College Students and Home Schooling

Most people think that home schooling is just for the primary school but they are very wrong. It’s not limited to primary pupils and in fact, today you can find programs of home schooling exclusively for the college students. The courses can be taken online or even offline.

Oftentimes, parents want to supervise their children’s education and one way to do that is through home schooling. Sending their children to a far away college is not a very good idea because they can’t keep a close watch over their child’s performance. Well, most parents are probably like that and if you’re one of them you can now take advantage of this alternative - home schooling.

College level is far more advanced than primary education. College students can choose among the various programs available online. The choice you make would depend on the education type you prefer. One of the most common type is home schooling for a religion college. The curriculum obviously includes religious studies and it is an integral part of
education. There are still other types which focus more on science, arts, and many others. Home schooling is flexible and you can even choose a program which combines several types. By considering the interests of your student, you can surely choose the appropriate program.

If your child is a slow learner, home schooling may suit him/her. You see, home schooling can be carried out based on your child’s learning pace. For slow learners, the lessons are given over an extended period; for the fast learners, they can get advanced studies.

The program you choose should be the most suitable so that you’re college student can learn without any pressure. College life is sometimes hard because the lessons are more complicated and difficult. This is part of being a college student and your child should learn to cope with such difficulties since it is the only way to learn.

Soon, your child will be graduating and he/she will start looking for work. Even if he/she is a graduate of a home schooling education program, they will not find it hard to get employed because they possess the necessary skills and qualifications to land a decent job.

Some of the home schooling education programs are offered locally. You simply have to conduct a bit of research and you can determine if there are local home schooling opportunities. Local schooling programs are often theme-based or subject-based. You have to check what the program is focused on so that you can choose the right one for your college student. By signing up for a home schooling education program, you will be able to meet neighbors who are also into home schooling.

Online home schooling is so far more popular as compared to local schooling. As long as you have an internet connection at home, your child can already study their lessons online and do almost everything on the computer. Your kid doesn’t have to be a computer wizard in order to do this; a little bit of computer knowledge and he/she can already do all the lessons.

Start searching the internet now about the various programs available for home schooling. Make sure that you choose a program that is suitable for your kid. Time flies by quickly and soon, your kid will graduate from college.

Great Reasons to Complete your Degree

A university education is one of the best possible ways to insure your earning power upon graduation. There are all kinds of fields and all kinds of majors, some paying higher than others but as a rule, college graduates will earn more money over the course of their lifetimes than those who do not have a college education or degree.

We live in a world that increasingly demands more of its citizens. We need to have the ability to hold academic conversations on the corporate level that go well beyond the score in last nights basketball games. Companies' want well-rounded employees that epitomize all the great things that a four-year degree has to offer. For this reason, even those who have labored in order to gain an associate's degree are getting left behind in favor of those who have a more 'complete' education.

If you have already entered the work force there is still the time to increase your earning potential by seeking higher education. Colleges and universities today are offering more options for students wishing to return to college than ever before. In fact we are seeing an increasing number of college students that are classified as non-traditional students. We are seeing many more adults returning for the education they didn't receive the first time around, which is good news. It also means that more and more options are becoming available at night and on the weekends for those adults.

Even better is the fact that more and more often we are seeing courses being offered online for those who are seeking to complete their education. This allows even more options for those students who are desperately trying to balance careers, family, and education. As more and more opportunities such as these arise we will also see a growing number of graduate studies opportunities being offered in a similar fashion.

If you are thinking of returning to school after years of absence or perhaps attending for the very first time while managing an existing career there is no time like the present in order to do so. Not only will a college education give you greater earning potential in your lifetime it can also qualify you for promotions within the company for which you currently are employed.

The truth of the matter is that you really can't go wrong when it comes to going back to college and getting or finishing your degree. You can increase your earning potential, your promotion potential, and most importantly your self-image. There is something about having a degree that makes you feel better about yourself and your ability to provide for your family. Even if you never actually use your degree for anything other than a plaque on the wall, you will have the knowledge that you accomplished something that only a small percentage of the population ever gets around to completing.

If nothing else, your college education is worth every penny you will pay in order to have it for the wonderful sense of accomplishment that goes along with getting it. Your college degree won't make you a better person; just give you a better opinion of yourself as a person in many instances. If you need a confidence booster in your professional and your personal life, getting your college degree is often just the bump of confidence you need in order to accomplish many great things.

Reflections on the Back to School Fashion

We use various ways to express ourselves. We either use words or we use other symbols. We make use of signals, we make use of gestures and we also make use of fashion to tell the world what we want to say. When we put on our clothes for the day, it is like we are declaring to the world our attitude for the day. This is the reason why it is so interesting to observe the back-to-school fashion preferences of people. The back to school fashion preference of a person shows who he will be for the whole term in a nutshell.

There are those people who wear practically the same thing they did in the last term. The bad thing about this is that this could be an indication of little to no personal growth in the past term. This could be an indication that the person did not mature in the past year. What could make this worse is if that person had been wearing the same fashion for more than 5 years. That could be an indicator of a serious problem.

The positive interpretation of this could be that the person has matured enough to have found his or her identity in life. This type of back-to-school fashion could indicate that a person is already perfectly happy with the image that he or she presents and that they feel no urge to change. It could also be an indication that the person has had a great past year and wishes to recapture that year.

There are people who exhibit great changes in their back to school fashion. There is also a good side and a bad side to this. The good interpretation of this is that the person has experienced an epiphany. A change in back-to-school fashion could be an indicator that a person has reached a new level of maturity and is ready to face the world with a new attitude. He or she could be declaring to the world that he or she is a new person, changed for the better and willing to tackle the world head on.

There is also a dark side to this change in back-to-school fashion. A person could have suffered from an event so cataclysmic that it required the person to reject his or her old personality entirely. A drastic change in back-to-school fashion could be akin to a person screaming, “I am not who I used to be. It will not happen to me anymore!” not all changes are good and not all changes are bad. That fact must be understood.

There are students whose back to school fashion is based on what a certain group is wearing. The positive side to this is that it indicates social acceptance. A person who has this type of back to school fashion shows that he or she is sociable and knows how to make friends with at least a certain group of people. However, this could also be an indication of a lack of initiative. People who dress the way others do may do so because they don’t really have any idea of what to wear. They let their groups decide their fashion because without the group, they really have no idea who they are.

Now you know that back to school fashion is a great indication of who a person is.

Best Student Loan Consolidation

Best student loan consolidation, a way to slim down your monthly burden

Going to college is very important. Thus, Americans, even married once still continue to go to college. This is because you have better future if you are able to finish college; this is true in American and even in the other parts of the world.

To help you with this important factor in your life, student loans are available to help you go through college education. However, students end up with knee-deep in student loans.

If you are one of these students, you need not despair; you may shop around to find the best student loan consolidation entities to help you in the process of getting out of debt.

Best student loan consolidation will help reduce your monthly payment of up to 50%.

You cannot find any better deal than that. Reducing your monthly payment will mean that you can have some spare money for other purposes. Best student loan consolidation will thus help you have some money to meet other expenses like car payments, household needs, and childcare.

Additionally, because of the best student loan consolidation program, your credit rating will improve and you can even extend your paying period from the usual ten years to as long as thirty years.

You may also find the best student loan consolidation company that will give an additional percentage of interest on top of the savings from the consolidation. This will be good to lessen your monthly burden.

Additionally, if your student loan is under the federal direct student loans, you may qualify for the best federal direct loan consolidation program.

In this program, in addition to the 50% or more reduction in your monthly payments, there is a lock in lower interest rate available for you.

This lock in lower interest rate is best for your student loan consolidation program because it will shield you against inflation rates.

This will mean that you will not have to worry about additional charges due to the inflation rate fluctuations.

To top is all off, the best student loan consolidation deal under the federal direct program is easy to apply, and there are no fees, credit checks, application, or original charges.

Thus, it is a clean way through paying your student loans and can even spare you some money for other purposes. Is this not the best student loan consolidation program you will ever find?

If you are not sure if your student loans are under the federal direct student loans program, you may check out the Internet. Match your student loans if they will qualify for the best student loan consolidation program.

You can also find in the Internet additional information that you can use to help you get out of that knee-deep debt.

Internet Safety

The internet has become a great resource for children doing school work but at the same time there's a wide world of danger that lurks online. The anonymity of talking online gives predators a greater access to unsuspecting children who are trusting enough to believe that people are who they claim to be. Also, there are many things that can be found online that may not be appropriate for children of a young age to view. As parents we need to do our best to protect our children from these predators without completely cutting them off and denying them access to this wonderful resource.

The method of internet protection that is best to use depends a lot on the age of the child using the internet. A young child needs more protection from inappropriate websites than anything else because that is the greatest danger to them. A young child isn't as likely to be on social networking sites or using messenger systems so a simple program that prevents access to adult content is often enough protection.

There are several programs available that can handle this and they come in a range of prices with a wide variety of available features. This type of protection has become so common that parental controls now come packaged with the newest operating systems from both Mac and Windows. This is great for parents because most new computers come with the new operating systems already pre-installed and this gives instant access to these parental control features saving both the time of looking for the right program and the expense of buying a separate one.

As your child gets older and starts using more areas of the internet the danger becomes greater. They become more involved with social networking sites like the ever popular Myspace and come in contact with more and more people. It's impossible for a parent to be looking over their shoulder every minute of every day to monitor what they are looking at and who they are talking to so it's important to find a program that takes this into account. A simple access blocking program doesn't work as well at this point because there needs to be the flexibility of allowing them to express themselves but also protect them.

The best programs in this case are the ones that not only block access to certain types of sites but also monitor all computer usage including messengers. These programs have a lot more options than the simple access blocking. They range from simple monitoring logs that are stored on the computer to complex key logging programs that track every keystroke made on the computer and allow remote access from another computer so that you can see exactly what is being done on the logged computer at any given time. Which program is the best is really a matter of preference more than anything else.

As you can see there are a few different software options to help protect your child online but the best safety feature of all is open communication. Taking the time to sit down with your child and explain why it's not safe to talk to strangers or why certain sites shouldn't be looked at by young people can quite often alleviate any problems and at the same time give the parent a little peace of mind.

School Kid’s Room

Once your child starts school, there are required several changes in his room’s layout. Now, a study place is a must, a place where the little scholar can prepare for school, learn and do his homework.

The study place has to be regularly near the window so that his arm will now place a shadow on the books in front of him. Accordingly to this rule, if we are talking about a right-handed child, the light must be on his left, and if talking about a left-handed child, the light must be on his right.

Due to the new born needs of the school-boy, the furniture must include a desk and some small cabinets or a small bookcase.

The study table or desk must have at least 60 X 90 cm and its height and inclination has to be adjustable. There must be some kind of drawers nest to it or in it to deposit books, paper, pens and other school stuff.

For this same purpose, the parents must consider buying a bookcase or a cabinet for books, which fits the room and the height of your child. For a optimal use of space, a desk with a study table and some shelves can be chosen.

Natural lighting has to be supplemented or maintained by a local light. This is why the desk must have on it a lamp with adjustable arm, placed in such a way that it can focalize the light precisely to the point it is needed.

The chair must have an adjustable height, fitting the one of the scholar.

Recently, the computer became a necessary object in the child’s room, even in the early student’s room. Used either for fun or study, it has to become a familiar instrument for the little one.

An “L” shaped desk allows a good position for the computer, with the monitor on one side in the corner. Be careful because the distance from the monitor and to the eyes of the person using the computer has to be of 50 – 70 cm. To better respect this distance, some desks are equipped with a special space for the monitor, positioned a little higher than the actual desk.

Harvard Application

The oldest higher learning establishment in the United States is Harvard. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it opened its doors in 1636 and is one of the most prestigious academic centers in the world. Harvard application, along with hard work of course, almost guarantees a path to career success. Such is its reputation, rivaled only by its traditional rivals of Yale and Princeton.

In addition to academic pursuits, the university is noted for its excellence in sporting and cultural achievements. Anyone accepted, following their Harvard application, is expected to work hard and play hard. There are many old traditions here, including college songs and the official school colors of crimson.

The latest figure for acceptance of undergraduates is almost 9% and there are slightly more female students than male. As part of the Ivy League, the Harvard application process does not recognize athletic scholarships. There have been recent steps taken to enable more young people from lower income groups to attend.

The 6,700 undergraduates and 12,400 graduate students can expect the best of facilities and teaching standards at the institution. There are approximately 2,400 professors across nine faculties, which include medicine, law, divinity and business schools. The library is said to be the largest academic library in the world with a collection of 15 million volumes. Rare books, manuscripts, maps and atlases are greatly prized.

Sporting facilities are second to none and many sports are represented by Harvard students, including volleyball, fencing, wrestling, squash, rowing, ice hockey and tennis. Football is also a big part of Harvard life and the annual game against Yale, dating from 1875, is fiercely contested. There are also facilities for athletics, an indoor cycling track, a multi purpose gymnasium and weight rooms. The indoor arena is used for basketball matches and there is an Olympic size swimming pool.

Students interested in the arts are encouraged here too and a Harvard application could lead to membership of one of several activity groups. The university has its own theatre group, college choir, symphony orchestra and literary magazine. Harvard is also responsible for numerous museums, including art collections and natural history and science museums.

This university opens up many possibilities for achievement in many areas and the opportunity to make friends for life. Past graduates have included US Presidents John F. Kennedy and Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt. World famous poet T.S. Eliot and composer, Leonard Bernstein also graduated from here. These illustrious names will be an inspiration to anyone considering a Harvard application.

Graduation Rings

There are plenty of things that people think to get kids when they graduate from high school. Some give money, and most kids love that, and others even give trips or even cars. However, if you want to do something special for your children, either above and beyond another gift or perhaps instead of, you can look into getting them graduation rings. These are not something most think about, but they can be great gifts. Most think of the class ring to be the gradation type rings, but that does not have to be the case for everyone.

Some kids get class rings, and those are great for remembering high school, but graduation rings can be something else if that is what you want. They are meant to symbolize the transition in life from high school (or college) into a different part of life. Graduation rings will be something that a child can wear that reminds them of the people who love them as they move on in the world. Sometimes, that little bit of reassurance of being loved and cherished can make a huge difference in their success.

Some consider the class ring and the graduation rings to be the same thing, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, many love these class rings in high school, but don’t like to wear them beyond that. You will notice very few people who actually have these on at all after they have left high school and moved on to something else. If you would like the class and graduation rings to be something that might be the same, but worn longer in life, look for the less traditional design when buying.

If you don’t want your graduation rings to resemble class rings, you can get just about anything you want. It doesn’t matter as long as the ring is something the child will love to wear. You can find them made very simply with a stone, name and year, or you can get something very ornate. Spend enough to be sure the ring will last though, no matter what you choose. You don’t want something that will turn green on the finger, or that might break within a few years. No matter which way you want to go, graduation rings are always fun, and they are certainly something that will be a welcome gift for most kids. Even if they don’t wear them, you can bet they will keep them for a very long time to come.

Graduate Degree Options

Many people find that in the courses of their careers they wish they had the ability to go back to school for even further education. Unfortunately, not everyone has the good fortune to live in the vicinity of a university that offers graduate level studies in the career they have chosen. Chances are that a good percentage of the population does not and if they do chances are even better that they have very busy personal and professional lives that make intensive graduate studies difficult to pursue at best.

If you are one of the many people that feel you have made your choice and are stuck with your undergraduate degree or that a post graduate degree is simply out of your reach, I hope you will read this article with great interest and learn that there options available to you no matter how far away from a university you live or how little time you have to devote to your graduate studies.

A graduate education is a very intensive course of study that is very narrow and specific. In other words, many students find that their graduate coursework is their favorite by far as it gets into the meat of the subject matter of their interest rather than merely hitting the highlights. Only a small percentage of the population at this point in time has a graduate education. Though this does not necessarily guarantee you any employability it can provide you with very specialized knowledge or skills that will help you perform your job better and qualify you for more interesting and specialized positions in your field of study.

If you would like to pursue a graduate education but feel you are too far from the nearest university that offers a comprehensive graduate education in your field, you might be surprised to find that the nearest graduate level curriculum is as far away as your living room or your favorite Internet café. Online courses give new hope to potential graduate students. Many of them will actually allow you to work around your work schedule and at your own pace while trying to achieve your dreams of higher education and life long learning.

Online courses are becoming more widely accepted across the nation and around the world. We live in the information age and it only makes sense that we are taking control of our educations by using services and demanding services like online courses in order to further our educational goals. At the moment there are only limited offerings for graduate studies, most of them centering on educational fields with only a few graduate degrees offered in other fields such as the medical industry. As demand grows so will the availability of graduate courses and degrees that are being offered online.

If you happen to be fortunate enough to live relatively close to a university that offers graduate studies in your field you might want to check with the university and see if they offer weekend graduate classes. This is a new trend that seems to be growing in popularity as a valid option for those who hope to return to college but can't afford to give up precious work or family time during the week. These courses are much more intense than your average once or twice a week night course but they allow you to pursue your graduate degree in a much quicker manner than traditional programs have allowed and are much more employer and family friendly. Of course you also have the option of taking one or two classes at a time at night in order to achieve your graduate degree as well. Masters degree students only need to take 9 hours a semester in order to be considered full time students and qualify for financial aid.

All in all, you do not need to sacrifice your goals of graduate studies in order to maintain your career or achieve some sort of balance between work, education, and family. Whether you choose online courses, night courses, or weekend courses for your studies you have many opportunities to achieve the degree you desire without sacrificing heavily in order to do so.

Advantages of Universities

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A degree from a university means many thing to many different people. Only you can define the importance of a degree such as this to you and only you can determine whether or not now is the time for you to pursue a university degree. If you are unsure about how advantageous a university degree could be to your life let's look at some of the advantages to a university education in relationship to a community college education.

Money. The first obvious advantage of a university education would be in future earning potential. A four-year degree trumps a two-year degree almost every time. There would have to be exceptional circumstances for someone with a two-year degree to earn more over the course of a lifetime than someone with a four-year degree in the same exact field. While a degree does not guarantee employability, it does improve the odds as well as the income potential that is associated with the field you are entering into. If you have a two-year degree the decision to continue your educational pursuits can be a tough one but it is well worth the effort in the end.

Housing. This is another distinct advantage that universities offer over community colleges. In fact, many universities are now offering housing opportunities to students with families in addition to those students who have no families. Colleges and universities are offering all kinds of value when it comes to housing and meal plans. A great deal of the college experience is missed when you do not live on campus. For this particular reason students wishing to enjoy the experience that dorm life provides often consider universities over community colleges.

Diversity. This is another key component that is often missing at the community college level. International students find no real price breaks between universities and community colleges so they tend to opt for the housing and cultural atmosphere that universities present rather than going with the limiting educational, residential, and cultural experience offered by many community colleges. You will find students of different races, religions, cultures, and nations on the university level-far more than will typically be seen in a community college unless you are attending community college in a very culturally diverse city such as New York.

Culture. This is something that is often lacking on the community college level, as they are largely commuter campuses. You will not see quite the opportunity to experience art, music, the theater, and other wonderful experiences that universities pride themselves in offering to their students. There is nothing quite like the cultural offerings of most large universities and if you get the opportunity I hope you will take the time to stop and experience some of the wonderful things that being in a university community present you with an opportunity to experience.

Research opportunities. On a university level you will have the opportunity to participate in research projects with certain professors if your prove yourself worthy and express an interest. This is something that isn't as likely on the community college level as most professors in a community college are dedicated to teaching rather than research. You will find that the experience of working on a large-scale research project is unlike anything you are likely to experience again if you ever get the chance.

Confidence. There is nothing quite like a college degree from a university to help you become a more confident person both personally and professionally. This is something that really can't be achieved on the community college level but can only be experienced by getting a degree from a university. If you lack confidence when dealing with others or in your career, I hope that you will find that your university education is just the thing to help you feel more confidence on all levels of your life.

These are just a small sampling of the many benefits of attending a university over a community college education. I hope you will carefully consider these when making your decision about which is best for your personal education needs.

Current fashion trends for teen girls

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Today is a great time to be a teen girl when it comes to the wide variety of fashions that are available. There’s such a dazzling display of colors, patterns, and styles that it’s easy to get turned around and not know what’s popular any more. It’s also easy to lose track of the fact that our teen girls are still young women and that not all styles are appropriate for them to wear. The key is balance being fashionable with still being a teen and having fun being young.

The deconstructed look that has taken over teen boys fashion has also found it’s way over to the girls but with a feminine twist. Instead of pairing a faded shirt with a graphic tee a girl may opt to instead mix it up with a colorful cami showing a hint of lace. It’s still a comfortable casual style but gives a little more of a girlish touch to the look. Or, going the opposite way she may pair the graphic tee with a vintage blouse for a look that’s slightly sharper and not quite as casual.

The low rise jeans craze has also hit the female gender and has in fact gone a little bit further as girls jeans become lower and tighter than their male counterparts. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing but can be taken to an extreme that is inappropriate for someone of that age. None really needs to see what underwear your teen daughter is wearing so care should always be taken to find jeans that fit well.

Capri's are also a popular look that lend themselves to wide range of possibilities. The nice thing about Capri is that they can go from being casual to being crisp and businesslike with just a change of top and accessory. Paired with a nice button down vest and sensible shoes they create a smart look that’s equally at home in both a classroom or at the mall for an afternoon shopping trip. On the other hand pair them with a tee or a halter top and a pair of wedge shoes and you have a comfortable casual look that she can wear hanging out with friends. The possibilities are only limited by the imagination and use of accessories.

Of course there is the ever popular skirt. Skirts never really go out of fashion they just change shape and size. This year the mini is yet again in fashion which has a lot of parents concerned. They just aren’t ready for their daughter to leave the house showing that much skin. Well, there’s a solution for the this problem that can keep both parents and daughters happy. That solution is the footless tights that are enjoying another year of popularity. These tights allow a teen girl to wear a skirt that by itself would be too short for modesty but with the tights it becomes both wearable and fashionable.

Dresses are also a very fashionable choice and there’s a wide range of dress styles to choose from. For casual wear the ever popular halter dress is always a good choice. Available in a variety of colors and lengths there’s sure to be one that will please even the most finicky teen girl. For more formal occasions the halter dress can be paired with a nice shirt or sweater giving it a more demure appearance that lends itself well to occasions where a halter dress by itself would not be appropriate.

One of the best things about fashion for teen girls is the variety and the color. The current trend of bright colors and bold prints makes for a more interesting fashion statement than in past seasons. Layers make for a moor versatile wardrobe that can be made up of less individual pieces so that it’s possible to go for quality instead of quantity. All of these things make is possible for a girl to really exercise her sense of individuality and create a look that is truly her own.

Balancing play and study time setting boundaries

One of the joys of being a child is having time to play. Playing is important in child development for a couple of reasons. It gives time for the body to decompress from the stress of an active schedule. It also reminds a child that all of life isn’t about work that there is fun to be had also and gives them something to look forward to for when their work is done. However, it’s important to find a balance between the work that needs to be done and the play that we want to do. As parents we can help our children learn how to balance the two and make sure that they are getting enough of both to have a healthy development.

The first thing we can do is sit them down and talk to them about priorities. Play is fun and important but getting our work done has to come first. The decisions that we make as children have consequences that can affect us for the rest of our lives and most of the time children don’t understand that unless we take the time to explain it to them. They don’t understand that a good education is the foundation to making a start in life and that they will need that education later on to do things in life.

We can also make studying more fun for them. Set up a reward system for grades where studying and doing good on their grades can help them achieve rewards. There are a couple of ways to do this the first is to set up a sticker board where each hour of study time and every good grade gets them a sticker and after so many stickers they can have a reward. Another way to set this up is to use a points system. In a points system studying and tests are both worth a certain amount of points those points can be used towards special privileges or rewards. Really there’s no limit to the number of things that can be set up with these systems. It’s all a matter of imagination and what the parent is trying to achieve.

Another method is the punishment and reward method. In this method if the child does not complete their work or get bad grades then things are taken away from them. The things taken away can be either physical things or loss of privileges. The reward is that they are allowed to do their normal play activities. This encourages the child to get their work done on time so that they can move on to more enjoyable activities. This effective for some children but not for others.

These are just a few of the many methods used for balancing play and study time. What works for one child may not work with another child and care should be taken to make sure that the plan used is tailored to the individual so that it actually works. Sometimes it’s even necessary to use different methods within the same family of children. As parents we should look at all the options before we decide what we want to use. If something doesn’t work then it’s time to look at another method because it’s a waste of time to continue using a method that is not effective.

Balancing extracurricular activities with school work

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As parents it’s important to help our children and give them the best tools to succeed in life. One of these tools is knowing how to balance things that need to be done. This especially important as our children get older and want to participate in school activities. We want them to be able to do these activities but at the same time school work is important to their future and we don’t want them to neglect it. It’s possible for them to learn to balance both and be able to handle being active.

One thing that helps is to make sure that your child is only signing up for things that they can handle. Nothing is accomplished by taking on activities that they have no way to complete. This can have a serious negative affect on their self esteem when they aren’t able to complete things. It’s better to avoid problems by planning ahead and helping them to only sign up for the things that they can handle. It may seem harsh and counter productive but it’s not a bad thing to teach our children to be realistic about their abilities as they reach for the stars.

The next thing we can do is teach them how to manage their time effectively. The time to complete activities and homework has to come from somewhere and there still has to be time for things like eating and sleeping. We can facilitate time management by posting a calendar that has spots for time during the day and letting our children schedule in their activities so they know exactly where they have to be and when. We should help them but as they get older it’s important to let them do most of the scheduling themselves so that they learn responsibility that will help them later in life. Sometimes they’ll make mistakes and that’s okay also because we learn through making mistakes. It’s how we handle those mistakes and move on from them that helps us grow as people and move on in our lives.

One of the most important things that we can do to help them is to teach them how important the schoolwork is to them. It’s easy to get caught up in our activities and want to focus just on them so sometimes it’s necessary for the parent to step in and redirect focus just a little bit. As much as we would like to believe that our child is the next big sports star or chess champion it’s so rare that it actually happens that we need them to have the education as a back up. A good education is important because it give them something to use when they get older. It’s not that we should neglect activities outside of school as not being important but we have to teach them the importance of balancing both aspects of their time in school.

All of these things work together to help our children find time for both school work and activities. We’re our child biggest supporters and their first role models so it’s up to us to set these examples. This means that sometimes we have to take the initiative to talk to them about things and to step in when we see problems developing that are too big for them to handle on their own.

Calming your child fears about starting a new school

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Starting a new school year can be one of the hardest times in a child’s life. To an adult it doesn’t seem like much in the grand scheme of things but we’ve gotten older and forgotten how much fear is involved. It’s a big step going into a new school where you don’t necessarily know anyone. There are two main times when this happens to a child. The first is when then move up in grade and the new grades are housed in a different school and the second is when the family or the child moves to a completely new area and the child is starting a brand new school for the first time. Both times are stressful for the child but there are things that we as parents can do to help them get through it.

The first situation is a little bit easier to deal with because there’s a possibility that some of your child’s friends might be at the new school with them. This help make the transition into the new school a little bit easier. Sometimes they’ll even be in the same class which helps even more. If there’s more than one school for them to go to like there are in bigger areas most of the time you’ll be notified during the summer which school and class your child will be attending which gives you time to help your child adjust. Encourage them to talk to their friends and see which school they’ll be going to and if they have any classes together. This gives them a chance to start talking about any fears and gives you a chance to alleviate them. Next learn a little bit about the school and point things out to them so that they begin to see it as an adventure rather than something scary. Finally, if there’s a before school meeting with the teacher be sure to take your child. This gives them a chance to meet the person that will be teaching them for the following year and can make them feel a bit calmer about the situation.

The second instance is a little harder for a child to deal with. Not only are they going to a new school but they are in a new area and may be apprehensive about being able to find their way around. The first thing that you can do is decide how they’ll be getting to school each day. If they’ll be walking to school find out where it is and have your child help you plan a route to walk. After it’s planned have them walk it a couple of times for practice so that they feel confident about how to get there. Another way that you can help is by encouraging your child to get to know the neighborhood kids. There’s a good chance that some if not all of them will be going to the same school and meeting them will mean that your child won’t start school surrounded by strangers as there will be some familiar faces. Find out what kind of activities are available at the new school and talk about them together so that they can have something to look forward to.

Most of all just let them know that your always there to listen to their fears and concerns. No matter which of the two situations it is the simple act of listening can have a great impact on your child.

Homeschooling and college

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As children grow out of their little pants and are ready to begin their teens, many parents wonder if they should continue with the homeschooling program. They fear that colleges may not give equal opportunities to a child educated at home.

Many fears of this kind were put to rest when 2 homeschooled boys got admission into Harvard. Harvard does not require a high school diploma for gaining admission to their degree program. Many colleges are more interested in the knowledge and behavior of the homeschooled children rather than their high school diplomas. In fact, other things being similar many colleges prefer homeschoolers because of the diversity and richness they bring to their college life.

Admission requirements may vary. While some colleges require the child to appear for the SAT, others may need a general equivalency diploma. And some may not care for any tests at all. The criterion may vary depending on the college that you wish to apply to. But, college courses really do not require any high school background or special training.

It is common to come across parents who frantically try to shift out their homeschool children to high schools because they fear unavailability of college admissions. But college admissions are open to all educated individuals, regardless of whether they are educated at home or at a public school.

Disadvantages of public schooling

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When we consign our children to public schools, we feel satisfied that they are receiving 'quality education'. But, are we really getting our money's worth? More importantly, are the children gaining anything from this kind of a learning procedure?

Socialization is hailed as one of the greatest advantage of schools. This is the place where the child picks up the rudiments of social skills that help him survive. But in truth, a regular school-going child can interact only with his peers. He may bully younger children or fear older ones. He does not know how to behave with an adult. This is because in the school environment he interacts only with his peers. A homeschooling environment brings in a more natural social environment.

A regular school going child cannot read literature. He cannot keep silent or think in depth about any one thing. The artificial 'busy'ness imposed upon him by the school disallows quiet contemplation. Rowdy and destructive behavior, as seen among peers, is more noticeable in school-goers.

There is little long-standing knowledge among regular school goers because most things are learnt for the exam. There is no correlation of facts with life. The child may know a lot, but understands very little. This is where the homeschoolers beat the regular school goers. Ultimately, homeschoolers emerge more adept at facing the outside world.

Homeschool - Field trips

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If you are going over a particular subject with the family and feel that a field trip would be beneficial, then that's what you should do - go for a trip. If you are attached to a support group, you can plan to include other children too.
Here are some guidelines that will help you plan:
1) Collect the rates
2) Allowed ages
3) Special highlights
4) Size of the group
5) Timings
6) Eating facilities

Inform your support group of all these details well in advance so that the necessary circulars may be sent out. On the appointed day, arrange to meet with other parents and children in a particular place. Plan the mode of travel and reach the place at least 10 minutes in advance.

The field trip is not just fun. So, let your kids bring their writing material. Allow them time to stare and admire. Do not
hurry them along. Collect data beforehand so that you can clear doubts. Get help from a guide, if necessary. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the time you spend with your children.

Cheap Paperback Books

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For me, reading has always been sort of visceral experience. It isn't just about the words. It is about the book as a whole. I like the feel of paper in my hands, the weight of the book, the way it looks, and even the way it smells. I like being able to mark up my books with dog ears and notes. That is why I am such a big fan of cheap paperback books. Buying a paperback instead of taking it out of the library allows me to carry it around, dogear the pages, and even write notes without feeling guilty about it.

The place where I usually get my cheap paperback books is only about two blocks away from where I live. It is a discount bookstore, specializing in remaindered and used books. It has a pretty good selection of different things. I like a lot of variety in my reading, and the store delivers. There are science fiction books, war novels, fantasy stories, detective stories – you name it and they have it. Besides that, they have paperback books cheap. Usually, they will have a bin of books for a dollar or less each. Although some of these are not very good reads, other ones are surprisingly captivating. If you're looking for a good beach read, your local used bookstore is the perfect place to go.

You can also find paperback books cheap online. Sometimes, if I'm looking for a rare title, I will order it over the Internet. I check Craigslist, look at my local used book stores, and then check out Amazon.com. Usually, you can find cheap paperback books there. Because they are linked into booksellers all over the world, they can give you deals on pretty much anything and everything. Even if you're looking for something rare, old, or out of print, you can usually get it for a fairly reasonable price.

Another great cheap paperback book source is the local free bin. I don't know if your town has these, but where I live they are everywhere. When people want to get rid of something but don't particularly feel like selling it or taking it into the Salvation Army, they simply put it in the free bin. Anyone who wants to can come and take it. If they want, they can leave something else there as a trade. If they don't want to, they don't have to. There are all manner of strange and interesting cheap paperback books in the free bin, as well as used clothes and other odds and ends.

How to Homeschool Your Child

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Now that you have decided that homeschooling is the way to educate your child, get ready for the ecstasy and the anxiety - the road ahead is a bit bumpy, but the rewards more than make up for it. Producing a well-adjusted and well-rounded personality is no mean achievement.

First of all, it is important to check out your state laws on home schooling. Some states need an affidavit filed with the State's education department. There are basically 3 categories for homeschooling laws. These are: private school laws, home education laws and equivalency laws. Find your state laws. You may also need to maintain a portfolio that records the child's educational progress. It is important to look into the legal requirements before you start home schooling. Some States also stipulate a minimum educational qualification for the parent or teacher.

Next, look for a support group. If you live in a friendly or curious neighborhood, well-meaning friends will try to dissuade you. At the very least, they may put a lot of uneasy questions in your mind. A support group that consists of like-minded people will insulate you from the criticism, pressures and questions of regular school-goers. Many groups organize fun events like visits to the zoo, museum, tours to the ice cream shops etc. And if your children hit it off with other homeschoolers, they will be able to build lasting relationships that do not fade when their friends change schools. These groups provide an important avenue for socialization.

The next important thing to do is to select a curriculum. Depending upon the method of homeschooling, you may choose various tools that aid you in this process. The internet is also a rich resource for homeschooling. Do some research and look into the material that is available.

Set certain ground rules. Homeschooling requires a lot of self-discipline and hard work. Here is a comprehensive list of the things you will need:
1) Eagerness to learn
2) Hard work and effort
3) Discipline
4) Time and patience
5) Flexibility
6) Enthusiasm

Consider why you want to opt for homeschooling. Your motives and your reasons are important pillars on which the whole edifice of your child's lessons depends. Also, consult with your children. Ask them what they feel about homeschooling.

Select a curriculum or custom-make a curriculum that best suits your child. Record keeping is an important part of homeschooling. Look into the various methods of record keeping. Set up a schedule. Your child does not have to learn 6-7 hours a day. Allow him or her to dictate the time. Flexibility and fun are the cornerstones of homeschooling. Do not stuff too many skills into a single term or year. Prepare a skill list. Make the child learn the skills that he is ready for.

Gentle parenting is the secret to successful homeschooling. Children make great advances in learning and show more enthusiasm. They also turn out to be surprisingly well balanced and well informed when they are taught at home.

Benefits Of Homeschooling

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Why let Tim and Lisa learn at home than send them to school? Well, first of all, you don't have to wake them up at 7 every morning and bundle them off to school with umpteen numbers of instructions, and wait with an anxious heart till they return. Homeschooling gives you more control over the influences that affect your child. The growth and development of your child is removed from the realm of the unknown. You, and you alone can decide what your child needs to do or learn. Tailoring the curriculum to suit the needs and interests of the child is one of the most obvious benefits of homeschooling.

Individual attention is another salient benefit of homeschooling. For instance, if Lisa needs more time to learn Math, then she can reduce the time for her English lessons. There are no fixed hours of learning per subject. This means that a child has the advantage of assigning more number of hours to the subject that seems tough WITHOUT any additional
pressure. The amount of time needed to learn each subject will depend on the abilities and interests of the child.

The schooling of the child becomes an extended family activity. Parents get involved in every step of the learning procedure. Field trips and experiments become family activities. Thus, the child receives more quality time with his parents. The entire family shares games, chores and projects. Family closeness becomes the focus here. The child is also free of any negative peer pressure while making choices and decisions.

Competition is limited when it comes to homeschooling. The child does not need to prove his ability with regards to other children. His confidence remains intact. Since parents have a deep understanding of their child, they can plan the learning program to pique the child's interest. It is also possible to intersperse difficult tasks with fun activities. A tough hour with Algebra can be followed by a trip to the nearest museum. Learning becomes fun. Parents can also tailor the curriculum to suit the learning style of the child. Some children learn through reading, while others need to write, and still others need to see objects in action.

Homeschooling allows parents to take control over the moral and religious learning of the child. Parents have the flexibility to incorporate their beliefs and ideologies into the child's curriculum. There is no confusion in the child's mind either because there is no variation between what is being taught and what is being practiced.

Lastly, more and more parents are getting disillusioned with the public school system. They believe that their children are being pushed too hard or too little. Other worrying issues pertaining to discipline and ethics also make the school system less welcome. Many repudiate the educational philosophy of grouping children solely on the basis of their age. Some parents themselves have unhappy memories of their own public school experience that motivates them to opt for homeschooling when it comes to their own children. 

Homeschooling is the best way to teach a child if you have the time, the ability and the interest to follow through with his education. After all, nobody can understand or appreciate your child more than yourself.

Choosing the Best Fashion School for You

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The word “best” is always relative. What’s best for you may not be the best for others. This is the reason why you should not trust a business that claims to be the best. You need to compare various fashion schools in order to actually find the best one for you. In comparing fashion schools, however, you are going to need some standards. Here are some standards you can use:

1) Cost – some people think that the best fashion schools are the most expensive ones. These people think that just because education is expensive, it is also high quality. What you need to know is that studying fashion is not cheap. However, it doesn’t really need to be ridiculously expensive. Some schools just want to appear exclusive in order to attract more students. They pretend to be the best fashion schools by charging outrageous fees to those who wish to be students.

Because of this, you should understand that cost is not the best standard to use in judging quality.

2) Location – there are people who think that attending the best fashion school means going to Europe. They believe that in order for a fashion school to be among the best, it should be located as far away from their hometown as possible. There are some positives to this view. Schools located in fashion centers tend to be more aggressive in their education. They also tend to be more updated on the world of fashion. If this is the sort of school you think is best for you then go attend it.

You need to remember, however, that some things require a lot of sacrifice.

3) Prestige – some people think that the best fashion schools are the ones that get featured in magazines and the television. They believe that attending such schools would rub a little of the prestige of onto them. People believe that the best fashion schools are the most well-known ones. However, you need to remember that sometimes, the best fashion schools like to keep quiet about their greatness. All the magazines in the world could not compare to the testimonials of other people. It is often the case that the best fashion schools do not get known through the papers, but through the words of their students.

4) Instructors – some think that the best fashion schools are the ones which hire famous personalities as instructors. In fact, they may have a point. People in the fashion industry do not get famous if nobody likes their work. However, there is one drawback to this: people in the fashion industry are almost always competing against each other. This competition can be very distracting and may hinder the learning process.

5) The alumni – there are also people who think that the best fashion schools are the ones attended by successful personalities. They believe that the past will be the guide of people to face the future. Because of this, people often seek out the schools of well known fashion personalities and set out to fulfill their dreams.

Before you use this standard to judge the best fashion school, you need to remember that schooling is only a small part of a person’s greatness. It is an important part, of that you can be sure. However, you need to remember that greatness always lies within yourself.

Higher Education

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I keep hearing on the news that it is harder and harder to get a higher education these days. They say that the cost of college and university is going to spiral so high that many people who might be little afford it now will not be able to afford it in the future. Though I am not what you would call poor, I’m not what you would call rich either. I often worry that I will not be able to help my daughter through college. A higher education is one thing that I want to be able to give her, so we have started a college education fund in her name.

If you are worried about higher education like I am, it is in your best interest to start saving as soon as you can. You should have a savings account in your child’s name that they cannot get into until they are at least 18 years old. It doesn’t matter how much you put in, as long as you are putting something in. Even if you can only pay for part of your child’s higher education, you are doing them a huge favor. Even ten or fifteen dollars a week will add up rather quickly. Add interest to that and you are going to have more money than you realize when your child is old enough to go to college or university.

There are some special programs out there that deal with saving for higher education. Some of these programs allow you to pay for your child’s education now, at a price that will no longer exist in the future. I’m not really sure how this works, but if you can afford to shell out the money now, this might be the cheapest and most effective way to ensure that your child gets a higher education. I’m not sure what would happen if your child decides not to go to college, or if something else were to happen that your child would not be in school. You may not be able to get this money back.

I know that there are loans out there to help children with their higher education. I had to take out these loans on my own, and I am afraid they are going to follow me around for the rest of my life. It would almost seem that I paid more for my higher education and I will ever pay for my own home. Even though I think education is valuable, I do believe that the price has gone through the roof and is completely unrealistic. What do all of these colleges and universities need all of this money for? I sincerely hope it’s not just to pay the college football and basketball coaches.

What is Homeschooling

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The term 'homeschooling' basically refers to the process in which one or more children of not more than 2 families are instructed by parents or legal guardians, or a member of either household. The laws that define homeschooling vary from State to State. The legal requirements for establishing a homeschool also vary with the State.

For most children, the actual process of learning begins much before school. Many children already know their alphabets, the names of animals, colors and other more complicated stuff before they reach school. This is mostly due to the hard work of a member of the family who has taken the time to teach the child. Homeschooling is just a natural progression from here. Instead of sending their children to a public school, parents make their own curriculum and teach their children in ways that best suit the child. This is homeschooling, in its most simplistic form.

Before you decide to go in for homeschooling, there are certain important matters for consideration. First off, meet with parents of other homeschoolers. Find out the pros and cons of homeschooling. Then ask yourself why you would want to adopt this method. This is a very important aspect, as the success of the program depends on the clarity and sincerity of your purpose. Next, it is time to consider the expenses of homeschooling. It may cost anywhere between a few hundred dollars to a few thousand every year. More importantly, you are also effectively shutting out any job opportunity for one of the parents. It is only obvious that one parent will have to stay at home full time to manage the homeschool. A home-based business however is a great alternative.

Are you qualified to take on homeschooling for your children? Teaching is a continuation of your own learning process. With the advent of the internet, information is aplenty. There are various books and resources for those interested in homeschooling. Go through the various methods of homeschooling and choose one that is most suited to you. It helps if you know what kind of learning style your child has. Also, find out what your child feels about homeschooling before you start.

Every state has its own laws regarding homeschooling. For instance, in North Carolina, you must first file a 'Notice of
Intent' to start a home school. In this you have to mention if the school is a 'Private church' school or a 'qualified non-public school'. The persons providing the education are required to have at least a high school diploma. You have to maintain an annual record of the child's attendance and disease immunization. Every year, the child is required to undergo a standardized test. Each student attending the eleventh grade has to take a nationally standardized test. These are the requirements in North Carolina, but it is enough to give you a good idea of what homeschooling
entails. Homeschooling may seem like a lot of fun and freedom from the outside. However, things are seldom as simple as they seem. Homeschooling is a lot of added responsibility and hard work. But, if successful, it will forge a strong bond of love and respect between parent and child, while providing your child with the best form of education he needs.

Educational Savings Accounts

When it comes to getting a college education, financing is one of the most important considerations that you will need to make. Unfortunately for far too many it is one the last considerations that is made when it comes to the educations of our children. If you are a parent you owe it your child and yourself to plan ahead and plan carefully in order to cover the cost of your child's education. There are fortunately, a few great ways in which you can do this.

The most common is to begin by opening up an educational savings account for your child (under the age of 18). When you open up an educational savings account for your child, you can contribute up to $2,000 per year per child. This is a combined total contribution however and includes the contributions of grandparents, friends, and family in addition to your own personal contributions. The money from these funds can be withdrawn tax-free as long as they are used for educational purposes.

Educational expenses in this case include books, tuition, fees, supplies, and college room and board provided that your child is at least a part-time student. If you do not use all the funds for your child there are options as far as what to do with the remaining funds in the account. The first option would be to leave the funds in the account and allow the account beneficiary to withdraw them up until the age of 30. There is a penalty involved and the beneficiary will be required to pay income tax on those funds. You could also elect to roll those funds over to the next child under the age of 18 who will have educational expenses in the future.

The money you set aside in these accounts to cover the cost of the education of your child or children is not tax-deductible however, it is a great way to begin saving money and investing in the future of your child. If you begin investing the maximum amount $2,000 per year upon birth your child should have a nice nest egg to help cover educational expenses. If your child is fortunate enough to qualify for scholarships and other sources of financial aid you can turn the funds over as a graduation gift or save it for the next college student in your family that comes along. Either way you've saved yourself a good part of the worry that goes along with providing for your family by having this fund set up for your children.

You can sign up for programs like Upromise in order to subsidize your contributions with donations from corporate sponsors as their way of thanking you for buying their products or using their services on any credit cards that you, your friends, and your family members have registered to go into your child's account. Every edge you give yourself when it comes to investing in the education of your children is an edge worth having. College tuition rates are rising at an alarming rate while corporate expectations of college degrees are rising at the same near lightening speed. This means that a college degree is more critical for our children than in any past generations.

Take the time now to check into securing the future of your children by establishing an educational savings account. Let friends and family know that any gifts they are planning to give your children that involve money would be appreciated if they instead invested in the future of your children rather than the now. You can also ask your friends and family to sign up their credit cards with Upromise in order to provide a little bump in donations to your child's college savings account. These little steps add up to significant savings over the course of 18 years. You just might find that the investment you are making is adequate to cover the costs of your child's tuition in full.

The True Value of a Two-Year College

Higher education in this country is rapidly becoming a necessity in the business community rather than a luxury. There was a time when those who had a high school education still had the opportunity to build a better world for themselves and their families. Those days are rapidly becoming another dieing ember of the past. If you hope to have significant earning potential during your lifetime you are almost completely limited by your learning potential and the level of education you have received.

The good news is that you do not have to have an all or nothing approach when it comes to education. You can begin by taking baby steps when it comes to higher education. If you have a community college in your area, this is one of the greatest resources for beginning your college education at any stage in your life. Most community colleges offer classes at various times during the day and evening, even some on Saturday in order to accommodate students of different ages and backgrounds.

Community colleges also offer an excellent opportunity to begin your learning quest in a manner that is much more easily affordable to the average citizen than a full-blown university. These colleges are largely commuter colleges though there are several that allow students the experience of living on a college campus at a much lower price than most major universities charge for the same or very similar privileges.

Community colleges also allow you to explore your options if you aren't really sure what direction you wish for your education to take without paying such a high price for the process. If you know the career path you wish to take you might find a two-year degree program that can have you out of school and in a career much sooner than a four-year program will allow. If that isn't good enough news for you, many of the two-year programs of study that are offered at the community college level may very well transfer quite easily into bachelor degree programs at the university level.

Community colleges offer an excellent start for many people who are seeking higher education whether to further their careers or just to find fulfillment on a personal level in life. There are many wonderful programs in vocational fields as well as academic fields that can be explored and studies on the community college level.

For graduating high school students community colleges help students ease into the adjustment from high school to college without going through the culture shock that some universities can put students through. You will find that there are often many opportunities to meet educational as well as social needs on the community college level for students that are interested in pursuing a community college education.

You should also discover that community colleges are much easier to budget when it comes to setting aside funds and savings for either your personal college education or the educational expenses of your children. Having them attend a community college for two years then transferring to a University can save a great deal of money and provide you a little piece of mind that your children are still receiving an excellent level of education.

Seriously, if you are looking for an excellent value when it comes to education you would be doing yourself or your children a disservice if you do not check out the community college options in your area before taking the plunge and diving into the university lifestyle. You will find that community colleges often offer an equal level of education for the introductory classes that first and second year college students often take, they are a much better value for the money, and they are an outstanding values for those who are trying to juggle their education with family and work responsibilities.

Effective Education

Education is a word that comes from the Latin word “educare” meaning to bring up, to raise. Ultimately it comes from the Latin “educere” to lead out. ( ref: Thorndike Barnhart World Book Dictionary) I think that is a really nice concept of leading the adult or child out into new worlds or vistas of knowledge. However one then looks at what some forms of education have become and shudder.

It is a funny thing but before a person can learn anything he must want to learn it and this usually means he needs a purpose for learning it. Whether it be to get a certain job, to be a doctor for instance, or to be able to do something that the person has always wanted to do, you will always find where there is an intense desire to learn there is a purpose for doing so. For a child this often has to be named and not in the adult’s terms but the child’s.

Many years of teaching children and adults teaches one the above to be true. For a child it can be as simple as “ so Mom and Dad will be pleased” or “so I can be the best reader” or “ so I can be a famous motorbike rider when I grow up”. Getting the child to find a purpose for school and name it can be a little game that has as its end prize an increased desire to learn.

After that other factors enter in and I often feel too much emphasis is put on the child and adult as to their ability to learn, what are they capable of. In my experience many bad educators turn the blame to the child or adult as just not able to learn. A wonderful shift of responsibility.

How someone is being educated is of prime importance.

Here are some common methods of educating that really stop education from occurring:

Are they having facts shoved down their throat with horrendous threats if you don’t learn it?

Are they thus being prepared for an exam where they will regurgitate facts rather than have an understanding of the subject?

Are they in a huge class of 30 or more that makes any individual attention impossible?

Is the subject being presented in an interesting way for that age group?

Is the subject at the correct level for those students or is it way over their heads to comprehend?

As part of the one above, is the educator using terminology that can be understood by his students? Reversely is he talking down to his students, below their ability level?

Is the educator making sure his students duplicate what he says that they get “tree” not “bee” ? Before understanding comes duplication- seeing or hearing exactly what is read or said.

Is there a balance of theory and practical? Does the theory have some connection to the practical and can this be demonstrated?

Well here is some food for thought in the realm of education. An educator is a professional and he should do his job as a professional and not be above improvement and correction.