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How to Choose a Good English Dictionary

Having a good English dictionary is important if you want to learn the language well. In fact, it is probably the most valuable tool you have while taking your ESL classes. As well as a definition, a good dictionary will also show you how to pronounce the word and give examples of ways that the word is commonly used. Unfortunately there are quite a number of dictionaries on the market. So how do you choose a good dictionary? Here are some pointers to consider.

Make certain the dictionary offers some examples sentences so you can see different ways that the word is used. This will not only help you to better understand the meaning of the word, but will provide valuable grammar information as well. Most will identify the word as a noun, verb, adjective etc.

A good dictionary will provide more than one definition for a word whenever it has different meanings. This is a common occurrence in the English language, and knowing the right definition of a word is necessary to learn the language properly.

While not essential, a few little extras that may be included are always helpful. Look for a dictionary that also provides synonyms for words, phonetic pronunciations and even photos. Any items that make learning English more fun will help to keep you motivated.

Try to find a dictionary that is comfortable to use. Find one in a size that can be carried with you but still has print that is easy to read. If you prefer to have both a pocket and a desk dictionary, you should buy the same one for both to avoid confusion.

The last item to consider is price. Dictionaries come in a very wide price range so you will have to look for one that best fits your budget. A good dictionary is something that you will use in your studies for a very long time so it is really an important investment.

While online dictionaries can be a useful tool as well, and can provide a quick definition for most words, they are generally not as complete as a book edition. Software dictionaries that you download to your computer are usually better, but it can still take longer to look up a word in the database than it would to look the word up manually. Learning English can be frustrating enough without the added frustrations of a slow dictionary!

One last pointer: you should stick to English only dictionaries. Your teachers in your ESL classes probably don’t speak your native language in class, and they surely don’t translate words. So why should you get a bilingual dictionary? It certainly helps you understand new vocabulary, but it won’t really improve your English. So, get out there and get yourself a good one! But don’t leave it on a shelf to gather dust. Put it to good use!

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.englishlci.com as the original source).

Susan Thomason has written numerous articles for LCI English Center, an ESL school in Denver, Colorado. LCI offers the best English training through experienced teachers and high quality programs. Check out more ESL articles at www.englishlci.com/blog

10 Easy Ways to Practice English Every Day

There is an old expression that says “practice makes perfect.” If you want to perfect a skill of any kind it requires lots of practice and the best way to practice a new language, especially outside of your ESL classes, is to use it as often as possible. Here are 10 of the easiest ways to practice your English reading, speaking and comprehension skills every day.

1. Although it may not blend in with your household decor, a really simple technique for increasing word recognition is to put labels around the rooms of your house. Using sticky notes is an easy way to do this. For example your kitchen can be adorned with multi colored labels that read “cupboard”, “drawer”, “counter”, “table”, “spice rack” etc. Reading the labels on objects you use constantly will reinforce their meaning and get you in the habit of using the correct term for things.

2. Reading daily newspapers, even small local editions or newsletters is another great way to practice the language as it is spoken by the average person. It will also help you understand some of the local terms and expressions from the area you’re in as well.

3. Magazines, like newspapers offer inexpensive and interesting ways to practice reading and comprehension skills while also learning about interesting subject matter. If you have a hobby or interest, you will be even more motivated to read about it and magazines are available on just about every subject imaginable.

4. Everybody has to eat, and if you have the facilities for cooking, reading and following recipes is a super way to study the language. And you get the bonus of some good eating as well!

5. Listen to the radio, especially talk shows or news programs. Listening to others speak the language, is an excellent way to improve pronunciation.

6. Make use of all aspects of the internet. Obviously you will spend a great deal of time reading and writing online during the course of your ESL program, but aside from that, there are also tons of podcasts, videos and audio presentations online that can be both educational and entertaining.

7. Make lists. This is an easy and helpful way to practise spelling and writing. When you have groceries to buy, or errands to run, try writing out a list each time.

8. Do puzzles such as crosswords, word searches, and word match-ups, in your spare time. It will increase your vocabulary as well as help to improve sight recognition of words.

9. Play board games. There are tons of board games that are a lot of fun to play with friends that require reading, writing and listening skills.

10. Try to find some movies in your native language with English subtitles.

These few little tricks will have you reading, speaking and writing English like an expert in no time!

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.englishlci.com as the original source).

Susan Thomason has written numerous articles for LCI English Center, an ESL school in Denver, Colorado. LCI offers the best English training through experienced teachers and high quality programs. Check out more ESL articles at www.englishlci.com/blog

Science Kit and the Benefits You Can Derived From It

Science kits are surprisingly bargained in bookstores and shops especially now that the internet and e- resources are very much available for cheaper and even no costs at all.

However, Science kits have value and importance that your child can benefit from. They are not simply educational toys or a piece of display. It is not just the information and the knowledge that the science kits give but also the appreciation, attitude and values that these science kits produce.

Science kits are those designed to supplement formal classroom education. The kit usually contains replicas of the subject matter that are designed to be hands- on for children. There are buttons, supplementary materials, manuals and references that are designed to give your children holistic learning.

There are numerous benefits that your children can get from science kits. They are the following:

1. Science Kit provides experiential learning. The children of this generation have other demands in terms of learning. Because the world now is fast- paced, teaching methods, tools and styles vary greatly from the previous ones. Classroom learning through lectures and modules no longer suffice is you want your child to fully absorb the knowledge. Experiential learning- learning by experience is a key in order for your child to turn the knowledge to wisdom. For a learning to have a long staying power in the mind of your child, your child should experience firsthand what he or she learns. A science kit provide this experiential learning because the student can be able to see how a volcano works in a scaled- down size in the capacity that he or she can fully grasp.

2. Science Kit gives fun to learning. Classroom learning is usually said to be boring when the entire students do is to listen and read. Because a science kit is hands- on, your child will be able to have fun while experimenting. There are new science kits that have more options for your child. An example of this is the weather science kit. Your child will be able to produce thunder sounds and lightning. Create and play with replica of snow flakes and even rainbow. The possibilities are vast for science kit.

3. Science kit is safe. While there is no substituting exposure trips, science kit is no wonder the safest way to learn science. As all their components are tested to be safe from harmful chemicals, you can be sure that your child is safe. Your child does not have to go out and see the difference between signal number two and three in typhoons. He or she simply has to check on the science kit and see the difference. Most science kits have large components that reduce the risk of swallowing by little children. However, that is just for the younger ones. The more complex a science kit is, the smaller some components and parts become.

Invest for your child’s ultimate learning experience, the fast, easy and inexpensive way through a science kit. It is available in most educational stores and via online stores.

Are you looking for more information about science kit? Visit http://www.opalscience.com today!

Science Experiment and How it Can Be Appreciated

The subject of Science can be more fully grasped if learned experientially. Experiential learning has a much longer staying power in the minds of the learner. This is a fact that most teachers and educational staff realize. As such, they are giving science projects and experiments to do.

However, these hands- on learning are seen by more students as a burden and very seldom do they appreciate the value and importance of Science experiments. Most school children do admit that they do a Science experiment at least two days before it is due.

Remember also how Science fair goes? Only the outstanding and top students piously and devotedly commit in doing their projects. Most of the class population spends countless time thinking and thinking what they are supposed to do.

So how can Science experiments be appreciated?

If you are the student these tips are directly for you to help you value and appreciate experiential learning through science experiments. If you are the parent or guardian or the teacher, these tips will help you motivate your children to appreciate doing science experiments.

1. Do not work alone. There is value in working together as a group with classmates or even with family members. Interactions during working for a science experiment are actually good learning tools. Questions, queries, what- ifs and a lot more comments float when working for a science experiment or project. This way, learning becomes fun and work becomes a bonding activity. This only works if 99% of the time is spent in learning, not in fooling around.

However, if you feel that you are better off working alone, you can still do a bit of interaction by asking your peers

2. Grab and get ideas first. Once you have identified your science experiment topic, you may want to read a bit about how to do it. You may also want to look at magazines and other resources that can contribute to you. Visit science fairs and even malls that have science topic displays.

A helpful tool to creating your science experiment is the science kit. They are readily available in stores and are much helpful when used and explore. Topics are vast and numerous.

3. Go for the do- it- yourself science experiment. If your science experiment does not have strict requirements on how you will carry your experiment, opt for the do- it- yourself ones. Do- it- yourself science experiments are inexpensive and almost free. This also brings out the creativity in you. This also gives you freedom to choose what materials or tools are best to use. Do it yourself science experiments also give a good feeling of ownership and accomplishment to you as you know that you have worked the extra mile for your science project.

Do not throw previous science experiments (unless perishable). Even if your science project got a low grade, do not throw them away yet as they are the learning steps in improving your science experiment. They can also serve as an inspiration for you to do better next time.

Are you looking for more information about science experiment? Visithttp://www.opalscience.com today!

Science For Kids That Are Made Fun and Enjoyable

Science is a difficult subject to be studied if you will look at it closely. Everything in this life, in this world, in this solar system, in this galaxy and in this universe has an element of Science to it. Simply put, Science is inseparable to life.

This is the main reason why Science is one of the major subjects in formal schooling. Often times, this subjected is either dreaded or hated or ignored by a lot of school children, especially kids. The challenge now for curriculum advisers, teachers and even parents is to make Science attractive, fun and informative for kids.

How do you exactly make Science fun but still informative for your kids? Here are some of the tips that you can follow as your guide even if you are the teacher or the parent.

Supplement the lecture with hands- on experience. This generation is lucky because the society is recognizing their need for other learning tools. Lectures no longer stand alone. This should be followed- up with experiential learning.

A lot of tools are very much available for you to use for your kids. There is the science kit that is complete in itself. These are readily bought in bookstores and school needs stores. They are usually replicas of a certain subject in Science. You kid will surely appreciate the Science kit.

In addition, a lot of e- resources are available for free for your students. There isinteractive software like games which are designed to teach your children and at the same time provide entertainment. There are also DVDs that are educational. Have your computer installed with these software and programs.

Create/ Join unique Science activities. You can create activities that your kid will surely enjoy, but will still give him or her lessons about Science. You can have the Supermarket Science day where you will bring your kids to the Supermarket and teach them about proper nutrition by teaching them to select good foods for the body. You can create Saturday picnics in a nature spot and have a subtle lesson about taking care of the environment. You can also enroll your child in kid’s science camps that are usually offered by schools and other organizations

Be involved. Learning Science is easier for your kid if you will get involved too. Always make it a point that you check on your kid’s homework. Ask him or her about their day in school, what they learned and what was difficult to understand. If your kid has take home science project be visible while he or she is working on it. Show your interest in what he or she is doing. Ask questions. If your kid has questions prioritize giving answers to his or her question. This is possible if you are willing to be involved and learn too.

These are just some tips on what you can do to help your kid appreciate Science. It is good to establish it this early so that they have a good foundation for their schooling, later in life.

Are you looking for more information about science for kids? Visit http://www.opalscience.com today!

How to do Simple Calculations in Your Head - Addition

Let’s face it. Math is not everyone’s favorite subject. Most people would rather use a calculater to figure out how much something costs with tax or they depend on the cashier and the cash register to determine how much chage they should get back. I’m not one of those people.

For as long as I can remember I have always been playing with numbers in my head. Now I don’t have a doctorate in math or nuclear engineering or anything like that. I’m just your average guy who happens to like math and playing with numbers in his head. If I’m watching something on TV or listening to the radio and someone mentions a date that something was created, I immediately do the calculation in my head to figure out how many years that is. I’m probably not the only person who’s like that but I’m guessing that there aren’t many of us.

Let’s begin with a small example:

93 + 48

Believe it or not this is really simple. The trick is to round one or both of the numbers up(or down) to a multiple of 10. This is because it’s easier to add numbers that have a zero on the end. So going back to our example here the easiest solution is to add 7 to 93 to make it 100.

Our problem now becomes:

100 + 48 = 148

Now this is not the final answer. I have what I like to call “My Little Rule”. Basically it states that whatever you do at the beginnig, you must do the opposite at the end and with the same amount. In this case what we did at the beginning was add 7 in order to make the addition easier. We must therefore subtract that same amount from the result above to get the answer.

148 - 7 = 141

Now you’ve probably heard of the phrase “There’s more than one way to skin a cat”. Why you would want to skin a cat or even have more than way to do it is beyond me but I digress. What that phrase means is that there’s more than one way to solve a problem and math is no different. However for my examples I’m going to show what in my opinion is the easiest method.

Let’s do another one but this time with three digits:

267 + 148

Now don’t panic! For this one we’ll use my divide and conquer method. This means that we’ll break one of the numbers down into multiples of 10 so we’ll have some zeros on the end and this will make adding a whole lot easier. Let’s pick the second number, 148.

So now we have:

267 + 100 + 40 + 8

See how easier it becomes now? Adding 267 and 100 is easy.

267 + 100 = 367

To add 367 and 40, change 367 to a multiple of 10 by subtracting 7 and making it 360. Remember it’s a lot easier to add numbers that end with a zero.

So now we have:

360 + 40 + 8 = 408

Now going back to “My Little Rule” at the top, we subtracted 7 at the beginning so we must add it back.

408 + 7 = 415

This might look like a lot of steps to do but when you practice doing it in your mind it’s really fast after you get the hang of it. There are a lot more examples I can do here but that would make for an article the size of a book so I think I’ll stop here for now. Hopefully you get the basic idea. I’ll be writing more articles about doing math problems in your head so watch for them. You can also find more on my web site. See you next time.

K. Parsons is an affiliate marketer who has written more than a dozen articles on many different topics. He enjoys reading, going to the movies, and going to the airport to watch airplanes. Web site: http://www.pixeldiary.com

Interactive English Courses Increase Interest

Regardless of the subject matter and the age group of the student, interactive teaching tends to work best. In today’s technology driven and information based world, most interactive learning is done via computers. This can take many formats, such as:

- PowerPoint presentations

- Video presentations

- Webinars and web conferencing

- Audio

- Games

What is Interactive Learning?

This is learning where the student is actively involved in the process. They do not just sit in a classroom or other similar setting and have someone feed them information. Instead, they are actively engaged in the process by hands on activities. When English is taught using multimedia resources to make the teaching and learning interactive, all the senses become engaged.

In short, interactive English courses stimulate interest by appealing to all the different learning styles of people. These learning styles that are involved with interactive learning are:

- Listening

- Seeing

- Touching and doing

Using these senses, learning takes place when the student is actively engaged by the teacher, the software or teaching material and the subject matter.

English as Second Language

English is a difficult subject for native English speakers, much less for persons who are learning it as a second language. Interactive English courses are especially useful at increasing interest when used to teach English to non-English speakers. Whether a child, teen or adult, learning by doing makes the whole process seem more real. This can improve retention as the student’s interest is kept throughout the learning session.

Some ways those students learn English interactively is by playing word games, puzzles and even with songs. In some cases, students are encouraged to watch movies in English and try to interpret what is being said. The movies can be viewed with captions or not depending on the level attained by the students. Many interactive English courses allow students to answer questions online.

Learning English Interactively for English-Speaking Children

Children too can benefit greatly if teachers introduce them to the basic concepts of the English language by using interactive teaching methods. Most children find it easier to learn by seeing and experiencing something, so interactive teaching methods definitely increase interest.

Interactive English courses do not only increase interest in learning the subject. They also encourage and ultimately improve student-teacher interaction in the teaching-learning process. Learning is always best achieved when students feel that their teachers show an interest and they can actually see that they are learning.

Anyone involved in education, regardless of the level, will admit that interactive learning enables teachers to hold the attention of students. The great thing about interactive teaching methods is that teachers and students can connect with each other even if they are not in the same location. There have been studies which indicate that interactive learning is also an important tool for successful online learning.

In years past, interactive courses were generally utilized in mathematics and the sciences. Now however, interactive English courses are commonplace in many school settings. This type of teaching and learning method helps make learning a new language fun for everyone involved.

Learn to speak English online with courses that will help you learn English at your own pace. Online English school offers online English lessons to help students learn English and achieve their goals.

Effective English Teaching: Why Some Students Think The English Language Is A Boring Study Subject

I hate to admit it, but back in my college days, when my English professor comes in to our class, all of us would start groaning. It means all of us would have to endure 1 and a half hour of boring English language lecture. And it always makes me laugh whenever I remember those days.

I guess a lot of people in my age before, who feel the same way too. Why does everyone find English as a boring course?

It’s a known fact that a lot of students, teenagers mainly, think that the English subject is boring. And I don’t blame them. However, I do believe that it is not the subject itself which is uninteresting, but the one who is conveying them to the students might be. In simple terms, it is the teacher that might be boring.

And because of technology nowadays, most young students are reluctant to study English because of the many grammar checkers and programs available to them today. Anything is possible in learning through the internet and I guess that is the purpose why we depend so much with the modern technologies that we have.

If that is the case, most of us will automatically rely on what the internet provide us, with the necessary information we needed.

Believe all you want, but I certainly believe that the education of the students mainly rests in the hands of the capable teacher. Now I’m not saying that all teachers are boring. It’s just that they are mainly teaching based on their experience as a teacher. They must impart the knowledge that every students oath to know and for them to find love the topic, the one who teaches should catch their interest in learning English course.

There are many new techniques in effectively teaching English and yet some teachers scoff at the idea and continue using their old methods. Well, continue doing this and I guarantee most of your students will be sleeping in your face!

However, some teachers won’t mind if their students are listening or not, as long as they have discuss what they oath to discuss.

It’s a rude awakening, but by using these new techniques, then perhaps we can turn around the attention of the students. One way for you to make the classroom livelier is by having a small debate over a topic that interests students. You can check the pronunciation and grammar of the students and then inform them their strengths and weaknesses. This will make them realize that having an English class is not so boring after all.

Another thing you can do is make your discussions into some sort of a game. Most students like that and they will be challenged to do their best. You can have a spelling battle in order to test out their grammar skills. There are many ways of making the English class an interesting one. You must have the creativeness on how you care going to start the class where all of your students will become livelier and are eager to learn more.

Find out how to write perfect English letters, reports and emails by writing less. See Grammar Software in action! Read more

How To Teach Spelling To Kids

If you are completely in charge of your children’s education, then you might have a hard time with teaching them some study subjects. Basically, it is the responsibility of the parents or the guardians to teach their kids what they should oath to know while they are on their growing stage. Besides, children’s first teachers are their parents. If you happen to be one, then here’s what you should do for them.

Take spelling, for example. Spelling is very important for young children since it is the basic foundation for a good English education. If one does not know how to spell correctly, then you will have a hard time learning proper English in the future.

However, teaching the correct way of spelling might be a challenge, most especially if your kids are very hyperactive and they find study time boring. You certainly don’t want to teach them if their minds are not set to it because they will only end up forgetting it. So therefore, you will need to modify your teaching strategy in order for your kids to listen and learn.

One good way for your kids to learn the value of good spelling is for them to try spelling fun words. For example, if your kids love their pet dog or cat, have them spell out the name of their pet in a black board or paper. Once they are finished, check their work and then teach them on how to spell the word if they made a mistake. You can also have a spelling bee and the winner will receive a special prize, like candies or a toy. I’m pretty sure your kids will be doing all they can to learn how to spell right!

Let them spell simple words with three letters at first. Then, if you think they had mastered it, you can proceed in spelling the words with 4 letters and above. However, there are words that a child can’t even spell it out correctly.

All you need to do is to introduce them first about the 26 letter of an alphabet. Let them hear how each letter is being pronounced. Introduce them about vowels and consonants. Have each consonants be paired with the five vowels and pronounce it well. If they are able to distinguish how to pronounce those letters and words, then they will be able to spell it out with seeing the exact spelling.

Make sense? Well, the secret formula there is listening. They listen as you pronounce the word for them to spell it out.

In that way, you are becoming their first teacher and this is their first lesson that you are going to teach them. Making it very interesting and lively so that you kids will listen attentively.

Making their study lessons a fun experience is the key for them to truly appreciate the value of good learning. Tutoring your kids does not need to be a boring experience. This will encourage them to learn proper English without having to rely on English grammar checkers most of the time.

Aside from teaching them how to spell correctly, the time that you had spend with them can foster closeness with your children.

Find out how to write perfect English letters, reports and emails by writing less. See English Grammar Check Software in action! Read more

Are Your Nursing Assistants Retaining What They Learn

As a nurse educator, you know that ongoing education leads to reduced turnover and greater job satisfaction among your nursing assistants. Not to mention that continuing education is a yearly requirement for CNAs! But, how do you know the information you provide to your aides “sticks?” Here are some staggering statistics regarding adult learning retention. Over a period of three days, adults retain:

* 10% of information that is read

* 30% of information that is seen

* 50% of information that is seen and heard

* 90% of information that is said and done (applying learning to real life situations)

Many factors affect adult learning retention including age, level of prior education and motivation. It’s a tall order for any educator to motivate learners, accommodate different learning styles and keep his or her teaching fresh and interesting. Here are five strategies for ensuring that your nurse aides actually retain the information you are giving them.

1. Touch upon a medley of learning styles. If possible, give your learners a choice between interactive group study and contemplative self-study. Make sure that aides who are studying solo know who they can approach with any questions about the material. Or, add a visual component, such as PowerPoints, to capture the attention of people who learn by seeing. And, when applicable, include a demonstration in your inservice. For example, have a physical therapist demonstrate how to use a mechanical patient lift.

2. Encourage nurse aide participation. For each of the required annual inservices, ask a different nursing assistant to help you teach the materials. After the topic has been presented, ask each participant to tell the class something new that they learned. By saying it out loud, the learning will be reinforced! You can also encourage participation by simply asking your CNAs what topics they are interested in learning more about.

3. Create excitement. To generate buzz about an upcoming inservice topic, hand out a word puzzle or pre-test a few days prior to the meeting. Or, tape a $1 bill in two or three copies of the inservice materials each month. Your CNAs will look forward to attending class to see if they are lucky “winners!”

4. Promote active learning. Use real-life situations relating to patients at your workplace to stimulate discussion and enhance critical thinking skills. When relevant, bring in patient care equipment and allow each participant to practice using it. Or, split your class into two groups. Have each group come up with a discussion question for the other group to answer.

5. Review job performance. Check for knowledge retention by making sure your caregivers are applying what they have learned. Give continuous feedback about their client care and address any remaining learning needs as they arise. (Don’t wait for annual review time. If you do, you’ll miss many opportunities for making sure that learning “sticks”!)

Add some zing to your CNA continuing education with these 5 tips and you’ll start seeing daily proof that your nurse aides are not only remembering what they learn–but are putting it into practice.

Linda H. Leekley BS, RN is the founder of In the Know, a company dedicated to the continuing education needs of nursing assistants. In the Know inservices help you develop a team of top-notch CNAs. Please visit In the Know’s website at http://www.knowingmore.com to download a FREE Inservice Topic.

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