The #2 Pencil How Its History Has Been Written

The #2 Pencil How Its History Has Been Written This post is part of our 2017 Back-to-School Series. Throughout the month of August, visit the Varsity Tutors blog for back-to-school advice, tips, and tricks for all ages. We owe a lot to pencilsespecially those famous #2 yellows. Without the #2 pencil, how would you have learned to write your name or to divide fractions? But how well do you know the trusty pencil? Have you ever wondered where it came from, or why #2 is often chosen over #1? There is a great deal of history behind the #2 pencil, including its origin, evolution, and current use. Heres a crash course on how the #2 pencils history has been written: The origin of the #2 pencil The pencil has been around for ages, although you might not recognize its earlier cousins. In the 1500s, according to common legend, a large deposit of graphite was discovered in England when a storm uprooted it along with a tree. The graphite was pure and solid, perfectly suited for writing, although the only people using it at first were shepherds marking their sheep. People werent quite up on chemistry in those days, so it was another couple of centuries before a chemist determined graphite was a form of carbon, not lead as they originally thought. Thats why, to this day, we refer to whats in a pencil as lead, even though its not. Early on, the graphite was sometimes wrapped in sheepskin or string to make it easier for the writer to hold. The Swiss naturalist Conrad Gessner is credited as being the first person to describe putting graphite into a wooden holder. [RELATED: The Importance of Writing Skills] The #2 pencil: A sharper style From those early days, the pencil has evolved into the familiar tool we know today. When it comes to todays pencil, there are a few traits you probably associate with it. Its yellow and often hexagonal. It has a pink eraser at one end. But when did pencils start looking the way they do today? The color: Historical accounts vary, but a Czech company is credited with starting this trend at the Worlds Fair in 1889, painting its pencils containing fine graphite from the Far East. The yellow color, traditionally associated with royalty in China, was meant to portray the pencils as a luxury item. Other pencil makers quickly followed suit. The eraser: Pencils and erasers now go together like peanut butter and jelly. Or maybe that should be peanut butter and bread: before rubber erasers came along, some people further back in history used crustless bread as erasers. Others used wax or bits of stone. In the 19th century, people figured out how to cure raw rubber and make it durable, thus beginning the rubber erasers current reign. A Philadelphia man patented his idea to attach an eraser to the end of a pencil, but the patent was later invalidated since it was just two existing products stuck together. [RELATED: 3 Ways Students Can Benefit from Journaling] Why the #2 pencil became king You know that the standard school pencil is a #2. But do you know why? Its mostly the result of standardized testing. When scannable answer forms became popular, the technology handled #2 pencils bestthey had trouble picking up marks from harder pencils, and the softer ones would smudge. Americans use a numerical system to label pencils based on hardness. Besides the ubiquitous #2, #1, #3, and #4 are used, with number signifying softness. But why are there so many variations when #2 is so commonly used? Artists need a wider variety of pencil hardness so they can create a larger range of tones. For example, a #1 pencil is soft and will smudge easilygood for artists, bad for test-takers filling in answer bubbles. Plus, some technical work such as woodworking or other precise drawing benefits from using a harder, sharper pencil (like a #3 or #4). [RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Backpack Essentials] Like with soccer and the metric system, though, Americans do things a little differently when it comes to pencils. Most non-U.S. pencil makers use a system known as the HB scale to measure hardness. The next time you grab a #2 pencil, think about its evolution. You might even share a couple of historic pencil facts with your friends. Theyll think youre pretty sharp. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Discover the History of Yoga

Discover the History of Yoga Yoga: Origins, History and Evolution! ChaptersThe Origins of YogaPast and present: How is Yoga Practiced in the world?Discovering Different Forms of YogaYoga is an age-old practice that has evolved over the centuries.Today, when we talk about yoga, we think of a kind of gentle gymnastics, in which you move your body in a string of easy and more difficult movements.But did you know that this has not always been the case?Going back to the origin of yoga together, we will find that there are several types of yoga, not always practised in the same way...To learn more about yoga, read our article.Sri Krishnamacharia (1888-1989): he founded a yoga school in India;K.V. Desikachar (son of Sri Krishnamacharia): he strove to make the practice known throughout the world;Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar (1918-2014): founder of Yoga Iyengar;Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009): teacher of Yoga Ashtanga.Integral Yoga: an example of a modern form of yoga developed by Sri Aurobindo in the early 20th century. Source: Visual hunt In the late 19th century, yoga masters began to travel to the West, sparking interest and new followers.During this period, a large number of federations and associations were created throughout the world.Among these new followers was, of course, Britain. During the mid-twentieth century the art form  became popularised, appealing to the British people due to its emphasis on both physical and spiritual wellbeing.By the end of the twentieth century it had become a mainstream activity and a huge commercialised business.In Britain, the discipline is essentially known in its Hatha Yoga form. But there are many others. Learn about all this philosophy at a yoga class in London or across the country...Discovering Different Forms of YogaLet us turn to the traditional and modern forms of yoga.You will find that there are many types, each with its own objectives, practices and exercises.Hatha YogaIn the West, Hatha Yoga is undoubtedly the most widespread form of this discipline.It consists of linking and maintaining poses, while promoting breathing and concentration. Not to mention relaxation, which is an important part of the exercise.Its goal is to work your flexibility, but also to have better stress management or improve the quality of your sleep.It's a pretty comprehensive variety.Kundalini YogaKundalini Yoga allows you to harmonise your energy centres.To achieve this, it focuses on practising yoga poses accompanied by breathing exercises, meditation and relaxation.The idea is to offer you a better physical and mental balance while strengthening your immune system and letting go of daily stress.Iyengar YogaThe Yoga Iyengar (named after its inventor: BKS Iyengar) was created a short time ago.Its principle is to offer a gentle approach to the exercise by allowing you to help yourself with equipment.Designed primarily for beginners, it also brings many physical and spiritual benefits.Prenatal YogaAs the name suggests, prenatal yoga is for pregnant women who want the r ight aids to deal with their pregnancy and childbirth.Thus, yoga postures are adapted to the changing body. Each yoga session offers different exercises that will help you to:Relax and avoid mood swings;Maintain your flexibility (or gradually improve it);Be in touch with your child and your changing body;Be calm on the delivery day through inspirational/expiratory exercises that will help you on D day;Not to mention avoiding the bodily pains that you experience during this period.Prenatal Yoga is a popular practice for women who want to prepare for childbirth. Source: PixabayBe careful though: this yoga class requires the help of a professional. It is not advisable to practice it at home, if you are not already an expert.Yoga NidraYoga Nidra is a rather unusual practice of yoga since you do not string together movements.In fact, you lie down and you enter a state close to sleep (the same as sophrology).By taking a slow, deep breath, you relax and put aside all negative feelings.If y ou have problems sleeping or if you have trouble managing your emotions, this is the type of Yoga for you!Raja YogaRaja Yoga is also called Ashtanga Yoga. It is based on 8 members who are spiritual precepts to achieve the desired state of unity.Considered the most comprehensive form, it draws from all types of yoga!Vinyasa YogaLet's finish our selection with Vinyasa Yoga, which draws heavily on Astanga Yoga.Yet, while the second consists of always performing the same series of movements, Vinyasa Yoga is much freer.Very energetic, you follow your yogi master who links poses one after the other, in a fluid and rhythmic way.Therefore, you need to be a decent athlete to be able to have a go at it.In any case, it allows you to sculpt your body without building it up (unlike bodybuilding) while eliminating any superfluous fat that has accumulated.Obviously, there are many others that we invite you to discover at your own pace.To start practising today, find associations for yoga near me.W hat do I do if there are no classes for yoga near me? There are also individual teachers or groups you can join.In any case, if you feel overwhelmed by stress and if it affects your body, give yourself a break in life. You will soon see the benefits.

7 Tips for Working as a Freelance Musician

7 Tips for Working as a Freelance Musician Suzy S. Last nights 84th Annual Oscars paid tribute to the best of the best of the past years big screen efforts and, of course, the music involved.   Out of the two music categories, The Artist won for Best Original Score, and Bret McKenzies Man or Muppet won for Best Original Song. So what can the Oscars, more prominently known for recognizing great films, actors and directors, teach the modern day musician?   Lucky for you, as a musician there are several different paths to take.   Whether you see yourself on lead guitar, behind the scenes in the recording studio, as concertmaster in the Philharmonic Orchestra, or penning an Oscar-winning film score, a passion for music can take you to many different careers. For most, freelance work is part of the journey at some point.   Its a great way to establish a network, get your name out there and earn some extra cash.   If youre just getting started, check out these great tips from Ultimate-Guitar.com about surviving as a freelance musician: 1. At least in the beginning, you will need a day job: This is the part that nobody likes, but you will most likely not be able to support yourself by playing music alone. The thing about the music business is that it really is all about who you know. Its such a tight-knit, close community, and a lot of your credibility will come from people you know and recommendations from your peers and other clients. When youre first starting out, you have none of that credit, and may not be called about very many gigs. You may have to solicit yourself to play for things, not the other way around. 2. Make yourself marketable: As odd as it sounds, you are a product that your clients have to buy. Just like an advertising campaign makes a certain product stick in the minds of consumers, you have to work to stick in the minds of your potential clients. And the best way to do that is not through crazy costumes and ridiculous stage antics. Make business cards (you can do this at home with Microsoft Office and other programs) and hand them out any time you have a gig. That way, your name will always be available when people ask for a guitarist. Make sure people know that youre available and willing to play gigs. Be polite, be reliable and work hard. 3. Professionalism, professionalism, professionalism!: This may be the most important aspect that will help your career. Just like with any other job, you will not be hired again if you make the experience an unpleasant one for your employer, nor will you be recommended for any other job. But make it a happy, comfortable experience, and you have a shot at more gigs. Always be on time, always have everything youll need for that day of playing, and always have your parts learned. If for some reason there is a part you cant play at the first rehearsal, make sure that its flawless by the next rehearsal. Take criticism, dont ever lose your temper, and always be the kind of person that people want to work with. 4. Never, ever complain about the check: This isnt the marketplace. You dont get to haggle. What you get paid is what you get paid. If you dont think its fair, then just dont take gigs from that person anymore. Making a scene burns a bridge, and someday, you might need that bridge to get jobs. Of course, if somebody says theyre going to pay you a certain amount, and then the check comes and you get shorted or not paid at all, then you have every right to (politely) discuss the discrepancy just be careful not to lose your temper. 5. Be versatile: You might love to play metal, but if you can play rock, country and jazz, too, youve got a much better shot at getting gigs.   The more things you can do, the more jobs youre going to get. And never turn down a gig just because it isnt your kind of style. When youre making the big bucks, then you can be as picky as you want. 6. Be proactive: If you hear about a gig, pursue it. It is perfectly acceptable to call somebody and say Hey, I heard you might need a musician on such and such a date. Well, my name is such and such, Im very capable, and if you need somebody, heres my number. It cant hurt, as long as youre polite and professional. 7. Dont give up: Even if you cant make a full-time job out of being a musician, continue to take gigs and put yourself out there. You never know which gig could be the break youve been looking for! What have you learned from your own experiences freelancing?   Leave a comment below and share your tips and expertise with the community! Like these posts?   Sign up to receive daily updates right to your inbox!   Click here to subscribe. You might also like: 5 Things to Avoid for Aspiring Musicians How to Break into the Music Biz Without Even Playing a Note More Than Just Music: 7 Secrets of Successful Musicians Photo by Universidad de Navarra.

Entry Requirements for Art School

Entry Requirements for Art School Everything To Know About Getting Into Art Schools ChaptersTypes of Art ProgramsBuilding Your PortfolioWhat You’ll Need for Your ApplicationWhat To Expect From Your Art CoursesWhile it may be tempting to start researching and hunting for the school of art that will be right for you, you should understand the different study programs within art education that will be available to you. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Ni colasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTypes of Art ProgramsArt, in general, is normally broken down into three branches. These include the visual arts, performing arts, and literature. If you’ve ever seen a play or read a comic book, you’ll understand that these three branches have a ton of artistic cro ssover. However, there are some generalizations you can make about all three branches â€" here, we’ll be focusing on the first two.Get ready for an art and design course by preparing earlyFine ArtsYou’ll be hard pressed to find one, all-inclusive definition of fine arts â€" and that is because, as mentioned, fine arts is an umbrella term covering endless amounts of subjects. To give you an idea of how large this breadth is, fine arts can involve anything from lecture-based, art theory courses to classes in modern ceramics.That being said, it can be very rewarding to pursue a bachelor degree or masters degree in fine arts because of this incredible diversity. Here are some of the most common programs and specializations you are likely to find at your future college of art:SculpturePrintmakingArt designDrawing and PaintingStudio artsArchitectureDigital mediaIf you’re interested in studying one or two particular subjects more in-depth â€" you’re in luck. There are many universi ties which specialize in particular aspects of the art world. For example, if you’re interested in fashion, you will be able to find a university with an art center that includes a design program. This is especially helpful for students who’d like to attain scholarships, as having a specific career focus can take your application to the next level.You can take the best art classes near me here.Film SchoolFinding a college of the fine arts that is dedicated solely to film is not only possible, it is one of the more popular destinations of young artists. Whether you’re interested in script writing, want to become a master in technical skills like editing, or would like to make cartoons â€" you’ll find the right master or bachelor in fine arts program in no time.Check out some of the programs you are likely to encounter on your journey to find the right film school:Computer animationFilm and television productionPhotographyGame artArt HistoryNeedless to say, if you’re interes ted in art, you’re also probably interested in the history of your craft. Many students who specialize in the discipline of visual art are often influenced by either contemporary artists or those of the past. On the other hand, students who are curious about the world of museums, art galleries and auctions â€" but don’t necessarily want to create art themselves â€" are often drawn to studying art history too.Luckily, art history courses can be found even without going to an academy of art or an art institute. While there are many different kinds of art history programs you will find at your university, finding one that you like will generally depend on what movement of art interests you the most. If you’re curious about a career in curating or selling art, or interested in preserving priceless works of art, this is definitely a subject you should explore.Building Your PortfolioBuilding a portfolio can be rewarding at best and the most stressful task you’ve ever had to accomp lish at worst. Before you start panicking, it will be extremely useful to go through three simple steps. These will be extremely helpful in getting your application ready, as well as to the interview stage many art colleges require in their admissions stage.What Kind of Artwork Do You Have?The first step on your portfolio-building journey will be to understand the kind of work that you have prepared at the moment you are about to submit your applications. Artists with a lot of experience behind them will normally already have a running portfolio form their art classes or from some pre college courses.Building a portfolio can help you later to find careers in artStudent work, however, is often artwork that is in progress. If there’s anyone who will understand the struggle to finish a work of art, it will be art educators. Because of this, many portfolios choose to include work that is in progress because it shows the direction the candidate wants to take their art and that they’v e already shown the initiative to start it.It might be helpful to as your art teacher, alums, or even your school’s provost for some advice on what kind of pieces are appropriate to submit in a portfolio and the best way to start organizing these pieces.OrganizationThe second step is arguably the most important step and, for the most part, one of the hardest for both high school and undergraduate students alike: organizing your art.Whether your work has already been on exhibit in galleries or you’re the leader of art workshops in your neighbourhood, organization will always be the most difficult part of your craft. Whether your work is studio art or using digital media, here are some general rules you can follow to prepare your art to be added to your portfolio.Being selective: while you may deem every piece that you have executed to be indicative as your progression as an artist, the people who will be reviewing your portfolio are looking for a narrative.Cherry picking your art work can be based on chronological order, on which pieces marked a shift in your values, or on the progression of a specific project (even if it’s not complete).Build a NarrativeThis last step is actually something you should be doing throughout the course of building your portfolio and is what will mark the difference between an average portfolio and a strong one â€" regardless of whether you’re applying to art colleges, to be an artist in residence or are trying to get into an exhibition.Here are some general rules to follow when establishing a narrative.Be unique: while it sounds difficult in theory, in practice it’s much easier than you think. The artwork that inspires and drives you will naturally be different than anybody else’s. Focus on what you like best about your artwork and what you would like to accomplish with it in future works.Motivation: what is the reason you study or create art? While this will be different for many people, try to put a unique spin on your answer.Establishing a storyline: it should be very clear to the people looking through your portfolio why you’ve chosen the pieces within it. While the narrative of your artwork might be very clear to you, you will have to get the main points across to complete strangers â€" so spend some quality introspective time on you, your art, and what it means to the world.Another thing to note is that sometimes portfolio requirements are different for undergraduate degrees or even for international applicants. Think of your portfolio like your CV â€" that is, treat it with the importance of a CV while also making it adaptable to the various different programs and arts schools you will be applying to.Finding an art program of study you like can be easyWhat You’ll Need for Your ApplicationWhile it may seem like applying to art programs and art colleges requires extra steps than applying to other university programs, the process is exactly the same for a prospective student in arts educati on. Applying to a British university requires you to go through the UCAS system, which is the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Here’s some information on what this process involves, whether you’re enrolling to a school of art and design or for a program in interior architecture.RegistrationThe registration process is fairly simple but it is super important that all of the details you will give to the UCAS system are accurate.Finding a CourseChoosing a course through UCAS will allow you to find courses that might be of interest to you, but that you perhaps don’t know about yet. While many people search for a university first and then try to find a program that they fit into â€" you can also do this process in reverse.There are many different online portals that allow you to explore different programs for liberal arts, art and design, and interdisciplinary subject. Once you find a program that you think might fit your needs, you can take note of its UCAS code.Findin g a UniversityFind a couple of universities that appear to suit your artistic ability, creativity, and financial concerns â€" a task easier said than done. Research will play an important role in this step, so make sure you give yourself enough time to find the right universities.Fill Out your ApplicationsThe UCAS system allows you to apply either to five different universities in the same program or to five different programs in the same university.TuitionWhether you’ve already found a school through looking at their university art or are still in the messy process of finding the right art schools â€" tuition is always an important factor. While there are several government grants and scholarships for students going to a college of art and design, make sure to check out your university’s website to see if they offer more financial aid.What To Expect From Your Art CoursesOnce you’ve completed your UCAS application, submitted your portfolio, and perhaps interviewed for your art colleges â€" you might now be worrying about what you can expect from your art classes or, going further, your arts degree.Your college of fine arts or design school, whether you’re pursuing a master or bachelor of fine arts, will prepare you for a wide array of careers. Here are some of the jobs you will be able to apply for once you graduate:CuratorGraphic designerOrganizer at a center for the artsTeacher at an art collegeFilm director

How to Prepare for College Graduation

How to Prepare for College Graduation Youre actually completing college. Hard to believe, isnt it? Just yesterday you were carrying boxes from your parents minivan up to your dorm floor, now youre attending your last classes and preparing to pick up your cap and gown. As you get ready to walk that stage, tons of thoughts are likely to go through your head. What happens next? Am I going to find a job? Should I have applied to grad schools already? Is college really over for good? These are questions that are perfectly normal to go through a soon-to-be graduates head and its just as normal to find yourself with no answers. Although youve known for four years that this day was coming, odds are it still snuck up on you out of nowhere. Its ironic how that happens, but it typically seems to work out that way. So where do you go from here? How do you approach life once you are no longer a student? That can be hard to determine, since being a student is basically all you know. That is why a good thing to do at this point is to sit down and go through some thorough self-reflection. Not only that, but consider all of your options and all of the possible paths you could go down now. Be realistic about what lies in front of you so you can create some guidance for your post-graduation life instead of simply fearing the unknown. Figure out where youre going, literally. Once that graduation ceremony is over, where are you headed? For once this is not in the figurative sense, its addressing where youll be living. Many college graduates find themselves moving back home immediately, others may wish to fill out the rest of the summer in their respective college towns, and some may be on a plane the next day to travel the world. Knowing that you dont have to do any certain thing is a comforting feeling. Officially being an adult, you can choose your own direction to follow but going along with that, you do need to consider any responsibilities you have to take into account. You may not be able to afford the choice you want or have the means to go about it. Frankly, that is why many students find themselves in spots they dont particularly want to be in, such as moving back in with their parents. But as long as you determine where you eventually want to go, you can make sure to spend your time at your next destinat ion doing what you need to do to get that desired one. Choose your mission. During your many years as a student, school has been what you do. Now what do you tell people when they ask you what youre up to? Thats going to be the most dreaded post-graduation question; its actually probably falling upon you now people want to know this in anticipation of your graduation. So, if you come up with something you want to focus on ahead of time, you wont find yourself feeling totally lost and aimless after you leave campus. If you want a job, dedicate yourself to applications every day, attending job fairs, getting in touch with alumni and former internship supervisors to network with, etc. Perhaps youve decided grad school is going to be your post-grad plan, so frame your time around writing personal statements and monitoring application deadlines. Maybe youd like to do some travelling, so sign up for a group abroad program or look into hotels and tickets on your own. Or maybe you just want to take some time off so you can read all those books you never had time for and get into a great work-out routine. As long as you find some course of action you feel comfortable with, youll be able to confidently accept what you are doing and no longer feel the need to dodge the question. Even if you cant immediately do what you want (i.e. have a job), you can do what is necessary to get there (apply, network, etc.). Accept the reality. Its not just a clich when people go on about how drastically different the real world is going to be from college life. Its true, the lifestyle and norms you are used to are going to be swept away once you enter the post-grad world. With that being said, the best thing you can do for yourself is understand and accept what those differences are. Even if you stay in your college town for a little bit, things are going to be different when youre not a student anymore. All of your close friends may not be immediately nearby, you wont have classes to keep a stable schedule youll need to make your own circumstances and your own series of events. Things wont be handed to you by the university any longer. But being an alum means the university will always be a part of you, so dont forget to start looking into those benefits and forms of support. Just because you have graduated does not mean you cannot call that school your home anymore. It is critical to understand you a re moving on, but you can still look back. Overall, remember that everyone else in your graduating class is approaching this difficult transition as well. Its easy to get bummed out when you focus on what younger students are doing, but you must take into consideration the fact that youve done it. You arent missing out because youve already been through it, and now it is time to go through something even bigger. Come to terms with these factors and you will be much better prepared for this harsh change.

How to Reduce Test Anxiety Through Increased Mindfulness

How to Reduce Test Anxiety Through Increased Mindfulness Academic Performance Explained Podcast In this episode of our podcast, MyGuru founder Mark Skoskiewicz interviews John Hankey, a performance/life coach based in California. John Hankey helps students of all ages use mindfulness techniques to overcome their test or performance anxiety, which usually subsides within three to five sessions. This is a slightly longer podcast than usual; it is packed with helpful information, and John even walks through a guided meditation for listeners. We highly recommend that you listen to the full episode on iTunes, but here are some of the highlights.What is mindfulness? What is the difference between mindfulness, meditation, and hypnosis? Mindfulness consists of any act of being present and aware of what is happening in your body and mind. It is an umbrella term that encompasses meditation, yoga, and some forms of hypnosis.What are some of the benefits of mindfulness? Over time, you can strengthen your ability to relax and become able to relax more deeply. This relaxation can have far-reaching benefits, including improving your circulation, boosting your physical health, clearing your mind, stabilizing your emotions, and connecting you to your intuition. How does relaxation affect your ability to learn? Often, when you are trying to remember important information, it is natural to tense your body or strain your mind, but this actually impedes your ability to recall information. In fact, a deeply relaxed state can enhance your ability to access memories in the moment. No matter your skill level, going into a standardized test relaxed instead of stressed will probably earn you more points. It also helps to be relaxed when you are learning new information or studying for a test; this will help you absorb and retain the information better. How can mindfulness be used to overcome test anxiety? When John meets with a client, he usually spends the first 10 min getting that person into a state of deep relaxation with a technique called “progressive muscle relaxation,” which involves relaxing each part of your body one at a time. Next, students imagine that they are taking the test, creating a very vivid mental image. Usually, for students who have test anxiety, visualizing a test scenario will cause their bodies to tense up. Because the subconscious mind cannot tell the difference between fantasy and reality, these visualizations bring up all the same stresses, anxieties, and tensions that the students experience when they are actually in that situation. This allows them to access and address their typical test-taking behavior outside of an actual testing situation. Finally, they are coached to relax until they are able to experience themselves taking a test while keeping their bodies totally relaxed. --- For more information, you can email John Hankey atinfo@johnhankey.comor check out his radio show, “The Power of Presence, onwww.voiceamerica.com.

Bedtime Nightmares 5 tips to reduce the stress

Bedtime Nightmares 5 tips to reduce the stress Its a typical night for a family with an ADHD child. You plan to have your child in bed by 8:00, but when 8:00 comes around so soon, you wonder where the evening has gone. Your child is bouncing off the walls, or zoned out in front of the TV, and you have a million things to do before bedtime. You call out to them from the other room, telling them to stop what theyre doing and get ready for bed. But when you go to check on her 15 minutes later, she hasnt made any progress! Feeling frustrated, you hover, you nag, and you do things for her that you think she should be able to do on her own. When shes finally in bed, shes complaining that shes not tired and cant sleep, and youre both irritated. Yet again, youre ending the day on a sour note. Sound familiar? Bedtime can be challenging, especially when your child has ADHD. Try these tips to break the bad bedtime cycle: Have a set time each night for when your child starts getting ready for bed, and stick to it. Leave enough time to get everything done (teeth brushed, tomorrows clothes picked out, etc.) that they will be done in time for bedtime. Turn off all of the screens at least 1 hour before bedtime. The blue-light that emits from LED screens disrupts sleep. Especially for kids! When you tell your child to get ready for bed, get their attention first, then tell them to get ready for bed. That way, you know theyve heard you. Then stay with them until theyve started to get ready for bed. (Dont walk away when you tell a child to go to bed. Youll come back in 15 minutes to find nothing has happened.) Staying focused and staying with them lets them know that you mean business. Create a list with the steps of your childs bedtime routine, and post it up in a place where your child can check it every night. They may need you to supervise them, or provide a couple of reminders when they are first starting to use their new checklist. Provide a lot of specific praise when your child follows through, I really like how you looked at the checklist and then started to brush your teeth right away! If they need some extra motivation, provide a reward when they complete all of their bedtime routine steps. For example, if they finish their steps by 8:20, then youll read a book together for 10 minutes. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

At your service. Welcome Sam to italki!!

At your service. Welcome Sam to italki!! Hello Italki! As the new online Community Manager, my mission is to provide high quality, person-to- person service for teachers and students alike. If you have a problem, I’ll take care of it.  Think of me as your personal concierge. I am originally from Parsons, Kansas, a town of less than 20,000 people. I grew up in Milwaukee WI, and have spent the last 6 years living in New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C. and most recently Shanghai. While studying advertising at Columbia College Chicago, I worked as a fundraiser for charity and have a vested interest in making the world a better place. I like to run, play video games, and recently developed an interest in Standup Comedy. My role at italki is online Community Manager. I am a personal contact point for all students and teachers who use the site and I’m very approachable. If you have any questions or comments, or if you have a problem of any kind, you can reach me by visiting my profile at  /T007352073.htm   I look forward to knowing  each and every one of you. -Sam Bleakly At your service. Welcome Sam to italki!! Hello Italki! As the new online Community Manager, my mission is to provide high quality, person-to- person service for teachers and students alike. If you have a problem, I’ll take care of it.  Think of me as your personal concierge. I am originally from Parsons, Kansas, a town of less than 20,000 people. I grew up in Milwaukee WI, and have spent the last 6 years living in New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C. and most recently Shanghai. While studying advertising at Columbia College Chicago, I worked as a fundraiser for charity and have a vested interest in making the world a better place. I like to run, play video games, and recently developed an interest in Standup Comedy. My role at italki is online Community Manager. I am a personal contact point for all students and teachers who use the site and I’m very approachable. If you have any questions or comments, or if you have a problem of any kind, you can reach me by visiting my profile at  /T007352073.htm   I look forward to knowing  each and every one of you. -Sam Bleakly