Italian For Kids

Italian For Kids Learning Italian: Your Child Could Be a Bambino Italiano ChaptersWhen Should I Start Teaching my Child Italian?Apps for Children Learning ItalianOn-line Italian Courses for Children: Videos and SitesWhich Organisations Offer Italian Classes for Children?Italy is a fascinating country.Thousands of tourists visit every year to see famous monuments like the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Saint Mark’s Basilica.Italian is taught in some school around the UK and there are plenty of Italians that currently live in the UK. Why not make the most of Italian tutorials and get your child to learn Italian?In this article, we’ll show you the best way to teach your bambino... Andiamo! DanielaItalian Teacher 5.00 (9) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuciaItalian Teacher 5.00 (4) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarilùItalian Teacher 5.00 (8) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarcoItalian Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AntonellaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £14/h1st lesson free!Di scover all our tutors GiusyItalian Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EnricoItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FedericaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhen Should I Start Teaching my Child Italian?Did you know that as early as 10 to 12 months, a baby can distinguish languages?Children can start taking Italian lessons in one form or another as early as one year old. (Source: pixabay.com)If you start speaking Italian to them, they might look at you funny! So when exactly can I start teaching them Italian, then?A child’s brain learns a lot of stuff before they reach age 6. This knowledge is imprinted on their brain forever. This means you should start teaching them about both music and language before this age.Between 1 and 6 is the time to start teaching them Italian.  They can also make stronger emotional bonds with family members who speak Italian, for example.This will make th em more willing to speak to their family by teaching them so basic Italian phrases!Why not say “hello” to them in Italian? (Buongiorno)Give them a cute Italian nickname like “amore mio”. (My love)?Or call them by the Italian version of their name? Alessandro instead of Alexander, for example.This will help them become accustomed to hearing Italian.You can then expand their vocabulary by adding more words and singing nursery rhymes of songs to them. You could even watch cartoons and learn Italian online or look for free lessons on Google.Babies can start learning a 2nd language from the moment they’re born. While they might confuse the two languages at first, they’ll quickly learn how to distinguish them.Furthermore, a child who learns to speak two languages at a young age will be better prepared when it comes to learning to read and write.You can also look for books for kids on how to learn Italian online  as well as specialised books on learning Italian through singing, etc.These types of books often come with a CD with a variety of songs as well as a “karaoke” version. You can listen to the CD in the car, helping your child to learn Italian while keeping them entertained on long journeys.That doesn’t mean you can’t sing along, too!Apps for Children Learning ItalianThere are tonnes of different apps for teaching children  apps  can be downloaded onto a smartphone or tablet. Learning Italian for beginners is easy with these tools.Using apps on your smartphone can be a fun way for children to learn Italian. (Source: Oliur Rahman)These apps offer free Italian lessons and tutorials tend to be less formal than the language course they might follow at school. Young children can have fun while they learn Italian words and phrases.Your child could learn about:Italian culture through Italian cookingVocabulary, grammar, and conjugationsHow to speak Italian, preparing them for travelling to Italy later in their lives.Here’s a short list of apps tha t you can use on your tablet, smartphone, or computer to teach your children Italian!Learn while having fun with Tic Tic!Tic Tic is a fun character for teaching Italian to very young children.This app can help children discover 400 Italian words. It’s nothing like your normal language classes!There are 24 different themes complete with different grammar and vocab points like the alphabet or clothing.This app is free but you’ll have to pay if you’d like to unlock absolutely everything.Immersion with Nemo ItalianThis app will become your new Italian tutor.Included in the lessons are:Essential Italian words and expressionsPronunciation guideDownloadable Italian lessonsThis app offers full immersion and your children can learn to speak and write in Italian whenever they like.DuolingoWith this free app, you can learn Italian while enjoying yourself.Your kids will be able to:Discover Italian grammar, conjugations, and spelling.Learn Italian through fun mini-games.Build up the langua ge and work on their pronunciation.In addition to Italian, this app can teach also you Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, and Hungarian.On-line Italian Courses for Children: Videos and SitesWebsites offer a fun way for children to learn a language.You can even consider online courses and resources for teaching your children Italian. (Source: picjumbo.com)Thanks to videos and educational games, you child could learn Italian on the internet.Here’s a few sites that offer Italian lessons.BBC Italian and MuzzyAlthough the BBC’s website for Italian is no longer updated, there are a huge variety of different resources available. The units are organised well and the lessons are interesting.You can learn Italian vocabulary for a number of everyday situations as well as work on your listening skills, reading comprehension, and pronunciation.For very young children, there's the Muzzy series. This series was designed for very young children and it makes language learning f un and easy. However, it isn't free. You can opt for an online subscription to the website or buy the Italian language course in its entirety.In fact, the whole BBC language website is a great way to learn a language and there are also sites for those who want to learn French, Portuguese, Arabic, and tonnes of other languages.BravissimiThe alphabet, pronunciation, numbers, spelling, vocabulary... Bravissimi provides varied and interesting classes.Thanks to their videos and audio, your child can learn more about Italian pronunciation, too.There are exercises and quizzes to test what they know in Italian.Every lesson is freely accessible.Which Organisations Offer Italian Classes for Children?There’s also the classic way to learn Italian: in the classroom.The classroom is the most traditional way for children to learn Italian. (Source: pixabay.com)Classes are available for children as young as those in nursery and are often taught by native speakers.Children can learn to:Interact wit h other childrenLearn Italian quicklyLearn from their mistakesWe’ve put together a short list of language centres where your child can learn Italian.Just Speak Italian (London)This centre aims to teach young children Italian. You can find the centre at Speak Up London, 139-143 Oxford Street, London.The teachers are all qualified and all qualified native speakers.  Native speakers are important since your children will be learning Italian in a less-conventional setting.There are a variety of different types of Italian courses. There are options for both private classes and group classes in which your child can learn about:The Italian alphabetItalian vocabulary and grammarItalian culture through books and mediaThe lessons at this centre focus on ensuring that children have fun and learn basic Italian. When a child is having fun, they don't even notice that they're learning phrases in their new language. After 10 lessons, parents are also given an update on how well they can speak It alian.The lessons take place on weekday afternoons or on Saturdays.Whether your child’s never spoken Italian or they’ve already got the basics down, this language centre is open to everyone.There are also group classes for children to learn Italian. Searching Italian classes London on Superprof will also help you find private tutors.Bambini LingoBambini Lingo is a multilingual kids clubs with centres in various locations around the UK. In addition to teaching children to speak Italian, they also offer French, Spanish, German, and Mandarin. You can find their language learning centres in Chiselhurst, Weybridge, Devon, Ipswich, and Peterborough.They offer courses in Italian for children as young as 18 months. Of course, this will be basic Italian, phrases, and everyday Italian words rather than intensively studying Italian grammar, verbs, conjugations, and adjectives. They'll be conversational in no time!An Italian course for pre-schoolers starts at £7.50 per class.La Dante in Ca mbridgeRather than focusing solely on apps to teach your child Italian, why not send enrol them on Italian language courses in a foreign language centre? Since La Dante is Italy's cultural institute and language and culture are inseparable, it's hardly surprising they offer Italian language courses.La Dante in Cambridge’s Young Italian Learners class is available for children aged between 5 and 10 years old and classes take place on Saturdays between 2 and 3 pm.Children will be taught using a variety of different activities including role-playing, museum visits, gardening, and cooking.They’ll also play games to help them learn the language while they have fun.There are also classes offered for a variety of different ages and levels.Would you like to take an Italian lesson, too? Don't worry, you can also learn to speak Italian there as they offer language lessons for all ages, including adults.However, if you really want your child to become fluent in Italian, you should consider private tutoring. Check out Italian lessons specialising in teaching young children on Superprof today.

A Beginners Guide to the Marimba.

A Beginner’s Guide to the Marimba. Everything You Need to Know about the Marimba. ChaptersWhat is a Marimba?Where You Might Have Heard the Marimba.Some Things to Know about Playing the Marimba.Where to Find a Marimba Teacher Near You.As part of our series on different types of percussion instruments, it’s now time to turn to the marimba.We’ll be looking at all aspects of this percussion instrument â€" from its history to its relationship with other musical instruments, from some of the most incredible marimba performances to ways that you can learn to play the marimba yourself.It’s a fascinating and gorgeous instrument â€" one that tends to get less attention than its more famous cousins, the xylophone and vibraphone, and one that deserves greater recognition than it currently gets. And now it’s time to make that happen.So, let’s take a long look at the marimba. And hopefully, by the end of it, you’ll be as enthusiastic about this instrument as we are.Here we go! You can also find out about learning the xylophone and playing the triangle too! This percussion instrument is wonderful! (Image from Photos . com) SerbanDrum Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyDrum Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RussellDrum Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamesDrum Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StephenDrum Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeteDrum Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OllieDrum Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexDrum Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is a Marimba?First things first: what actually is the marimba?The marimba is a percussion instrument made of parallel wooden bars that a marimbist â€" or marimba player â€" would hit with mallets made of rubber and sometimes wrapped in yarn.Beneath each of the bars is hung a resonator or pipe that amplifies the sounds that the st ruck bars produce â€" something that gives the musical instrument a much more resonant sound than, say, the xylophone.But, mentioning the xylophone, many people may well confuse the two instruments: both have bars arranged like the keys on a keyboard or a piano, however, the xylophone does not have the same resonators that produce the marimba’s deeper, fuller sound.Indeed, the term ‘xylophone’ is sometimes used to refer to all tuned percussion instruments â€" even when they are technically classified differently. The larger family of marimbas, xylophones, and the glockenspiel are actually called idiophones.As we have said, and as you will notice when looking at a marimba, all of the notes and pitches are arranged as if on a keyboard, with the accidentals raised so as to be easier for the percussionist who is playing.Whilst the marimba can be performed by a soloist, it is also often found in the percussion section of an orchestra or in a percussion ensemble. Since the eighties, the instrument has been increasingly used in orchestral works â€" as we will see below.You can also learn the steel hang with us!A Brief History of the Marimba.Now we know a bit about what the marimba is, it is worth knowing where it came from â€" because musical instruments don’t just arrive out of history fully formed.However, the origins of musical instruments are not always entirely clear â€" and this is the case with the marimba. The picture is complicated by the fact that xylophones have been present for centuries in both east Africa and southeast Asia.Whilst some people suggest that the instrument was brought to Africa by people who had migrated from Polynesia, it is just as likely that they developed independently. In fact, the west African balafon is a fairly close relative of the marimba itself, suggesting that this instrument didn’t come out of nowhere on the African continent.The Marimba in Guatemala.From here, one of the most unexpected developments in the history of the marimba is that it actually became the national instrument of Guatemala.Whilst the earliest documentary evidence of the instrument comes from 1680 there, it is likely that it was being used earlier than this, with slaves who were taken from the west Africa to Central America attempting to recreate it in their new home.Since then, the marimba has become hugely popular in the Americas, with attempts made to ‘modernise’ the instrument for professional percussionists. This included replacing the wooden boxes that were used as resonators with more sophisticated metal tubes.Are there Different Types of Marimba?Marimbas are one of these instruments that are not so fiercely regulated as, say, a cello or a piano or guitar. Given their roots, and their continued use in different forms across the world, there is no rigorous ‘standard’ in terms of size and shape.Whilst you may expect to play a marimba of a fairly regular size if you are playing a percussion performance in orchest ras, the marimba per se comes in a variety of forms.Here we’ll look at two that are probably most familiar â€" yet understand that this list is not at all exhaustive.The Chromatic Marimba.The chromatic marimba is one of the most widespread types of marimba in the world. It is the one that you will see in percussion ensembles around the world and in philharmonic and symphonic orchestras.It is known as the chromatic marimba because it features all twelve notes of western musical notation â€" something that distinguishes it from the ‘simple’ marimba which can be tuned only into one key at a time.Most commonly, these range in size between four and five octaves. However, we repeat that there is no real standard for this.The Concert Marimba.Whilst the chromatic marimba is the domain of the single percussionist, the instrument that is known as the ‘concert marimba’ can be played by two or more percussionists simultaneously.Whilst these don’t tend to be used in western classical music, they have existed across the Americas since the seventies, as a result of the attempt to revive the ancient practices which featured them heavily.Learn about the tambourine whilst you are here!Where You Might Have Heard the Marimba.Honestly, unless you are into contemporary music or ‘world music’, it may well be that you have never heard a marimba being played. And whilst that is completely fair enough, it is time that you went and checked it out.From chamber music to orchestral percussion, from Afro-Cuban music to ABBA, the marimba pops up everywhere. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to hear it. Big fans of the marimba were ABBA!ABBA â€" Mamma Mia.We told you it pops up everywhere. The opening bars of probably ABBA’s most famous tune are led by a marimba â€" just before the electric guitar comes in.Rolling Stones â€" Under My Thumb.Ignoring the fairly distasteful lyrics, the Rolling Stones’s ‘Under My Thumb’ is a pretty wicked piece of music. And, if you listen carefully, the most interesting of the rhythmic lines is performed on the marimba.Steve Reich â€" Six Marimbas.We said above that lots of composers about half a century ago started to write music for marimba.One of the most interesting of these was Steve Reich’s Six Marimbas, a minimalist piece that combines repetitive rhythms with limited instrumentation and harmonic complexities.Some Things to Know about Playing the Marimba.Thinking about it, the percussion section of an orchestra does have quite a busy job â€" and does need quite a serious collection of skills.Because, sure, whilst they need to know how t o whack a drum or play cymbals correctly, they need a fairly excellent grasp of mallet percussion instruments too.Playing the marimba isn’t exactly easy â€" particularly when, as many performers do, you are required to play with four â€" or six, or even eight â€" mallets at a time.Different Grips.Depending on which part of the world or school of music you are learning in, and depending on how many mallets you are using at a given time, you will choose a different grip with which to hold the mallets.These tend to be known as the Burton grip, the cross grip, and the Musser-Stevens grip â€" and which one you will use will depend on whether you are intending to play lots of chords, lots of melodic lines, or whether your piece demands that you make lots of leaps between large intervals.Start on the Glock or the Xylophone.The marimba can be a little intimidating when you first approach it. So, instead of diving in headfirst, try out some different instruments so that you get the hang of its arrangement.The glockenspiel and the xylophone â€" as well, by the way, as the piano â€" are arranged in the same way as the marimba. And navigating these is that little bit more straightforward than the marimba. You'll need to learn to read music to play the marimbaWhere to Find a Marimba Teacher Near You.When the marimba is that intimidating, it is worth getting yourself someone who can talk you through the process of learning it.The best way to do that is to get a private tutor. And the best way to do that is through Superprof, the platform that connects budding students with enthusiastic tutors from around the world.At Superprof, we have thirty percussion tutors who are available to teach you â€" either online or, if you live nearby, at their teaching studio or in your home.It is worth every moment!

What is it Like to Attend University of Arizona

What is it Like to Attend University of Arizona The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences with you as well. Aaron is a Tucson tutor who specializes in Accounting tutoring, Economics tutoring, and Business Mathematics. He is currently a senior at The University of Arizona and is majoring in Accounting. See what he had to say about his school: VT: How easy or difficult is it to get around on your campus? Is it hilly, do lots of people bike, are there buses, etc. Aaron: The University of Arizona is very easy to get around. The campus is mostly flat with only a couple of hills. Tons of people ride their bikes around and through the campus because of the numerous bike paths. There are many bus stops on all edges of the campus, which makes it easy for people who live off of campus. Also, they are building a light-rail that spans from downtown Tucson to the center of campus! VT: How helpful are the academicadvisors? Aaron: The academicadvisorsare incredible and really care about giving you the best advice. My academic advisor emails me when there are upcoming deadlines so I dont forget about registering for classes or applying to programs Im interested in. Also, my academic advisor has always been there for career advice! VT: How would you describe the dorm life? Aaron: The dorm life at The University of Arizona is, by far, one of the best parts of my college experience. All of the dorms are on campus and they are all spread out so not every student is stuck in the same area. This allows for students to explore the campus and to have their own place that feels like home. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Aaron: TheEllerCollege of Management is one of the best business programs in the west coast. Also, the science and medical majors are very well represented and some of the best in the country. The university does a great job of giving you opportunities to meet with employers and expand your network. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Aaron: It is very easy to meet people and make friends as a freshman. The University of Arizona does a great job of putting on social events. Some of the events include sand volleyball, movie screenings, and pep rallies. VT: How helpful is the Career Center? Aaron: The University of Arizona Career Services office does a great job of making it easy for students to apply for full-time jobs, part-time jobs, and internships. Also, the Career Services office puts on many different workshops for practicing interviews and building your resume. VT: How are the various study areas? Libraries? The Student Union? Dorm lounges? Aaron: There are tons of study rooms at the libraries and there are reserved rooms for honors students. There are plenty of study rooms in all of the dorms, which make it hard to ever want to leave your dorm except for food. Overall, the study space is plentiful and well maintained. VT: What is the surrounding town like? What are the best local attractions that make it unique? Aaron: The surrounding town of Tucson is very supportive of The University of Arizona sports and they are always wearing the school colors. The hiking and golf is fantastic for the people who love to be outdoors. Also, the neighboring MountLemmonis beautiful at all times of the year. VT: How big or small is the student body and how does that affect your experience? Aaron: The University of Arizona has a very big student body, which is great for trying to network. The class sizes are comparable to most universities, so they dont hinder your ability to learn. As you get further along in your specific major, the classes get very small, which makes it very easy to ask questions and interact with your professor. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you dreaded the most. Aaron: I remember one of my Classics professors, Mr.Lippman. He taught a class called THIS IS SPARTA! Every day, he would come on stage and just start talking. He didnt use a projector or handouts. All he would do is start telling the story as if he was picking up where he left off. It was an incredible way of learning about an ancient culture! Check out Aarons tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Key Tools and Tips for Guitar Care and Maintenance

Key Tools and Tips for Guitar Care and Maintenance Suzy S. A guitar is a big investment so make sure youre taking good care of your instrument! Learn some important tips for electric and acoustic guitar maintenance in this guest post by  Jacksonville, FL teacher  James W... We have a saying in the artist community: “Take care of your tools and they will take care of you.” This is also true of guitars! Your guitar is your friend, just like your computer and iPhone or smartphone. Taking good care of your instrument is easy and simple if you just follow these steps for electric and acoustic guitar maintenance. 1. Purchase two cleaning cloths, such as a soft shammy cloth used for dusting furniture or a terrycloth. Even an old towel that is clean will work just fine. Use one cloth for cleaning and one for wiping. 2. Youll also need to purchase string cleaner and polisher I recommend Kyser or Jim Dunlop brands. I also recommend Lemoil by Stuart Box from Melbourne, Australia as it contains natural quality products but also smells good with eucalyptus oil added. It does a great job of cleaning and helping the wood last a long time. The tone of the wood is important, as it is pleasing to our ears. And these products are made for guitars only. Do not use furniture polish, as it is not good for the strings. 3. Use a humidifier. This will keep your acoustic from splitting across the top and sides from heat on those hot summer days when stored in its case. You can buy a guitar humidifier from Sam Ash or Musicians Friend for about $10. If the ten bucks is hard to come by, use a small empty film container (poke a few small holes in it), and a clean piece of sponge inside that is lightly moistened. Squeeze out excess water. You can use tap water or purified bottled water. 4. Always clean your strings before you play and after. They will last longer. Spray a small amount of cleaner on a cloth, and wipe clean until you have removed all of the dirt and grime. A good time to clean the neck and headstock of the guitar is when changing strings and all the strings are removed. If you love your guitar, it will love you back and continue to sound good. Cleaning every time you put new strings on just makes it all the easier. And yes it is ok to spray the guitar as long as you are careful not to go overboard and use too much cleaner. A little goes a long way. 5. Do not store your guitar in a car trunk on summer days when there is extreme heat. Guitars last longer and retain their good sound when kept at a comfortable temperature and humidity level that is safe for the woods. Wood ages and dries out very slowly, so sudden and extreme changes are not good. 6. Always wash your hands before playing. Dirt and oil from your hands will make strings rust and sound dull. You can actually protect your strings and make them last longer by keeping them clean. I prefer Elixir Strings for my acoustic guitar, as they are coated with plastic to keep them around longer and saves me money. They cost more, but I can make them last for months. For electric guitars I use EVH Premium Strings as they are quality made but only cost around $5 a set. 7. Put together a guitar care kit that will fit in your hardshell case middle pocket. Use a Ziploc bag so you can easily see what is in there and keep stuff free of dust. Don’t have a hardshell case? Then buy one from SKB or from the company that makes your guitar. Any guitar maker will tell you a guitar kept in its hard case is protected from everything. My friends Ovation Hardshell Case kept his guitar unharmed when he was on the road and his house had a fire. The guitar case was scorched but the $800 guitar was untouched! It was worth the money paid for the case. 8. If anything gets spilled accidentally on the guitar, use a soft cloth and wipe until its dry, and then use your cleaner/polisher as instructed. Don’t panic most guitars that are made to last a long time can handle a mishap or two. 9. Last but not least, replace the frets when they are worn out. This ensures that the notes you play are true and in tune. Guitars are not unlike cars in that you have to maintain them. Post Author:  James  W. James W. teaches guitar, singing, and acting  lessons in Jacksonville, FL. He specializes in teaching pop, rock, and modern country styles. James has been teaching for 10 years and joined the TakeLessons in 2010.  Learn more about James  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

How to Learn Japanese on Your Smartphone

How to Learn Japanese on Your Smartphone What Are the Best Apps to Learn Japanese on a Smartphone? ChaptersThe Business of Bilingual Language Applications  What Are the Advantages of Learning Japanese Via ApplicationsLearn Japanese Online with the 'JA Sensei' appLearn Kanji with Kanji RecognizerWriting, Numbers, and Quizzes with ObenkyoJED to Learn Japanese VocabularyHow to learn Japanese is one of the most important questions you will need to answer as you start out on the road to fluency. Luckily, there are a lot  different ways of learning Japanese, and therefore finding a way that suits you shouldn't be too hard. Aside from a traditional Japanese course in a classroom, you can learn Japanese online, with a private Japanese teacher, or even using videos on YouTube. Your mobile device can simulate attending a japanese language course london!Let's face it, not many people have the time to go to Tokyo to speak Japanese, and with the hectic pace of life these days, people are often short of time. This raises the question, how can you learn to speak Japanese when you don't have much time?If you want to learn all about the Japanese writing system on the move, use your smartphone or tablet!Apps are more useful to learn Japanese than you probably think!Whether you want to learn Japanese cuisine on the spot, become one of the many travelers in Japan, visit the archipelago, participate in matsuri or other traditional festivals, there are applications tailored to your every need, profile, point of view, and expectations!much more involved in your learning.Indeed, whether you are a beginner and you want to study Japanese words and phrases in order to introduce yourself and know the basic greetings before you go to Japan, or you are an intermediate but want to become fluent in order to work in Japan, you will find something that fits.Like with any learning, you will have to ask yourself the right questions to use the appropriate supports (to learn Japanese).If you are a tourist and plan to travel to Japan to see Kyoto, the capital, Mount Fuji, or temples and shrines, your learning objectives will generally be limited to understanding a simple conversation when you're there.If you want to settle and live in the land of the rising sun, your learning goals will have to be higher as you will likely need to take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).Linguistic applications take into account the degree of investment in your learning. Some target a beginner audience and are more of  a simple introduction to Japanese while others require some common knowledge of the language before they can be used.Regardless of your aims, you will more than likely find something that meets your needs. Whether it is speaking Japanese itself, or the grammatical nuances of reading and writing using Japanese kanji, and hiragana and katakana, there is an app out there for you.And if apps aren't to your liking, you will find a number of amazing websites to help you learn Japanese online as well.What Are the Advantages of Learning Japanese Via ApplicationsCompared to studying Japanese through textbooks, applications have the advantage of being practical and usable in all circumstances.Would you take out your 500-page textbook on a crowded public transport in the morning when you leave for work? The answer is definitely not!Learning Japanese on your smartphone via an app is much easier in such circumstances. And it's just as effective as learning Japanese by webcam, or studying the Japanese language by video!You can learn the Japanese language anywhere now, including on your way to work!If we keep with the same comparison with books, learning via an app is more  engaging and interactive, and you will certainly feel like it is less serious than when you are learning via books.Finally, with an app you are directly interacting with your Japanese learning.If you are looking to travel to Japan, then learning the Japanese language with or without apps is definitely important. Japan is a country where learning the language brings a lot to the table.Thou gh it's possible to travel to foreign countries without speaking the native language, your experience will be largely shaped by your ability or inability to see beyond the surface of Japanese culture. When you lack the ability to communicate in the native language with Japanese people, you can not fully participate in day-to-day life, nor understand the culture. The language barrier can be anywhere from frustrating to downright dangerous.When you know the language, you have the comfort of being able to successfully navigate all sorts of situations, like order meals in restaurants, ask for and understand directions, find accommodations and perhaps negotiate cheaper prices, and meet and talk with natives, to name only a few. In most countries, people will appreciate attempts to use their language. You will be able to communicate more completely and have a deeper, more satisfying travel experience.We definitely are not saying apps are the only way to go. You should not burn your Japane se books! But when you're away from home, it's clear that apps are easier to use and just as effective! Feel free to use both methods to progress faster in Japanese!You don't necessarily need to speak fluently, or even have a conversational level. But whatever you do, make sure you at least memorize a few Japanese phrases and expressions before you travel.Apps are a wonderful way to learn a language on the go, but when you have questions, a tutor is the way to go - for example, with Japanese lessons online.to help you review or learn kana, and master their pronunciation.Quizzes are available (for which you can choose the level--beginner, intermediate, advanced) to validate what you have learned. On the hands-free mode, the application asks you oral questions that you must answer as quickly as possible.The app also gives you  34 Japanese lessons to master your sentence structures as well as elementary Japanese grammar. A text is attached to each of these lessons as well as a grammar recapitulative (more than 100 flashcards in total!). There are also anecdotes on Japanese civilization, culture, traditions, and customs prevailing in the country of the rising sun. For example, you will learn about hanami and what religion is practiced in Japan.It's extremely convenient if you are going on a trip to Japan anytime soon!There are more than 2500 words  available with the possibility of creating your own list of words (for those you have trouble learning for example).Through audio quizzes, you'll be able to understand numbers and learn to count to 10,000.For a fee, you can have unlimited access to all parts of the application.What we liked:Affordable fee for all the proposed contentThe fact that you control your learning (choice of quiz level for example)The application's design (pleasant and ergonomic)The fact that you can track your progressThe fact that the application has a website with free contentWhat we liked less:The fact that the application is only available on Android, and not IOSLearn Kanji with Kanji RecognizerLearn the different forms of writing to be able to translate Japanese into English or English into Japanese easily thanks to the application!The application is based on one single aspect of the Japanese language: the writing and recognition of Japanese characters.This can be challenging for English speakers because the kanji characters govern how to read and write in Japanese, but they are completely different from the Latin alphabet that we use.You will have to copy the kanji, which will then be systematically translated into English. Quizzes will validate your progress and allow you to retain the information more easily.A similar application is available for devices running IOS. It is called JEDict Lite and offers the same features.What we liked:Being able to learn kanji by copying the characters for yourselfQuizzes testing your knowledge of kanjiWhat we liked less:The austere design of the applicationWriting, Numbers, and Qu izzes with ObenkyoLike with the JA Sensei application, Obenkyo has a wide learning field.Learning how to speak any new language will mean getting to grips with the numbers and how to count. This app tackles this very well as they are always translated into romaji, hiragana, or kanji (do you know these great English-Japanese translation tools?).These exercises will help you to smoothen your Japanese language skills and express yourself in a clearer way. It is also great for anyone trying to learn Japanese.The work around the kanjis is excellent and you can learn exactly how to transcribe them line by line with stroke animations.Similarly, the richness of the lexicon will allow you to expand your vocabulary and travel through the history of Japan. Samurais, emperors, and other geishas will soon be a part of your general culture! Take advantage of the opportunity to enrich your lexicon but also expand your approach and your cultural perspective of Japan.What we liked:The very original pattern recognition systemThe very clear animations around the kanjisThe application is free and does not have adsWhat we liked less:Some issues with the quizzes that sometimes skewed the resultsJED to Learn Japanese VocabularyBe careful not to confuse the Japanese applications with Siri! It's not because they talk to you that you can ask them to give you the weather forecast for example ??This application is ideal if you are traveling to Japan and find yourself misunderstanding a  native speakers.The application translates things quickly and sheds clarity on hazy conversations. Be careful, however, as it is important to have notions of Japanese and especially some experience of Japanese writing in order to use it properly (know how to put a verb in to the infinitive for example).A beginner can still use it without benefiting from all the features.The system of learning kanji is also extremely well developed. You will find a  line by line breakdown of each kanji, which greatly facil itates learning and memorization. Kanjis are sometimes difficult to conquer.The application is not available on iOS, but do not panic! The application Imiwa will meet all your expectations, too: examples, pronunciation exercises, or animations in order to show you how kanjis are broken up...it is similar to the Android app.What we liked:The fact that the application allows us to translate Japanese into several languages (French, Spanish, English) and vice versaAvailable offline, so convenient if you are communicating in more remote areas.What we liked less:The austere design and black background of the applicationThe app experiences regular technical issuesIn short:There are many tips for learning a new language, but perhaps the most important is knowing your motivations and expectations. As we have seen many times before, profiles and needs vary greatly between someone wanting to work or live in Japan and someone who just wants to go on holiday to Japan.If you are looking for a gre at application to learn Japanese which can satisfy both beginners and intermediate students, we recommend you download JA Sensei, which although you have to pay for, the cost is relatively low when compared to how great it is.For more specific topics and if you want to refine your Japanese writing, then we recommend Kanji Recognizer.If you are with an interlocutor and a misunderstanding occurs, vocabulary applications like Imiwaou and JED Android will be most useful.If you are experiencing a mental block with apps, you can always take private lessons (use the Superprof website to find a Japanese tutor in your local area).As you can see, some applications are intended to provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of Japanese, while others are very useful to meet specific needs.Ganbatte (which means good luck!)And, finally, why not have a look at how to learn Japanese using videos and movies?

Your Teens Holiday Ready-for-College Checklist

Your Teen’s Holiday Ready-for-College Checklist Parents of high school juniors and seniors, listen up. Holiday break is a great time to make sure your teens are ready to attack the home stretch of high school in order to get ready for college. Here are a few tips on how your college-bound teen can make the most of this holiday break: Visit college campuses. Juniors and even undecided seniors could take a couple of days to visit any colleges or universities in their stateday trips or afternoon visits (depending on the distance). Classes might not be in session, but you and your teen can still take a self-tour of campus and the town and visit with any personnel that are available (e.g. financial aid). Register for the next SAT/ACT. The next 2020 SAT dates are March 14, May 2 and June 6 and the next 2020 ACT dates are February 8, April 4, June 13 and July 18. Theres still plenty of time for your junior to prepare effectively for the next exam if he or she is trying to earn the best possible score before starting those senior year applications. Seniors applying to schools with March or later application deadlines could retake the ACT one last time in February to raise that score. Take an SAT/ACT prep course refresher. With the earliest SAT/ACT date being February, December is the perfect chance for your teen to dedicate some time to studying. Have your teen call Huntington to explore our three levels of exam prep programs: premier, 32-hour and 14-hour. He or she could even start the work over break when things arent as frenzied. Work on college applications. Have your senior pay attention to those college application deadlinessome might be as early as January. Holiday break is a great chance for them to complete all application requirements, fine-tune those application essays and make sure all sections of their applications are complete or close. Follow up on recommendation letters. Your senior might have already requested recommendation letters from a teacher or guidance counselor, but with some downtime on his or her hands, its wise to follow up. If an application is due February 1 and your teen is hoping to have all materials submitted by January 15, the timing to check in with the recommender is perfect. Check on outstanding tasks. If your teen is using the Common Application, have him or her review the Dashboard to make sure there arent any outstanding items that might require follow up (such as transcript requests or essay questions to finish). If your teen isnt using the Common Application, have him or her check the specific college requirements to make sure nothing has fallen through the cracks. Refine that scholarship list. Some scholarship deadlines have passed already, but not all. Your teen should revisit that list of target scholarships to remind him or herself of deadlines and requirements and use the weeks of holiday break to work on applications. When school is back in session and life is hectic again, your teen will be glad he or she was proactive. Encourage your teen to use holiday break to get ahead on all of the tasks on the horizon for college. Before school is back in session, it is a good time to do soand the effort in and of itself will help your teen get into college mode and finish high school strong.

Listening Activity The Internet Under The Sea

Listening Activity The Internet Under The Sea In todays class we are going to look at how the internet works. The internet is something we often take for granted,    which means that we fail to appreciate it properly because we use it all the time. Can you think of anything else that you take for granted? What is taken for granted in your home country? Write your thoughts in the comment section below so we can hear your responses!Lets take a look at this video that explains how the internet is connected all around the world:For our first exercise today, there are 6 new words listed below with 6 definitions, all from the video you just watched. Can you match the correct definition to the vocabulary? Write your answers in the comment section.Vocabularytransmit (v.)vulnerable (adj.)groove (n.)audacious (adj.)cutting-edge (adj.)speedy (adj.)Definitionsa. exposed to the possibility of being damagedb. something that is done quickly, or something that is moving  quicklyc. a long, narrow cut in a hard materiald. something that is very a dvanced, often technologye. cause something to move from one person/ place  to anotherf. a willingness to take a big riskGood work!  For this next exercise you may need to watch the video again. There are 5 sentences below with a word missing. Can you fill in the space with the correct word by listening to what the narrator says in the video?We never stop hearing about how the internets in the cloud. But really, its in the _______________.These cables, placed by private companies, are the ____________ of the internet.Theyre vulnerable to _______________, at least a few times, confused ______________ have bitten them.In some places, they go as deep underwater as ___________ _____________ is high.The cables are _____________ from the back of the a ship, _____________ to the ocean floor and the world is connected in speeds measured in milliseconds.We hope you enjoyed todays listening activity. Sign up here for a trial class with LOI English.

Alexa, Teach Me a Language! How You Can Get Fluent with an Alexa Device

Alexa, Teach Me a Language! How You Can Get Fluent with an Alexa Device “Alexa, Teach Me a Language!” How You Can Get Fluent with an Alexa Device Many of us have someone special living in our homes.Not exactly family, but…We ask her questions and give her basic commands, so she certainly seems real, doesn’t she?You know who I mean.Maybe she lives at your house, too.“Alexa…”That’s right. I’m talking about always-present, ever-ready, through-thick-and-thin Alexa.“Alexa, turn on the kitchen light.”“Alexa, play some slow jazz.”“Alexa, order pizza. With a side of garlic knots, please.”She’s a live-in genius who follows orders without hesitation.Perfect for ordering take-out. Turning on the lights. Giving your life some background music. After all, thats the extent of her abilities, right?Wrong!If you think that’s all your  resident companion can do, think again!If you’re not saying, “Alexa, teach languages,” you’re not giving Alexa the credit she deserves.Let’s see what this little digital polyglot can really do! What Is Alexa?This technological magic called “Alexa” is Amazon’s cloud- based virtual assistant. Her name is evocative of the library of Alexandria where at one time all knowledge was thought to be held.Alexa is a voice-controlled know-it-all that’s connected to something called AVS, short for “Alexa Voice Service.”  The AVS is available to be integrated for use with Amazon products like the Echo or Dot. They’re all speaker devices that accommodate the service.Okay, But How Can Alexa Teach Languages?Alexa has skills. Think of skills as apps that expand Alexas knowledge and help her understand more requests. They go way beyond basic commands! Fortunately for us, she has tons of skills specifically designed to  teach languages.The nuts and bolts of accessing this technology is simple.Just sign into your Amazon account online. On the lefthand side of the search bar, there’s a dropdown menu. Press “Alexa Skills” to go to the skills offered. Search “languages,” then choose one to learn. Press “get this skill” and access the content on a ll Alexa devices!Then? Start speaking with Alexa! It’s so simple to learn either one language or many. Your choiceâ€"Alexa’s ready whenever you are to take the next step on your language learning journey. Below, well give you plenty of language-focused skills to start you off!And Alexa is always gaining skills. If you know a language that she doesn’t, you can actually teach Alexa a language  with a skill called Cleo. Shell ask you questions in English and you answer in your language!“Alexa, Teach Me a Language!” How You Can Get Fluent with an Alexa DeviceMultiple-language SkillsTalk about a language-learner’s jackpot!There are a number of Alexa skills that can teach more than one language so if youre aiming to become a polyglot, why not try out one of these? Of course, they work just as well if you’re only interested in one target language. The learning’s up to you and Alexas ready to help.If you enjoy this type of innovative language learning, FluentU is the perfect tool to round out your Alexa learning.FluentU makes it possible to learn languages from music videos, commercials, news, inspiring talks and more.With FluentU, you hear languages in real-world contextsâ€"the way that native speakers actually use them. Just a quick look will give you an idea of the variety of FluentU videos on offer:FluentU really takes the grunt work out of learning languages, leaving you with nothing but engaging, effective and efficient learning. It’s already hand-picked the best videos for you and organized them by level and topic. All you have to do is choose any video that strikes your fancy to get started!Each word in the interactive captions comes with a definition, audio, image, example sentences and more.Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and easily review words and phrases from the video under Vocab.You can use FluentU’s unique adaptive quizzes to learn the vocabulary and phrases from the video through fun questions and exercises. Just swipe left or right to see more examples of the word youre studying.The program even keeps track of what you’re learning and tells you exactly when it’s time for review, giving you a 100% personalized experience.FluentU currently has programs for Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Italian, Japanese, Korean and English.Start using FluentU on the website with your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes store or Google Play store.Rosetta Stone“Alexa, open Rosetta Stone.”Learn Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Japanese or Russian with this skill.It’s designed especially for those preparing to travel, so itll help you  recognize and produce essential phrases for a trip. For example, the lesson categories include greetings, ordering food and drink, asking for and following directions, understanding time and travel issues and shopping with ease.You may already be familiar with the popu lar Rosetta Stone language programâ€"a great option for focused language study outside of Alexa-time. Like their Alexa skill, Rosetta Stones language programs are aimed at getting you speaking correctly, quickly, with speech-recognition technology and immersive vocabulary and grammar lessons. Check out the full programs on offer for:SpanishFrenchGermanItalianArabicChineseJapaneseKoreanPortugueseTranslatedAlexa, ask Translated how to say Wheres the bathroom in Danish.Alexa translates sentences from English into 36 languages when she’s got this skill in her repertoire. Its an excellent tool to learn new phrases quickly or even practice your pronunciation by imitating Alexas responses.If you’re having trouble keeping up, just ask her to slow down. Alexa will adjust her speaking speed to accommodate any listener.Daily Dose“Alexa, teach me Spanish with Daily Dose. ”Substitute Italian or Chineseâ€"or any of the other languages. It’s really that easy!Daily Dose enables Alexa to t each 34 languages including Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, Hebrew, Russian, Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese you name it. There are even options to learn Persian, Hindi, Indonesian or Afrikaans, among others.Theres a  â€œword of the day” for quick vocabulary building. Then there are 10- to 20-minute daily lessons aimed to get you speaking your target language. It all  makes daily learning almost as exciting as date night! Pencil in “Alexa and me time” on your schedule. The meetings will be so much fun you’ll be looking forward to them between dates!Three to five new lessons are added every week, making this a continuously evolving Alexa skill.This Alexa skill comes from the same people behind the Innovative Language podcasts, which are just as prolific! These podcasts bring thousands of video and audio lessons to language learners, with new ones added all the time. The podcasts are designed to be informative but entertaining and full of up-to-date cultural information .So if this Alexa skill works for you, youll definitely want to expand your learning to one of the following Innovative Language podcasts! Theyve got:SpanishPod101FrenchPod101GermanPod101ChineseClass101RussianPod101JapanesePod101ItalianPod101ArabicPod101PortuguesePod101KoreanClass101EnglishClass101My Linguist“Alexa, ask My Linguist to translate ‘Your eyes sparkle in the moonlight’ into Italian.”With My Linguist, Alexa can quickly translate words or phrases into 52 languages. It’s also possible to get the translation spelled out  so you can write it down correctly.By the way, Alexa’s Italian translation:  I tuoi occhi brillano al chiaro di luna.  (Your eyes sparkle in the moonlight.) Feel free to use that one the next time you’re trying to get on someone’s good side!SayHi Language Learning“Alexa, ask SayHi to teach German.”This skill makes Alexa a brilliant language teacher for Spanish, French, German or Danish learners.She provides full conversational lessons tha t are designed to have learners understanding and repeating each lesson by the time it’s complete. It also boosts your memory with spaced repetition technology, which has you review key language elements at just the right moment before you forget them. This is the place to pick up these four languagesâ€"and have fun while doing it!Language-specific Alexa SkillsSpanish Vocabulary“Alexa, ask Spanish Vocabulary to ask me words from the vacation vocabulary list.”With this skill, Alexa is able to teach Spanish vocabulary from themed word lists. Currently there are four available: basic vocabulary, numbers, times and dates and vacation.Turning on the spelling mode makes it possible to hear every Spanish word spelled out, which is perfect if youre compiling lists or making flashcards for the words youre learning.The words run on a continuous loop. You can  ask Alexa how you’re doing on this oneâ€"and she’ll provide an honest answer!German Article“Alexa, start German Articles.†This skill is unique because Alexa brings along Hans, her German pal, to untangle the ins and outs of German articles. It’s all about der/die/das and how to use these different words for the appropriately.Alexa provides a random noun and the learner responds with correct article (or their best guess!). Hans pipes up if an incorrect response is given, providing the correct answer with an example to substantiate his reply.Chineasy“Alexa, ask Chineasy for today’s lesson.”With this skill, Alexa teaches Chinese through daily seven-minute lessons. There’s a new phrase to learn each day, as well.There are more to lessons with this skill. Daily exposure to Chinese culture and Chinese stories are shared by special guests. The guest list is impressive and includes rock stars, professors and scientists.Weather in Russian Language (Russian Sky)Alexa, ask Russian Sky for tomorrow.This is a fun language skill! Use this one and Alexa will report the weather in Russian. You can specifica lly ask for the weather in Russian cities, to  learn weather phrases while getting a little daily connection to Russia, even from afar.And if you have travel plans to see Red Square, dont wonder about what to pack. The forecast is available for today, tomorrow and next week!So now you see that Alexa is a great addition to your family, don’t you? She’s a language-learner’s BFFâ€"and she lives right in your own home! It doesn’t get much better than that!Don’t keep Alexa on pizza-ordering or temperature-changing detail. Let her help you prepare for travel. And as you’re learning languages with Alexa, don’t just listen. Add to your vocabulary log so your language skills grow every single day.Let’s face it, there’s no need for another language partner as long as Alexa’s around.She’s the ideal language buddy. She covers all the basesâ€"and she’s not going to eat the last slice of pizza, either!