5 Tactics for Starting a Conversation with a Stranger - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 5 Tactics for Starting a Conversation with a Stranger - Introvert Whisperer 5 Tactics for Starting a Conversation with a Stranger Dorothy May 18, 2016 Communication, Problem-Solving 2 responses There is a hierarchy of cringe-worthy activities and high on the list is networking.   If you peel back networking, there are few things worse for many people (like my fellow socially reluctant) than approaching and speaking with a stranger. The problem you face is the fact that you have little or no “frame of reference” with this other person.   Where do you begin when starting a conversation?   Even if you can muster up the courage to go near the stranger, it makes you feel like a deer in the headlights. Do you run away as fast as possible or hope for the fire alarm to goes off? I have found that rather than stop in your tracks, it’s good to have some conversation tactics that I have found to work well.   With a bit of planning, you can seriously reduce the fear and loathing of networking. Tactic #1 â€" What do you have in common RIGHT NOW? There is something you do have in common with this stranger and that is whatever the event is you are attending.   If it is a party you were invited to, you have that person in common.   If it is a group associated with a profession or interest, you have the focus of the group as a place to start. Possible openers: How do you and Jane know each other? How long have you been part of the project management group? What is your profession that brings you to this group? Tactic #2 â€" Look for a “point of entry”. “Point of entry” is my little term for a conversation starter.   It could be something the person is snacking on all the way to an article of clothing.   It may not become the topic for a full-blown 15-minute conversation but it’s a place to start.   Your questions will have to fill in the rest of the conversation. Possible openers: I see you’re munching on the egg rolls, do you recommend them? I noticed your lapel pin, what is the pin associated with? Tactic #3 â€" Ask for an introduction. An often overlooked tactic is to ask someone like the event organizer or a person you do know, to introduce you to someone you don’t know.   Usually, this person will have some knowledge about the person they are introducing you to and will mention the insight during the introduction.   Pay attention as this can help you launch your conversation. Tactic #4 â€" Be transparent. So often, we think we have to be the perfect, glossy version of a human when we meet someone new.   It’s really ok to admit you are there to get acquainted with new people and would like to have a chat with them.   People love people who are open and friendly.   Go ahead and admit you have no cleaver way of knowing where to start the conversation and introduce yourself. Possible openers: I’m new to this group and really don’t know anyone.   Is it ok for me to join you and your friends? (I’ve done this a number of times and people are remarkably hospitable) Hi, I don’t think you and I have met before.   I’m Dorothy and you are?   (Response) What brings you here today? Tactic #5 â€" The classic. We are all very accustomed to the question: “What kind of work do you do?”   Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and ask that classic question.   Once we know the kind of work someone does, it helps frame the next part of the conversation. One of the things you rarely hear discussed when it comes to networking is the idea of preparing for it.   I’m a big advocate of doing just that.   Not all of us are big social butterflies who can easily come into a setting and begin a gabfest with anyone they encounter.   I have discovered that you can think through various parts of the process and develop good tactics to help you get the most out of the next event.   Isn’t that worth the cringe reduction? Let me emphasize that Self-Promotion doesn’t have to be obnoxious to be effective. But, if you don’t Self-Promote you, who will? If you ever want to get ahead, you have to learn how to Self-Promote. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that shows you simple, yet effective ways to Self-Promote. Start watching now: CLICK HERE Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential. www.introvertwhisperer.com

Concrete Nouns

Concrete Nouns Concrete Nouns Concrete nouns are defined as nouns that are connected with our sensory experiences, touch, sight, smell, sound and taste. A long list of nouns that come under this category as because there a number of things which we experience through our senses, such as flowers, food, song of the birds, a full moon night, etc. Abstract Nouns Abstract nouns, as the name suggests, cannot be comprehended by sight, hearing, touch, smell or taste. They are felt through feelings or emotions, these are again numerous; some examples of abstract nouns are, adoration, aversion, fear, etc. The table given below gives a list of concrete nouns and abstract nouns; it clearly shows the difference between two types of nouns. You can see from the above list a teacher is a person who is visible to our eyes, while we are unable to see, touch or smell courage or loyalty. Example: 1. My Smart Phone has a beautiful ring tone. 2. My teacher is very articulate and can talk on any subject. Why do we need to know the difference between a concrete and an abstract noun? Experts say a well written essay; blog needs to contain both types of nouns, concrete and abstract. If we use too many abstract nouns the writing becomes difficult and incomprehensible and if we use too many concrete nouns the writing becomes dull and uninteresting. Judicious use of both concrete and abstract nouns helps the reader to both enjoy and understand the ideas expressed. Categories of Concrete Nouns: Concrete Nouns are subdivided into four types: 1) Proper Noun: Nouns that are names of specific person and places, e.g. Jerry, or France 2) Common Noun: Names that are given too many things and places, e.g. a city or a flower. 3) Material Noun: Names of specific substance, e.g. iron, uranium, etc. 4) Collective Noun: Names given to a group of things or people, e.g. army, flock of birds, herd of cattle. Countable and Non Countable Nouns Countable nouns are nouns that can be counted, e.g. a flower (a single flower) and flowers, (many flowers). Countable nouns can be both singular and plural as seen from the above example. Non countable nouns cannot be counted, e.g. air, rice, or cream, etc. It is not possible to give a detailed list of concrete nouns; however, the following list gives some idea of concrete nouns that are used frequently. Concrete Nouns List Animals Clothes Buildings Eatables Furniture dinosaur Evening Gown House Pizza Computer Table squirrel Stocking Apartment Salad Queen Bed Shark Shirt Museum Roasted duck Dressing Table Cow Tie Houses of Parliament clair Easy Chairs Elephant Tee shirt Cottage Fruit salad Book case Rat Jeans Mansion Red Wine Lamp Hen Socks Beach House Biscuits Dining chairs Concrete nouns are used both in a general and specific way, in a singular and plural forms, and as Proper and common nouns. Often a sentence contains many types of concrete as well as abstract nouns. Example: Many soldiers were given medals for their acts of bravery in the Iraq War. Tom saw a shark heading towards him and was paralyzed by fear.

Choosing Your Guitar Strings a Guide

Choosing Your Guitar Strings a Guide The Different Types of Guitar Strings and Which Ones to Choose ChaptersWhy Change the Strings? For What Reasons?How are Guitar Strings Made?But What is Pulling the String?Advice From a Professional Guitarist on Choosing the Right Guitar StringsWhich Truss Rod is the Best for Me?Some Brands of Guitar Strings.Other Accessories for Changing Your Guitar Strings.Now that you know all about the different types of guitars and buying your first guitar, let’s looks at the different types of strings and which ones to choose.For now, if you have just bought your guitar, you will benefit from the original strings sold with this guitar. These are most likely the strings of the manufacturer.However, these original strings are not immortal.The fateful moment when it’s necessary to change the strings will arrive and a new headache begins.Which strings should you choose before learning the guitar? What are the different types? What are their differences in sound? Is it necessary to change the strings before each guitar lesson?We will first address the condit ions that cause a set of strings to wear out more or less quickly and push you to change them.We will then go into detail about the different materials used in the making of a guitar string, as well as technical explanations allowing you to make your decision according to your research and your style.  Then, we'll look at some of the best brands - for electric guitar strings, acoustic guitar strings, classical guitar strings, and bass guitar strings.This is absolutely necessary knowledge for anyone looking to play guitar. You can't call yourself a guitar player if you don't know how to look after your musical instrument!There are many reasons to change your strings, and these are different depending on the guitar and of course the guitarist himself.Some guitarists change their strings every month, others at each concert. And some at each guitar lesson.Still, others have no qualms about keeping their strings for more than a year despite playing for hours and taking guitar lessons nea r me. We don't recommend this at all - as the quality of your acoustic strings or electric strings affects the quality of the string sound and the instrument's sound: better strings gives the instrument a louder sound, one more balanced between treble, mid, and bass ranges, and one that is brighter.Out of all the guitar gear, the strings are almost the most important. More important than the guitar amp or the tremolo bar.  Clapton wouldn't have been Clapton with no strings - nor would a Stratocaster be a Strat if stringless!Let's go through some of the reasons why you might want to change strings.One, or More, Guitar String BreaksFor that reason, there is no argument that holds up. It is not a choice, but an obligation - because a guitar without 6 strings does not play to its full potential.  Stringed instruments have x many strings for a reason; it's just daft to keep playing your guitar without them all.It also damages your guitar. Your classic guitar and its guitar neck is built to withstand a high tension, or a slightly more low tension depending on the instrument. Regardless, when it is left without the balanced tension, you are putting strain on the neck. Do this for too long, and you are heading to the guitar shop for a new guitar.Wear and tear on the strings is inevitable in the long run. Indeed, our natural sweating often leads the strings to oxidize and therefore become more fragile. This means that they will be weakening, they will break, and you will need a string change.The fact that a string breaks is nothing to worry about. It will usually be the first string. You will just have to proceed to buy a new set of strings.  But which one? We’ll cover that in the rest of the article.Oxidation of the Guitar StringsEach guitarist has a different degree of sweating, causing the oxidation of the strings. This sweat is actually corrosive - and you'll find that your steel guitar strings will rust. Therefore, the strings are much less pleasant to the touch , and in terms of sound. (By the way, even if you don't have a steel string guitar, you'll still have steel wire in your strings. Even nylon string guitars have steel.)However, there are strings (a little more expensive than the average price of guitar strings) equipped with a special coating that can slow down and avoid oxidation. Look for corrosion resistant strings - and you'll find that these are more durable.It’s a good alternative for people like me (a guitar teacher) who can use their strings during a concert or for several guitar lessons near me.How are Guitar Strings Made?Despite the fact that guitar strings are all made out of the same elements, they can, however, be composed of different materials.The guitar strings are composed of what is called: the core, the thread, and the sheath.The Core of a Guitar String The core of the guitar string is the main piece of the string. It can be either hexagonal or circular. It can be comprised of different materials like steel, nyl on or nickel.The Thread of a Guitar String The thread of the guitar string is the secondary thread that comes wrapping around the core of the string. There are also several different types of thread, such as round thread (as shown in the picture above) or flat thread. We call these latter ones 'flat wound' strings.The Sheath of a Guitar String More and more strings are wrapped. The manufacturer applies a thin layer of synthetic materials either on the string or on the thread to protect the string and improve its lifespan.Another element needs to be taken into account in terms of playability. It’s the truss rod. This is directly related to help in the playing of the guitar.Here's a short video to show you the beauty of playing guitar strings.Also, discover how to buy your first guitar…But What is Pulling the String?The truss rod corresponds with the diameter of the strings. • The larger the diameter, the tighter the string, the more it resonates and the harder it is to play.  W e call these 'hard tension' strings. • The smaller the diameter, the string is less tight, it resonates less and is easier to play.  We call these 'soft tension' strings.An example of a standard electric guitar string set is .010/.046 The thinnest string measures 0.010 inches = 0.025 cm. The thickest string measures 0.046 inches = 0.11 cm.For electric guitars, the truss rods range from 8-38 to 13-36, and the most common are usually 9-42 or 10-46.An example of a standard acoustic guitar string set is .012/ .054New acoustic guitars are equipped with “light” strings (12/54).  This is the most used truss rod and is suited for most cases.The thinnest string measures 0.012 inches = 0.030 cm. The thickest string measures 0.054 inches = 0.13 cm.For folk guitars, the standard truss rod is usually 12-53, with the truss rods ranging from 10-47 to 14-59.For a classical guitar, things are often simpler since many brands only offer 2 choices: a “normal” truss rod or a “strong” truss rod.It is necessary to choose a truss rod according to your guitar, the style that you play, and for beginners the strength and size of your fingers. I advise you to choose guitar strings that are quite hard and avoid the extra-light ones to get a sound with more body.This is an important point, because, whilst soft tension strings are easier to play, the sound of the guitar improves - it is richer at the low end and throughout the ranges.String tension and string material are some of the more important parts of a guitarist's tone. And you would never put a light set of strings on a dreadnought. Different guitars - and different guitarists - require different gauge strings.Which Truss Rod is the Best for Me?You should understand that the truss rod corresponds with the diameter of the strings and therefore to the playability according to its level and the desired sound. To choose your truss rod when you are in the process of learning how to play the guitar, don’t hesitate to ask y our guitar teacher for advice - about truss rods or about how to select the best guitar strap.Classical Guitar• A weak truss rod: Ideal for starting on a classical guitar. • A strong truss rod: Ideal if you are experienced and looking for something more versatile.Electric Guitar• Extra light (010-047): Suited for beginners and are easier to play. • Light (011 â€" 052): Also ideal for beginners and corresponds to more types of styles. They offer more bass and resonance. • Regular  (012 â€" 053): Suited for an experienced player seeking a more pronounced resonance.Acoustic Folk• Extra light (010-047): Suited for beginners and are easier to play. • Light (011 â€" 052): Also ideal for beginners and corresponds to more types of styles. • Regular  (012 â€" 053): Suited for an experienced player seeking a more pronounced resonance.Guitar String Materials: Sound and LongevityThe guitar strings' sound and longevity are directly related to the materials used to make your guitar strings. These can be  silk and steel, plain steel, phosphor bronze, bronze alloy, black nylon, or pure nickel - to name just a fewJoin the discussion: which is the ideal instrument for the beginner guitarist to learn on?Stainless SteelA lot of guitar strings are made out of stainless steel. The sound they make is clear and brilliant, but they are more fragile than nickel strings.PhosphorThe presence of phosphor in guitar strings gives a warmer sound. The greater the quantity of phosphor, the better the quality of sound.NickelNickel strings have a rather hot and dull sound, without much brilliance. They are also more flexible than steel strings.BronzeThe presence of bronze gives the string a brighter and more metallic soundNylonNylon strings are mainly used for classical guitars. The sound is brilliant.CopperCopper makes it possibly to obtain better quality basses.Now go in-depth on when and how to change your guitar strings...Learn how to master your guitar strings!All you h ave to do now is take this information into account and direct yourself to the string set that suits you best. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to turn to our SuperPROF guitar teachers. They are equipped to help you make progress in your guitar learning.Some Brands of Guitar Strings.There are plenty of brands out there, offering everything from banjo strings to specific strings for the mandolin, jazz guitar, lap steel guitar, and for flamenco.However, when you are looking at strings for the electro acoustic, acoustic, or any mainstream type of guitar, you'll be looking for a few less names.Primarily, for electric guitarists, try Elixir (with the Elixir Nanoweb), Dean Markley, Dr Strings, Jim Dunlop, and Ernie Ball Slinky. All of these are incredibly reliable names that are manufactured well and won't let you down. They make strings in all different gauges- from ultra thin to heavy.For players of the electric bass try Rotosound.For classical and acoustic players, get yourse lf some D'Addario, which are probably the best acoustic guitar strings. These are very well respected strings - and they make good quality nylon guitar strings and steel ones too.Other Accessories for Changing Your Guitar Strings.Now, bass strings and the best electric guitar strings are really easy to manage. They strings come with a ball in the end which you can affix to the bridge; the other ends you can affix to the tuning pegs in the headstock, ensuring that the strings stretch comfortable and straight along the fretboard. Electric guitar strings are usually colour-coded too, so there is absolutely no doubt as to which strings go where.However, beginners can get a bit stressed out about their strings, so let's think of some other guitar accessories that might be helpful in restringing your musical instruments.You'll need a guitar tuner  (tuners are the machines that help your tunings). Maybe some  pliers  or  wire cutters - to chop off the end of the string once it is attached. And you could even get one of the guitar string winders, something by Planet Waves perhaps. A string winder is good for getting each string in tune quicklyOther than that, you are good to go, quite honestly! Get yourself down to a luthier, find the right string sizes or string gauge for you. Make sure you tune your guitar and that your string action is okay, and then you're set.Putting strings on a guitar will become second nature throughout your long life as a guitarist. Get out and buy guitar strings now.Overcome your difficulties and help yourself with the guitarist’s toolbox.

Fun Apps And Games To Help You To Learn Dutch

Fun Apps And Games To Help You To Learn Dutch Best Ways To Learn Dutch With Mobile Apps ChaptersThe Benefit Of Having Fun While LearningThe Benefit Of Mobile LearningThe Dutch ConnectionLearn To Speak Dutch With Flashcard AppsLearn Dutch With Online Language Learning AppsDutch Culture Chat With Natives AppToday we are looking at  how to learn Dutch, but every language in the world should be available for anyone interested in learning it, and I am glad to say that almost every language is. With the popularity of the internet, learning has become much more accessible to everyone, as it gives us access to all parts of the world from our living room.Technology has come a long way and gone are the days where you have limited options in the face of learning something new. Today you can literally dictate how you want to learn and you can enjoy every minute of it. Yesterday you could have met with an online French tutor or tried to learn Japanese, today you could be doing a course in Mandarin Chinese or go to learn Russian and tomorrow you could be searching for a tutor to lear n Portuguese. But right now let’s explore the best and most fun apps to learn Dutch as a second language. JessicaDutch Teacher 5.00 (5) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NaomiDutch Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EliseDutch Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MichelleDutch Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CéliaDutch Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VanshikaDutch Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MichelleDutch Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LizaDutch Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Benefit Of Having Fun While LearningStudying gets a bad reputation because of the extended school days that many of us had in our teens. I don’t know about you, but when I went to school there were no interactive classrooms, my school did not have an app or an interactive website, the teachers were a mix of fun and interesting but mostly ver y very dull.Sitting in classrooms for 5 - 8 hours a day while being spoken to by a teacher at the front of the room seems like such a poor way to transfer knowledge. But that is how we continue to teach in most cases today. Thankfully, however, that is no longer the only way to learn, and many more engaging ways are available to us.Interactive learning has a considerable advantage over mainstream studying. Generally, it is much more enjoyable, and the learner tends to have much more control over their education. This is very powerful because when the learner is happy, motivated and enjoying their experience. The body releases special chemicals which help to relax the body and fire up the learning centres in the brain.Learn Dutch and have fun while learning. Photo Source: UnsplashThe Benefit Of Mobile LearningTaking the traditional classroom and putting it into a mobile app is one of the great successes in education. The next success is the great variety of apps available for you to learn anything that you desire. The apps are often free and can be downloaded with fun and engaging content. You can find gaming, memorisation, interactive learning by chat, learning by entertainment like Dutch movies, music or magazines and much more.The options indeed are endless, which means that no matter how you would like to learn Dutch London or anything else for that matter. You are likely to be able to find an app that will help you to achieve it. Apps definitely make learning fun and bring the power of learning into the hand of the student. You are empowered to learn anywhere that you can take your phone and you can invest as much or as little time as your schedule allows.While it can be hard to find an hour to go to a classroom to sit down and study. Mobile apps are very flexible and don’t require a set time commitment, location or schedule. They also encourage you to use them for microlearning which is the ability to engage in sessions of 5 to 15 minutes. Which thanks to the way they work could be split even further in a few minutes each time you open the app.In a world where we are all so busy, we are never too busy to find 1-5 minutes. This grey time can easily be found while commuting, driving in the car (audio apps), waiting for a friend or colleague or before you fall asleep at night. Is easy to find and fit learning into any schedule with mobile apps. As long as you repeat this on a daily or recurring basis, you will eventually see that you have acquired a new skill while having fun. JessicaDutch Teacher 5.00 (5) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NaomiDutch Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EliseDutch Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MichelleDutch Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CéliaDutch Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VanshikaDutch Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MichelleDutch Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LizaDutch Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Dutch ConnectionDutch is the native language from the Netherlands and is part of the Germanic language family. While Dutch and German are very different languages, they do share structural similarities. Which means if you learn Dutch it could help you to learn German more easily later on and vica-versa.More surprisingly, however, is that Dutch has inspired and influenced 1,000+ words within the English language and so you may already have an excellent Dutch vocabulary without knowing it. Even common words such as Boss, Waffle, Yacht, Santa Claus, iceberg and rucksack all find their origins in the Dutch language. Now that is a fun fact to share with Native Dutch speakers.Dutch is spoken by over 23 million people and is not just the native language of the Netherlands. It is also the native language of Aruba, Suriname and the Dutch Antilles.Every language in the world should be available for anyone intereste d in learning. Photo Source: UnsplashLearn To Speak Dutch With Flashcard AppsFlashcards are a perfect way to learn a language if you enjoy using memorisation to learn new topics. Flashcards when learning languages tend to have one word or phrase in the native language on one side and the foreign language on the other. You can use this technique to check your retention of the language that you are learning.The following apps are great for people who are learning Dutch to practice their retention of the Dutch language and to learn new Dutch words and phrases.MemriseMemrise is a great app to help you remember the Dutch words that you are learning. You should work at your own speed through the greeting, survival phrases and vocabulary, using a simple flash card system. The app is free and is available on Android and IOS. While the free version is basic, you can learn a lot from it, and it is very nice to use. If you would like to add extra functionality to the app, you can upgrade for a small fee.BravololThis app uses an entertaining learning system that lists flashcards for your use when learning the language. The Dutch download teaches the foreign language in a way that empowers the learner. You can make tailor-made flashcards based on what you are interested in memorizing or even use it for your Dutch and English translations. This is a free app that you can use offline, and it is available on Android and IOS.NemoLearning Dutch with the Nemo app has never been easier you have access to lots of modes including the voice mode, the speech checker which helps with dutch pronunciation, the translator mode and it will even remind you to study if you ask it to. This is at its most basic level a flashcard system, but it doesn’t a lot more and can be used in lots of circumstances to get you on track with how to say just about anything in dutch. It is available on Android and IOS.Learn Dutch With Online Language Learning AppsThese apps are providing more structured kin ds of learning around topics and subjects. They all take you through a linguistic process for your practice of Dutch, supporting you with reading, writing, listening and speaking. For free language learning options, they are very thorough. When you outgrow the free versions, you are able to upgrade to get access to even more classes essential for your immersion when learning a new language with self-study.DuolingoThis is the ultimate fun app which uses excellent games to help you to enjoy the learning process. You get to immerse yourself in Dutch and use all of your senses to help you with mastering the language. This is available free online via the Android and IOS app store, or their website.BabbelWhen learning Dutch with Babbel, you will have access to an entire language suite of tools to support your learning experience. They have worked with native Dutch people to get videos recordings and other content to provide you with one of the most robust free online apps in the world fo r learning languages.   This is available free online via the Android and IOS app store, or their website.Innovative Language 101This app made by DutchPod is ready to teach you to start speaking right away. With access to 100s of multimedia lessons that will encourage you to speak Dutch from your first lesson.   This is available free via the Android and IOS app store, or their website.50 languages50 Languages agree with me that everyone should be able to speak any language in the world for free, and their app showcases that belief. With 50 language courses that will improve your fluency in any one of them with practice through the language course that they have created.   Available for free via the Android and IOS app store, or their website.Rosetta StoneRosetta Stone is the original online language learning system that now has extended their fantastic content to their mobile app. Their system is seamless and will get you speaking in no time at all. They have years of experience in helping you learn how to speak fluently. Available for free via the Android and IOS app store, or their website.Taking the traditional classroom and putting it into a mobile app. Photo Source: UnsplashDutch Culture Chat With Natives AppThis language learning program style is based on bringing people together to share and teach something that we all have. Language.These apps bring together millions of people to have a conversation about language and culture. Native speakers speak with other native speakers and interchange their mother tongue to help language learners while themselves learning a language. These give you free access to substantial language exchanges where everyone is learning a new language.They are all available for free via the Android and IOS app store, or their website.Hello talkhttps://www.hellotalk.com/Triplingohttp://www.triplingo.com/HiNativehttps://hinative.com/en-USWhile the goal of learning to speak Dutch may seem challenging. It is definitely worth all of the hard work. Are you ready to learn Dutch the fast and fun way? Then download one of the above apps and get started today.

Five Tips to Help Your Teen Be Successful

Five Tips to Help Your Teen Be Successful Oradell, NJ When your child starts kindergarten, college and the real world probably seem ages away. But those 12 years go quickly, and the preparation for life should begin sooner than later. Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center explains that while school is obviously very important, there are many aptitudes beyond the academic that children will need for college and life. As a parent, your goal should be to equip your child with life skills that he or she will use forever, she says. Academic abilities are essential, but there is so much more that your child needs. Huntington offers several tips on how parents can get their children ready for a successful life after high school: Teach them basic money management skills. An allowance is a great way to get children to grasp the concept of earning and accumulating money from a young age. Make sure you give your child opportunities to understand the value of money as well. Talk about what it means to earn a living and live within your means. When you go to the grocery store, bring your child along to comparison shop brands and items. Establish a family budget and show your child how you manage your income and expenses to it and save for various things. Talk careers early and often. Its never too early for parents to start asking their children what type of career sound interesting. Encourage your child to talk with the adults in his or her life about how they got to where they are. As your child gets closer to high school, do research together on what strengths (academic and otherwise) might translate into different career possibilities. Dont solve your childs problems. Life and school have ups and downs. Children need to know how to approach problems methodically and with confidence and optimism. Be there to support your child, but dont step in and fix problems. Encourage your child to take responsibility and ownership for schooland all that comes with it. Teach your child how to think critically. In everyday conversation, parents can teach their children to be curious and inquisitive. Invite your child to share with you how he or she analyzes problems and comes up with a variety of alternate solutions. When your child shows you homework, ask how your child came up with answers and what steps were taken to get there. Show your child how to be resourceful. In college and the real world, people are expected to figure things out sometimes. Your child will often be faced with periods of uncertainty and times when he or she is asked to do something completely new. Help your child nurture this ability by encouraging perseverance through challenges and creativity when one attempt is unsuccessful. Support your child as a well-rounded person, says Huntington. Vital life skills like problem-solving and creativity will take your child further in life than many other things. For more tips on how to support your child as he or she navigates school and builds independence as a learner and person, call Huntington at 1-800 CAN LEARN.

Summertime Friends

Summertime Friends Kids with ADHD often struggle with friendships during the school year. They may have a hard time picking up on social cues, initiating and maintaining conversations, being empathetic toward their peers, and staying calm when they feel frustrated or offended. As a result, research shows that kids with ADHD are more likely to have conflicts with their classmates or be ignored and overlooked by their peers. These social patterns can be hard to break especially when kids are interacting with the same group of classmates day after day and year after year. Summer provides a fresh start for friendships. Meeting new kids in a new setting is sometimes all it takes to get summer friendships off to a good start. As a parent, there are things you can do to help set your child up for success so they can make the most of their fresh start this summer. Teach friendship skills. Talk to your child about what it takes to make a new friend. Kids with ADHD often need to learn social skills, the same way that they need to learn skills in order to read or play a sport. Coach your child on ways to start a conversation, join a group, and be a good sport during games and activities. Role play these skills with your child, and prompt them to use these skills when you observe them playing with other kids. At the end of this post Ive included a few simple steps to help you get started. Encourage playdates and get-togethers. Studies show that kids who invite their peers to do fun activities are better liked than kids who dont offer invitations. So, help your child think of fun activities that they can do and help them invite their new friend along. Activities can be something as simple as going to the playground for a few minutes at the end of the day, or a bigger activity like a playdate at home or a trip to the movies. Get help from summer program counselors, educators, and coaches. Kids with ADHD often need support throughout the day to make and maintain new friendships. Talk to your childs counselors, tutors, and coaches about the skills that youre working on with your child. Let them know that your child could use some extra support when it comes to making new friends. You can even ask one or two summer staff members if theyd be willing to try out the coaching tips included in this blog. Youll likely be surprised by how willing people are to help your child make new friends. Enroll your child in activities that allow them to shine. The demands of the school year can make it hard for a child with ADHD to feel confident academically and socially. Capitalize on summers flexibility by enrolling your child in the activities that he or she feels most confident about and enjoys the most. This confidence will naturally carry over into their interactions with new friends who share the same interests. Boost confidence by building academic skills. Enroll your child in group tutoring and academic programs over the summer, in addition to fun activities. Theyll meet other kids like them and will have an opportunity to see that theyre not the only one who needs a little extra help to keep up at school. Theyre bound to enjoy and even look-up to some of these kids, and will learn that even cool kids struggle sometimes. These sessions also provide an opportunity for your child to practice conversation and good sportsmanship skills, and they can invite classmates to join them for activities outside of class. And the biggest benefit? Theyll be learning academic skills that will put them ahead when school starts in the fall. Hows that for a confidence booster! Perhaps more than any other issue, parents of kids with ADHD worry the most about their child making and keeping friends. Summertime can be a great chance for your child to hit the reset button and create strong friendships with kids who share their same interests. Seize theopportunity, practice some of the tips included here, and you might just see your child blossom this summer. PARENT COACHING TIPSKeys to Good Conversations Make eye contact. Ask questions about something you think the other person might be interested in. Give the other person a chance to talk (try not to be a conversation hog!). Keep the conversation going. Share something about yourself thats on-topic, or ask another on-topic question. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

Happy Read Across America Day! Kick-off National Reading Month by Celebrating Dr. Seuss Birthday With These Fun Activities

Happy Read Across America Day! Kick-off National Reading Month by Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday With These Fun Activities Happy Read Across America Day! Kick-off National Reading Month by Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday With These Fun Activities “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”- Dr. Seuss Every year at the beginning of March, children across the country kick-off National Reading Month by celebrating the birthday of the beloved Dr. Seuss and the many characters that have been immortalized in his children’s books across the globe. “Read Across America Day” is an annual reading program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2nd. From a child’s first time hearing a story on their parent’s lap to an adult’s escape into the pages of an intriguing novel, reading plays a major role in our lives. Motivating children to read is an important factor in student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers. “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child!”- Dr. Seuss Check out these fun and simple ways to celebrate “Read Across America Day:” 1. Throw A Reading Party.  Share a love for reading by inviting friends over for a Dr. Seuss themed reading party. Ask the attendees to dress up as their favorite Dr. Seuss character. And then get comfy with Dr. Seuss books, enjoy some Dr. Seuss themed snacks and talk about the timeless classics. 2. Cook up Some Reading Fun.  Have fun in the kitchen with your kids and serve up some green eggs and ham or make a tasty Cat in the Hat snack by providing kids with wooden skewers and red and white foods. Have the kids alternate the red and white foods as they put them on the skewer and let them enjoy the snack as you read aloud. 3. Oh, the Places You’ll Go.  In spirit of one of Dr. Seuss’ most popular books, map out all of the places you and your children have read or are reading about on a U.S. or world map. Inspire reading 365 days a year and keep the project going. Every time your child reads about a new location, he can mark it on the map. Check out several Dr. Seuss books on the Kumon Recommended Reading List. You might also be interested in: Celebrate “Read Across America Day” with these Fun Activities 5 Tips to Celebrate National Family Literacy Month 5 Books to Read for Black History Month How One Girl’s Love for Reading Led Her to Become the Scripps National Spelling Bee Winner Happy Read Across America Day! Kick-off National Reading Month by Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday With These Fun Activities Happy Read Across America Day! Kick-off National Reading Month by Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday With These Fun Activities “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”- Dr. Seuss Every year at the beginning of March, children across the country kick-off National Reading Month by celebrating the birthday of the beloved Dr. Seuss and the many characters that have been immortalized in his children’s books across the globe. “Read Across America Day” is an annual reading program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2nd. From a child’s first time hearing a story on their parent’s lap to an adult’s escape into the pages of an intriguing novel, reading plays a major role in our lives. Motivating children to read is an important factor in student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers. “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child!”- Dr. Seuss Check out these fun and simple ways to celebrate “Read Across America Day:” 1. Throw A Reading Party.  Share a love for reading by inviting friends over for a Dr. Seuss themed reading party. Ask the attendees to dress up as their favorite Dr. Seuss character. And then get comfy with Dr. Seuss books, enjoy some Dr. Seuss themed snacks and talk about the timeless classics. 2. Cook up Some Reading Fun.  Have fun in the kitchen with your kids and serve up some green eggs and ham or make a tasty Cat in the Hat snack by providing kids with wooden skewers and red and white foods. Have the kids alternate the red and white foods as they put them on the skewer and let them enjoy the snack as you read aloud. 3. Oh, the Places You’ll Go.  In spirit of one of Dr. Seuss’ most popular books, map out all of the places you and your children have read or are reading about on a U.S. or world map. Inspire reading 365 days a year and keep the project going. Every time your child reads about a new location, he can mark it on the map. Check out several Dr. Seuss books on the Kumon Recommended Reading List. You might also be interested in: Celebrate “Read Across America Day” with these Fun Activities 5 Tips to Celebrate National Family Literacy Month 5 Books to Read for Black History Month How One Girl’s Love for Reading Led Her to Become the Scripps National Spelling Bee Winner