4 Reasons Why Algebra Word Problems Helps

4 Reasons Why Algebra Word Problems HelpsIt may seem odd to be using an algebra word problem in mathematics class, but many teachers use it to help their students learn the rules of algebra. Since learning in school is a good deal of fun, I decided to find out why many people use the algebra word problem. In my mind, they were a teaching aid that helped many students learn important algebra facts. I'll explain some of the reasons behind this algebra word problem.The first reason for using algebra word problems as part of a school curriculum is to make learning fun. Whether or not one likes algebra is irrelevant. Students who are able to do complex algebra can develop interest in the subject matter as well as critical thinking skills.Algebra is a subject that must be learned with plenty of practice and study. Learning through word problems helps. If one doesn't like algebra, one can always tell the teacher and be excused from doing the problem. This technique has worked for me when I did not like algebra.Second, algebra word problems give students practice problem solving. Most people learn better through problem solving than through rote memorization. Using an algebra word problem can help improve problem solving skills while giving students practice solving problems.Third, many teachers use the word problems because it is a way to incorporate math and algebra into the lives of their students. Math is often taught as a separate subject from the science classes. With the introduction of algebra as a subject, many teachers have learned how to integrate their science classes with math.A fourth reason that teachers use the word problems is that it is easy to teach algebra without a lot of prior math knowledge. Teachers can use algebra word problems as a fun activity. By providing students with math problems, many teachers can get them working on their mathskills without them being aware of the subject. In some cases, students might not have to study math at all if they have fun activities to do.As with many subjects, math is a subject that must be learned with lots of practice and study. For many teachers, allowing students to solve algebra problems can improve both problem solving skills and academic success. The inclusion of the word problem provides students with fun activities that will help them learn more quickly.

4 Great Ways to Organize Your Time in High School

4 Great Ways to Organize Your Time in High School San Diego Tutoring Tips: 4 Great Ways to Organize Your Time in High School Once in high school students will have a lot more things to do than they did as a middle school student. 9th graders will have a big adjustment in the amount of homework they have and whats expected of them from the teacher and, once they get into the college prep years, students will also be working on advanced placement courses and test prep. Time management becomes more and more important as students progress towards graduation and can also make a big difference in a students stress level. Check out these four great ways students can organize their time during High School book your high school San Diego private tutor today. 1. Make a plan for the month. It’s important for students to know whats going on in the next 30 days in regards to due dates and assignments. Students might have one week where they think they dont have anything going on at all but forgot that they have two papers due in three weeks time. They could have easily spent their free afternoons writing outlines and formulating a thesis if they had looked ahead in their syllabus. By sitting down and getting organized at the beginning of each month, students can better organize and start preparing for long-term due dates, something that will become especially important once they start taking AP classes (Irvine AP Tutor Tips: 4 Ways to Prep for AP Exams). 2. Prioritize It’s also important for high school students to start prioritizing the amount of time they spend on a particular assignment and which one gets done first. Students can start by looking at due dates and finish assignments with earlier due dates first. They should also look at their assignments regarding points. For instance, if an extra credit assignment is worth two points and a research paper is worth 20, students are encouraged to work on the research paper first. Students can also think about which assignments they can complete when their mind is a little bit tired and which ones will require undivided focus. 3. Take adequate breaks Part of planning a study session is scheduling time for breaks. Students don’t work efficiently if they are mentally fatigued, hungry, or have not yet had a chance to exercise. Students may also need mental breaks when switching from one subject to another. It can be a challenge to switch from an algebra assignment to analyzing literature without taking a few minutes to shake off one subject and prepare for the other. Students should avoid spending time online during their break because this is still draining their brain of valuable concentration. Rather, students should get up from their desk and walk around, get some fresh air, a healthy snack, or a drink of water. 4. Avoid unnecessary distractions When students are distracted, they tend to draw out their study sessions much longer than is necessary. A student who is 100% focused on the task at hand might get an assignment done in an hour while another student working on the same assignment might take an hour and a half or two hours if they are distracted by social media, their phones, friends, or excessive noise. The biggest distraction for students these days is social media. High school students are encouraged to stay off Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter when they are working on important assignments. If students have pop-up notifications, they should turn these off before sitting down to complete an important assignment. Some students can work in a group and still maintain a high level of focus, but others may need to work solo when it comes to challenging homework. Our in-home San Diego tutoring will help you succeed in high school. Call us today for more information. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

Ask the Expert How Books Can Treat Growing Pains

Ask the Expert How Books Can Treat Growing Pains Ask the Expert: How Books Can Treat Growing Pains Being a child is sometimes tough. As children develop emotionally, they sometimes face conflicts that we, as adults, have long forgotten. Overcoming insecurities, abandoning fears, and learning how to interact with peers often present challenges that children have a difficult time verbalizing and coping with on their own. Books can often be invaluable in assisting children with obstacles that, in one way or another, they will inevitably encounter during the period of their lives commonly referred to as “growing up.” Many titles on Kumon’s Recommended Reading List (RRL) have these challenges in mind, and the authors have worked on behalf of their reading audience to alleviate issues that are commonly symptomatic of simply being a child. From a new sibling, to the comfort of a teddy bear, to being the middle child, to feeling invisible, to looking for a niche that makes one proud, to being the new kid at school, the RRL titles accompany children into the world they are experiencing and guide them through with a gentle hand. If you are struggling with a way to make childhood grievances easier for the young ones in your life, why not look to a book? What follows are some RRL titles that may help children with the battles that beset their early years.   Peters Chair   by Ezra Jack Keats Remember when your parents were your own? Before those younger siblings came along? Peter sure does. For him, the arrival of his baby sister is just a big inconvenience. He can’t crash his toy-block building because she is sleeping, and his cradle, crib, and high chair have all been painted pink. Peter decides to run away with his dog, his baby photo, and his chair, the one thing he can still fit into. Or can he? This is a perfect story for children who are uncertain about having to share their parents. Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber Whether it be a security blanket, sucking their thumb, or, yes, even a teddy bear, children often cling to things that make them feel comfortable; but what if that “thing” can be cause for embarrassment? What if someone finds out? This is the dilemma young Ira faces when he’s invited to sleep over at his friend Reggie’s house. Should he bring Tah Tah, his teddy bear? He has never slept without it. Ira agonizes over the decision and receives conflicting advice from his parents and his sister. Who will he listen to? What will he do? Read Ira Sleeps Over with a young one to find out. Teddy bears welcome! The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo by Judy Blume Second-grader Freddy Dissel is too young to play with his older brother, Mike, and too old to play with his younger sister, Ellen. His room was given to Ellen, and he gets Mike’s hand-me-downs. Freddy is feeling like a “great big middle nothing!” Then Freddy learns about something big, something neither Mike nor Ellen have ever done, something that could be his own! Freddy can yell, and Freddy can jump. Will that be enough? Find out if the one in the middle becomes the green kangaroo! The Shrinking of Treehorn by Florence Parry Heide Treehorn is shrinking. All of a sudden his clothes are too big; he can’t reach his piggy bank, the water fountain,  or the mailbox; and his  teacher mistakes him for a nursery-school student. Treehorn is definitely shrinking. All the while, his parents worry about mundane daily activities and only request that if Treehorn decides to shrink, he not do it at the dinner table. All things considered, Treehorn takes his declining stature quite well, despite the lack of concern from all adults. Will Treehorn shrink to disappearance, or will he figure outâ€"on his ownâ€"how to regain his normal size? This is a charming, whimsical story of a little boy who decides to takes charge when no one else seems to take notice. Judy Moody Gets Famous by Megan McDonald A deep green shade of envy envelops Judy Moody when she learns that her classmate, Jessica Finch, has appeared on the cover of the local newspaper. Judy’s new and unrelenting objective: become famous just like Jessica! To this end, Judy attempts to memorize the dictionary, seeks to pass off a cherry pit as one from George Washington’s famed tree, enters her cat into a famous pet contest, and tries to break the human-centipede world record. After all attempts fail, Judy unwittingly learns that the best way to become “famous” is to help others in need. The Chalk Box Kid by Clyde Robert Bulla Gregory has moved and is having a hard time making friends at his new school. To make matters worse, he has to share his room with his Uncle Max, who does nothing but sleep, watch TV, and play his guitar. Max has even appropriated the wall space in their room and covered Gregory’s paintings with posters of racecars. Gregory longs for his own space and finds it in the abandoned remains of a burned-out chalk factory. It’s concrete, cold, dirty, has only three walls and no roof, but it becomes his own. Gregory takes to drawing on the concrete walls with the leftover chalk he finds  on the ground. After Mr. Hiller, a worker in the local tree nursery, visits his class, Gregory yearns for a garden of his own, but all he has are concrete walls and chalk. Will that be enough? Join Gregory on his agrarian journey to find out! Peter, Ira, Freddy, Treehorn, Judy, and Gregory each face their own challenge, but, in reality, these are challenges faced by many children every day.  We as  adults are often concerned with things we consider to be a higher priority and rarely remember how difficult childhood can sometimes be. Bills must be paid, professional responsibilities must be completed, and deadlines must be met. How important is a teddy bear? To some, teddy bears are very important, as are all things that help cultivate the emotional and social development of children. If the days become too hectic to recall how hard being a child can sometimes be, or if the right words can’t be found, a book can always step in and help. About the Author Laura Ellison joined Kumon in May 2007. As a member of the Materials Team, she works on revisions of the Kumon reading curriculum, authors articles for the quarterly Kumon magazine, and handles all copyright negotiations that permit use of the published texts in the Kumon North America Reading Program. She received her undergraduate degree in literature from Columbia University. Immediately upon graduating and just prior to joining Kumon, Laura held the position of foreign rights associate at a renowned New York City literary agency. Laura is a devout animal lover and shares her home with her cat, Mango. She also prides herself on her knowledge of 80s’ music and her unwavering loyalty to the long-suffering New York Knicks. You might also be interested in: Kumon Staff Pick: Were Going on a Bear Hunt Ask the Expert: 5 Reasons Your Child Could Benefit from an Academic Enrichment Program 5 Books to Read for Black History Month 5 POPULAR CHILDREN’S BOOKS-TURNED-MOVIES TO EXPLORE THIS SUMMER Ask the Expert How Books Can Treat Growing Pains Ask the Expert: How Books Can Treat Growing Pains Being a child is sometimes tough. As children develop emotionally, they sometimes face conflicts that we, as adults, have long forgotten. Overcoming insecurities, abandoning fears, and learning how to interact with peers often present challenges that children have a difficult time verbalizing and coping with on their own. Books can often be invaluable in assisting children with obstacles that, in one way or another, they will inevitably encounter during the period of their lives commonly referred to as “growing up.” Many titles on Kumon’s Recommended Reading List (RRL) have these challenges in mind, and the authors have worked on behalf of their reading audience to alleviate issues that are commonly symptomatic of simply being a child. From a new sibling, to the comfort of a teddy bear, to being the middle child, to feeling invisible, to looking for a niche that makes one proud, to being the new kid at school, the RRL titles accompany children into the world they are experiencing and guide them through with a gentle hand. If you are struggling with a way to make childhood grievances easier for the young ones in your life, why not look to a book? What follows are some RRL titles that may help children with the battles that beset their early years.   Peters Chair   by Ezra Jack Keats Remember when your parents were your own? Before those younger siblings came along? Peter sure does. For him, the arrival of his baby sister is just a big inconvenience. He can’t crash his toy-block building because she is sleeping, and his cradle, crib, and high chair have all been painted pink. Peter decides to run away with his dog, his baby photo, and his chair, the one thing he can still fit into. Or can he? This is a perfect story for children who are uncertain about having to share their parents. Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber Whether it be a security blanket, sucking their thumb, or, yes, even a teddy bear, children often cling to things that make them feel comfortable; but what if that “thing” can be cause for embarrassment? What if someone finds out? This is the dilemma young Ira faces when he’s invited to sleep over at his friend Reggie’s house. Should he bring Tah Tah, his teddy bear? He has never slept without it. Ira agonizes over the decision and receives conflicting advice from his parents and his sister. Who will he listen to? What will he do? Read Ira Sleeps Over with a young one to find out. Teddy bears welcome! The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo by Judy Blume Second-grader Freddy Dissel is too young to play with his older brother, Mike, and too old to play with his younger sister, Ellen. His room was given to Ellen, and he gets Mike’s hand-me-downs. Freddy is feeling like a “great big middle nothing!” Then Freddy learns about something big, something neither Mike nor Ellen have ever done, something that could be his own! Freddy can yell, and Freddy can jump. Will that be enough? Find out if the one in the middle becomes the green kangaroo! The Shrinking of Treehorn by Florence Parry Heide Treehorn is shrinking. All of a sudden his clothes are too big; he can’t reach his piggy bank, the water fountain,  or the mailbox; and his  teacher mistakes him for a nursery-school student. Treehorn is definitely shrinking. All the while, his parents worry about mundane daily activities and only request that if Treehorn decides to shrink, he not do it at the dinner table. All things considered, Treehorn takes his declining stature quite well, despite the lack of concern from all adults. Will Treehorn shrink to disappearance, or will he figure outâ€"on his ownâ€"how to regain his normal size? This is a charming, whimsical story of a little boy who decides to takes charge when no one else seems to take notice. Judy Moody Gets Famous by Megan McDonald A deep green shade of envy envelops Judy Moody when she learns that her classmate, Jessica Finch, has appeared on the cover of the local newspaper. Judy’s new and unrelenting objective: become famous just like Jessica! To this end, Judy attempts to memorize the dictionary, seeks to pass off a cherry pit as one from George Washington’s famed tree, enters her cat into a famous pet contest, and tries to break the human-centipede world record. After all attempts fail, Judy unwittingly learns that the best way to become “famous” is to help others in need. The Chalk Box Kid by Clyde Robert Bulla Gregory has moved and is having a hard time making friends at his new school. To make matters worse, he has to share his room with his Uncle Max, who does nothing but sleep, watch TV, and play his guitar. Max has even appropriated the wall space in their room and covered Gregory’s paintings with posters of racecars. Gregory longs for his own space and finds it in the abandoned remains of a burned-out chalk factory. It’s concrete, cold, dirty, has only three walls and no roof, but it becomes his own. Gregory takes to drawing on the concrete walls with the leftover chalk he finds  on the ground. After Mr. Hiller, a worker in the local tree nursery, visits his class, Gregory yearns for a garden of his own, but all he has are concrete walls and chalk. Will that be enough? Join Gregory on his agrarian journey to find out! Peter, Ira, Freddy, Treehorn, Judy, and Gregory each face their own challenge, but, in reality, these are challenges faced by many children every day.  We as  adults are often concerned with things we consider to be a higher priority and rarely remember how difficult childhood can sometimes be. Bills must be paid, professional responsibilities must be completed, and deadlines must be met. How important is a teddy bear? To some, teddy bears are very important, as are all things that help cultivate the emotional and social development of children. If the days become too hectic to recall how hard being a child can sometimes be, or if the right words can’t be found, a book can always step in and help. About the Author Laura Ellison joined Kumon in May 2007. As a member of the Materials Team, she works on revisions of the Kumon reading curriculum, authors articles for the quarterly Kumon magazine, and handles all copyright negotiations that permit use of the published texts in the Kumon North America Reading Program. She received her undergraduate degree in literature from Columbia University. Immediately upon graduating and just prior to joining Kumon, Laura held the position of foreign rights associate at a renowned New York City literary agency. Laura is a devout animal lover and shares her home with her cat, Mango. She also prides herself on her knowledge of 80s’ music and her unwavering loyalty to the long-suffering New York Knicks. You might also be interested in: Kumon Staff Pick: Were Going on a Bear Hunt Ask the Expert: 5 Reasons Your Child Could Benefit from an Academic Enrichment Program 5 Books to Read for Black History Month 5 POPULAR CHILDREN’S BOOKS-TURNED-MOVIES TO EXPLORE THIS SUMMER

THISÂ AVID READER HELPS HER PEERSÂ

THIS  AVID READER HELPS HER PEERS   THIS  AVID READER HELPS HER PEERS   10-year-old Agrini  enrolled in Kumon at just 4-years-old  and hopes to one day be a doctor.  Since  she  started Kumon, she has accomplished such a great deal  early in her  academic career. With a  love for reading,  she was awarded 1st  Place  as an  Accelerated  Reader  out of the entire school district  for third and fourth  graders and  was awarded best student of  her  elementary school when she was in second grade.  She thanks Kumon  for  her excellent comprehension  skills and  is proud to say that she was able to read and understand the  Lord of the Rings  series when  she was  in the  fourth grade.   Not only does Agrini challenge herself daily to continually excel in  school, she also  wants  to help her own peers. While she was only in the 2nd  grade, she volunteered to help 4th  graders  with reading. Her noteworthy volunteer efforts were even recognized by the  local newspaper, landing her right on the front page.     When Agrini is not reading her next favorite book, she can be found playing  the  violin, practicing  Bharatanatyam  â€" a form of Indian classical danceâ€"  and winning the next chess tournament.   She tells us how Kumon has helped  her in all aspects of her life.   What keeps you motivated in Kumon?   Kumon has initiated a productive  schedule for me,  where I am challenged to excel and learn more,  which helps me in getting appreciation and recognition from peers, seniors and  teachers. These things keep pushing me to continue to do my best in  my  academics as well as in non-academic extracurricular life.   What do you hope to accomplish  with  Kumon?   I hope to complete the Kumon Reading Program by the time I am in either the 6th  or 7th  grade. How has Kumon helped you in the classroom?   Kumon has taught me to never give up and to keep going.    How has Kumon helped you beyond academics??   Agrini shakes hands with Kumon North America President Mino Tanabe Kumon has helped me beyond academics by having the ability to utilize my time in doing research activities at school, as I already  understand the  next  math and reading lessons.  I have been taught  discipline which is so important when practicing my violin.  Kumon gives me the patience needed while playing chess, and most importantly,  it has taught me  the  importance of daily practice without fail for everything I do.   What did it mean to you to be invited to the 2018 Kumon Student  Conference??   I was really amazed that I was invited  because I didn’t even think I would have the opportunity to attend the Kumon Student Conference.     What advice do you have for other Kumon Students?   My advice to other Kumon Students is to be confident and keep going!     Discover even more student success stories. You might also be interested in: Studying Three Years Above Her Grade Level, This Student Helps Her Peers Motivated by his Peers, this Kumon Student Wants to be an Architect and a Doctor Advancing Beyond Grade Level Helped this Student Become a Member of the National Elementary Honor Society Motivation is the Key to this Kumon Student’s Success THIS  AVID READER HELPS HER PEERS   THIS  AVID READER HELPS HER PEERS   10-year-old Agrini  enrolled in Kumon at just 4-years-old  and hopes to one day be a doctor.  Since  she  started Kumon, she has accomplished such a great deal  early in her  academic career. With a  love for reading,  she was awarded 1st  Place  as an  Accelerated  Reader  out of the entire school district  for third and fourth  graders and  was awarded best student of  her  elementary school when she was in second grade.  She thanks Kumon  for  her excellent comprehension  skills and  is proud to say that she was able to read and understand the  Lord of the Rings  series when  she was  in the  fourth grade.   Not only does Agrini challenge herself daily to continually excel in  school, she also  wants  to help her own peers. While she was only in the 2nd  grade, she volunteered to help 4th  graders  with reading. Her noteworthy volunteer efforts were even recognized by the  local newspaper, landing her right on the front page.     When Agrini is not reading her next favorite book, she can be found playing  the  violin, practicing  Bharatanatyam  â€" a form of Indian classical danceâ€"  and winning the next chess tournament.   She tells us how Kumon has helped  her in all aspects of her life.   What keeps you motivated in Kumon?   Kumon has initiated a productive  schedule for me,  where I am challenged to excel and learn more,  which helps me in getting appreciation and recognition from peers, seniors and  teachers. These things keep pushing me to continue to do my best in  my  academics as well as in non-academic extracurricular life.   What do you hope to accomplish  with  Kumon?   I hope to complete the Kumon Reading Program by the time I am in either the 6th  or 7th  grade. How has Kumon helped you in the classroom?   Kumon has taught me to never give up and to keep going.    How has Kumon helped you beyond academics??   Agrini shakes hands with Kumon North America President Mino Tanabe Kumon has helped me beyond academics by having the ability to utilize my time in doing research activities at school, as I already  understand the  next  math and reading lessons.  I have been taught  discipline which is so important when practicing my violin.  Kumon gives me the patience needed while playing chess, and most importantly,  it has taught me  the  importance of daily practice without fail for everything I do.   What did it mean to you to be invited to the 2018 Kumon Student  Conference??   I was really amazed that I was invited  because I didn’t even think I would have the opportunity to attend the Kumon Student Conference.     What advice do you have for other Kumon Students?   My advice to other Kumon Students is to be confident and keep going!     Discover even more student success stories. You might also be interested in: Studying Three Years Above Her Grade Level, This Student Helps Her Peers Motivated by his Peers, this Kumon Student Wants to be an Architect and a Doctor Advancing Beyond Grade Level Helped this Student Become a Member of the National Elementary Honor Society Motivation is the Key to this Kumon Student’s Success THIS  AVID READER HELPS HER PEERS   THIS  AVID READER HELPS HER PEERS   10-year-old Agrini  enrolled in Kumon at just 4-years-old  and hopes to one day be a doctor.  Since  she  started Kumon, she has accomplished such a great deal  early in her  academic career. With a  love for reading,  she was awarded 1st  Place  as an  Accelerated  Reader  out of the entire school district  for third and fourth  graders and  was awarded best student of  her  elementary school when she was in second grade.  She thanks Kumon  for  her excellent comprehension  skills and  is proud to say that she was able to read and understand the  Lord of the Rings  series when  she was  in the  fourth grade.   Not only does Agrini challenge herself daily to continually excel in  school, she also  wants  to help her own peers. While she was only in the 2nd  grade, she volunteered to help 4th  graders  with reading. Her noteworthy volunteer efforts were even recognized by the  local newspaper, landing her right on the front page.     When Agrini is not reading her next favorite book, she can be found playing  the  violin, practicing  Bharatanatyam  â€" a form of Indian classical danceâ€"  and winning the next chess tournament.   She tells us how Kumon has helped  her in all aspects of her life.   What keeps you motivated in Kumon?   Kumon has initiated a productive  schedule for me,  where I am challenged to excel and learn more,  which helps me in getting appreciation and recognition from peers, seniors and  teachers. These things keep pushing me to continue to do my best in  my  academics as well as in non-academic extracurricular life.   What do you hope to accomplish  with  Kumon?   I hope to complete the Kumon Reading Program by the time I am in either the 6th  or 7th  grade. How has Kumon helped you in the classroom?   Kumon has taught me to never give up and to keep going.    How has Kumon helped you beyond academics??   Agrini shakes hands with Kumon North America President Mino Tanabe Kumon has helped me beyond academics by having the ability to utilize my time in doing research activities at school, as I already  understand the  next  math and reading lessons.  I have been taught  discipline which is so important when practicing my violin.  Kumon gives me the patience needed while playing chess, and most importantly,  it has taught me  the  importance of daily practice without fail for everything I do.   What did it mean to you to be invited to the 2018 Kumon Student  Conference??   I was really amazed that I was invited  because I didn’t even think I would have the opportunity to attend the Kumon Student Conference.     What advice do you have for other Kumon Students?   My advice to other Kumon Students is to be confident and keep going!     Discover even more student success stories. You might also be interested in: Studying Three Years Above Her Grade Level, This Student Helps Her Peers Motivated by his Peers, this Kumon Student Wants to be an Architect and a Doctor Advancing Beyond Grade Level Helped this Student Become a Member of the National Elementary Honor Society Motivation is the Key to this Kumon Student’s Success

Booking an Hour With a Montessori Alsons

Booking an Hour With a Montessori AlsonsFor your next child's summer break, consider booking an hour with one of the Montessori Montgomery Alsons, today. The Alsons are a whole family that consists of a mother and two children.You have to sign up for a tutoring program called Montgomery Alsons. This is a daily session with a tutor that works in an environment that mimics the day-to-day environment of a Montessori classroom. Some students in the Montessori classroom have several Montessori sessions a year, whereas the kids in the Montessori Alsons have never even seen a Montessori classroom.Your toddler will be going through a lot of fun as well as learning during a Montessori Alsons session. The children will be developing their language skills, such as understanding words and phrases, listening and repeating, and knowing what is expected of them. In this very interactive session, your child will have more focus, attention, and pleasure while interacting with the teacher.These sessio ns are extremely exciting for parents. A Montessori teacher will interact with your child, teach him or her Montessori concepts, and help them develop into the learning experts of tomorrow. This is a great opportunity for children to find their place in the world. It is not easy for a child to fit in with a group of peers who all have different needs, but this session will help the child focus on his own development and learn to love himself for who he is.All of the Montessori teachers and staff in the Montessori Alsons are very loving and caring individuals. They take the time to listen to your child's needs and to help your child learn all the necessary skills. With a Montessori teacher, there is no fighting for space and there is always plenty of opportunity for your child to move around and develophis communication skills.There are various Montessori programs to choose from, which allow parents to enroll their children in a group that offers classes in a Montessori environment. However, with such a small class size, the sessions are often disrupted by other children in the classroom. Having a teacher to meet with and talk about each child's individual needs is extremely important, as it allows the teacher to pay attention to each child and their needs, and really get to know the children in the classroom.If you have children that have already received schooling in a Montessori classroom and are ready to embark on a new journey, consider booking an hour with a Montessori Alsons. This will give you the opportunity to bond with your child and to help them reach their full potential as a learner and a parent.

How to Find the Best Online English Course

How to Find the Best Online English CourseThere are many online English learning courses available for everyone to choose from. All of them claim to give you the benefits of study in a classroom setting at a fraction of the cost. So how do you know which course is the best online English course?There are a lot of different companies offering online English courses. You may not be able to tell what is on offer from one site to another. But with a little bit of searching you will be able to find out some facts about the courses.One way to find out which course is the best online English course is to look into the courses themselves. When you go online you will notice that some courses require you to have an active email address to access them. So, when choosing a course this can be a good feature. Then you can check the rate of the course for free or for a minimal fee and if it is there then you will know that the course has not been heavily advertised or has been offered by a company that can afford to offer a good discount.Another way to find out which online courses are the best is to check how much you would need to pay for it. In most cases a course will have a price that you can afford. The great thing about these types of courses is that they can last from as little as a few months to several years depending on your learning style. If you find that the program offers a lifetime subscription then you can be sure that the course is going to be beneficial for you.Some people want to take advantage of the extra time they get out of a course so they may want to try out a course that offers a no obligation trial. This is something that many companies offer that many people are willing to take advantage of.Once you have decided on a course you will need to go ahead and apply for it. You should know that some colleges will hold enrollment for up to several months. You will want to make sure that you are able to get the application process started before the actual college day arrives.Once you submit your application for the course, you should be notified of whether or not you were accepted or declined. Once you find the course that is the best online English course for you, you will have the peace of mind that you are working towards.

Guitar for Kids How to Help Your Child Love the Guitar

Guitar for Kids How to Help Your Child Love the Guitar Madalyn Danielson Many parents arent sure how to best support their child in learning a new instrument. Guitar teacher Dylan P. shares his tips for parents to encourage their children to fall in love with the guitar You can’t teach a child to love the guitar. You can lead them there, but they have to find it themselves. For a kid, guitar is a hard instrument to play. They have to dig their fingers into steel strings, make indents, and get calluses. They have to understand that each note has a letter, each fret has a letter, but also a number, and so does each string. These letters are represented by note heads, FACE for the spaces, Every Good Boy Does Fine for the lines, Eddie Ate Dynamite Good Bye Eddie for the strings. Theres a lengthy period of frustration before the instrument even sounds good. If a child plays a middle C on a piano, it’s immediately satisfying. You have to hurt your finger a bit on a guitar. To show a child how to fall in love with guitar, they have to find it themselves. As a guitar teacher, I want my students to understand the following things after lesson one: • They are capable of making the guitar sound good. • They are capable of making it sound musical. • They are capable of figuring out how to do these things. • They want to learn more. Once your child has had their first lesson, how do you as a parent keep them interested in practicing? Playing guitar needs to be their choice. Here are a few tips to keep your childs motivation up at home: 1. Don’t hide the guitar. When you keep the guitar in its case, it becomes a process to take it out again. It’s easier to skip practice when it’s an event. The vice of too much television is common because its so accessible. Make the guitar just as inviting. Keep it in a spot where your child can just pick it up and start playing. Is there a room in your house where your child spends a lot of time? Keep it there! 2. Give music a strong presence in the household. If you’re also a musician, spend time playing your instrument in the house.  If you haven’t played in a while, this is a great time to bring it back. If you’re not a musician, you can make sure music is on in the house a lot, or you might even want to learn music with your child. Bring up conversations about your favorite types of music. Let this be a natural and fun process. Ask your child if they like the music you’re listening to. This lets your child know that music is appreciated here. This is a huge motivation. 3. Don’t treat it like homework. If your child is practicing guitar at home and it sounds like noise, that’s fine. The lessons will get more difficult. Your child will learn all of the correct vocabulary, music theory, and techniques. During those first few weeks it’s important that your child simply wants the instrument in their hands. Don’t put practicing guitar in the same category as homework. Never use guilt to make your child practice. If you want your child to love guitar, it should never feel like a chore. 4. Let your child explore. Let your child practice alone. Setting your child up to practice in a common area, with other people around, makes it awkward to explore. If theyre alone, theyre free to make noise and mess up as much as they want. If they want to practice in the same room as you, that’s fine, but it should be up to them. Theres so much pure joy in playing music. Its one of the most human feelings you can experience. As your child advances, they will require more discipline. In the future, they might prepare for an audition or a performance. They might write a song and record. All of these things are stressful and rewarding. Let your child learn to love the instrument first. They will keep going. If your child is interested in learning to play the guitar, taking guitar lessons is the best way to help them learn. Search for a guitar teacher now! Dylan P. teaches in-person guitar, music theory, and music performance lessons in Coram, NY. He has trained in many genres of guitar music and has experience working with students with learning disabilities. Learn more about Dylan P. here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by CodeFin

Ancient Civilisations

Ancient Civilisations Taking a Look at the Earliest Civilisations ChaptersMesopotamia: a Land of FirstsAncient Greeks: in Pursuit of Human PerfectionThe Inca: Masters of PoliticsAboriginal Australia: Visiting the Stone AgeThe Mayan: Mathematical GeniusAncient Egypt: the Preeminent CivilisationThe Aztec: Master AgrariansWhen people think of ancient worlds, Egypt, Greece and Rome come quickly to mind. There are more...Humanoids have been wandering around the planet for nearly 2 million years.Our branch of the hominid tree, Homo Sapiens, has only been around for about 300,000 years but we learned from our ancestors how to make and use tools.You might wonder what that has to do with anything...While it is true that many animals use tools, only human build or create ever more complex tools, meaning that the capacity to visualise is much greater in humans than in other species.And, if we can visualise, then we can entertain complex ideas â€" of leadership and power, and ponder philosophical questions which lead us to establish religions.To draw ourselves inwards, to make use of our ability to think, we must assure ourselves of physical security: enough to eat, some sort of shelter and making sure we’re safe from predators.Very early humans realised there is safety in numbers. Clans banded together to hunt and forage, but it was not until they mastered the ability to grow food that they settled in one place.Once they did, most societies built a stronghold to live in, established a system of laws and government, designated hierarchies â€" leader, preacher, merchant and so on.They created myths to explain their purpose and origins and turned their eyes to the heavens, attempting to unravel the mysteries of the stars. They fought anyone who would attempt to encroach on the lives they’d made for themselves.And, in turn, they fought to secure more resources for their tribe.Are all tribes created equal? What distinguishes a culture from a civilisation?The following are characteristics that define a civilisation:Large cities: establish ed settlements, complete with infrastructure â€" roads, water and public buildingsSignificant architecture: churches, temples and so forthComplex institutions: government, education, peacekeeping and religionforeign trade may also be counted as such an institutionSpecialised workers: tradesmen and merchants, farmers, teachers...such workers would provide social stratification, another indicator of civilisationA written languageTechnologyNow, we will look at seven ancient peoples; measure their accomplishments and examine their legacy to determine if they were indeed civilisations or only impactful societies.Dust off your archaeologist’s toolkit and come along! MarkHistory Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JohnHistory Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarjotteHistory Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErinHistory Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChantelleHistory Teacher 5. 00 (2) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndriyHistory Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeterHistory Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SerenaHistory Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsMesopotamia: a Land of Firsts The Sumerians gave us our first writing system as well as a treasure trove of art to study Image by Mariusz Matuszewski from PixabayNestled between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, this land has been dubbed the Fertile Crescent â€" both for its abundant water supply and for its rich soil.Most of the major settlements hugged the east bank of the Tigris. The stretch of land between that river and the Zagros mountains proved especially benevolent; soon great cities sprang up.There was squabbling over land, crops and cattle. Often, each side would enlist representatives from a city that was not involved in the fight; thus alliances were born. Those cities would then establish relations that involved trade, cultural exchange and diplomacy.Inevitably, one tribe conquered the entire region, thus establishing an empire. Once a central government had been established, they would go on to acquire other lands.Mesopotamia was ruled in turn by emperors, kings and dynasties.After the Akkadian Empi re fell, Mesopotamia accommodated two empires: the Assyrians to the north and the Babylonians to the south.What permitted the Babylonian Empire to thrive was the ingenious way they devised to irrigate their more arid lands and drain their mudflats.In fact, it is now thought that the screw pump formerly attributed to Archimedes was being used to water the Hanging Gardens of Babylon!Technological achievements of Mesopotamians are remarkable.Not only did they discover how to control water but they invented ploughs to work their land, musical instruments and a counting system â€" base 60, or sexagesimal.We still use the Sumerian numeral system to mark our seconds, minutes and hours.They also invented cuneiform, one of the earliest writing systems. It was in this form of writing that King Ur-Nammu left us his legacy: the world’s oldest, most complete legal code.Actually, it might not have been him that wrote it. Scribes were responsible for writing and maintaining records â€" a positio n that elevated them above merchants and soldiers in the social hierarchy.In Mesopotamia, we found social stratification, complex institutions, large cities with significant architecture â€" even today, their temples and ziggurats stand. We also found specialised workers, written language and technology.All of that qualifies Mesopotamia as one of the first human civilisations.Ancient Greeks: in Pursuit of Human PerfectionIf you know anything about world civilizations or history, you surely know that the Ancient Greeks let nothing stand in their way of... not just survival but of advancing their culture, come what may.Archaeological finds date human presence in the area we know as Greece to the Paleolithic age; a time that ended 10,000 years ago.In the Aegean Sea, the Cycladic islands were so favoured as trade route stopovers that, in the 3rd millennium BC, their culture flourished as a civilisation in its own right.Meanwhile, on the island of Crete, the Minoan civilisation â€" some say the first advanced European civilization, was busily trading with everyone in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian seas.With these trade relations necessarily came cultural exporting â€" finding a common language, currencies to trade with and, inevitably other elements such as music, foods and stories.The Cycladic civilization did not wane so much as become subsumed by the Minoan culture.The Minoans, with their advanced technologies (indoor plumbing!) and more concretely established religion incorporated the positive elements of the Cycladians while providing desirable aspects of civilization to the island dwellers.Why the Minoan civilization declined is unclear: did the Santorini (A.K.A Thera) eruption wipe them all out or were they invaded and conquered?The evidence shows remnants of Minoan life above the layer of volcanic debris, suggesting that invasion was the most likely end of the Minoans.The Myceneans built the first advanced civilization on mainland Greece; they are kno wn for many things, among them a palace-centred system of ruling that is well outlined in the writings they created.These writings detail, among other facets of their society, early installations in the Greek pantheon of gods.This society waned, revived and ultimately fell when the Dorians invaded, bringing on the Greek Dark Ages â€" a time when people scattered across the land, forming small farming communities.The indomitable might and spirit of the Greek refused to be suppressed.Coming together again, emerging from the Dark Ages to reform their cities and societies, Greek civilization once again rose, this time disseminating their culture far and wide.From the Mediterranean to Anatolia, the Greek civilization was touted as the most advanced. The parthenon, Athena's temple, is one of ancient Greek civilisation's most renown monuments. Image by Nonbirinoko on PixabayThe Inca: Masters of PoliticsUnlike the Sumerian and Greek, the Inca did not develop a writing system, as such.Today, scholars believe that quipus, an assemblage of knotted strings, served both as recordkeeping and communications devices. The work of deciphering quipus is ongoing; so far, what they have to say eludes us.What we understand of life in Incan civilization comes from depictions on pottery and from Spanish records.Sadly, what might have been magnificent art forged in precious metals was melted down by the Spanish. They then sent all of the Incan gold and silver to Spain.Upon arrival at Inca lands, the Spaniards were surprised to find everyone purposefully engaged in various tasks; there were no beggars, idlers or drunkards to be found.They learned that the Incan system was to keep everybody busy serving the empire in whichever capacity their societal status and abilities permitted. They enforced this system of duty through effective politics and by encouraging people to report idleness.Family was very important to the Inca, so too were children â€" a fact that made their high infant mortality rate especially painful.Before a child could be considered a true part of the family, s/he would be called ‘wawa’ or ‘baby’ for the first few years of life.Once it was determined that the child would continue to live, a ceremony called ‘rutuchikuy’ took place to formally welcome it into the family.Their gender would be recognised and s/he would be given a name. Oddly enough, the ceremony entailed having their hair dispersed throughout the family, one lock per member.For all that the Inca were advanced in the medical field â€" they were among the first to perform brain surgery, and use anaesthetics, they could do little to stave off either the diseases that the Spaniards brought or the causes of their babies dying.What intact po ttery remains, along with the amazing structures they built â€" roads, aqueducts and, of course, Machu Picchu is all we have left of the Incas.They did indeed build an empire and the only criterion they were missing to qualify as a civilisation is a written language.But, as archaeologists learn more about their recordkeeping devices, their quipus, we may discover from their coded messages that they were more sophisticated than previously thought.Should that prove to be true, that would make that country’s first inhabitants the first human sea goers.However they arrived, evidence of human activity has been found that dates back at least 65,000 years.No written records exist of life in Australia prior to British colonization because early Australians did not establish any form of written communication.They did sometimes communicate with other groups through a message stick: a piece of wood about 30 centimetres long, onto which marks would be etched â€" a crude form of writing but, b y definition, not a written language.For millennia, indigenous Australians lived as one with the land. Their belief systems did not give them stewardship of it; still, they saw it as their duty to take good care of both the land and its inhabitants.It might have been for that reason that they never established any cities; perhaps intuiting that doing so would scar their land.  That theory would explain their outrage over the British building colonies.On the other hand, the fact that they were hunter-gatherers probably had a lot to do with why they never stayed in one place too long, too.Perhaps their most remarkable accomplishment was mastering the use of fire; early Australians were assiduous fire farmers.They would regularly ‘fire’ the undergrowth in their jungle to encourage diversity in their food plants. Fire was also used to drive game and ward off dangerous creatures such as poisonous insects and snakes.For all of their harmony with the land, there was violence â€" agains t other tribes and against women and children within the tribes.As cliché as it sounds, the boomerang was their weapon of choice during inter-tribal conflict although stone-tipped spears worked better at close quarters.The aboriginal Australians did not develop a system for writing their languages, nor did they establish any cities, governments or other major institutions.Although females were generally seen as less than males â€" a type of social ranking, there were no specialised workers or leaders to provide social stratification and there was certainly no architecture.For all that they are remarkable, under these criteria, early Australian societies were not a civilisation. Uluru, also known as Ayer's Rock hold special spiritual significance for indigenous Australians Image by Wallula from PixabayThe Mayan: Mathematical GeniusIf any civilisation qualifies for the title, it would have to be the Mayans.Brutal and bloodthirsty though they were, they nevertheless created complex societies with a distinct hierarchy, they most certainly created magnificent architecture and large cities and they made ample use of technology.Upon discovering the glyphs that adorned Mayan buildings, statues and pottery, archaeologists thought they were not much more than elaborate doodles until 1952, when Russian linguist Yuri Knorosov deciphered them.At the time, credibility in anything Russian was strained due to the Cold War. Besides, ‘mainstream’ archaeologists thought the symbols were commemorations; more like tributes to gods.It wasn’t until Tatiana Proskouriakoff, a prominent Mayanist, discovered a glyph at the base of a temple that included three dates, two of whic h had an accompanying symbol.She realised that these dates corresponded with the birth and ascension of the king that was buried there, and the date of his death.The world collectively gasped at the realisation that Mayans were not a peaceful, religious, learned people but quite brutal and bloodthirsty.Much to the relief of scholars, the Mayan’s long history, once thought virtually destroyed save for Spanish recountings of it, lies completely exposed on virtually every lintel, stelae and temple for all to see; it needed only interpretation.The Mayans had been writing since the third century BC and they were not shy about reporting on their military conquests and their disposal of prisoners.Imagine how much more we could have learned had the Spanish bishop not burned all but four of their books...Ancient Egypt: the Preeminent CivilisationPicture the scene: you and your tribe have been walking north for days. You come from the central region of Africa and you have been following the river. It is getting larger, more powerful and the further you walk, the greener the land gets.Food here is abundant; plenty of beasts to hunt and lots of vegetation. Your tribe decides to stay in spite of other tribes scattered about; after all, there is plenty here for everyone.Far be it for us to say that is how the ancient Egyptian civilization got started but the truth can’t be too far off.As early as 5,000 years ago, individual colonies were established up and down the Nile, each one making their own advances in creating tools and possibly establishing trade with neighbouring tribes... or fighting. Or both.Along comes Menes who, through a combination of diplomacy and war, unites the two halves of Egypt; the Red land in the Delta and the White land to the south.He founds Memphis right on the border of the two realms, calls it the capital and proclaims himself king.  So begins nearly 3,000 years of dynastic rule of Egypt.Like so many ancient civilizations, progression to esta blished cities with functioning governments was not linear: it did not go from barren outpost to a just society with laws and institutions without pitfalls.Three times in this country’s long history, social, political and military upheaval caused the collapse of civilisation; each time, it was built anew.Some kings were so arrogant they raided the coffers to establish their legacy, others were so pious they rejected all gods in favour of only one. Some kings were too young to rule; their mothers functioned as regents until they reached a proper level of maturity.And one king was happy to let his mother rule until her death.The papyrus and the pyramids; the paintings and the statues have much to inform on; the civilisation of ancient Egypt is just waiting for you to discover it... The Sphinx and the pyramids are immediately recognisable symbols of Egypt Image by Marcin Chuc from PixabayThe Aztec: Master AgrariansThe Aztec civilisation is known for many things, among them the brutality of their warfare and the ruthlessness of their sacrificial offerings.Aspects of their short-lived dominion that seem to pale in comparison to the amount of blood they spilt include their treatment of women, their educational mandates, and their amazing floating gardens.The people initially known as the Mexica presumably migrated from North America; no one is really sure.However, one fact stands out: they were one of the last of the nomadic tribes to arrive in Mesoamerica. For that, they suffered the indignity of having to ask for a parcel of land to settle on.Was it cunning political manoeuvering that led them to beseech the king for favours time and again? Or did their seeming arrogance develop later â€" as their city, population and reputation grew?Because surely, it was more t han a bit of bluster that led them to subjugate first the king’s foes and then, after a horrible event that caused the king to drive the Aztecs from the land he had granted them, to dominate the tribes around their city.Well, that’s not quite true.Once the Aztec spotted what they thought was a divine sign that they had arrived at the land they were destined to occupy, they set about building a city to rival all others in Mesoamerica.Never mind that the land they felt destined to occupy was an island in the middle of a lake; the clever Aztec only saw opportunity.They soon got to work building magnificent temples, a royal palace and public buildings: government offices, schools and mercantile.Because they only had so much land â€" remember, they lived on an island, they engineered an ingenious solution to their agricultural woes.Because their society was so complex, they also devised an elaborate writing system to record official transactions as well as events in their daily lives .Every Aztec learned to read, write and do maths â€" boy or girl, rich or poor. And then, based on their demonstrated aptitude, they went on to study medicine, astronomy or history.The Aztecs had it all: an elaborate social structure underpinned by complex institutions, housed in a large city that was home to magnificent architecture.This was a society advanced by technology; a society we know of today because of the vast number of codices or books they left behind. These books form a record of their lives.Considering the remarkable progression from nomadic tribe to established civilisation within less than 100 years, isn’t it such a shame that they are mostly remembered for their bloodlust and barbaric sacrifices?It is said that there are six cradles of civilization located around the world, so named because it was there that people, long ago, established how humans will live: in societies with a system of laws and spiritual/religious beliefs.Those people, our ancestors, built ma gnificent structures to honour their gods and leaders, invented and employed technology to establish their legacy: those population centres, large and replete with infrastructure.Not every ancient society is a civilization but all of humanity’s ancestors have made our legacy as rich as it is long... haven't they?

What is it Like to Attend University of Missouri-Kansas City

What is it Like to Attend University of Missouri-Kansas City The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Marianne is a Kansas City tutor specializing in English tutoring, French tutoring, Public Speaking tutoring, and a number of other areas. She is currently a senior at University of Missouri-Kansas City majoring in Theatre and French. See what she had to share about University of Missouri-Kansas City: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Marianne: Kansas City is not your typical Midwestern town, and University of Missouri-Kansas City is not your typical state school. The universitys location is urban, hip, and directly in the middle of the best shopping and touring area in town. The public bus system runs right by the campus, and it runs all the way downtown to the soon-to-be-built arts campus area. In addition, University of Missouri-Kansas City students receive free bus passes with their student IDs. I do not think it is a very good city for bikers, as cars are the preferred method of transport. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Marianne: I have never felt ignored at University of Missouri-Kansas City. All of my professors, advisers, and teaching assistants are very open with me, and they are willing to work with me on a one-on-one basis. I feel very encouraged by the entire faculty. Most of the general education courses have teaching assistants, but your major classes will usually have just one teacher. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Marianne: There are both apartment- and suite-style dorms at University of Missouri-Kansas City, as well as a wide variety of dining options. We have lots of different types of restaurants on campus or very close by. I have never eaten at the cafeteria. Though a mostly commuter campus, University of Missouri-Kansas City students are social, and most of the clubs are active. I have had absolutely no trouble finding great friends here, and I live off-campus. There are university houses located very close to campus with cheap rent, as well. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Marianne: The MFA Acting and Technical Directing programs are two of the best in the United States, and I hear that the Henry W. Bloch School of Management is also ranked very highly. I study Theatre and French because they are my passions, and I knew that University of Missouri-Kansas City would be a great place for me to hone my talents. The faculty and my fellow students inspire me every day, and I feel fully supported in both of my majors. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Marianne: Because I am in Theatre, it was absolutely no problem for me to make friends quickly. I would say that you must involve yourself to make friends at University of Missouri-Kansas City. There are plenty of clubs and student activities where you can meet people. Greek life is not huge on campus, but we do have many sororities and fraternities. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Marianne: The Career Center on campus is a good starting point for freshmen who need to write a resume and find a part-time job. I still use the online career network periodically to find part-time opportunities. I know that University of Missouri-Kansas City has a close relationship with many reputable companies because of the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, and there are frequently recruiters on campus. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Marianne: The student union and the library attracted me to University of Missouri-Kansas City because they are new buildings with great options for study and relaxation. We also have an internationally renowned research library here. The library and union are quite spacious. Sometimes I think the university is trying to be too cutting edge because they have a RooBot that fetches your books at the library instead of having books on shelves. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Marianne: Kansas City is a blast! It is a diverse, up-and-coming city full of young people doing great things. It has an amazing theatre, music, and arts scene, and the downtown area is vibrant. There is a public event called First Fridays that occurs every month, and it draws thousands of people to the downtown art galleries and restaurants. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Marianne: There are roughly 15,000 students at University of Missouri-Kansas City. I feel like University of Missouri-Kansas City is a small school because the campus is fairly spread out, and most classes are around 20 students. The biggest class I have ever had was about 75. If you need help and you ask for it, you will get it. You just need to be proactive. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Marianne: I am currently taking a beginning Directing class, and we recently collaborated with the beginning Playwriting course to perform short plays. This was a great experience because it not only allowed me to direct, but my classmates and I were able to combine two theatrical disciplines to produce new work. There is nothing more exciting than producing brand new theatre! Check out Marianne's tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.