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.

Musical Theatre Audition Songs 6 Great Options for Kids

Musical Theatre Audition Songs 6 Great Options for Kids Sign up successful For girls: I Always Knew from Annie Warbucks  No need to be the zillionth young auditionee with Tomorrow. You can show them youre the perfect plucky orphan with a song from the lesser known SEQUELand it happens to be a lovely song! Gee Im Glad Im Nobody Else But Me! from Anne of Green Gables  This is a delightful uptempo number that is hardly overdoneperfect for the young soprano. Sayonara from How to Eat Like a Child The right performer can really get smiles and laughs out of the audition panel with this sassy and funny number. In fact, the whole show is packed with great options. For boys: When I Get My Name in Lights from The Boy from Oz  This is for the young song and dance manthe extrovert! My Best Girl from Mame This is a really effective ballad, and would work especially well if auditioning for a role like the lead in Oliver or any other show from the 50s-60s. Big Blue World from Finding Nemo Looking for something newer? Look no furtherthis show is great for young boys to sing from! Because this show is only performed at Disney World, you dont have to worry about everyone else walking in with this one. So there you have it! There is so much to explore out there as far as musical theatre audition songs go, but remember that the right material shows off both your voice AND personality, no matter what your age is. This video also has a few good recommendations for kids toward the end- Lastly, remember that working with a voice teacher is the best way to find the song or songs that are right for you.  He or she will have plenty of ideas about repertoire, both classic and new, that will suit your voice! Your teacher can also help prepare you for the big day and help you gain the confidence you need to really sell your song. And most voice teachers are knowledgeable about upcoming auditions in their respective communities, so they can help you or your child find local opportunities you may not normally hear about. Break a leg! Looking for  even more song ideas?  Check out our list 400+ songs to sing! Molly R. teaches online and in-person singing lessons in Hayward, CA. Her specialties include teaching beginner vocalists, shy singers, children, teens, lapsed singers, and older beginners. She joined TakeLessons in November 2013. Learn more about Molly  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 Photo by Eva Rinaldi

How to Get the Most Out of Training and Gain Muscles

How to Get the Most Out of Training and Gain Muscles How to Start Circuit Training ChaptersCircuit Training: One Way of Total Body ToningOther Great Methods Besides CrossFit and Cross trainingOptimize Your Muscle Gain with the Power CircuitAdvice on How to Start Circuit TrainingCircuit training is a high intensity, strength training method that has existed for dozens of years and which is becoming more and more popular with athletes of all levels. Circuit training allows for muscle gain, increased endurance and bodyweight loss that is characterized by intense, short and repeated activity.You’re probably wondering what the advantages are of practising this technique of gaining muscle out of the diverse range of methods available to you: CrossFit, cross-training and classic weight lifting. Superprof invites you to discover the reasons why circuit training is the best way to boost your physical fitness, cardiovascular system and to burn fat â€" regardless of what level of training you’re in.Find a good personal trainer here. Ditch workout plans that aren't tailored to your goals and craft your own plan 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 im oleMaths 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 tutorsCircuit Training: One Way of Total Body ToningCircuit training is a specific method of training that involves weight exercises as well as bodyweight exercises accomplished in a series of short, repeated bursts without pauses for rest. Because of this resistance training method, you’ll be able to have a defined set of exercises in advance that can make for an interesting, interval training style workout routine. Before moving on to the next series of moves, you will have a rest interval.One main concern, whatever your gend er, is working on having a strong butt â€" one that can only be accomplished with physical activity. Luckily, circuit training is one of the ways you can accomplish this while losing weight and adapting it to your level.   This method doesn’t just help with losing weight in specific areas but typically involves upper body and lower body workouts.Circuit training is also a great way to work your heart health through cardiovascular exercise and improve endurance and stamina. Cardiovascular exercises are those that cause you to breathe heavily and is normally is characterized by total body movement.In fact, circuit training depends a lot on your respiratory system and your cardio abilities. Any athlete working with circuit training will be able to see the benefits on their heart and lungs through the weight training involved.In sum, circuit training requires little equipment, such as a kettlebell, dumbbell, barbell or medicine ball and can be adapted to all levels. Each workout shoul d include body workouts that work your full body and muscle groups. Some of the muscles you can expect to work are your biceps, triceps, glutes as well as muscles in your abdominal and leg region.Circuit training shouldn’t be confused with HIIT, which stands for high intensity interval training. While HIIT workouts are very similar to circuit training sessions, including using classic moves like squats and push ups, circuit training actually requires each move to be completed consecutively and without a rest break between them.Other Great Methods Besides CrossFit and Cross trainingCircuit training isn’t the only exercise program you can utilize if you’re training in sports â€" there are other methods you might want to check out, depending on your ultimate goal. Some examples, like CrossFit or cross training, can be equally as effective in providing training exercises for weight loss and for improving general, total body performance.CrossFit is a body workout that is derived fr om the CrossFit Inc. society and involves toning muscles, gymnastics, cardio training and more. Each day, a CrossFit athlete will have a WOD or workout of the day, defined for them in advance.Finding maps online that display gyms officially affiliated with CrossFit is a great way of finding a gym that is in your price range as well as willing to be adaptable to whatever sports level. The CrossFit method depends on discipline and intensity.CrossFit is different from circuit training in a number of aspects:Both can use materials like weights, but CrossFit tends to utilize heavier weightsCircuit training is centred around cardiovascular health while CrossFit centres around muscle gainCircuit training can be adapted specifically to womenCircuit training focuses on being a fat loss program that functions on working all parts of the body equallyOn the other hand, both training methods are very similar in many aspects, like the aspect of rest intervals. In both methods, this rest time tend s to be very short. Whether you’re at the gym with a personal trainer or simply workout out at home, both methods will leave you sweating with your heart pounding. Another similarity they share is the fact that both have a diverse range of body areas they focus on. You can combine high intensity cardio with your circuit routineCross Training is another training method you might be interested in to burn calories or body fat, which gets its name from the other two types but actually doesn’t have a lot to do with the two. Actually, cross training is generally used in sports played at the professional level and consists of training in a sport that is distinct to the one you’re already doing in order to reinforce different skills.This method allows an athlete to work on muscles other than the ones typically worked in the sport they specialize in. If you’re currently not training in a sport at a higher level, this method is probably not of interest.Optimize Your Muscle Gain with the Power CircuitIn order to work on specific areas of the body, athletes often turn to classic exercises and machines they can use that involves lifting weights. Weightlifting is one of the most classic methods of training that is characterized by completing the liftin g movement and then pausing between each rep of lifting.As you can see, this kind of workout is area-specific: arms, abdominal or legs â€" weightlifting allows you to train and build muscle in an efficient way. Comparing this to circuit training, instead of getting a general workout that works the whole body, classic weightlifting works specific body parts and is therefore very efficient in building muscle.Check for a personal trainer near me here.This, however, doesn’t mean that circuit training and weightlifting are  incompatible as training workouts. Weightlifting exercises can be integrated in a circuit workout framework and, going further, also combined with cardio exercise. For example, in order to move from a classic circuit training session, aimed for beginners, to a complex circuit training, aimed at muscular endurance, there exists one method called the power circuit.Circuit training has the advantage of increasing your metabolism, or metabolic rate, which is a result of the structure of the full body workout. After each rep, in which the body has a short recovery time, the body starts to burn fat. Methods such as the power circuit training are defined by fat burning exercises, with the number of reps adjustable to each level.For classic power circuit training, it is advised to complete 30 or 40 reps per move, with around 6 different exercises and 5 overall circuits. This framework isn’t static, though, and is meant to be modified according to skill level and the ability for whole-body movement.The efficiency of power circuit training can be traced to the explosive movements: each movement should be strategic and powerful in order for you to get meaningful results. Again, circuit training is based on time and not on the number of repetitions â€" something that applies to power circuit training as well.It’s also advised to alternate movements in order for variation in the areas you are working. This will give both your upper and lower body a wor kout â€" a full-body exercise routine where no muscle should be neglected.One session of power circuit training can be done in less than half an hour and gives you the intensity of weightlifting with the short time commitment of circuit training when compared to classic weightlifting.   There are many other ways to turn your power circuit training session into a cardio workout by incorporating both more anaerobic and aerobic exercise moves in each circuit. Practice circuit training with a friend or family member!Advice on How to Start Circuit TrainingCircuit training is a great way to increase cardiovascular fitness through weightlifting in order to experience both toning and realize your fitness goals. To get all the benefits of circuit training, you should prioritize good form.Your benefit from the total body workout of circuit training either with friends or alone, depending on what style of workout atmosphere you prefer. Regardless of what you choose, make sure your training environment is secure and safe.Completing strength exercises and body workouts for weight control is only one component to a healthy body. Paying close attention to what you feed your body and mind is an essential part of feeling and looking healthy.In order to reap the most fat burning and endurance building benefits out of the bodyweight exercises you do in this type of fitness program, eating a healthy diet will be just as important to building up your major muscle groups as the pushups and lunges you perform.Here are some examples of the types of exercises you’re likely to encounter in circuit training:Inverse crunchesRowingBurpeesJumping jacks or jump ropeMountain climber or jogging in placeTriceps or tricep dipsThe ideal circuit training is composed of a half hour of training and a half hour of rest. Each exercise should last anywhere from 30 seconds to 1 minute, with the same amount of rest time in between each move. What are you waiting for? Start your circuit training today!

Creative Coaching

Creative Coaching Everything You Need to Know About Creative Coaching ChaptersNot Just For Creative PeopleBasic Principles of Creative CoachingWho Could Benefit From Creative Coaching?Benefits of Creative CoachingFinding a Creative CoachCreative coaching is a coaching method that helps individuals grow into their most authentic selves.   The process is designed to bring the coach and the client together to collaborate on identifying and nurturing the clients’ greatest visions for themselves as people whether they are artists or just need a different perspective on life. To be creative is “relating to or involving the imagination.” We are all capable of using our imaginations. Every time we make a decision we imagine which choice we want. By using your imagination, you tap into the creative mind. The creative mind  is where we can make  the changes needed for a better life. Our ability to apply these creative skills, thinking and expression in all aspects of our lives provides enormous benefits and results.Creativity Coaching as a professional pra ctice aims to help clients figure out how to articulate and nurture their creative vision for themselves, recognize obstacles, establish attainable strategies for moving toward their visions and in setting up systems of shred and self-accountability to assist them in achieving their goals.  Creative coaching is all about seeing challenges and solving problems using multiple perspectives. Sometimes, we get caught up in our own thoughts and habits and don’t recognize that we have the tools to see old challenges in a new way. By approaching obstacles in this way, we can often find options and solutions we’ve used successfully in the past.A coach can help you unlock your creativity. (Source: stux)Basic Principles of Creative CoachingAt the centre of coaching is the idea that clients are given the power to help themselves. Creative coaches will not offer advice, give their opinions or pass judgement, but instead, they will equip you with the tools so you can help yourself. Instead o f instructing you, they will guide you to an answer. There are some basic principles of creative coaching that all coaches should follow:- Subjectivity: we all have different perspectives, none of which are 'right' or 'wrong', but some perspectives can be restrictive and can stop a person becoming who they want to be.- Empowerment: it is within everyone's capability to adjust their own perspective. With the tools that you learn through life coaching, anyone can learn to open their mind to achieve their goals.- Guidance: there is a difference between an instructor and a guide. An instructor shows a person exactly what to do, whereas a guide provides the tools and support a person needs to do something for themselves. A life coach is a guide, not an instructor; they will not tell you what to do.Have you ever thought: I really should update my website; I should call that contact I met last week; I should do a lot of things, but I just don’t have the energy or drive.Coaching can help you deal with these, and any other issues you might have in your career, or your life.Coaching is a means of bringing clarity to your life. It is a tool that will help you unlock your innate and natural creativity.Coaching helps you overcome the stumbling blocks that are holding you back from being the very best that you want to be.And there’s the core of creative coaching: it’s about what you want to be. Not what your agent, your boss, your partner, your friends, or even your life coach wants you to be.Coaching is not therapy. Rather, it is for people who are stable and grounded, yet feel stuck. Life coaches will encourage you to look at the present and the future, rather than dwelling on the past.A creative coach can improve many areas in your life (Source: jill111)Benefits of Creative CoachingCreative coaching can help you face your day with energy and enthusiasm, brimming with ideas and positivity to face the day. It can help you tap into your creative side so you can look a t life from a different perspective and think outside the box to find solutions to your problems, whether at work or at home.When you have clarity about what is important, essential and necessary in your work, in your life, then creative changes begin to happen. The exciting thing about tapping into your natural creativity is that once you start, your creativity overflows into all aspects of your life.Even if you don’t think you’re the creative ‘type’, we all have creativity in us. Creativity flows from a clear and calm mind. There is nothing to stop you from tapping into your natural store of talent. It is only the clutter within your mind that prevents your true creativity from shining through.Even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush, it doesn’t mean you don’t have the potential for creative expression. If you’ve ever cooked a meal, chaired a meeting, played a sport or written a report, then you’ve used your innate creative talents.Creative coaching can help b ring these talents out in a client no matter your profession.If you are a writer, photographer, artist, designer, musician, filmmaker, craftsperson or anyone in the creative industries, life coaching can help you tap into new and deeper layers of creativity to help you reach levels of success you’ve only dreamed of before.If you are a salesperson supplying goods and services to the creative industries; if you run a gallery; if you work with public arts organisations; if you’re an artists’ agent; if you are part of any business that is connected to the creative industries; then life coaching can help you find creative solutions that will make your business more efficient, more effective and more profitable.Finding a Creative CoachIn the UK creative coaching is an unregulated profession. This basically means that anyone can call themselves a coach. This doesn’t mean that you won’t find a great coach, it just makes it essential you do your research.Search online directories t o find coaches that have memberships with a professional body and have the appropriate insurance cover and qualifications.Having said this, rapport is one of the most important factors in finding the right coach for you. So don’t focus solely on qualifications but instead focus on finding someone you feel comfortable with.It’s a good idea to get in touch with a coach before you book a session. This way you can get a feel of what the coach is like before you commit yourself. Don’t feel obliged to continue if you don't want to, you are choosing someone to help you reach your personal goals so make sure you find someone you’re happy with.There are many resources online where you can find the right coach for you. You can search for specialist business coaches, relationship, spirituality or even creative coaches (if you need some help finding creativity in your life!).Sites like this one are full of resources to find a coach. Simply type in your postcode or town and hit the sear ch button to find a coach near you. Here you’ll find different profiles which describe who they are and what they do.No matter where you look for a coach make sure you do your research. Check that they have references, relevant experience and be picky!Creative coaching is something we can all benefit from at some point in life. It can help all of us find different perspectives on life and is a tool that can enrich our lives and help us lead a happier one!See more about these different types of coaching:personal development coachinghealth coachingbusiness coachingspiritual life coach

Billingsville Family Night - Heart Math Tutoring

Billingsville Family Night - Heart Math Tutoring Billingsville Family Night Billingsville Family Night January 15, 2016 Watch this third grader  show what she knows at family night. She has learned  the parts of 10, and shes ready to quiz her tutor! Combinations to 10 is the title of Heart’s third  concept notebook. It is considered the linchpin within the curriculum, as so many higher level skills depend on the ability to compose and decompose numbers up to 10. The student shown in this video now knows all the ways that 10 can be broken into two parts, as demonstrated by naming the missing piece in this hiding game. In this video, she quizzes her tutor with this same game. We love to see her feeling confident enough to turn the tables and act as the tutor!

5 Books to Read for Black History Month

5 Books to Read for Black History Month 5 Books to Read for Black History Month February is Black History Month, an opportunity to teach your children about the historical accomplishments and struggles of African Americans. By connecting children with history, they’ll gain a better understanding of the world they live in and develop compassion for other people. Taken from the Kumon Recommended Reading List, below is a collection of inspirational books honoring African heritage. Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears  by Verna Aardema This Caldecott Medal-winning folktale from Africa demonstrates the consequences of lying to others through a story of a mosquito causing a jungle disaster. This well-illustrated, moral lesson is funny and a great conversation starter about telling the truth. The Day  GoGo Went to Vote  by Elinor Batezat Sisulu This beautifully illustrated book marks a pivotal event in history. In 1994, South Africa held their first general election where all races could vote. As a result, Nelson Mandela was elected the first black head of state in that country. The story is told through the eyes of a young, excited girl who accompanies her frail and respected grandmother to the voting booth for this milestone occasion. Amos Fortune: Free Man  by Elizabeth Yates This biographical novel won the Newbery Medal for excellence in American children’s literature. Amos Fortune was a young, African prince captured by slave traders, sent overseas, and sold at an auction in New England. This inspiring true story is of a courageous man who goes on to master a trade and gain his freedom at 60 years old. The Other Side of Truth  by Beverley Naidoo Taking place in 1995, this Carnegie Medal winning novel tells a story of two siblings who are exiled out of Nigeria by their father after the children are left motherless by the actions of the corrupt government soldiers. The children flee to England and become Nigerian political refugees in a deeply engaging tale including the highly suspenseful reunification with their father. This book offers a world-view of the complexities in life including human rights and clashes of cultures. Cry, the Beloved Country  by Alan Paton Taking place in South Africa, this important book tells a compassionate story leading up to apartheid from 1948-1994. It weaves together the lives of a black minister, a white farmer, and the son of each. The reader is immediately caught up in the gravity of each character’s situation and irrevocably drawn into the plot that ensures. By the end, the profound power of the human spirit prevails. You might also be interested in: Booklist to Celebrate Chinese Culture Happy Read Across America Day! Kick-off National Reading Month by Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday With These Fun Activities 8 Must-Read Collections of Poetry on Kumon’s Recommended Reading List 5 Tips to Celebrate National Family Literacy Month 5 Books to Read for Black History Month 5 Books to Read for Black History Month February is Black History Month, an opportunity to teach your children about the historical accomplishments and struggles of African Americans. By connecting children with history, they’ll gain a better understanding of the world they live in and develop compassion for other people. Taken from the Kumon Recommended Reading List, below is a collection of inspirational books honoring African heritage. Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears  by Verna Aardema This Caldecott Medal-winning folktale from Africa demonstrates the consequences of lying to others through a story of a mosquito causing a jungle disaster. This well-illustrated, moral lesson is funny and a great conversation starter about telling the truth. The Day  GoGo Went to Vote  by Elinor Batezat Sisulu This beautifully illustrated book marks a pivotal event in history. In 1994, South Africa held their first general election where all races could vote. As a result, Nelson Mandela was elected the first black head of state in that country. The story is told through the eyes of a young, excited girl who accompanies her frail and respected grandmother to the voting booth for this milestone occasion. Amos Fortune: Free Man  by Elizabeth Yates This biographical novel won the Newbery Medal for excellence in American children’s literature. Amos Fortune was a young, African prince captured by slave traders, sent overseas, and sold at an auction in New England. This inspiring true story is of a courageous man who goes on to master a trade and gain his freedom at 60 years old. The Other Side of Truth  by Beverley Naidoo Taking place in 1995, this Carnegie Medal winning novel tells a story of two siblings who are exiled out of Nigeria by their father after the children are left motherless by the actions of the corrupt government soldiers. The children flee to England and become Nigerian political refugees in a deeply engaging tale including the highly suspenseful reunification with their father. This book offers a world-view of the complexities in life including human rights and clashes of cultures. Cry, the Beloved Country  by Alan Paton Taking place in South Africa, this important book tells a compassionate story leading up to apartheid from 1948-1994. It weaves together the lives of a black minister, a white farmer, and the son of each. The reader is immediately caught up in the gravity of each character’s situation and irrevocably drawn into the plot that ensures. By the end, the profound power of the human spirit prevails. You might also be interested in: Booklist to Celebrate Chinese Culture Happy Read Across America Day! Kick-off National Reading Month by Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday With These Fun Activities 8 Must-Read Collections of Poetry on Kumon’s Recommended Reading List 5 Tips to Celebrate National Family Literacy Month

My Week 3 Progress Learning Korean

My Week 3 Progress Learning Korean Amelia  from the UK is currently taking the italki World Cup Language Challenge to learn Korean.  She uploaded a Public Video Pledge  and even started a personal blog site to help motivate her Hallyu to ???.   We were so impressed with her efforts that we asked if we could repost what she had written on her personal blog as she gives weekly updates on her progress.  Check out her latest post reposted with permission. Hey guys, a bit late this week so I’m sorry! My boss is out of the office which means work has been crazier than usual and I’ve stayed up late to do this. I’m still on target hours wise and still enjoying the lessons. My practice is gradually creeping up and I’m starting to speak to my Korean friends in basic sentences. I even went to watch the football match with them on Sunday, although unfortunately they lost relatively badly. My brain doesn’t always quite catch up with the speed of talking but when sentences are directed at me by people who know my level, I can usually get the gist of what is going on. I think I need to work on my reading speed too. One of my teachers makes me read dialogues a couple of times to make my speaking more natural but as the grammar gets harder and the sentences get longer, my hangul reading doesn’t always keep up with the natural conversation flow. That, however, will come with time. I have to keep reminding myself I only started 2 months ago and I can’t learn everything at once! The last week or so we have done a lot of grammar and vocab and I do think my brain may be getting a little saturated at present. I may ask to do some reviewing sometime soon just to make sure I’m not replacing old stuff with new all the time. This week my video may not be quite so exciting as its more of a review but I was quite surprised with how much grammar I’ve picked up already. Its just connecting it from one topic to another that is key at the moment. Hopefully I’ll be back next week with a better dialogue! I might be going to Moim tomorrow as well as Friday this week if I can leave work earlyish, which would mean I was practicing my Korean every day this week â€" dedication or what?! Amelia x My Week 3 Progress Learning Korean Amelia  from the UK is currently taking the italki World Cup Language Challenge to learn Korean.  She uploaded a Public Video Pledge  and even started a personal blog site to help motivate her Hallyu to ???.   We were so impressed with her efforts that we asked if we could repost what she had written on her personal blog as she gives weekly updates on her progress.  Check out her latest post reposted with permission. Hey guys, a bit late this week so I’m sorry! My boss is out of the office which means work has been crazier than usual and I’ve stayed up late to do this. I’m still on target hours wise and still enjoying the lessons. My practice is gradually creeping up and I’m starting to speak to my Korean friends in basic sentences. I even went to watch the football match with them on Sunday, although unfortunately they lost relatively badly. My brain doesn’t always quite catch up with the speed of talking but when sentences are directed at me by people who know my level, I can usually get the gist of what is going on. I think I need to work on my reading speed too. One of my teachers makes me read dialogues a couple of times to make my speaking more natural but as the grammar gets harder and the sentences get longer, my hangul reading doesn’t always keep up with the natural conversation flow. That, however, will come with time. I have to keep reminding myself I only started 2 months ago and I can’t learn everything at once! The last week or so we have done a lot of grammar and vocab and I do think my brain may be getting a little saturated at present. I may ask to do some reviewing sometime soon just to make sure I’m not replacing old stuff with new all the time. This week my video may not be quite so exciting as its more of a review but I was quite surprised with how much grammar I’ve picked up already. Its just connecting it from one topic to another that is key at the moment. Hopefully I’ll be back next week with a better dialogue! I might be going to Moim tomorrow as well as Friday this week if I can leave work earlyish, which would mean I was practicing my Korean every day this week â€" dedication or what?! Amelia x