Chinese Language Tutors For Adult Learners

Chinese Language Tutors For Adult LearnersIf you want to learn the Chinese language, you can easily enroll yourself with Chinese language tutors for adult learners in Hong Kong. The most notable reason for enrolling yourself in such learning program is that it is actually a learner's course. Moreover, the whole process of learning a new language is a lot easier and more convenient when you have an adult tutor at your side who knows English, as well as Chinese. In addition, some Chinese language courses are also available in Hong Kong to cater for the needs of adults who do not have enough time to go out to study in a school environment.Besides being a Chinese language learner, you will also have to find out a good school in the city that is fully equipped with the latest technology and modern facilities that will allow you to acquire an excellent level of education. Some online or Chinese language courses may also allow you to utilize the services of an online tutoring service. This service is most suitable if you are from outside of Hong Kong. Otherwise, it would be very difficult for you to access the language lessons online.Aside from being able to read, write and speak traditional Chinese language, you will also be taught how to read and write Hangul, Cantonese, and Mandarin, which are all spoken in Hong Kong. Your tutor will also guide you in reading and writing Chinese characters that are used throughout the country. These books will include cultural and historical materials, and you will also have to know the script in order to know the correct pronunciation of words.To prepare yourself for the Chinese language tutor, you must already have a basic knowledge of grammar and reading, writing and speaking Chinese, plus you must also know how to communicate in Chinese. It is important that you also have some of the basic skills of listening and speaking. This will enable you to talk to your tutor, explain things to him or her, and let them understand what you want them to know.Another particular benefit of enrolling yourself with a Chinese language tutor for adult learners is that it is extremely convenient for you. Most of the language learning process is done in the class room, in the privacy of your own home. Moreover, there is no need to worry about being late and missing your class or your exam, as you do not have to worry about leaving your classes for other engagements or family matters.Apart from getting to the school building early, there is also the opportunity for you to engage in conversation with your Chinese language tutor. This is also a major benefit, especially if you happen to have limited access to internet and do not wish to engage in conversation via internet. Moreover, it is extremely convenient to learn Chinese language through video chat, whether you are online or offline.So, if you are interested in learning the Chinese language, there is no need to despair. With a Chinese language tutor for adult learners, you will be able to make your way to becoming fluent in the language. Furthermore, the idea of having an understanding of a language you learned at a young age, will also give you an exciting career that you can't miss out on.

Learn How to Code with Coding Courses

Learn How to Code with Coding Courses Work in IT by Learning to Code with Online Coding Courses ChaptersIs Learning the Fundamentals of Programming Languages without a Qualification an Insurmountable Challenge?BBCCodeacademyLearn Programming Skills with CourseraFree Code CampW3SchoolsWith more and more technologies, jobs in IT are almost always in demand.  However, despite a curriculum that supposedly teaches pupils how to use a computer, there’s still a lack of people with the appropriate IT skills for completing the fundamental challenges facing modern businesses. This is one of the few sectors that always finds it difficult to find skilled employees and build a capable workforce (not to say that those already in the field aren't already very talented).If you’re fresh out of school or looking for a career change, you should consider learning to code or developing your IT skills.There are plenty of educational establishments offering computer science and computer programming courses to help beginners and those starting from scratch become systems engineers, programmers, or web designers.Can you learn to code and become an IT tutor without a degree in IT?How can you give private tutorials in IT without IT qualifications?Even if you can completely teach yourself about computers, learning programming is a different beast altogether. In fact, you might struggle to find a job in IT without the appropriate qualifications in programming. Most employers prefer that their staff have the appropriate qualifications for these kinds of jobs.Code will look like a foreign language to the untrained eye. (Source: negativespace.co)Additionally, teaching yourself about computers requires an enormous amount of motivation. School isn’t entirely pointless, after all. It allows you to gain the necessary knowledge and skills that jobs in IT require.On the other hand, it's easy to learn coding and become a programmer or a web developer without having an A Level in IT. A Levels are not the only way to learn about computers. There are many different ways. In fact, there are places where you can get free or cheap IT lessons to help you .It doesn’t matter whether you’re 16, 30, or 50, a career in IT will welcome you with open arms. You can also call a private tutor to help you or to teach you everything you need to know about computers.Find computer courses near you here or stat at home and follow online computer courses.BBCIf you'd like to learn how to code but are an absolute beginner in need of an introduction to computer science, the BBC has a useful site (although it’s no longer updated) for those just starting out with computers. In addition to its WebWise course that teaches the basics of using computers and the internet, there are also links for those studying IT and computing at GCSE or Standard Grade. There are also links to other useful resources on how to program and programming concepts.Before you learn to code, you'll need to take the plunge and learn how to use computers effectively. (Source: pixabay.com)There are links to resources on web design, programming, the government’s own programmes for digital literacy, etc. While a lot of these resources are free, you can expert to have to pay for some of the more professional resources.With IT, computers, and programming all being things you do on your computer, it’s no surprise that you can learn a great deal about them from your computer.You should consider checking out MOOCs (Massive Online Open Courses) for classes on programming and coding and Codeacademy, in particular, which incentivises students by awarding them badges. Unlike universities, these courses are for everyone and it doesn’t matter if you have a GCSE or A Level in IT or not.This is arguably the most famous MOOC for learning more about IT. The site was founded by Zach Sims and Ryan Bubinski after Sims dropped out from Columbia University to focus on the platform.The platform quickly grew and now has several million users. It probably won't matter which programming language you want to learn t o program in, there are 12 languages with interactive activities for you to do on Codeacademy.Codeacademy is like a university, but for code. (Source: pixabay.com)Of course, as with most MOOCs, the numbers can be a bit misleading as the number of students who actually finish each course is very low. Only a third of those who “enrol” on a Codeacademy course actually finish it.This isn't because the courses are bad but rather because people sign up to courses because they can or on a whim. A lot of people sign up to introductory classes and never finish them. These numbers may also be skewed due to the fact that a lot of users mightn’t complete every exercise on a given course because they’ve already learnt what they need to know.While Codeacademy is free, there is an option to pay for it which comes with benefits such as added support. This support includes personalised learning plans, more advanced quizzes, realistic projects, and help from advisers.This is a great option fo r those whose schedules are too varied to regularly schedule a class.With Codeacademy, you can do the activities, exercises, and coding courses whenever you feel like it. You can also start and stop courses as you please.If you only need to learn the basics of a given language, for example, you can do those modules and then move on to another language. It’s a fantastic tool for those wanting to bolster their IT skill set.The only problem is that the badges probably won’t sway an interviewer’s mind.Learn Programming Skills with CourseraIf you need an introduction to programming, Coursera is another MOOC that you should consider looking at. While it doesn’t focus solely on programming and IT (there are a huge variety of different courses taught), it’s worth mentioning for those wanting to gain some valuable IT skills.Although the courses are free, you’ll have to pay if you want an accredited certificate for them.  Some of the courses on Coursera are even offered by some of the world’s most prestigious universities including Washington, Michigan, Toronto, and Stanford.Signing up is really easy, too. You sign up to Coursera in the same way you would to any other website. Once you’ve got a user name and password, you’re pretty much ready to go and start learning.This is great solution for people who prefer a university-style approach to learning without the tuition fees that come with it. For those looking for a career change, it’s a useful way to learn in your own time and at your own speed since unlike a traditional course, you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to doing the work and studying.Free Code CampFree Code Camp is a more social option than some of the others suggested in this article.Did you know that learning programming could save the world?The special thing about Free Code Camp is that it works by teaching users how to code and allowing them to use that coding knowledge to code for non-profit organisations.Free Code Camp, lea rn to code without having to brave the elements. (Source:  snapwiresnaps.tumblr.com)After students learn JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, they get to do project assignments either on their own or with a partner. After they’ve finished their project assignments, they have the opportunity to gain real computer programmer experience by building a web app and writing code for the aforementioned non-profits. This can help them:Learn how to build a web app and how to write codeLearn how to integrate user interfacesLearn how develop appsDevelop Java and web development skillsWork towards a new career in ITLearn how to solve real problems and complete tasks under deadlinesThe practical experience is what really sets Free Code Camp apart from some of the other examples given in this article. While the other platforms may be better in terms of theoretical knowledge, you can’t put a price on the experience you gain from really developing a solution to a given problem.W3SchoolsW3Schools is a grea t resource for those learning how to code. Imagine it like the Lego set of coding. While you have the instructions, you can just play around. You can use it to learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, SQL, jQuery, AngularJS, XML, and Bootstrap. You can easily get started today.You’re completely free to follow the tutorials if you want. Otherwise, you can just start playing around with the code you’ve learnt.  On a personal note, I regularly have this site open for help with HTML and CSS and have found it to be an absolute life-saver.With so many different ways to learn IT skills and how to programme, you really haven’t got an excuse! In short:You can gain valuable IT training and skills without having to attend university. You don’t even really need to have an A Level in IT or computing. It’s a sector with a seemingly never-ending demand for employees and free resources for those willing to put the time in to gain the required IT skills. With sites like Codeacademy, W3Schools, Fr ee Code Camp, and Coursera (not to mention all the other MOOCs), you’re spoilt for choice.Of course, since these sites require you to work a lot on your own, you should make sure that you’re motivated before embark on a course. Otherwise, you may as well not bother.If you're a tutor, you should find out more on how to plan an IT tutorial!

Test Taking Skills Online SAT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace

Test Taking Skills Online SAT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace If you are preparing for ACT test then studying skill, test taking strategy and learn how to take proper notes plays an important part in improving your test scores. ACT test, also known as American College testing is a student assessment test taken by high school students to gain admission in U.S colleges and universities. ACT test is based on all the academic knowledge student learns until high school and it often contains basic and standard questions from a topic. ACT test paper contains 4 main sections and each section has set of questions for which students are given only limited time to answer. ACT test is a standardized test and these scores are recognized by colleges and universities in the United States. To get good scores, students have to improve their basic subject skills and have to practice answering questions in a limited time period. Students studying for ACT test should not concentrate on complicated topics. Instead, students must follow the basic rules in each subject and should follow them accordingly. ACT test examines a student in English, Mathematics, Reading and Science reasoning. Students can even opt for the optional Writing section if they prefer to get their writing score as well. In order to get good scores in ACT exam, students must know time management skills. It is always recommended for students to first answer simple and easy questions and then later try the ones which are difficult and time-taking. ACT examines the students logical and conceptual knowledge in the given subject and therefore students should improve their reasoning skills. Students can perform well on test if the given information is understood and the related concepts are recognized.

Useful Italian Phrases and Tips for Shopping in Italy

Useful Italian Phrases and Tips for Shopping in Italy Brooke Neuman If youre taking a trip to Italy, chances are youre planning on doing some serious shopping. Below, Italian teacher Nadia B. shares some useful Italian phrases and tips for shopping in Italy Do you have a trip to Italy planned? Besides the delicious food, Italy has some of the best shopping in the world. Whether youre looking for a souvenir for your loved one or some high-fashion duds for yourself, Italy has it all. In this article, well explore some useful Italian phrases for shopping as well as some general tips. Learning how to  speak Italian  will ensure that youre getting what you want at the appropriate price. But before we dive into these useful Italian phrases, below are some shopping tips  to help make sure  that your  first shopping trip in  Italy goes off without a hitch. Italian Shopping Tips From big-name fashion brands  to antique mom and pop shops, Italy boasts some of the worlds best fashion and art. Use the tips below to ensure that you have a positive shopping experience. Watch out for imitations:  When you’re visiting cities with lots of tourists, for example  Florence, you might be tempted by the designer look-a-likes being sold on the street at bargain prices. Attento! (Watch out!) The police have been known to fine tourists and sellers alike for buying and selling these items. If its too good to be true,  its probably fake. Look for the Made in Italy tag:  The “Made in Italy” tag has been created to guarantee buyers that an item is authentically conceived, manufactured, and packaged in Italy. Look for items that have this tag so you can  ensure thats it authentic. Whats more,  youll be supporting classic Italian workmanship. Ask for a tax refund:  If  you’re making purchases that are taxed with the VAT (value-added tax), ask the shop owner for a tax refund form. This form enables you to  receive a refund at the airport. The standard rate of this tax is 22%, so you stand to save quite a bit! Remember to pack light: Resist the temptation  to pack five pairs of shoes or three pairs of jeans. Youll want to leave enough room in your suitcase to  bring back the souvenirs and clothing you purchased. However much you think you need to pack, cut it in half. Brush up on  your bargaining skills:  Brush up on your bargaining skills to get fantastic deals. Chances are youll have better luck in smaller stores or if youre buying more than one item. Dont get too greedy; start with a small discount and go from there. Useful Italian Phrases for Shopping When you first enter a shop, the salesperson might greet you and ask how they can help. You can respond by telling them one of the following phrases: Cerco… (I’m looking for…) Vorrei… (I would like…) Ho bisogno di… (I need…) Avete? (Do you have?) If you’re looking for a specific clothing item, one of these words may be just what you’re looking for: L abbigliamento (clothing) La camicia (shirt) La gonna (skirt) Il vestito  (dress) I pantaloni (pants) Le scarpe (shoes) If youre looking for accessories, try one of these Italian words: La collana  (necklace) Il braccialetto  (bracelet) L’ anello  (ring) La cintura (belt) La sciarpa  (scarf) I guanti  (gloves) Il portafoglio  (wallet) Gli occhiali da sole (sunglasses) Once you’ve spotted  something you like, heres a phrase you can direct toward a shopkeeper  Posso provare questi articoli, per favore?  (Can I please try these items?) Once you’ve tried them on, you might want to discuss the fit with a salesperson. Here are some useful Italian phrases to use: Mi sembra troppo… (It seems too…) stretto/a (tight) allentato/a (loose) grande (big) piccolo/a (small) Come mi sta? (How does it look on me?) Mi piace… (I like… [for a singular object]) Mi piacciono… (I like…[for a plural object]) Non mi piace… (I don’t like [for a singular object]) Non mi piacciono… (I don’t like…[for a plural object]) Mi può portare una taglia più grande/piccolo, per favore? (Can you please bring me a bigger/smaller size?) If you’re thinking of buying a particular item and want to discuss price, use the following Italian phrases; Quanto costa? (How much does it cost?). E’ caro. (It’s expensive.) E’ economico. (It’s inexpensive.) I contanti ( money) la carta di credito (credit card) lo scontrino/la ricevuta (receipt [informal/formal]) la borsa (bag) Learning Italian before your trip will definitely come in handyespecially when youre shopping. Use the useful Italian phrases above to ensure that you have an enjoyable shopping experience. Post Author:  Nadia B. Nadia B. teaches Italian in New York, NY. She graduated summa cum laude from New York University, with a double degree in Italian Language and Literature and Classical Music Performance.  Learn more about Nadia 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

5 Myths (and Realities) About Study Abroad

5 Myths (and Realities) About Study Abroad Studying abroad is a popular pastime for many college students. Living and learning in a foreign country can provide you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in an unfamiliar culture while also earning college credit, meeting new people, and traveling. It also allows you to increase your confidence. Despite these benefits, many students still choose not to participate in study abroad because of intimidating information they have heard from others. Here are five myths (and realities) about study abroad: 1. Its too expensive Study abroad may seem expensive at first, but when you begin to evaluate program options and costs, you might just change your mind. Many universities offer exchange programs, in which students pay their regular tuition, but attend a school abroad. Additionally, students can select housing and meal plans that may be comparable to or even less than what they pay at home. In some study abroad programs, students pay the tuition of the foreign university, which may be less costly than your home college. To study abroad, you will need to pay for round trip airfare, which can be expensive. Keep in mind that you can apply your financial aid to some study abroad programs, and remember that there are also study abroad scholarships that can help students cover extra expenses. Speak with your schools study abroad office to discover such funding opportunities. 2. I must be able to speak a foreign language Another common myth about study abroad is that students must speak the language of the country where they intend to study. In reality, there are many study abroad programs where the foreign institution teaches courses in English. Although it can be helpful to speak the home language, many students learn to do so by interacting with people in the country they visit. Some students also choose to sign up for language immersion programs while abroad. If you are uncomfortable with not knowing the language, remember that there are several English-speaking countries where study abroad is very popular, such as Australia, England, and Ireland. Here are five tips to help you learn a foreign languageif you do choose to study abroad and want to learn the language of the country you are visiting. 3. Ill lose an entire semester or year This myth about study abroad programs is simply not true. With the variety of study abroad options available at most colleges, many majors can go abroad without delaying their graduation dates. First, meet with your academic adviser to determine when it would be best to study abroad. Many schools have even created study abroad programs whose credits align perfectly with their major requirements. To avoid delaying your graduation or losing a semester, it is imperative that you carefully time your study abroad experience. After speaking with your adviser, consult with the study abroad office about programs that fit your scheduling needs. If your major is very rigid, perhaps you can go abroad in the summer or during winter break. 4. Study abroad is like a vacation One popular belief is that students act irresponsibly while abroad and away from their daily lives. While some students do shirk their responsibilities while studying abroad, many others take this experience seriously without sacrificing fun. Read thesetips on how to best study for a test. Students may not only take classes abroad that require quite a bit of studying, they may also be hired for internships. They might join university clubs, travel to nearby sights, or do research with faculty members. 5. Non-traditional students cant study abroad Many non-traditional students including individuals who are returning to college, transferring from two-year institutions, maintaining a family life, or studying in the United States as international students attend school each year. As these populations grow, so too do the study abroad options available to them. If you are a non-traditional student, dont just dismiss the idea of studying abroad. Instead, speak with a study abroad coordinator, express your concerns, and find out what options will suit your needs. These are only five of the common myths (and realities) about study abroad, but there are many more. If study abroad has piqued your interest, investigate it with a knowledgeable person at your college or university. They can help you demystify the experience, debunk any additional myths about study abroad, and connect you with the study abroad options that best fit your situation.

Sentence Fragments, Run-On Sentences, and a Comma Splices

Sentence Fragments, Run-On Sentences, and a Comma Splices   Punctuation errors are easy to make and hard to spot. For some writers, it is especially hard to catch punctuation errors such as sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and comma splices. These punctuation errors can really make your writing seem chaotic. A grammar checker can catch these errors some of the time. Better than a grammar checker is your ability to catch these errors yourself.   Sentence fragments A sentence fragment refers to groups of words that act like a sentence yet cannot stand on their own because the writer has made a range of mistakes. To start with, the right subject-verb relationship may not be available within the independent clause. For example, a statement such as Working Far into the Night with the Aim of Finding Their Ornament is a sentence fragment because the writer tries to describe something but fails to create a relationship between the subject and the verb. A different idea may also create a subordination of the relationship. It is worth noting that this can be acceptable when a writer is using it as a style in their pieces. The freedom is, however, restricted in professional writing. INCORRECT:   The sun shining. CORRECT:   The sun is shining.   Run-on sentences A run-on sentence is also known as a fused sentence. It has two independent clauses. The two parts are improperly connected. Even short sentences can be run-on sentences. In a nutshell, sentences are run-on sentences when two independent clauses are joined with a coordinator without a comma, or they are linked by a conjunctive adverb. This mistake is easily corrected with the right punctuation and conjunction.   INCORRECT:  Our house is narrow but it has 8 floors. CORRECT:   Our house is narrow, but it has 8 floors. EXPLANATION:   The conjunction but joins two sentences without a comma. Add a comma before the conjunction.   INCORRECT:   I asked everyone if they had seen my parrot but no one saw it. CORRECT:   I asked everyone if they had seen my parrot, but no one saw it.   Comma splice errors A comma splice is an error made by the writer when they use a comma to join two independent clauses. For instance, a sentence such as I am going to the library, I will study for my exam. In this case, the comma is utilized to join two independent clauses. It can be fixed by adding a conjunction. A semicolon can also be utilized because they are strong enough to create a relationship between two independent clauses. Furthermore, the writer may opt to write two different sentences and hence do away with the comma. In the artistic forms of writing such as poetry, the comma slices can be embraced to create an exciting piece. The racing thoughts of a character in a fictional story can be linked using the splices. In professional writing, however, this mistake must be avoided. INCORRECT:   I am going to the library, I will study for my exam. CORRECT:   I am going to the library. I will study for my exam. CORRECT:   I am going to the library, and I will study for my exam. It is clear that the run-on sentences, comma splices, and sentence fragments are different. However, they share a common characteristic; they tend to be utilized when a person is trying to create the appropriate independent clauses in a sentence. The writer may not be aware of how to create a subject and the verb properly, hence coming up with a sentence fragment. They may also be trying to create a connection between one thought to another, and will, therefore, make the mistake of including the run-on sentences and comma splices in a sentence. To avoid this, it is critical to observe the grammatical rules and regulations when writing. Proofreading the written materials is also worth considering.     Sources http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/fragments.htm http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/fragment.htm https://www.grammarly.com/blog/comma-splice/ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/run-on-sentence-basics/ http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/runons.htm Please follow and like us:

Leading on Opportunity The Opportunity Task Forces call to action - Heart Math Tutoring

Leading on Opportunity â€" The Opportunity Task Force’s call to action - Heart Math Tutoring Leading on Opportunity â€" The Opportunity Task Force’s call to action Leading on Opportunity â€" The Opportunity Task Force’s call to action March 31, 2017 By Emily Elliott Alarmingly, Charlotte and Atlanta ranked 50th out of 50 in economic mobility among the largest U.S. cities in a 2013 Harvard / UC Berkley study. A $400,000 report summarizing 18 months of research by Charlotte’s Opportunity Task Force was released last Monday 3/27/17. This 97-page document outlines 21 strategies and over 80 recommendations for our community. Here are a few points: The report mentions the value of students having “Life Navigators” as early as 7th grade and career awareness as early as 3rd grade. Speakers at Mondayspresentation referenced “an army of volunteers” and emphasized what a positive force social capital is on our community when we proactively build it. Public education reform was largely excluded, for purposes stated in the report, aside from encouraging CMS to be bold in its school assignment goals and to ensure the quality of a high-school diploma. According the report, 70% of CMS graduates entering CPCC require remediation in math and/or reading before they can take college-level classes. We should be proud of our community’s efforts to double the literacy rate to 80% by 2025 through Read Charlotte, hailed in the report for its systems-level approach and impact. Though little attention in the report was given to math skills, I am confident that the community will also leverage research indicating that early math skills are strong predictors of future success across subjects. (Duncan, Magnuson, Pagani, Romano, Babchishin, with various studies from 2007 â€" 2010) The sections on Segregation and Social Capitalbookend the report. Heart tutors work in high-poverty concentration schools and see the impacts of these factors weekly. Read the report and its recommendations here. While the report makes it clear Charlotte has a long way to go, I hope as Heart volunteers, supporters, and partners, youknow that you are making a tangible, immediate impact on students. Thank you for your work with Heart! ### Heart Math Tutoring is a math intervention program supporting 750 weekly volunteer tutors across 12 CMS high-poverty elementary schools. Students build foundational math skills and enthusiasm for academics needed for long-term success. “Heart volunteers provide invaluable encouragement and positive influence, delivering a message to our students from the broader community: ‘We care about you. Your education is important to us.’” Regina J. Boyd, Former Principal at Winterfield Elementary (2014)

The Age of Success Doesnt Expire How to Learn and Love a Language at Any Age

The Age of Success Doesnt Expire How to Learn and Love a Language at Any Age The Age of Success Doesnt Expire: How to Learn and Love a Language at Any Age Success has no age limit.It can come during youth or in old age. Literary legend Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, is one such example. He spent his early life in the Spanish military where he sustained injuries from gunfire and eventually lost the use of his left hand.As if that was not enough bad luck, he was captured by Barbary pirates and enslaved for five years. After his release he worked as a tax collector but was imprisoned twice for mismanagement. Despite all of this chaos, he went on to publish his literary masterpiece in his late 50s!So if you think you have a lot of baggage, let him be an inspiration to you! Dont be fooled by those who say that you are too old for a new venture like language learning.And speaking of learning a language, what is the perfect age to learn one anyway?The truth is that there is no perfect time to learn a language. Each age group has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is just that children learn naturally, while adults learn bet ter. Because of this, it may appear as if children pick up a language faster and easier. However, adults are more efficient learners.Lets look at a popular theory that has led some to believe that young learners have an advantage when it comes to learning a language. The Problem with Our Current Understanding of Language AcquisitionIt is assumed that learning a language as a child offers profound benefits and native-like acquisition, illustrated in the Critical Period Hypothesis.This theory states that there is a specific window to acquire a language and suggests that language acquisition is a biologically-determined characteristic of a human being. This window is open from birth until sometime between the ages of five and the onset of puberty.Statistically, young learners do acquire near native like skills in their second language  and they also seem to outperform students who started their language learning pursuits later in life. However, there is no universally accepted theory of when the cut off age is (aside from being before the onset of puberty).And although researchers have taken the Critical Period Hypothesis into the realm of second language learning, it is important to note that the theory originally applied to the acquisition of a person’s first language. It did not necessarily have heavy implications for second language acquisition.The other issue we face when we hear that children learn a language better is that the idea of language is broad. There are the four tenets of languageâ€"listening, speaking, reading and writing. Within those tenets, we find other components like grammar, pronunciation, idioms, vocabulary, etc.In certain areas of language, young learners will have an advantage. But at the same time, adult learners also have strengths due to the strong foundation that has been laid in their first language.Lets break down some of the components of language and analyze which age group seems to learn a specific skill faster/better.Whos Got the Upper Hand in Each Language Component?SpeakingSpeaking  in a language quickly and naturally seems to favor young learners. That can be because they are generally not as self-conscious as adults and are not afraid of making mistakes. Fossilization is a concept that can hinder adults.This is when parts of the language, such as a grammar structure, were learned incorrectly and have been fossilized in the memory in such a way that it is nearly impossible to correct.Speaking expectations are also higher for adults. A child can say, No want! in their second language and its cute. An adult is expected to form complex, grammatically correct sentences. Of course, native speakers are pretty lenient when they understand someone is learning a language, but that doesnt change the expectations adults put on themselves!ListeningYounger learners have an advantage when it comes to listening comprehension  because they have more authentic opportunities. Language surrounds themâ€"from their p arents to other adults to the radio, or they are put in classrooms where they have to listen to a second language. As an adult, we have to find these authentic experiences and that can prove to be a little more difficult.However, when an adult is given the same types of opportunities, they will excel  because  theyll be able to identify the nuances of the language. That is, they know what to listen forâ€"grammar structures, inflection, cognates, etc. Also, their attention span is a wee bit more developed.This leads to pronunciation. Harboring good listening skills can help your ears distinguish between different sounds, especially sounds that are foreign to your native language. The younger you are, the easier it is to pick up pronunciation because your mouth has not fossilized into your native language sound set.Reading and writingReading and writing are learned skills that obviously improve with age and practice. Therefore, reading and writing favor adult learners. While young chi ldren are still learning the concept of print and writing, adults have a stronger grasp of grammar concepts and an arsenal of strategies for reading comprehension.In fact, many adult learners may even feel more comfortable reading and writing a language before they feel comfortable speaking it.Now that weve got an idea of where the strengths lie for different age groups, lets look at how a learner at any age can become fluent in a second language.The Age of Success Doesnt Expire: How to Learn and Love a Language at Any AgeBirth to Age 4To understand the effortless ease children seem to pick up a second language, it is important to understand their world. From the first year of life until the start of school, learning is not done through sit down classroom lessons and textbook assignments, but in a more holistic way. The world is something new that the child explores through the senses.They learn through sight, taste, smell, sound and touch. They experience the language. They are emb raced and embodied by the language. The language is just another stimulus among thousands of stimuli that the child is trying to make sense of.How to love language learning at this ageLanguage lessons should consist of pointing and naming objects, singing and playing games (the same types of activities you do in a childs first language). Children dont have the hang-ups that adults do, nor do they have to worry about first language interference or other language learning errors.Children will begin to understand way before they can speak, so take advantage of that time to lay the foundation of their vocabulary development. Avoid baby talk and have discussions with them in the grocery store. Use descriptive language around the house and get silly with your words! If only all language lessons were so low-key!Ages 5-12From ages 5-12 things begin to change. The child enters the early years of their formal education and learning focuses more on intellectual exercises such as reading and wr iting and less on the integration of the five senses. One new inhibiting factor is introduced into a child’s learning experienceâ€"fear of failure or inadequacy.As a child grows, it is common to see them hold back due to fear of being wrong. This can culminate into foreign language anxiety. Unfortunately, it is one of biggest enemies of language learning and can be present well into adulthood. A great way to overcome this is to realize that most people are happy to see a foreigner learning their language and are ready to help!How to love language learning at this ageSince were also concerned with a childs social/emotional development along with language development, one of the best things you can do is to model how to appropriately deal with embarrassment. Let children know that even if they make mistakes, its okay. Its part of the process! Offer generous amounts of encouragement. This provides the child with motivation to continue and find pleasure in the task at hand.When it com es to formal lessons, teachers can obtain the best results by incorporating movement into the lesson. Movement can help children focus better and help aid memory retention.Parents can also immerse the target language into as much of the familys daily routine as possible. Listening to music, playing or watching cartoons are great ways to support and and engage in your childs language learning!Another important factor to mention is that a childs knowledge of his or her first language has implications on second language acquisition. So at this age, its important to make sure there are no gaps in a students understanding of certain skills like phonological awareness and reading comprehension in their first language.Early Adolescence â€" Young AdultAfter the onset of puberty, a child is in the early adolescence to young adult phase, which spans from the ages of thirteen until your college years. This is the time period after the critical period.During this time, most school programs have already introduced foreign languages as a required subject. Unfortunately, its importance it not always stressed and some school districts even offer foreign language once a week instead of everyday.Language learning at this stage is heavily dependent on the school curriculum. The biggest limiting factor during these years is motivation. A determining factor of whether or not a child has interest in a foreign language can depend on the foreign language program and the way in which the teacher or professor engages with the class.How to love language learning at this ageIt is important that teachers and professors motivate and engage the students in such a way that they elicit an emotional response. This connection helps them relate to the material and gives them an incentive to learn.A great way to accomplish this is by making the content relevant to the students interests, while at the same time offering variety and a challenge. Take advantage of storytelling techniques or CLIL act ivities (Content and Language Integration Learning). This makes the lessons fresh, interesting and exciting.Like with young learners, parents should offer their support. However, encouraging tasks such as reading and watching films in the target language are more age appropriate since they are activities that can be done alone or with others.Adult LearnersIf you did not have the privilege of being brought up in a multilingual home (and learn two languages simultaneously with seemingly little effort on your part), learning as an adult might be the next best thing. As an adult you are learning a language because you want to.You are self-motivated and not forced to learn to fulfill a school requirement. Self-motivation is a great factor when it comes to achieving goals.This gives you the most important tools available to the language learnerâ€"determination and consistency! A language cannot be learned by cramming a lot of information in one sitting. It must be practiced little by litt le on a continuous schedule. Determination will help get you through the monotony of consistency.In addition, another advantage an adult has is that they already know how to learn. Theyve spent years in school and learned how to memorize and study. This makes their learning abilities more efficient.How to love language learning at this ageA useful tip for adult learners to remember is do not try so hard!  That may sound counter-intuitive, but more does not always mean better. Taking on too much at once is almost a surefire way to get burnt out and give up on your goals. Consistency is key! Small incremental steps each day will give the best results in the long term.In addition to this,  it is important to remember that the main function of language is communication.  Therefore, it is very helpful to study content that is used in everyday situations that you encounter. This makes learning more relatable and practical to your life.Youll also need to find good resources that appeal to you, so use a platform like FluentU that offers a wide array of tools to help you learn a foreign language. Youll learn by watching videos, news, movie trailers, talks and more. With FluentU, you are able to immerse yourself in your target language and learn through native language content.In the end,  age should never be a prohibiting factor. Dont get frustrated at what those at different ages can do.Instead, embrace the wisdom and experience that comes with your current age and use that to your advantage!

The importance of extracurricular activities

The importance of extracurricular activities There is a lot of pressure on children to succeed at school nowadays that sometimes extracurricular activities can fall by the wayside. However, there is a growing amount of evidence to indicate these activities are very important to a child's development. Social skills School groups can be rather cliquey so extracurricular activities provide an excellent platform for meeting new friends outside of school. More often than not shy children don't even notice that they have come out of their shell as they are so excited to get involved in something new. Professional skills Extracurricular activities can teach skills that are vital regardless of your age. Learning to cooperate and work together, especially in a team, is really important. A team is only as strong as the weakest player and children soon learn that they must work together to increase their chance of success. Hard work will also free up other opportunities they may not have had before, for example to be a team captain or leader. Existing school commitments can mean fitting in extracurricular activities is a juggling act. However, time management is a key skill for adult life so try to let your child organise their own timetable to fit in both. This will sit them in good stead for the future and will also help them to learn what to prioritise. Broadening horizons There are such a variety of clubs and interests out there that there is sure to be something to suit everyone. Joining a club with like-minded people can really open up their eyes to the possibilities that are out there. If your child has already decided on a possible career path, for example being a soldier, then becoming a cadet at the local group can really help affirm whether it is the career for them. If there's something that they are interested in but know little about then let them have a go. They may well find their new favourite hobby. And lastly... ... have fun! There's no point in making them join a club if they don't want to be there and aren't enjoying it. If you're stuck for inspiration then don't worry, we've outlined some ideas below: Join an arts club Join a sports club Join a debating team Learn to play a musical instrument Volunteer with a local charity