Why Should You Learn to Draw

Why Should You Learn to Draw Find Peace and Pleasure in Drawing ChaptersDrawing Your DisconnectLose Yourself in the Moment by Capturing itYour Sketchbook is an AlbumDevelop Creativity Through Realistic DrawingHow Else can a Drawing Tutorial Help You?Admit it: you've always harboured a touch of jealousy for the colleague who can whip out a pen and ink drawing without so much as sticking his tongue out the side of his mouth, haven't you?Don't worry, we won't tell anyone.Wasn't it you, standing gaped-jawed at the sidewalk artist who was covering the pavement with chalk drawings of rainbows and butterflies?Don't you generally have an affinity for things of beauty?In spite of the hours spent lingering at the fine art museum, you've never quite dared to pick up a charcoal or a colored pencil â€" at least not to draw more than a doodle or frieze.Why not? It is never too late to learn how to draw!Besides the feeling of satisfaction in knowing that you can render beauty with a few strokes of a pencil or paint brush, learning how to draw offers amazing hea lth benefits.The only negative quality of art is negative space, so stop being so negative about your artistic abilities! There are many reasons for learning to draw, and all will help you advance as a person.After just a few art lessons, you too could draw more than stick figures and awkward cartoons.It is of no use to say that you don't have the talent for it. We know that drawing is not everyone's innate talent.On the other hand, the technical aspects of art can be learned very quickly. Once you have technique, artistic license won't be far behind!We do warn that you may not be satisfied with your first sketches.Conversely, you may surprise yourself with the deftness of your strokes and you ability to contour; the end result being that you have found a new brand of happiness!Are you ready to stock up on Derwent pencils now?Let us discover together how entrancing and downright addicting drawing can be, and how it can contribute to your well-being as well as your joie de vivre.Look ing for a drawing class London? You can hire a private tutor to help you improve your drawing skills.video games have far outstripped DVDs and music CDs. That would be something to think about with the holiday season right around the cornerThe average person consults his smartphone more than 200 times a dayBritons use their household computers an average of 4 hours per daythe same study revealed that nearly every business in the UK uses computers, even at entry levelThe average British person spends approximately 3 hours per day in front of the telly.What do you think of those numbers?Are you an explorer of the virtual world? In other words: do you like gaming?Are you wondering:  with virtual conquests to be had by pushing a few buttons, why would anyone want to learn how to draw?How to you think those graphics have come into being?Why not ponder that question while enjoying the stimulating, productive atmosphere of an art class, where you might learn to produce such scenery.Would y ou capture the sorrow of this girl losing her balloon with your eyes on your phone? Source: Pixabay Credit: Pixel2013Lose Yourself in the Moment by Capturing itWhile we are not going to get back on the Smartphone  bashing bandwagon; this segment's header is not meant to encourage taking more selfies.We will, however, enjoin that, when not focused on your hand-held's  screen, you will start to notice the world around you.The colours that splash across the canvas of your life: reds of buses contrast against the black of pavement.And the eye-catching adverts on the sides of said buses!The child in a pink coat, animatedly discussing her cat with her mum.Wouldn't you like to draw a cat? Or draw a child?Any scene can fit into your sketchbook: the multitude of expressions the human face can convey, the variegated dappling of sun on leaves, flowers, sparkling glass...Everyone at the bus stop is inadvertently striking a pose.Wouldn't you like to learn figure drawing, so that you can draw peo ple in the course of their everyday life?By partaking of art instruction, you could then render any scene, any way:landscapes in watercolorstill lifes in acrylicsa pencil portrait in charcoalcaricatures and cartoons in Conté crayonsThe possibilities are endless!All you would need to do is keep your sketch pad handy and, when something catches your eye, you could sketch it using simple lines and geometric forms by applying math to drawing; then  flesh out your drawing with light and shadow later.How many times can you sketch your baby's sleeping form before it would be considered obsessive?Read on to find out what you can do, drawing and painting the same subject, over time.Create art for others to admire or for your personal pleasure Source: VisualhuntWe, and your art teacher urge you: do not  discard those early efforts!Keeping your every drawing and painting reveals the evolution of your drawing techniques, from your first, hesitant outline through more complex pencil drawings, o nto three point perspectives.Retaining testimony of your progression in drawing skills will serve as inspiration when you inevitably plateau â€" when your drawing lessons don't seem to yield much progress in achieving proper light and shadow effects.Perhaps the best part of recording your life in sketches is that it shows your personal development, the more art classes you take.Your choice of colours and medium:  what drawing tools have you selected, over time?How realistic is your drawing, and will you ever learn how to draw a rose realistically?What about the most pervasive aspect of art that few people mention: what was your mood when you drew that caricature of your boss?We could go on and on about the many facets of creating art â€" from drawing materials to mood, and it would all serve to encourage you to seek out drawing tutorials or learn drawing online.Speaking of online, have you ever thought of becoming a graphic artist?Develop Creativity Through Realistic DrawingSounds o xymoronic, doesn't it?The philosophy might not be as far-fetched as it sounds. Although you are drawing real things â€" for example, if you love to draw animals, you can make them fantastic by endowing them with unusual features.A blue heron, suddenly turned flaming pink? A Hereford cow, dappled green, munching on purple grass?Those are extraordinary examples of how you can benefit from the absurd by expressing it in art.This idea begs the question: was Picasso expressing the absurd with his Cubist movement, or did he really see the world that way?Why not emulate that great master by:letting your imagination run wilddeveloping your creativityopening your spirit up to artistic adventurebuilding your confidence as an artistBy going to art school, you will invariably learn to let go of inhibitions and see the world around you as nothing but poses to draw and paint.The first step in achieving this level of artistic freedom is to focus inward.Creativity is not learned, but cultivated. Ev eryone has the potential to be creative.The difference between artists and those who do not routinely wield a drawing pencil is their approach to art, their perception of reality, their sensibility, and their mindset.The advantage of drawing instruction for pleasure is that it removes any obstacle to creativity.Creativity comes from creating.We started this segment with an oxymoron; why not close it with a seeming paradox?In fact, drawing works the right side of the brain, stimulating creativity.The more your engagement in creative endeavours, the more limitless your possibilities for creation are.Keep a sketchbook handy so you can draw when inspiration hits Source: Pixabay Credit: Pic JumboHow Else can a Drawing Tutorial Help You?At the very least, learning basic drawing is a good way to develop your feel for art.What other benefit can you derive from sketching, shading and understanding proportion in the human form?Believe it or not, plying art in any form but especially by drawin g, is good for your (physical and mental) health.Check out Alain de Botton's book: Art as Therapy! Here is a brief look at some of the ways the artist benefits from drawing art:Enhanced Fine Motor SkillsDrawing is recommended for young children as well as the elderly, to stimulate their motor skills and cognitive functions.In general, drawing helps cultivate hand-eye coordination. Specifically, step by step drawing teaches coordination and attention to detail.No need to worry if your tot doesn't get proportion just right. It is perfectly acceptable that the heads in the family portrait he draws are larger than the bodies.It is all a part of learning to draw, and it is best to start young!Improved ConcentrationIf you have an elderly person whose occasional fogginess troubles you, s/he might well be able to increase focus during  drawing classes.Furthermore, art therapy is often used to help people who are  autistic  or children diagnosed with hyperactivity to develop their ability to concentrate.Learning How to Draw can Lift Your MoodBy its very nature, drawing helps to reduce the stress and anxiety of everyday life.Doodling alone serves to clear negative thoughts that could otherwise ruin your day.Maybe that is why sales of adult coloring books and other art materials have been skyrocketing in recent years!Are you ready to claim these benefits for yourself?All you need to do is take an art lesson or even painting lessons, if you already know how to sketch.Practice your shading techniques with charcoal pencils, or blending with your colored pencils. Learn how to draw eyes, how to draw hands... how to draw anything!Have pencil and paper, will draw!This is your license to go beyond the basics: learn how to become the illustrator you have always wanted to be.

Are You Ready for a Makeover of Your Personal Brand - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Are You Ready for a Makeover of Your Personal Brand - Introvert Whisperer Are You Ready for a Makeover of Your Personal Brand? Personal Branding starts with how well you speak about YOU.  I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook â€" The Definitive Guide to Creating and Using an Elevator Speech.  In this guide, I give you simple to follow instructions for creating a “wardrobe” of ways to talk about you â€" to leave a lasting impression. Get your copy now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran  â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential.  Introvert Whisperer

Violin or Cello Which Instrument Is Right For You

Violin or Cello Which Instrument Is Right For You Sign up successful Because the instrument has been popular now for around 400 years, there isn’t a shortage of repertoire to keep both budding and experienced violinists challenged. Within orchestras, spaces for violinists also tend to be the most numerous, so in that sense violinists have an advantage (especially over winds, brass, and percussion). Compared to other string sections however, violin can also be more competitive because so many people play it. It might not be too difficult to earn a spot in the second violin section, but earning a place among the upper ranks can be more difficult. Pros and Cons of the Cello The cello is often cited for its practical disadvantages â€" mainly its size and expense. But for students who enjoy the sound of the cello more, hauling around a larger and more expensive instrument is well worth the care and effort. The cello’s low register and tonality resonates with many musicians far more than the violins higher register. Both the violin and cello have a unique range and repertoire that tend to draw different people. While violin repertoire is probably more extensive, the cello also has a well-established and diverse repertoire, including significant solo works. Fewer students study the cello than the violin, so cellists are usually in higher demand than violinists. This tends to hold true even when taking into account the typically lower number of cellists required to create an orchestra or chamber ensemble. Which is Harder to Play: Violin or Cello? Many students wonder, which instrument is more difficult: the violin or cello? People who have tried both instruments tend to say the cello is less difficult due to its more natural position. The position of the violin can feel awkward at first, however advanced violinists insist that it becomes natural over time. Many experienced musicians say that both instruments have their own difficulties. For example, although a cellist’s playing position is easier to learn, the thumb position on the cello is difficult for many students. Advanced cellists also must learn three clefs instead of just one. SEE ALSO: How Easy is it to Switch Instruments? [Infographic] Making the Choice Between Violin or Cello Music students and their families can do a number of things to help them in their decision between the violin or cello. First, consider what opportunities are available at school or in the community. Keep long term goals in mind. Make sure the student has exposure to both instruments. This can include videos, CDs, or local concerts. Local colleges and conservatories often perform concerts for the general public and many of these feature the violin and cello. Local symphonies also put on free concerts in the park. To be sure you’re making the right choice, it’s always a good idea to sample each instrument and take a couple lessons. Check out this directory of violin teachers, and this directory of cello teachers. Lessons are available both in-person and online all over the country. Above all, the student should love the sound of whichever instrument they choose, whether it’s the higher and more cheerful violin or the deeper and rich cello. What are your thoughts on whether the violin or cello is a better instrument? Let us know in the comments below! .TeacherBox { border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 20px; padding-left: 0; margin-bottom: 20px; white-space: nowrap; } .TeacherBox > div { display: inline-block; vertical-align: top; white-space: normal; } .TeacherBox > Post Author:  Carol Beth L. Carol Beth L. teaches  viola  and violin  in Sacramento, CA. She currently plays viola in the Rancho Cordova Civic Light Orchestra and has been teaching students since 2012. Learn more about Carol Beth 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

What is it Like to Attend The University of Kansas

What is it Like to Attend The University of Kansas The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Stephen is a New York City tutor specializing in College Essays tutoring, Writing tutoring, AP English tutoring, and more. He graduated from The University of Kansas in 2006 with a Bachelors degree in Sociology. Check out what he had to say about his undergraduate experience: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Stephen: The University of Kansas (KU)is in the center of Lawrence, a town of about 100,000 people. The campus is really beautiful and spread out across Mount Oread. Flowering trees dot campus, and walking across campus while petals flutter to the ground always filled me with a sense of joy, even when walking to my dreaded biology lab. KU has a bus system that transports students across campus, and it links up with Lawrences bus system. A car or bike is nice, as there are no grocery stores nearby. However, I didnt have a car for the first year I was at KU, and I had no problem. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Stephen: I had a very close relationship with my advisors in both the Sociology and English Departments.I also pursued relationships with them. I had lots of friends who had difficulty finding their niches at KU. If a student was passive during their educational process at KU, then it was very easy for them to get lost. I think that if a student desires strong mentoring from their professors, advisors, and TAs, KU might not be the best choice for them. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Stephen: There are eight residence halls, as well as Scholarship Halls. The halls are very diverse in what they offer. Some are classic dormitory style, while others have suites with private bathrooms. Also, there is apartment style living for upperclassmen. All the dorms are on the edge of campus, but there are buses that transport everyone onto campus. Its not required that students live in student housing. For food, there are three different cafeterias, as well as sack lunches. All of the food is serviceable. I found dorm life really rewarding, as it pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to be exposed to a lot that I might not have otherwise encountered. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Stephen: I studied Sociology and Playwriting. I have always been interested in why people do what they do, and looking at their actions from a macro-level perspective fascinates me. Also, I knew I wanted to write, so Sociology and Playwriting seemed like a natural fit for me. I felt like the university did a good job of giving space and funding to both of my programs. I never had any complaints about either one. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Stephen: I spent my first two years living in Hashinger, a dormitory that specializes in the arts. I found it really easy to meet people, as everyones doors were very open and RAs encouraged interaction among peers. At Hashinger, I met friends on my floor with whom I am still very close. KU does have a very active Greek life, and if someone wants to participate, they can. However, there are lots of options, both on and off campus, to meet people. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Stephen: There are study spaces in all the dormitories. The Memorial Unions and the libraries have tons of study rooms and individual cubicles. I never had any problem finding a place to set up shop and work. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Stephen: Downtown Lawrence is about two miles away from campus, and its got a really vibrant music scene. Lawrence is geographically situated so lots of touring bands come. Students go downtown all the time, as there are tons of restaurants, bars, and shopping that cater to both students and locals. Also, Lawrence has a great farmers market on the weekend and public parks that frequently host events. There are frequent parades, late-night movie screenings, and coffee shops galore. Lawrence is an interesting intersection of collegiate liberalness and surrounding conservatism, so theres a really interesting mix of people and social scenes. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Stephen: There about 20,000 undergraduates at KU. The lower level general classes can be huge. My Psychology 101 class had 1,000 students. But once I settled into my major classes, they were relatively small, with only about 16 people in them. I even had classes as small as eight people. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Stephen: One of the coolest experiences I ever had during my undergraduate career was when a one-act play I wrote was given a staged reading at Lawrences performing arts center. This was because Professor Paul Lim had created his own theatre company to produce the works of students. It was the only English department with its own theatre company in the nation. Professor Lim exposed me to so much art I would have otherwise never sought out myself, and Im forever indebted to him. Check out Stephens tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Italian Food Around the World

Italian Food Around the World The Influence of Italian Cooking around the World ChaptersItalian Cuisine in North AmericaItalian Cuisine in South AmericaItalian Cuisine in EuropeWhy Is Italian Food so Universal?There are few types of food as universally popular as Italian food.Which other cuisine can boast pizza, pasta, ice cream, and many health benefits?In fact, thanks to its simplicity, Mediterranean flavours, and popularity, Italian food firmly established itself as a global cuisine.It’s estimated that 14 billion plates of pasta (including fusili, penne, spaghetti, and ravioli) are consumed every year around the world.Other countries have been familiar with spaghetti for years. (Source: Nile)Pasta carbonara is thought to be the most commonly cooked dish on the planet. A lot of Italians are probably annoyed by the use of cream in the recipe, though. The original recipe just calls for pasta, bacon or pancetta, parmesan, and eggs.While pasta can be found almost anywhere in the world, bruschetta, Italian cheeses (parmesan, pecorino, ricotta, etc.), and curied m eats like Parma ham and pancetta, are also popular in many places.Waves of Italian immigrants have also helped spread Italian culinary tradition all over the world.Over the course of this article, Superprof will be taking your taste buds on a journey from Italy to all the places where Italian cooking ended up and how it ended up changing in its new homes.Here, you'll see there's more to the cuisine than just pizza and pasta.Let’s go! GiovanniCooking Teacher 4.83 (12) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HalimaCooking Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VincenzoCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GinellaCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArronCooking Teacher 5.00 (2) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoshuaCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlickCooking Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1 st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsItalian Cuisine in North AmericaBoth the United States and Canada are fine examples of Italian influence. Just take New York’s Little Italy, for example.This lively neighbourhood is as unmissable in the Big Apple as the Statue of Liberty!  â€œLittle Italy” is the name of the neighbourhood where most Italian immigrants can be found following two major periods of immigration:Between 1860 and 1930 when many Italians left their country to head to America.European emigration starting in the 1950s.For health, economic, and social reasons, Italians left Italy looking for a better life.  Fortunately for many, they brought gnocchi, focaccia, Parma ham, and authentic Italian style cooking with them, giving rise to these famous neighbourhoods.While the neighbourhood in Manhattan is no longer home to only Italians, but rather Italian Americans and other nationalities, you can still find plenty of Italian American restaurants and businesses offering fres h pasta and other dishes just like they would in Italy.The best cooking classes on Superprof.Italian food has been in the United States of America for many years. (Source: RitaE)You can get pesto (a sauce made from pine nuts and basil), mascarpone, gorgonzola, and other ingredients to make Italian dishes at home from Italian delis.The Feast of San Gennaro is still celebrated in the Italian neighbourhood. This street festival, which lasts 11 days, pays homage to Italian food and traditions.  You can even take part in a pasta-eating contest!Other Italian neighbourhoods of note in the US and Canada include:The Hill in Saint Louis, where you can find plenty of Italian restaurants and delis.Little Italy in Cleveland, which has Italian art galleries as well as traditional Italian trattorias.Federal Hill in Providence, home to many pizzerias and Italian ice cream parlours.Petite Italie in Montréal, with plenty of Italian cafés and trattorias.Little Italy in Toronto, a small neighbourhood that lives and breathes its Italian heritage.The food and restaurants in North America have been greatly influenced by Italian food. There’s no lack of pizza, pasta, or risotto.Italian Cuisine in South AmericaIn Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, you can find the largest group of Italian descendants in the world.In fact, Argentinian food was largely influenced by Italy: pizza and pasta can be found on the menu at most classic Argentine restaurants.Veal Milanese, an Italian recipe where the veal is breaded with parmesan, flour, and breadcrumbs, has become a typical Argentine dish.Parmesan is an essential ingredient in veal Milanese, even in Argentina. (Source: Icb)On the 29th of each month, Argentines eat gnocchi.  This is because it's just before payday and many Argentine families would only have the ingredients for gnocchi in their cupboards. Polenta is also regularly cooked by families in Argentina.  Unlike in North America, there’s no Little Italy in Buenos Aires but ra ther an Italian influence that can be found all over the town. In fact, during the largest waves of Italian immigration, nearly half the population (45%) of Buenos Aires was Italian and nearly two thirds (63%) of Argentines are descended from Italians.The Italian influence isn’t as strong in other South American countries. That said, you can still find the veal Milanese on menus in Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.While they might add a tomato sauce, the basic ingredients are all there.Italian Cuisine in EuropeAccording to a Tripadvisor survey, Italian food is the most popular in Europe. Italian food is most common in the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and Germany.This can be explained by the presence of Italian immigrants in these countries during the 20th century. Whether you’re in London, Paris, Brussels, or Berlin, you can easily:Eat in an Italian restaurant or trattoriaBuy Italian products in Italian delisGet Italian cooking classes from Italian chefsOpening the borders across Eu rope has allowed for Italians to move about more easily, bringing their cooking traditions with them.You can now enjoy squid ink risotto without having to travel all the way to Venice. (Source: Gellinger)The number of restaurants offering the antipasti, primi piatti, secondi piatti formula is increasing.In Italy, there are two main courses! Don’t forget there’s also limoncello for afterwards. An “aperitivo” isn’t all. The Venetian “Spritz” cocktail was everywhere during the summer of 2016.When it comes to alcohol, the Italians have prosecco, the sparkling white wine similar to champagne.Did you know that Italy is one of the world’s biggest wine producers?While Italian restaurants around the world didn’t always follow their culinary tradition to the letter, in recent years, this has started becoming the case again.More and more Italian chefs are promoting traditional Italian recipes straight from Italy. Spaghetti bolognese is no longer just pasta with tomato sauce, but rather with minced beef or meatballs as it should be. Delicious!There are plenty of Italian chefs who’ve moved to the UK and are showing us Brits exactly how their food should be. Try a genuine Italian pizza and taste the difference!Why Is Italian Food so Universal?Italian food is often thought of as being the most popular in the world.  You don’t need to look very hard to understand why. Just ask your taste buds.Simple and natural ingredients are used and there's a culture of eating homemade food. Olive oil, cheese, and charcuterie (cured meats like Parma ham and prosciutto) is used for both starters and mains and are both delicious and easy to cook.Basil, garlic, cherry tomatoes, capers, and mushrooms are also used in Italian recipes from traditional pasta dishes to the Neapolitan pizza.  Italian food is also famous for how healthy it is.There are plenty of products with protected designations of origin in Italy: Balsamic vinegar from Modena, Sicilian blood orange, cheeses like Gorgonzola, Gran Padano, and, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, and meats like Mortadella and Pancetta. This means that if these products aren't from Italy, they're not the real deal!There’s a stark difference between a generic mozzarella and Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, isn’t there?The best type of mozzarella is mozzarella di bufala. (Source: Congerdesign)More proof that Italian food is popular around the world is the Italian cuisine week that took place across 105 different countries during its first year in 2016. There were gatherings in the UK, US, France, and many other countries celebrating Italian food.Its goals were to:Spread the traditions of Italian cuisinePromote Italian cooking methodsPromote collaboration between Italy and other countriesAmbassadors, Italian chefs abroad, and even school pupils worked towards spreading Italian culture to everyone.Given that an Italian-food-themed park opened in 2017, it doesn’t look like Italian food’s popularity is going to dwindle any time soon.  With restaurants, delis, and vendors, you can discover how Italian products are made and, more importantly, try them!If you want to eat traditional Italian dishes, try a selection of cheese, or try out some wine tasting, this place is like Disney World for foodies and those who don't like roller coasters.If you can't make your way to Bologna, whether you fancy a lasagna, seafood, or a vegetarian option (roasted stuffed vegetables, for example), there's something on an Italian menu for everyone!Once you've finished your meal, why not try a tiramisu or panna cotta? Italian desserts are outrageously good!While Italian restaurants are great, Italian food is best served at home and you should try cooking it for yourself. If you can't cook, you can always get Italian cooking tutorials from a private tutor.See 20 great Italian recipes. Learn more about Italian Food around Italy.

Taking Your Tutorials Outside

Taking Your Tutorials Outside Where Can You Teach Outside the Home? ChaptersPrivate Tutorials: Why Teach Outside?Different Places to Teach Private TutorialsThe Advantages and Disadvantages of Teaching Outside“Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.” - Dalai Lama XIVPrivate tutors are the new way to learn. In fact, private tutors have been gaining in popularity over recent years. The market’s estimated at around £2 billion and 40% of children in London have already taken a private tutorial.Whether it’s IT for secondary schoolers, exam prep for GCSE and A Level, or group physics or chemistry tutorials, almost every subject can be taught at either the student’s or the tutor’s home. However, sometimes the home’s not a suitable place to be taught in.That said, there are other options. You could teach your private tutorials elsewhere. If you find a place that works for you and your student, you could easily teach them in public places, such as the library.While we often call it home tuition or home tutoring, there's nothing stopping a private tutor from taking their one on one tutoring services to a public place. After all, when a student decides to find a tutor, it's so that they can get one to one instruction from a qualified, experienced, and gifted educator, not just so they can chat to someone at home or see the inside of a stranger's flat.Private tutoring is about giving students the confidence and study skills in a one on one environment to improve in a given subject so that when they find themselves in a small group or large class, they can apply the academic coaching they received in order to perform better academically.Whether they're helping a student with their biology homework, preparing for their mathematics algebra exams, or helping them get their heads around calculus, the best tutors will have carefully planned their tutorials to ensure that everything, including where the lesson takes place, works for the student.If there’s one place for learning languages or doing private tutorial s, it’s obviously the home. Sitting on your own sofa in the warmth can make both the teacher and the student feel relaxed and is conducive to conversation.The teaching environment is just as important as the teaching approaches and resources you use. (Source: PourquoiPas)However, as we saw before, you can’t always have your private tutorials take place in the home and you’ll need to find somewhere else for you and your student. You may feel a bit lost with so much choice or worried that you won't be able to find somewhere to calmly study concepts.The following are good places to teach private tutorials:A cafeA libraryAn empty classroom in a school or universityA parkA field or picnic area, especially if you live in the countryCoworking spacesAnd many othersOf course, this isn’t an exhaustive list of the places you can teach private tutorials but it should give you a few ideas and show you that it’s not the end of the world if you can’t have your tutorials in the house. T he most important thing is to be able to transfer knowledge to the student and build a good relationship with them.The Advantages and Disadvantages of Teaching OutsideTeaching outside isn’t impossible. However, it’s not a decision you can take lightly as there are a number of things you’ll have to consider. It’s not all fun and games taking your private tutorials out of the house, but there are a number of pros and cons to doing it.A good private tutor will use all the resources they have at their disposal. (Source: Pexels)The AdvantagesBy taking your lessons out of the house, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you’re free from any of the regular distractions you have at your  homes such as your roommate or pet. Additionally, you won’t be distracted by things you have lying around the house such as personal effects and ornaments.Academic support outside of the home is also useful for those that need help concentrating in different environments.The DisadvantagesTeachi ng classes outside of the home also has its disadvantages and things that stop us from teaching. One of the biggest disadvantages is that you can’t shut yourself off from the outside world when you’re in a public place, which can distract students and make things harder to learn. That said, a teacher and a student mightn’t work more effectively in calm environments.Whether it’s intensive classes, a one-off tutorial, or even maths tutorials, you need to make sure you don’t lose your patience due to outside distractions that you can’t control. At home, you know exactly what will and won't come in the way of your teaching and that you'll have a better idea of distractions and how to control. Outside of the home, tutorials can be affected by the opening hours of public places or the weather.Similarly, music and singing tutorials or chemistry and physics lessons aren’t the easiest things to teach safely outside. You need to decide upon the method that makes your tutorials a s engaging and educational as possible.Certain subjects require a lot of equipment. For example, piano tutorials or guitar tutorials will require a piano and a guitar respectively. These are things that you can't necessarily take with you to a public place. Additionally, you probably won't be welcome playing the piano or guitar in a library, for example.Follow these guidelines for choosing locations for giving lessons!There are also technical and scientific subjects that require a lot of equipment. You can't really teach woodwork in a cafe.  These are the kind of tutorials that are better taught in the tutor's home where they can convert part of their home into a classroom, lab, or workshop, for example.Art is a great subject to take outside. You and your student could study landscapes, for example, and sketch things as research for a bigger painting that they can complete at home.Languages and the humanities are also great subjects for teaching in public places as they normally req uire the student and tutor to talk to one other, don't require a lot of equipment, and can be taught with just a few books and an exercise book.You no longer need to be in a classroom in order to learn. (Source: Wokandapix)Of course you can teach outside of the home! While we normally see the home as the ideal spot for teaching private tutorials, you should keep in mind that teaching outside of it isn’t impossible. For certain subjects, teaching outside of the home is even better as it can keep students engaged and motivated.Don't forget that if you can't teach at your home, the student's home, or in a public place, online tutoring is also an option. An online tutor teaches their students via video conferencing, all they need is a computer, webcam, microphone, and a decent internet connection.Whether you're teaching grammar, economics, geometry, you can work flexible hours and save money on transport costs by becoming an online tutor. You can also charge those being tutored less, making finding tutor jobs and your accounting much easier.

How to Talk about Winning in English - English Lesson via Skype

How to Talk about Winning in English - English Lesson via Skype Everybody like to win whether it’s a football game or a game of cards. You get an adrenalin rush (good feeling) and it lasts a long time. There are many ways of how to talk about winning in English, to express those emotions and to congratulate other winners. How to Talk about Winning in English BEAT vs WIN Common mistakes made are with the verbs TO WIN and TO BEAT. These mistakes are made by native  speakers and those learning English as a foreign language. For example, you can say:I won the match yesterday.I will win tomorrow.I am winning at the moment.BUT  you cannot say:I won the other team.We will win the other team tomorrow.We are winning the other team today.Instead you can say:I beat the other guy.We will beat that team tomorrow.We are beating them at the moment.Example: My team were playing a big game and at half time (interval) we were winning 2-0. However, in the second half we lost our momentum and the other team scored 3 goals. We were beaten 2-3. Difference between BEAT and WIN - Video Lesson Here are some other words and phrases to talk about winning in English:COME OUT ON TOPto be victoriousExample: Michael was boxing a much bigger kid. He was taller and heavier.He eventually came out on top and won the fight.GET THE UPPER HANDto get an advantageExample: It was a struggle for both competitors but the guy from Turkey eventually got the upper hand and won the fight.TO SEAL VICTORYto make a victory inevitable (certain)Example: It was a very even contest of rugby. Both teams were giving it everything (100% effort). However, the team in Red sealed victory with a last minute goal.KNOCKOUT PUNCHan action or event that causes defeat or failure  This also has a literal meaning as in a boxing match where one boxer knocks out his opponent and wins the fight or we can use it metaphorically.Example: Both teams were trying to win the game in normal time to avoid extra time. United in black shirts provided the knock out punch deep into injury time when they scored a penalty after a ha ndball incident inside the penalty area.Spectators are always more anxious than the players or competitors. They are always relieved when  their team is number one stay top of the league and remain ahead of the posse (one step ahead of someone or something)!Phrases and words like WELL DONE  or CONGRATS  (congratulations) are common expressions used  for the victors (winners) or a US term YOU’RE THE MAN  is heard at lots of sports events like golf and  tennis.Spare a thought  (think for a little while) about the unfortunate loser.For every winner there is a  loser or runner up and they are soon forgotten.HARD LUCK  or BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME  or TOUGH  are all the loser hears.Remember that great song by Queen We are the Champions, We are the Champions English Vocabulary about Winning - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Here's what you can do next:

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.