10 Reasons to Take Private English Lessons

10 Reasons to Take Private English Lessons Learn How English Revision with an English Tutor Could Benefit You Chapters1. Tutoring Tailored to Your Needs2. Improve Your Everyday English Skills3. Get Inspired Through English Tuition4. Keep Up in Class5. Achieve Exam Success6. Boost Your Self-Esteem7. Get More from Your Formal Education8. Choose Your Own English Tutor9. Types of English Tuition10. Great Value for MoneyWhether you love it or hate it, English is an essential part of the national curriculum.And you can’t deny the necessity for good English skills as a native speaker.Having a good command of English is essential to so many aspects of life, and this is exactly why no one can afford to miss out on studying English.Of course, some students find English easier than others, who could do with a little more encouragement to help them alongside their studies in school.One to one tutoring in English can offer personalised support to anyone who needs help keeping up in class, or simply wants to hone their skills and achieve the top marks.Do you know how to select the right tutor for your c hild's needs?For primary school children who need a hand with their reading, as well as university undergraduates who are looking for help with their essay writing skills, finding a private English tutor can be just what they need to get on track.Extra-curricular English lessons cover everything from learning basic English spellings to focussing on an upcoming GCSE English Literature exam.Still not convinced?Here are 10 fantastic reasons to enrol in private English lessons.The fact is, some children respond better to alternative teaching styles to the ones used in schools, and hiring a one to one tutor is the best way to ensure they get the right kind of help for their learning preferences. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h 1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover a ll our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors5. Achieve Exam SuccessAnother common reason people look for private tutors is exams.Achieving a good grade in GCSE English is a major focus of many year-11 students across the UK, as it is a key requirement for many further education and job applications.Let a tutor guide you on the path to success! ¦ source: Pixabay - maura24So, with so much riding on one English exam, many people wonder if the few hours of school teaching a week is enough.And thankfully, for those who choose to get extra help, there are plenty of English tutors available who specialise in exam preparation.Some are experts in the GCSE syllabus, and others in A level essay writing.So, when exam season comes around, don’t worry! There are plenty of talented tutors who will help you prepare for success.6. Boost Your Self-EsteemA large part of learning is down to confidence in your abilities, so it’s understandable that l ow self-esteem can lead to a lack of motivation and have an impact on a student’s learning.Even the smallest dip in self-esteem can start a vicious cycle for some learners, who become self-conscious when it comes to reading aloud or answering questions in class.This is why tutoring is so important, because it offers an opportunity for students to practice their English skills in an environment where they have no fear of being judged.Providing a pressure-free space for students to work on their skills with guidance from a tutor will not only help them keep up with their classmates, but also improve their overall self-confidence when it comes to interacting in an educational environment.7. Get More from Your Formal EducationFor those taking one to one lessons with an English tutor alongside their school studies, private tuition can offer a different perspective on a topic.This is particularly useful when it comes to English literature, as tutors can help pupils interpret pieces on a broader scale â€" a great skill for essay writing!Learn valuable transferable skills in private lessons ¦ source: Pixabay - PexelsStudy skills are also an important part of formal schooling which can often be neglected in the classroom as course content takes precedence.Having support from a tutor means students can work out the learning styles that are most effective for them, and develop revision methods accordingly.Not only will this help them gain confidence at exam time, but it will teach them valuable skills which they can apply to the rest of their academic career.8. Choose Your Own English TutorAt school, teachers don’t choose their pupils, and likewise, pupils don’t choose their teachers.This is not necessarily a bad thing. Whoever the teacher may be, they have to stick to the syllabus.The downside to the lack of choice is that the teaching style may not suit the learning styles of certain pupils, and this can have an impact on their progress throughout the year.Lucki ly, when it comes to private tuition, the choice is yours!And since English is such a popular subject, you’ll be spoilt for choice.So, if your English teacher’s methods just aren’t your cup of tea, don’t worry â€" there are plenty of talented tutors who can help.9. Types of English TuitionTutoring doesn’t always have to be one to one, and it doesn’t always have to take place in your home â€" private tuition covers such a wide range of teaching situations, so find the one that suits you!From learning in small groups at a tutoring centre to receiving one on one support at home, there are so many options available.The regularity of study can also be changed. Some pupils need academic support throughout the year whilst others choose to do summer ‘boot camps’.Again, the type of tuition you choose is completely down to the learner.10. Great Value for MoneyWith such high demand for private English tutors and plenty of tutors to meet the needs of the public, extra-curricular support is no longer only an option for those with cash to burn.With some quick research online and in your local press, you can easily find a tutor that suits your financial needs as well as educational needs.So get some help for English exams right now, it is never too late to hire a private tutor.

Becoming an Art Teacher

Becoming an Art Teacher Teaching Art ChaptersWhat Qualifications Do You Need to Become an Art Teacher?How Much Do Art Teachers Earn?How Can You Study to Become an Art Teacher or Tutor?The Qualities that an Art Teacher Needs“An artist must be a reactionary. He has to stand out against the tenor of the age and not go flopping along.” - Andre MauroisTeaching isn’t as popular a profession as it once was. An alarming number of newly-qualified teachers leave the profession after only a few years. Teachers are undervalued and given a very difficult job and most people only do it because of a passion for a noble career.So if you love art, how do you become a teacher? Do you need a teacher certification? How long does it take?In this article, we're looking at how you can teach art. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMath s Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat Qualifications Do You Need to Become an Art Teacher?As we said, teaching art is a noble profession. Those who love art can choose to pass their passion for it onto future generations. That said, not just anyone can become an art teacher, especially if you want to teach in schools in the UK. The type of qualification you need will depend on where you want to teach. (Source: Skitterphoto)In terms of teaching, you'll usually need a bachelor's degree or formal certification in your subject (art), then you'll need to complete your teacher education to prove that you can also teach.In the UK, art is taught in primary and secondary schools. To get a job in a state school, you’ll need to have qualified teacher status (QTS). For those wanting to teach in a secondary school, you'll usually need to complete the PGCE to get your QTS. The PGCE (and similar courses) will include the theoretical side of teaching such as creating lesson plans, following the national curriculum, and everything else you need to study for becoming a teacher.Most teacher preparation programmes will be taught in a university's department of education and, in many cases, you won't have to study much of your particular content area for certification as your degree will usually act as proof of your skills in this area.In terms of actual teaching experience, you'll do a placement in a secondary school or primary school to help you to become a teacher in every sense of the word.  After all, the best educators will be experts in their subject area and know everything they need to know for teaching their subject. Whether it's primary education, secondary education, further education, or higher education, a teaching certificate or degree in education won't be enough, you'll need to prove you can hack it in the classroom.Similarly, once you become a teacher, you'll regularly attend teacher training to ensure that even your basic skills remain sharp.It should be noted that if you want to become a private art tutor, no formal qualifications are required. However, it's much easier to find potential students if you have an education degree or have studied education courses as this can reassure your students.  That said, once you've got a glowing reputation and endorsements from current and forme r students, most people won't be bothered whether you've worked in the teaching profession in a public or private school.Find out more about qualifications for art teachers.How Much Do Art Teachers Earn?Before you start teaching art, you might want to know how much you’ll earn. Generally, the longer you’ve worked as the teacher, the higher your earning potential. Similarly, private schools tend to offer their teachers more money than state schools. Under the right circumstances, art teachers can earn a decent salary. (Source: freephotocc)Around £17k is the starting wage for unqualified teachers and the main pay range for qualified teachers outside of London is £24k. Teachers in London will start by earning between £25k and £30k. Of course, these are just the lower ranges and a teacher salary will vary according to qualifications, experience, etc. The main pay ranges reach up to £35k outside of London and between £37k and £41k for those in and around the capital.Outside of London, experienced teachers can earn between £37k and 40k and those in and around London are on £38k and £49k a year. Of course, these are the teaching jobs at the upper pay ranges and are reserved for school teachers with experience in the school system and great results.Beyond the upper pay ranges, there are also leading practitioners. These exceptional teachers can earn between £41k and £62k outside of London and between £42k and £70k in Lond on.Finally, if you want to become a private art tutor, you can choose your rates. For example, the average cost of art tutorials in London is £24 per hour. That said, you need to carefully choose your rates as to not put off potential students but also earn a living.Those just starting shouldn’t expect to earn a fortune as they need to make a name for themselves first.Find out more about how much art teachers earn.How Can You Study to Become an Art Teacher or Tutor?If you want to be a teacher, you'll need to study. While a teaching certification or qualification is the most obvious way, other requirements aren't as tangible as a master of arts in teaching, a PGCE, or any other alternative certification. You'll need to study to become an art teacher. (Source: DevilsApricot)There are several routes into art teaching but doing a PGCE is by far the most common method for those wanting to teach the subject in state secondary schools.Find out more about studying to become an art teacher.The Qualities that an Art Teacher NeedsBecoming an art teacher isn’t for everyone and certain qualities will help you become a better teacher. For the most part, you can gain these skills over time.Here are some of the skills that every art teacher should have:Knowledge of different teaching approachesListening skillsOrganisationPatienceStudent managementDealing with noise and chaosPresentation skillsArt history knowledgeTechnical art knowledgeTwo of the most important qualities for any teacher are pedagogy and patience. An art teacher needs to be good at art, good at teaching, and organised! (Source: bernswaelz)Pedagogy is the art of teaching and being a good teacher is all about knowing how to teach and effective teaching methods, explaining things clearly, in different ways, managing a classroom, etc.Patience is essential because you’ll be expected to explain things several times and in different ways. This is especially true in art as it’s a subject where things aren’t always as they seem.Art teachers need to also manage a lot of materials. You need to make sure things are neat and tidy. Similarly, you need to make sure that your students use the materials safely.In short, you need to be a good teacher who’s passionate about art.Find out more about what it takes to be a good art teacher.If you're interested in becoming a private art or drawing tutor, consider signing up to Superprof and creating your profile. You can offer three different types of tutorials: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials. As there are pros and cons to each for both the student and the tutor, you need to think carefully about which combination of them you'll offer before you start.Face-to-face tutorials are just between you and your student. With just one student in the session, every session needs to be tailored to them. Of course, this means that you'll need to prepare a lot outside of the lessons. However, you can reflect this in your rates as you're offering a tailored bespoke service to the student. Face-to-face tutorials are usually the most expensive type of tutorials but they're also the most cost-effective for students so make sure that they're aware of this.Online tutorials are also between you and your student but you won't physically be there in the room with them. Instead, you'll teach them remotely using a computer, webcam, and video conferencing software like Skype. Much like face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials are a tailored service and you'll have to spend time planning each session but you'll save a lot of travel time as you only need to make it to your computer rather than the student's house. With all the time you save by not travelling, you can add even more tutorials into your schedule. With fewer outgoings and increased earning potential, you can charge more competitive rates for your tutorials.Group tutorials involve teaching several students at the same time. Of course, with several students to keep happy, you won't be able to fully tailor the tutorials to each student. However, with several students paying for each hour of your time, you can charge less and still earn more at the end of each hour. Of course, this only works if your classes are full and the more students you have in your class, the less appealing your tutorials will be. Furthermore, group art tutorials will require a large space so if you don't have a studio or dedicated space available, you may have to look into renting a space for your lessons.

A Guide to Elocution Lessons

A Guide to Elocution Lessons Elocution Classes in the UK ChaptersWhat is Elocution?Find Elocution Lessons Near You across the UKWhere to Find the Best Elocution Lessons OnlineSo, do you want to learn to speak English properly? Do you want to improve your diction, your enunciation and articulation? Do you want to reduce your accent or learn how to communicate more confidently, more eloquently, and more convincingly?If you are looking to do any of these things, it might be that elocution lessons are the thing for you. With training on all parts of your speech â€" from phonetics to fluency, from speaking in public to putting a stop to your mumbling â€" elocution lessons can do an awful lot and can help people who didn’t realise that such a possibility existed.Whether you are a native English speaker hoping to sound top in a job interview or a non-native speaker aiming to nail a British accent, we’re here sharing everything you need to know about elocution lessons in the UK. We’ll look at everything that elocution lessons can offer â€" a s well as some of the best options for you across the country and online. There are really so many options in the field these days â€" and many people don’t even realise that they exist.So, if you want to improve your speaking in any possible way, elocution is the best place to start. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson fr ee!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is Elocution?Elocution, broadly put, is the study of formal speech, with the correct intonation, pronunciation, tone, style, and gestures.This, at least, is what it is traditionally speaking. Back in the days in which young men and women were encouraged to perform reading aloud. Back when decorum and rhetoric wer e held as serious and proper virtues. And back when class was the primary arbiter of correct pronunciation.These days, it is not quite like this anymore. Thankfully, we have moved beyond the rather stuffy approach to elocution â€" which largely came across as posh and privileged.Rather, we’re more concerned with the practical elements of the study of speaking rather than the stylistic or the signifying ones. Generally, we want to learn how to speak well for reasons of work, for reasons of travel, or just to fit in. And this is not something that is limited to the wealthy â€" but is rather a little more democratic.Elocution can be useful for everyone. However, its name is a little off-putting. What the discipline really involves are things that are much more specific. Let’s take a look at what elocution is. To be an actor, you'll need elocution training.What Will I Learn in Elocution Classes?So, what will you actually be learning if you join an elocution class? Or, rather, why should you consider going to an elocution class in the first place?There are really many things you could use elocution to study. It really isn’t all about poetry recital anymore.Standard English Pronunciation.Learning ‘standard’ English pronunciation â€" or received pronunciation â€" is one of the most common reasons for people to take elocution lessons.This can be for budding actors, who need to soften their natural accent for drama school, or else for people who want to fit in more â€" for whatever reason.Standard pronunciation is thought to be more generally understandable â€" and it can be this that motivates people too.Accent Reduction, and Dialect and Accent Training.Accent reduction training is another popular reason for elocution lessons â€" as is its opposite, learning the ability to speak in diffe rent accents or dialects.Again, there are many reasons why you may want to do this, whilst those applying for drama school are among the largest groups here again. Speaking doesn't need to be difficult!Presentation Skills and Public Speaking.Meanwhile, businesspeople, leaders, and people working on their career prospects often attend elocution classes too â€" but for understandably different reasons.Most common here are public speaking training and presentation skills. Here you will be taught how to communicate effectively and engagingly, whilst you will be given some relaxation exercises in cases of nerves too.Pronunciation and Speaking for Learners of English as a Second Language.Voice training is common for speakers of English as a foreign language too. For anyone that is considering, or has just undergone, travel to an English-speaking country, it is common that you want to improve your English and gain some speaking practice.Specific elocution classes for non-native English speakers are widely available.You can find more on all this in our article What is Elocution?Find Elocution Lessons Near You across the UKThe UK is full of opportunitie s for elocution training â€" in the big cities and across the rural areas. You just need to know where to look.Luckily enough, it is not hard to find them. And, really, you’ll be spoilt for choice.Take a look at some of the options available in your part of the UK here. However, if you need more information, check out our article The Best Elocution Lessons Near You. Receive Vocal Training in London.London is a place in which you can find pretty much anything you want to study. And elocution, of course, is no different.The range of different types of elocution classes are available in London. You can try William Harte or Ashley Howard, for example, two organisations that offer voice coaching for business, performance, or personal purposes.Or, there is the Pronunciation Studio, which is English language teaching with a twist: it is all based on phonetics. Head there if you are learning English as a second language.Improve Your Speaking Skills across England.But it is not just London that boasts elocution tuition. No, in every major city â€" and elsewhere â€" you will find the teachers that you need.Let’s take just a couple. Phoenix Voice is Manchester’s best option for vocal training. It’s run by a coach with over thirty years’ experience, across a range of different industries.Meanwhile, in Birmingham, the Birmingham School of Elocution is a good institution to learn in too. They are fully accredited and very professional.Find a Tutor for Elocution in Scotland.Scotland too has lots of options, with the majority clustered around the central belt â€" as you could probably imagine.Some of the best elocution tutors in Scotland are based in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Perth. They are often willing to travel, for an extra fee, and can help you with everything from a best man’s speech to a drama school audition. Get a Voice Coach in Wales and Northern Ireland.In Northern Ireland and Wales, the same applies: you will have no trouble finding a tutor that will do the job you need them to do.In Cardiff, a good option is Louisa Jane, who lectures and teaches in voice training in institutions across the UK.In Belfast, try SD Voice Coach. Offering one-to-one or group sessions, their training is appropriate for business or artistic purposes. With elocution classes, you'll exude confidence.Where to Find the Best Elocution Lessons OnlineBelieve it or not, elocution lessons are these days available online too. And whilst you don’t get the dedicated attention of a teacher who is there to help you make tweaks and adjustments, online elocution courses can be helpful in giving you the grounding, confidence, and support you need to flourish.As with anything online, there is the risk of having to navigate less-than-trustworthy sites. However, here are the best online elocution courses available.Try Pardon Me?, the Elocution App.Quite a novel approach to elocution training is the Pardon Me? app. This allows you to practise your speaking on the go.Through careful listening, repetition, and self-correction, Pardon Me? allows you to develop your speaking all by yourself, but with authoritative models to follow. There are videos available too, so that you can accurately mimic the correct position of the mouth and tongue to pronounce words correctly.Maybe not for everyone. However, the elocution company that developed the app, Cambridge Elocution, are also available for lessons online.Improve Your English Speaking with Private Tuition from Superprof.One of the best places to find elocution tutors online is through Superprof, the tutoring platform that connects students and tutors from around the world.Whether you want to learn elocution online over Skype, or if you’d prefer to link up with a tutor in your local area, we have over twenty tutors from across the UK who teach elocution.Just sign up, find yourself a tutor and get cracking! The majority of tutors offer their first session free â€" so you know exactly what you are getting.Find a Different Elocution Coach Online.There are many different elocution coaches available online, all with different specialisms, focuses, and strengths. Have a look for yourself.To make it easier, we have put together a list of online elocution tutors in our article, The Best E locution Lessons Online.

Top 5 Tips Easily get your Child to do their Homework

Top 5 Tips Easily get your Child to do their Homework The dreaded homework is now set quite regularly at school, often on a daily basis. It might not be the most appealing activity but it has to be done! So here are some tips to help get that homework completed without having those daily arguments: Illustration by Emma Winsor Wood, CC-by Week to week, most students find it easier to get their homework done just after school.   Having a snack to raise blood sugar, then getting the homework done whilst the pupil is still in “school mode” is usually a good idea. Decide when homework should be done at the weekend. Generally I’d advise not leaving it until Sunday. Remember, you can always re-asses things later if they’re not working. Doing homework at the beginning of the weekend allows the child to relax and enjoy the weekend, rather than having ‘homework stress’. Discuss all of these plans with your child. Having a routine works very well for most students, and if they feel part of the discussion then they’re more likely to stick to it. It’s also a good idea to draw up a homework timetable template in advance that students can start to fill in once they have their schedule. This might sound obvious, but make sure pupils know how to organise themselves. Have labelled folders ready to start putting worksheets and completed homework in. Make sure they know where to keep old books once they’re filled up. This way, their notes will be easier to revise from when it’s exam time â€" and they won’t lose homework!

A Pinch of Salt - What does this English idiom mean

A Pinch of Salt - What does this English idiom mean When you hear someone use a pinch of salt or grain of salt as an English expression, you could be understandably confused.This is an  idiom that frequently causes problems for my student. Understanding  idiomatic expressions  like taking it with a pinch of salt, and knowing when to use them is an important step on the road to fluency in English.Have you heard this before? Let’s look at it now.What do a pinch of salt and a grain of salt mean in English?To take something with a grain of salt or a pinch of salt means not to take it too seriously or too literally.It is mostly used in relation to a piece of information, comment or advice.The saying is slightly ambiguous in that it can be understood in one of three different ways.The grain or pinch of salt can refer to a small amount of regard with which something should be taken.However, it can also be thought to refer to Roman author, Pliny The Elder’s, belief that salt was an element in an antidote to poison. (In this case, the comm ent would be the poison).There is also the version that at the time salt was used to assist in the consumption of poison. (Here again, the comment would be the poison).Examples of How Pinch or Grain of Salt is UsedI dont believe the weather reports on television and so I take them with a pinch of salt.I know Norma says she got the best grades in the class but I’m taking that with a pinch of salt until I see the results published.John told me to wear a skirt rather than trousers to the interview but I took his advice with a pinch of salt.Exercise: Explain the Following CartoonWant to keep learning? Visit our lessons on English idioms and English phrasal verbs.

9 tips for an awesome profile picture

9 tips for an awesome profile picture When completing your Teach Away profile, remember that first impressions count. The first thing that any school will see from you is your Teach Away profile picture. While it's true they will also see your resume and application details, your application will ultimatelybe linked to that picture. At Teach Away, we see thousands of profile pictures, and while many are great, some are definitely not what you want your future employer to see. Below are some suggestions that will help you pick an appropriate photo, and give your prospectiveschool the best first impression possible. 1. Use a photo.This seems simple, but some applicants forget to upload a photo in the first place. This is a mistake, as it is the easiest way to make your profile recognizable and unique. 2. Look professional.Again, back to first impressions â€" you do not need to wear a suit, but you want to present the image of a professional teacher. Dress appropriately and avoid using a picture that shows you drinking alcohol, for example. 3. Be culturally sensitive.When applying forteaching jobs through Teach Away, you need to take intoaccount the fact thatmany of our schools are in more conservative parts of the world. Be aware of the taboos in some of the countries you are applying to. 4. Oneprofile, oneperson.Candidates often submit pictures with their friends, family or a group of their students. It is great to see that you are well liked. However, in these pictures it is often very hard to see who the candidate is which essentially defeats the purpose. 5. A picture of you â€" not the things you like.The purpose of your profile picture is identification. 6. Lighting.Make sure you are clearly visible! 7. Location.A staggering number of candidates submit photos where they are sitting in a car with their seatbelt on. Truly, a remarkable amount of teachers choose this location. I assure you, it is not a particularly flattering environment â€" not to mention the risk to public safety. 8. Do not edit the background or use Photoshop.Simplicity is a virtue. 9. Smile.Professionalism is key, but you also want to show some warmth. A profile picture is mainly used for identification, however, it is also an opportunity to manage your first impression. Give it some thought, follow these simple tips and make a positive, professional and lasting impression. Good luck with your application! Upload your profile picture complete your profile now

Algebra Too!

Algebra Too! So, last night I was doing something I do not do much of these days, I was tutoring. The student is the son of a dear friend of mine who is struggling with Algebra 2. Now I know this young man is not alone in this position, as I would have to say at least half the people I’ve ever known struggled with Intermediate Algebra. In fact, I recall many years ago, sitting in a mathematics course that had me over a barrel. In other words I was not doing well. Barely passing would have been an accurate description. I’m not really a math guy myself, but I have proven that if you are committed, and I don’t mean committed to a nut house, but really determined and willing to work twice as hard as anyone else in the class and willing to reach out for plenty of help, you can pass almost anything, eventually. Yet I digress, I was sitting in a course called Differential Equations asking myself how I will ever pass this class, when the professor announced, if anyone was interested in a little extra credit, see him after class. Well you know where I was after class . I was given a stack of midterm exams from two intermediate algebra classes he teaches. This was a lot of exams too; I would guess seventy or more. So I spent the whole weekend grading these algebra tests. When I brought them back to the instructor I said; I think I messed up here. “Why”, he asked, “because, half of these students failed the exam”. He said, “That’s about right”. Wow! So this young man I’m tutoring is very smart, but typical in Algebra land, it seems. What I began to see was this kid was more likely bored than he was confused by X and Y Planes. Then I remembered when I started my own education at Santa Monica Community College. I had to start with high school arithmetic because I avoided all things mathematical back then. I seemed to have a lot trouble. But the word was out, that if you have trouble with math there is one teacher you need to take. I will not give his name out here, because he is probably still teaching there and if you attend that school you will hear very quickly about who he is. For now, we’ll call him … Mr. Brown. His classes are filled to the brim, always. He starts his class lecture by yelling out to the room that he loves math and do you know why, he shouts. And all the students that have had him before shout back; “Because Math is beautiful!” “That’s Right”, he would exclaim. Math is beautiful! He went on to explain math is beautiful because 2 + 2 ALWAYS equals 4! ALWAYS! It never equals anything else. Well you get the idea. Mr. Brown also believed that learning the material was much more important than getting a grade. So, he backed it up with action. Every student in his class had a choice of taking one of the exams over again, if they were not happy with their grade. This exam would not be the same exam as the one before but if the grade was better, it would replace it, just as long as you learn something. He was and probably still is a funny man that enjoys teaching, a lot. And his students felt that, including me. I have had good teachers and bad teachers and what got me through the bad teachers was getting a tutor to translate mathematics into a human language that a slug like me could understand. And it was not as boring or intimidating. In fact, “It was beautiful!” Hooray for the Mr. Browns out there! Algebra Too! So, last night I was doing something I do not do much of these days, I was tutoring. The student is the son of a dear friend of mine who is struggling with Algebra 2. Now I know this young man is not alone in this position, as I would have to say at least half the people I’ve ever known struggled with Intermediate Algebra. In fact, I recall many years ago, sitting in a mathematics course that had me over a barrel. In other words I was not doing well. Barely passing would have been an accurate description. I’m not really a math guy myself, but I have proven that if you are committed, and I don’t mean committed to a nut house, but really determined and willing to work twice as hard as anyone else in the class and willing to reach out for plenty of help, you can pass almost anything, eventually. Yet I digress, I was sitting in a course called Differential Equations asking myself how I will ever pass this class, when the professor announced, if anyone was interested in a little extra credit, see him after class. Well you know where I was after class . I was given a stack of midterm exams from two intermediate algebra classes he teaches. This was a lot of exams too; I would guess seventy or more. So I spent the whole weekend grading these algebra tests. When I brought them back to the instructor I said; I think I messed up here. “Why”, he asked, “because, half of these students failed the exam”. He said, “That’s about right”. Wow! So this young man I’m tutoring is very smart, but typical in Algebra land, it seems. What I began to see was this kid was more likely bored than he was confused by X and Y Planes. Then I remembered when I started my own education at Santa Monica Community College. I had to start with high school arithmetic because I avoided all things mathematical back then. I seemed to have a lot trouble. But the word was out, that if you have trouble with math there is one teacher you need to take. I will not give his name out here, because he is probably still teaching there and if you attend that school you will hear very quickly about who he is. For now, we’ll call him … Mr. Brown. His classes are filled to the brim, always. He starts his class lecture by yelling out to the room that he loves math and do you know why, he shouts. And all the students that have had him before shout back; “Because Math is beautiful!” “That’s Right”, he would exclaim. Math is beautiful! He went on to explain math is beautiful because 2 + 2 ALWAYS equals 4! ALWAYS! It never equals anything else. Well you get the idea. Mr. Brown also believed that learning the material was much more important than getting a grade. So, he backed it up with action. Every student in his class had a choice of taking one of the exams over again, if they were not happy with their grade. This exam would not be the same exam as the one before but if the grade was better, it would replace it, just as long as you learn something. He was and probably still is a funny man that enjoys teaching, a lot. And his students felt that, including me. I have had good teachers and bad teachers and what got me through the bad teachers was getting a tutor to translate mathematics into a human language that a slug like me could understand. And it was not as boring or intimidating. In fact, “It was beautiful!” Hooray for the Mr. Browns out there!