 1919, and much of north campus, where the humanities/social sciences classrooms are located, are beautiful old brick buildings, grassy quads, and big shady trees. South campus, where most of the math/science buildings are located, is a bit more modern. Its the smallest UC campus by acreage, but it has the largest student body. This means that youre much more likely to run into people you know, and that by your senior year, almost everyone looks familiar just because youve seen them walking the same route to class for four years. There is a bus that goes around the perimeter of campus, but I very rarely used it. As far as bikes on campus, I brought mine, and as long as youre willing to brave the hills, it definitely makes the hilltohill commute substantially faster. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Christine: All professors and TAs are required to offer an office hour each week, and while of course it varies by professor, in my experience, UCLA professors are generally deeply concerned about student learning; questions were always more than welcome, both in person at office hours and via email. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Christine: Absolutely wonderful. Dorm life was an integral part of my first two years, and many of my closest friends, even postgraduation, are from my freshman year dorm floor. There are a few different living options at UCLA: residence halls, suites, and plazas. Residence Halls are what you might think of as traditional dorms where you share a room with one or two roommates and a bathroom with all the guys or girls on your floor (usually about 50 people). This is definitely the most social option, and I cant recommend the residence hall experience enough for first-year students. There are so many opportunities for new friendships and connections in this kind of setup. Youll be amazed how much you can bond while brushing your teeth at 2 a.m. Plazas are a bit more spacious and there is one shared bathroom for every two rooms. This style offers a bit more privacy. Suites are either two or three rooms connected by a common room and a bathroom. This style is by far the most spacious of the options, but also the most isolating, as it offers far fewer opportunities for interactions with other potential friends on your floor. On-campus food is amazing. Tons of options of fresh, delicious food mean that students who have moved off campus treasure grabbing dinner on campus with their younger friends who still have meal swipes. The Hill has undergone massive renovations and construction of new buildings in the past few years as UCLA tries to offer a four-year housing guarantee for students. Despite this push for four-year on-campus housing, most students still choose to move off campus into the adjacent apartments just off campus for their third and fourth years. Its generally less expensive to live off campus, though apartments in Westwood are quite expensive. Overall, though, I think that housing at UCLA fosters interaction, as most housing options are located in the same area, meaning that everyone has to trek the same 10-minute stretch between the dorms/apartments and classes. You basically see everyone you know on the way to class, making this big school feel a lot smaller than it actually is. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Christine: In the humanities, the English and Psychology programs are huge on campus, and there are definitely a lot of students pursuing a pre-med track through a variety of science majors. I majored in Global Studies and minored in English because I was interested in a lot of different things. Global Studies is an interdisciplinary major that allowed me to take classes in several different departments, but which all related back to the common theme of globalization in the realm of either culture, governance, or markets. It was perfect for me because I was able to explore the connections between a lot of subjects that interest me, and still pursue my interests in literature and the English language as a minor. While overall I did feel supported within the major, further developing support systems for interdisciplinary programs is definitely an area in which UCLA could improve. For example, many of my major requirements were classes in the Political Science or Economics departments, and because they were upper-division classes for those majors, they werent available to sign up for right away, and there were sometimes difficulties in making sure that registration restrictions for those classes were lifted. Despite that, Global Studies was a great experience and I encountered talented faculty, students who loved to connect the unexpected, and an incredible opportunity to pursue a diverse and personalized set of classes. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Christine: I was fortunate to land on an incredible freshman floor which was hugely helpful in terms of having a solid base of friends, but I also made a lot of friends through various study groups for different classes and through my involvement in lots of student organizations. While Greek life is definitely present (about 16% of students participate), it is definitely not necessary in order to have a healthy social life. Because UCLA is so big, it means that you dont have to tap into any one specific community in order to make friends. There are over 1,000 student groups: the perfect niche is out there, you just have to find it. VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Christine: Theres a lot of on-campus recruiting, especially in the fields of sales, accounting, consulting, engineering, and computer science. Lots of big and reputable firms recruit on campus, and the Career Center can definitely be helpful in terms of putting you in contact with relevant alumni and helping you to figure out how your personal interests can mesh with your professional goals. There is steep competition for Career Center appointments, though, so be sure to be prepared to be at your computer at 9 a.m. to book your appointment. VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Christine: Theyre great. Ive never had trouble finding space to study. There are 10 libraries, tons of study spaces in campus coffee shops and in the student union, and of course every dorm floor has a lounge as well. While prime locations do fill up during midterms and finals (the cushy corner chair in Powell Library, for example), you can always find a quiet place to focus or nap. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Christine: While its in the middle of the massive city of Los Angeles, UCLA students often describe campus, and the adjacent Westwood village, as a bubble. Its easy to walk to classes and events, and theres so much to do on campus and in the dorms (IM dodgeball games, free salsa dancing on Bruinwalk, lectures, student organization events, exhibits, live performances, etc.) that many students, especially during their first year and especially those who get involved in a lot of extracurriculars, often find themselves on campus much of the time. This is awesome because there is so much offered right on campus, but I cant stress how much I recommend getting off campus to explore. Theres so much to see and do, whether its hiking in Griffith Park, concerts in Hollywood and Silverlake, going to an improv or slam poetry performance, exploring the back canyons of Malibu, or choosing from what seems to be an infinite number of world class restaurants. Its LA: you can find pretty much everythin g. While a car is definitely very helpful for exploring LA (its a tremendously sprawling city), it is decently accessible by bus, and UCLA students do receive discounts on bus fares. Santa Monica, for example, is about 25 minutes from UCLA via the Big Blue Bus. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Christine: With 28,000 undergraduates, and an additional 13,000 grad students, UCLA is big. This was something that I was initially really concerned about, but with my major and minor combination, I was able to choose to take a lot of smaller, seminar style classes. My senior spring, all of my classes had less than 20 students. It really depends on your major and the types of classes you choose to enroll in. The GE classes are generally pretty big (the biggest are 419 students), but for all of those classes, in addition to the large lecture portion, you are also enrolled in a TAled discussion section (about 20 students), where you have a chance to get to know your classmates better, ask more detailed questions, and get additional support if you need it. In big classes, that old adage you get what you give really rings true. Its always possible to get more involved in your education, and bigger classes provide students with an opportunity to take initiative, though there are excellent support structures in place. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Christine: A class that challenged me the most: my senior Global Studies seminar, and the subsequent process of writing my final senior thesis. Working closely with a professor on the research of my choice was awesome, and while extremely difficult, I gained a lot from the experience. After 37 pages and innumerable footnotes, I feel like I can conquer any academic project that might lie in my future. My most fun class: a tie between Gospel Choir (we sang, we clapped, we conquered) and a vaudeville/standup comedy studio theater class I took with Tom Orth. First day in the comedy class: Tom comes into the room, throws a binder on the floor, and tells the class of 20 to tell him what it is and where it came from. After a brief pause, everyone started making up stories: it was a meteor, it was a magic castle for very tiny inhabitants, it was Mount Everest, it was a portkey, it was the dollar I lost yesterday in a betIt was our first exercise in stretching our imaginations. It was a class entirely about tapping into the power of childlike joy, liberating oneself from restrictions, connecting as an ensemble, and creating the most genuine storytelling possible. We danced and sang a lot, talked about everything from interviews to life on the farm, and on a lucky day, Tom might cartwheel. It was incredible, and totally unlike anything I had ever experienced. Check out Christines tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Top Places to Visit in Spain (+ 10 Faux Pas To Avoid There)

Top Places to Visit in Spain (+ 10 Faux Pas To Avoid There) Suzy S. Want to avoid looking like a tourist during your trip to  Spain? In this post, youll first learn about some of the top destinations in Spain then, tutor  Emmanuel M.  explains what  NOT to do while youre there! Spain is known as a beautiful, romantic, and overall wonderful place to visit. Tourists across  the world visit Spain to explore  the  local sights, food, and traditions. Youll find that the people of Spain  tend to be laid-back, good-natured, and cheerful and there are plenty of options for destinations, from hidden gems of Spain  to the more well-known tourist  attractions. The Top Places to Visit in Spain Located on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe, Spain is a popular travel destination. This beautiful nation is home to stunning coastlines, islands, mountains, and more. Here is a look into five of the top places to visit in Spain. Barcelona Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and for good reason! The city has a little bit of everything, including unique architecture, exciting activities, and beautiful beaches. One of the most interesting areas to explore is Las Ramblas. This district in the old part of the city is open to pedestrians. In this lively area, youll find shops, restaurants, live performers, artists, and more. Another must see is La Sagrada Familia. This large cathedral is visited by  more than  2 million people each year. Although construction began in 1882, the building is still in progress and scheduled to be completed in about 20 years. Want to add a quick stop to this beautiful city to your travel itinerary? Check out these tips on how to see the best of Barcelona in two days from American Travel Blogger. Galicia Also known as the land of the 1000 rivers, Galicia is a picturesque area in northwestern Spain with plenty of old-world charm. This coastal region is home to some of the best beaches found in Spain, including 105 blue flag beaches. Highlights include San Francisco Beach and Praia das Rodas, which was at the top of The Guardians Top 10 Beaches in the World list. Delicious seafood caught fresh in the ocean is abundant here. One specialty is the percebes, or barnacles. This prized catch is caught by brave fishermen near the cliffs of Costa de Morte, which translates to mean Coast of Death. Andalucia If youre interested in learning more about Spains bullfighting history, Andalucia is one of the best places to visit in Spain. Since the 15th century, Andalucia has been an important location for bullfighting and rearing. It is home to Spains oldest surviving bullring, Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza. The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Sea is also located in Andalucia. Built in the 16th century, it is the third-largest church in the world, as well as the burial site of explorer Christopher Columbus. See Also: Important Spanish Travel Phrases (Video) Valencia Valencia is the place to visit in Spain if you are looking for delicious and diverse cuisine. Throughout history, the city of Valencia was invaded and inhabited many times by the Greeks, Romans, and Moors. Each of these cultures influenced the flavors used in cooking, leading to the diverse culinary choices found there today. In particular, Valencia is known as the birthplace of paella. This traditional dish is prepared over a wood fire in a large pan called a paellera. Typically, a paella will include Spanish rice, olive oil, saffron, tomatoes, and chicken. After youve had your fill of paella, visit the Mercado Central de Valencia for cured meats, locally made cheeses, and fresh fruits, including the iconic Valencia oranges. Madrid As the capital of Spain, Madrid is one of the most popular places to visit in Spain. It is home to Palacio Real, one of the most impressive palaces in all of Europe. Each of the nearly 3,000 rooms is luxuriously decorated and furnished with marble, stucco, and mahogany. Along the Gran Via, you will find beautiful, elaborate 20th-century architecture, including the Edificio Metropolis. Also located in Madrid is the Museo del Prado, which is considered one of the worlds greatest art museums. Now that you know the best places to visit in Spain, its time for that trip right? Not so fast! Before you visit, youll want to do a little bit of research so as to not totally look like a tourist. Just like with every country in the world, there are certain cultural faux pas (social “no-no’s”) that you should avoid if you plan on visiting Spain. Lets take a look at the dos and donts as  you assimilate  to some of Spains culture and customs: 1. Fashionably late is the norm â€" NEVER arrive on time! If you get invited somewhere (whether thats someones house, or a place for a party/get-together), keep in mind that everyone is expected to be late! If you show up on time, either youll be the only one there, or the hosts will still be getting ready. Bonus Tip: Carol from  Wandering Carol told us    When heading to Spain, dont make the mistake of trying to keep to the same schedule that you do at home. Dont get upset if the store is closed in the afternoon, or on Sunday. Dont assume dinner is going to be served before 10pm. Dont think you need to rush through lunch (though this is tough when you want to sightsee!) and above all, dont think you wont be dancing until dawn in Madrid. 2. Impatience is a sin (unless it’s during traffic). The people of Spain go about their day  with little  pressure and no rush. Its very common to see the locals  chatting with  clerks at a supermarket or with barbers at a hair salon. Things go at a very slow pace, so  if you show people youre annoyed or impatient, be prepared to face looks of disgust unless it’s during traffic, in which case people  prefer to move faster so that they can  enjoy the rest of their day! 3. Don’t modify ANY food â€" restaurant or homemade! For Spaniards, food means the world. Food is undoubtedly part of their culture, passion, and art. So to go anywhere and modify food thats given to you is like a huge slap in their face. To add a little something (like salt or pepper) to a dish thats served to you is like saying “You did this wrong let me show you how to make it better. 4. Don’t show your disgust or dislike of a food! Since food is so important to the locals of Spain,  if someone gives you a dish that you find appalling, youd better hide that disgust well; the locals might look at you as an uncultured individual who doesn’t appreciate good food. A good excuse is to pretend youre full or you couldn’t eat another bite despite it looking really good. Bonus Tip:  Ken Baldwin, founder of TotallySpain.com,  shared this extra tip with us We recommend reading up on the mealtimes in Spain,  which vary significantly with elsewhere in Europe and North America. When seated at a restaurant and ready to order, look around at the tables next to you for guidance. Keep an eye out for platters of food in the center of the tables that are called  â€˜raciones’. The Spanish love to share  and many menus are designed with this in mind. 5. Always put up a fight, but let them win when they offer to pay for dinner. The people of Spain are very generous and kindhearted, so don’t be surprised if they take you out and volunteer to pay for everything. However, they expect you to put up a fight to show youre being mindful, thoughtful, and respectful of their customs. Always remember to thank them and be appreciative. If you end up spending your own money on other things or on someone else, make sure you know how to be efficient and  save your travel money. 6. Be extremely complimentary of homemade food! Food, yet again, is an important aspect of Spains culture. When youre going over to a Spaniards  house and they offer to feed you, always remember to: a) accept the food and eat it (even if you’re full, always accept to eat at least a little bit), and  b) compliment whoever cooked the food profusely. Its also common  to spend the first few minutes of the meal  talking about  the deliciousness of the food. 7. Do not talk TOO good of other places. Everyone has pride for their hometown and where they come from that’s completely normal. However, when visiting Spain, do NOT spend more than a couple of minutes talking about how amazing your home  is, because they  may get  offended. To them, nothing is like Spain not to mention, they have love-hate relationships with several countries in the world. Be sure to  look at  a few Spanish travel blogs to see how fellow  tourists converse and interact with the locals. 8. Never bring up racist matters in Spain. Unfortunately, racism is alive and well in every  country. Theres no country out there where even a semblance racism isn’t felt. But when visiting Spain, NEVER bring up racist issues â€" remember, youre a guest, so you may not  know the history, current events, public opinions, or customs that all influence racism. Theyre well aware of the matters, but theyll  act very defensively because nobody likes speaking about their country’s problems with foreigners. 9. Don’t have a limp handshake or be awkward when hugging or double-cheek kissing. In Spain its customary to give a sturdy handshake to men and a double-cheek kiss to women (and sometimes men). If you give a weak handshake, its rude and considered an insult. Also, feeling awkward or uncomfortable when doing the double-cheek kiss makes you seem stuck-up and can  also be taken as an offense. 10. Don’t be too polite or well-mannered â€" Spain is casual and you should be too. People in Spain love the easy, calm life. Theyre very casual and would prefer it if you  are too  while visiting. If you portray yourself too seriously and well-behaved, locals might think you’re stuck-up, or perhaps they might  misinterpret your demeanor  as saying you’re better than them. Its smart  to learn a few Spanish phrases for traveling so you can use them in your casual encounters. As Ive said many times before, and will continue to say many times more: Spain is an amazing and beautiful place to visit!  As long as you remember not to commit  these faux pas, youll definitely enjoy yourself. Additional Resources to Check Out Before Your Trip Montserrat Mountain, Spain: a Downhill Trip via Wandering Carol 10 Best Places to Visit in Spain via Touropia 6 Hidden Gems of Spain to Add to Your Bucket List via TakeLessons 5 Travel Bloggers to Inspire Your Next Trip to Spain via TakeLessons My 10 Favorite Underrated Cities in Spain via Young Adventuress Post Author: Emmanuel M. Emmanuel M. teaches Spanish online. A California State University, Fullerton graduate and native Spanish speaker, he also teaches essay writing, study skills, and singing.  Learn more about Emmanuel here! Photos by Nathan Rupert, Jorge Rodriguez, Harshil Shah, Paco Rubio Ordás, vil.sandi 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

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Square Root of Zero

Square Root of Zero Square root can be calculated for any number greater than or equal to 0. This is because in order to get a real number solution, the number inside the square root can be 0 or any positive number. If the number inside the square root is a negative number, then the solution we get is known as an imaginary solution. Square root of zero is written as 0 and is equal to 0 itself. Therefore we get the square root of zero, 0 = 0. Example 1: What is the value of the expression, 28 + 0? Here each square root number should be simplified further. 28 = (2 * 2 * 7). Now pull out the number which is repeating twice inside the radical. This gives: 28 = 2 * 7 = 27. And the square root of 0 is 0 ==0 = 0. So, 28 + 0 = 27+ 0 = 27. Hence the value of the expression 28 + 0 = 27. Example 2: What is the value of the expression, 25 - 0? Here each square root number should be simplified further. 25= (5 * 5). Now pull out the number which is repeating twice inside the radical. This gives: 25 = 5. Now square root of 0 is 0. Therefore we get ==0 = 0. So adding the above two answers, we get == 25 + 0 = 5 + 0 = 5 Hence the value of the expression 25 + 0 = 5.

What Equipment do you Need for Ceramic Lessons

What Equipment do you Need for Ceramic Lessons The Equipment Needed for Ceramics Lessons ChaptersKilns: the Essential Ceramics EquipmentPotter’s WheelRacksHand ToolsTwo ExtrasSpace, the Necessary ComponentYou might remember this line from any job interviews you participated in: what do you bring to the table?Come to think of it, you might have heard it even if you’ve never been on a job interview; it is a fairly common phrase that implies you must provide a measure of something to receive something in return.It’s also, if you think about it, a little bit demeaning, as though your obvious qualities would not be sufficient to close the deal â€" whatever the deal may be.The good news is, when it comes to ceramics class, you don’t (necessarily) have to bring anything to the table, at least as far as equipment goes.Ceramic arts are engaging and challenging. They require fortitude, a bit of physical strength and endurance, and more than a bit of knowledge about the creative process involved.How does one go from concept to actual, tangible earthenware that you can seal with a ceramic glaze and then safely serve food out of?To be sure, there is equipment involved in ceramic art; the art center or ceramic studio where you’ll take your classes is no doubt full of tools and equipment for the burgeoning ceramic artist.No doubt that you will find everything from ceramic materials to pottery wheels, extruders, slab rollers and more. Let’s not forget the most important piece of equipment: a kiln... or several, depending on how big the space is and the type of ceramic products they produce.For instance, raku pottery is fired at a much lower temperature than studio pottery or art ceramics; if this is the type of pottery you want to specialise in, you would need a raku kiln.It’s a good thing that ceramics studios have different types of kilns already installed. Can you imagine yourself lugging your gas kiln or electric kiln to every single class you attend?The fact is, although you may be asked to pay for the clay and other materials you use in class, the studio where you take lessons will most likely have all of the equipment you need.They will also recommend that, if you’re serious about pottery-making, you should work at home at least as much as you work in class.So, let’s say you are on your way to a Bachelor of Fine Arts, taking an extracurricular class at a ceramics studio in town. You will still have to do a bit of work at home, even if it is only mold making so that you can make a whole set of tableware with the same pattern.You can make your plaster moulds at home if you have the right materials and equipment.Likewise, if you’re taking adult classes, working with ceramics for the first time, you might make clay figurines at home that you could then fire in your next class.So, when it comes to equipment you might need for your classes, the answer there is: depending on how far along you are in your studies (you’re going for your Master of Fine Arts?) the more tools and equipment you’re going to need.Superprof no w takes a look at the list of utensils and implements you need to become the artist in residence. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsKilns: the Essential Ceramics Equipment Bricks can withstand great heat but you don't need this big of a kiln! Image by falco from PixabayIt goes without saying that you would have a difficult time declaring yourself a maker of ceramic sculpture if you did not have the most crucial piece of equipment: a kiln.Besides deciding whether your kiln will be powered by gas or electric (or wood, if you build one yourself), you have to decide what size kiln you will need â€" now and in five years.If your goal is to make small ceramic medallions for painting and drawing, you may choose from among the smaller models available but if the thought of vases fills your mind day and night, you will certainly have to choose a kiln with a larger interior space.And then, materials matter. The above-mentioned raku kiln, for instance, would be a low-temperature model. It would be suitable for terracotta and low-fire glazes. On the other end of the spectrum, if you aim to create durable stoneware, for example, you would need a high-temperature ki ln.Unfortunately for your budget, you cannot simply buy the hottest kiln and turn the temperature down as needed. The thermostats are set for specific temperature ranges so selecting a kiln based on the type of pottery you plan to make would be your best bet.Discover more properties of ceramics...Potter’s WheelArt history teaches us that our ancestors made pottery long before the invention of the wheel.If you wanted to be an absolute purist, your signature style might involve making pottery as it was done long ago: by placing the piece on a grass mat, turning the mat as needed to work on all sides of the vessel.Learn more about the history of ceramics...On the other hand, why reinvent the wheel?  A pottery wheel will make your work faster, easier and with less chance for error... after you get good at working clay, that is.Clay artists suggest beginners take a wheel throwing class.It takes a certain amount of skill to know exactly how fast to permit the wheel to spin, how much pre ssure to put on the clay and how much water to use.  It is also a good idea to get into good pottery-making habits from the start: good posture, good pressure and a good skills set.Naturally, if you take a wheel throwing class, you will surely want to follow up at home, on your own wheel.Here again, you have a wide selection to choose from â€" different sizes and different heights. The speed is controlled by a treadle, much like a sewing machine, making it variable so that is one factor you don’t necessarily have to worry about.Wheels are not cheap so consider carefully. Your selection should be based on the pieces you intend to create and the ceramic material you intend to work with.Don’t waste your money on a lightweight tabletop model if, eventually, you intend to work heavy pieces!A wheel, a kiln and a variety of clays are enough to get you started in the visual arts. Everything else on this list is optional, even the hand tools!Check out the tutors for the best art courses near me here. These racks were built for a specific shape and size, you can be more general in building your racks Image by falco from Pixabay CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1s t lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsRacksNaturally, you can cool terra cotta pieces on any surface that can withstand the heat â€" remember, whatever comes out of the kiln is going to be very hot.One particular sculptor we talked to raved about the functionality of milk crates. She had built an entire wall full of shelves with nothing but milk crates and boards.The boards form the shelves while the crates work as storage space for anything from paints and glazes to hand tools.If your studio space is limited, p erhaps this could be an option for you, too.Hand ToolsNaturally, your hands are the best tools for pottery. Besides them, you will need a few more implements:a wire clay cutterloop, wire and ribbon toolswooden modelling toolsribs and scraperspotter’s needlescallipersbrushesspongesNaturally, there are plenty more clay tools â€" fettling knives and clay turning tools but the ones listed above should be enough to get you started. You don't really need a wide array of tools to work with ceramics Image by Free-Photos from PixabayTwo ExtrasOnce you have sunk deeply into the world of studio ceramics â€" in other words, you live, breathe, eat and sleep studio art, two pieces you will certainly add to your equipment inventory are a slab roller and an extruder.Extruders are particularly handy if you intend to incorporate the same shape into all of your designs, say, a handle on a mug or a repeating pattern on a vase. It works a bit like a cake decoration set: a filled body with a variety of ‘tips’.If you plan on working with very big pieces, having a slab roller would be quite helpful.  Basically, it is a giant rolling pin; you set the slab’s desired thickness and the machine will roll it out for you.If you wanted to roll out smaller pieces, you could, of course, use a kitchen rolling pin but you’re not guaranteed uniform thickness throughout.Find out what you need to get started with pottery lessons...Space , the Necessary ComponentSpace is neither a tool nor a piece of equipment but it is absolutely vital to becoming a resident artist.You must have enough room for storage; it is not likely that you will buy your composite materials in retail shops â€" meaning a pound at a time. Rather, you would establish an account for bulk purchases of ceramic materials... and you will have to have a place to store them.Besides the space needed to store your raw materials, you will need space for a cooling rack or three.Your art studio should also have a water supply and a sink outfitted with a clay trap â€" you don’t want bits of clay clogging the sewer systems. You’ll also need sufficient lighting and a power source for your kiln, if electric kilns are what you have your eye on.By contrast, if a wood kiln strikes you better, you will have to have room to store wood and make sure your space is well-ventilated â€" or have a space outside for your kiln.Finally, you have to have room to work in.Th at may sound obvious but you’d be surprised at how many just-starting-out ceramic artists don’t leave themselves enough room to work or worse: choose to work in cramped, potentially dangerous conditions!To get an idea of the space you would need, cast an eye around the studio you take classes in. Is it large? Well-lit? Does it have plenty of room?That is what you need to aim for when setting up your studio, too.Now discover where you can find the best ceramics classes and workshops...

Why Recess Should Be Before Lunch

Why Recess Should Be Before Lunch Typically, most school children eat lunch then head off to recess. Thats just the way the curriculum has been set for years. But, whats more appealing to little Johnny an apple or a game of dodge ball outside? Hes probably just eating some of his sandwich and his snack pack, trying to get to his game of dodge ball as fast as possible. But, kids will actually finish their whole lunch if they eat after recess, giving them the nutrition they need, according to an article in the District Administration. We tell kids not to eat and swim right away. And yet here we are, telling them that the quicker they eat, the quicker they get to recess, Greg Welk, director of clinical research at Iowa State Universitys Nutrition and Wellness Research Center told the District Administration. Welk and other nutrition experts argue that young students develop poor eating habits, stomachaches and post-recess behavioral problems when lunch precedes recess. These factors make it harder for students to focus in the classroom, decreasing learning. Many schools have already cut recess to make more time for academics, which actually decreases students learning and achievement. Physical activity increases brain activity and decreases hyperactivity, making it easier for students to focus and process information. Other schools have abandoned recess to eliminate bullying, student injuries and other playground, behavioral problems. However, the poll, The State of Play, revealed that principals nationwide still have an overwhelming appreciation of the physical, emotional and academic benefits associated with recess. The recess before lunch initiative has been slowly gaining steam since 2002. A team in Montanas Office of Public Instruction kicked off this initiative with a year-long study measuring how much food students throw away when they eat before recess. The group then extended the study to measure behaviors. It found that when recess precedes lunch, kids drink all their milk, eat more and have more focus throughout their afternoon classes. The group published their findings in Recess Before Lunch: A Guide for Success, persuading many other schools to adopt the recess before lunch program. About 40 percent of Montanas schools have adopted this program, but its still not very popular nationwide. As of 2006, fewer than five percent of schools had this program. The District Administration estimates that the number has grown since 2006. Switching the order of recess and lunch seems very simple; however, nothing with schools curriculum is ever simple. To make the transition principals and other administrators must research the topic, estimating if it will work at their school. Then, parents and students opinions need to be heard. And if all looks good, then the school might adopt a pilot program to test the waters. If its successful, the program might go into effect.

Dont Misunderstand the Importance of Leadership Development to YOU - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Don’t Misunderstand the Importance of Leadership Development to YOU - Introvert Whisperer Don’t Misunderstand the Importance of Leadership Development to YOU? I have heard people equate Leadership with management or being in charge.   It’s understandable, as those things would be best done if leadership skills co-existed with those positions. Yet, Leadership abilities are skills that aren’t just for specific jobs.   Leadership skills or characteristics are important capabilities both in life endeavors as well as career. Let’s look at the reasons are that make Leadership skills important: #1 â€" Rarity â€" Yes, despite the ability to develop and demonstrate Leadership traits, very few people do.   When something is rare, it’s also valuable to others. #2 â€" It’s what everyone wants â€" Employers/business owners/managers are really eager to have people work for them that possess leadership skills.   It takes the burden off of them when someone will “step up” and take care of things without all the oversight. #3- Situations require it â€" Most situations need leadership.   You need leadership in the family, neighborhood, and religious groups, hobby groups and certainly in the workplace.   The problem is, there isn’t enough of it in all of those places. #4 â€" You get rewarded for it â€" When you get rewarded because of your leadership in your job, you get paid more.   Isn’t that important? #5 â€" Life work will go better â€" When good Leadership is present, the function and productivity of everyone go up.   You eliminate wasted time and effort.   Everyone will be more content and motivated. Leadership skills have a broad application that many people don’t always recognize.   My hope is that this will perk you up or adjust your thinking that this may be the very thing you’ve been looking for to help you get the success you deserve. 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: CLICK HERE Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential. Great Leadership is a skill you can learn and I’ve developed a program to increase your skills in just 6 short weeks with a live, interactive training.   Check out the details and be ready to get going: https://introvertwhisperer.leadpages.co/leadlikeyoumeanitpilot/ By Dorothy Tannahill-Moran