Friday, 23 November 2012

Why Early Education is a Necessity to Your Child

Looking for a house you might have taken help from New Hampshire property management. Before showing you a house to fit your needs, the property management New Hampshire might have asked you a certain questions about what your general requirements are. Or, what are the facilities that you would like to have in your neighborhood?

One of the many preferences that you tell the property dealers is a school for your child. If your child is young, and you are looking for the very first school, you need to be very careful. This is because early education of your child is responsible for molding his academics as well as his personality. Moreover, it will also decide how your kid turns out in the future.

Your child needs early education for a number of reasons.

The most important reason why your child needs proper early education is because he needs to learn how to speak his mind. Children who are able to speak what they think tend to succeed in developing good communication skills.

According to different professional teachers who specialize in early teaching, the very first thing a child needs to do is open up. Many children do not speak much. As a result, they remain to be a mystery, not only to the ones around them, but also to their own selves.

Early learning for a child also holds true significance because it emphasizes on interaction. As a part of learning, children have to express their feelings and ideas to other children around them.

At home a child is comfortable, and free to speak whatever he wants. However, once surrounded by people, he learns to interact with them, develop good communication skills, and also behave well.

One important factor why early education is important is teamwork. Through different tasks at school and also during playtime, a child gets to learn how to work as a team. Many children like to stay docile when they are alone. However when it comes to working as a team, they can be very responsive.

For primary learners, the focus is mainly on mental development. This is why learning is made fun. With different techniques learning can be made exciting for them. This way they do not get bored and neither are they scared of education. Moreover, if learning is enjoyed, they tend to remember the concepts all their lives.

Apart from mental development, institutions also concentrate on a child’s physical development. Play times, exercises, sports, field trips and other outdoor activities make sure that he is growing healthy from the inside as well.

Many people home school their children. Even though this method also teaches the same things as taught at a school, general concepts are untouched. A child behaves differently when surrounded by people. Similarly, factors such as working as a team, outdoor activities and interaction, are not taken in consideration.

When you are looking for early education for your child, make sure you keep all these factors in your mind. After all, it is the early education that decides the future of your kid.

Submitted By: → Stewart Wrighter

Friday, 16 November 2012

Start Your Child's Education Early

Studies have shown that the most important period of a child’s life is their first five years. Children are capable of learning from a very early age, so it is ideal to expose them to a nurturing and educational environment during those years. By providing an environment that is fun-filled, safe and stimulating, you can ensure that your child gets off to a great start.

While adults typically think of play-time as a form of entertainment, it can actually teach your child a great deal about themselves and the world around them. Believe it or not, playing peek-a-boo is actually beneficial for your child. The earlier a child develops these skills, the more significant the long term impact will be.

Self-esteem, confidence, coordination, problem-solving skills, and social skills, are but a few examples of the benefits that can be gained through play. Self esteem can be enhanced by responding affectionately to your child’s actions. Whether they coo, gurgle, burp, cry or smile, giving your child a positive reaction and providing lots of enthusiasm will have incredible benefits.

Physical coordination can be developed by changing your child’s position, and allowing him/her the opportunity to move about. Encourage movement and mobility at an early age by placing toys and objects a short distance away from your child. Giving your child different toys with different shapes, textures and colors will encourage interaction and help develop physical coordination. There are many toys on the market specifically designed to stimulate creative thought and action.

Playing hide-and-seek can help your child develop problem solving skills. By placing a toy behind your back and encouraging your baby to find it, you will give your child an early appreciation for cause and effect. Also by giving a baby a rattle, the baby will comprehend they can make noise by themselves if they shake it. An understanding of cause and effect will put your child on the right path to a lifetime of learning.

As your child grows older, consider giving your child some household duties or chores. A child as young as two can start to learn the meaning of responsibility. Use the word “special” frequently and give them age-appropriate tasks such as handing out napkins at the dinner table. Be sure to encourage your child through positive affirmation of his/her actions.

The following are other general tips to enhance the developmental stages of your young child’s life:

• Go to the library with your child to pick out a book, and then read it together.
• Encourage your child to explore arts and crafts to develop their creative side.
• The internet is a great educational tool for children. There are some great sites out there!
• Watch TV with your child and talk about what they see on screen.
• Buy them educational toys.
• Allow your child the opportunity to interact with other children regularly.

Submitted By: → Rachel Thompson

Tuesday, 13 November 2012

Savings Account Payday Loans



We all know that getting a loan sanctioned is a very tiring and lengthy process. It involves a lot of paperwork and other such legal formalities to be completed on the part of the borrower. To help all such people in easily availing the credit help, we have introduced some very quick hassle free loans. These are known as savings account payday loans.
As the name suggests savings account payday loans are fast loans are credited directly to your bank account. It saves a lot of time. As a borrower, you do not have to worry about anything. Progress is offered for a very short time span. In most cases, this period is a few weeks. The loan amount is too small. It can vary between $ 100 to $ 1500.
Currently loans are offered only to U.S. permanent residents. These people must have attained the age of 18 years if they want the loan to be approved. They also must have a bank account in the United States. This assures the lender about the credibility of the borrower. As a borrower, you can also apply for loans from your home as well. It has become possible with the help of internet. This is the fastest way to get a loan approved.
Usually a few people from the standpoint that these loans are offered with a higher interest rate on them. This is because of the reason that the loan offered by the creditor without any credit verification. To address the additional risk taken by lenders, they charge higher, but look at her all the benefits, this is not a hurdle today.
Savings account payday loans small short-term cash loans given to borrowers in their difficult times. These loans are not only convenient to apply but very fast as well.

Friday, 9 November 2012

Early Childhood Education Programs It's Never To Early To Start Learning

Is there young children around your home right now? Running playing, making a mess sometimes, it is a wonderful time in a child's life. They're not old enough to have to attend school, yet they are developing the ability to be able to do so much. You should embrace this stage while it's here, because before you know it it's gone. Something that I wish I would've researched when my daughter was younger was childhood education programs. There are more common today then when my girl was younger. Today parents often pounce on the chance to provide their child with a head start. By placing your kids in an early childhood program they are given the chance to get a feel for what's coming in kindergarten.

If you're one of those parents that is considering an early childhood education program good for you. It's a great way to propel your son or daughter. The more they learn at an early age the better off they are as they progress into public of private schools. They'll be introduced to curriculum's, and the different learning processes. There are a lot of kids that enter the public school system when they are four or five and have trouble adjusting to what's exactly going on. Of course this is because they're only interaction each day has been with their parents, now suddenly there are hundreds of other children, and only one teacher to instruct. Often kids don't take well to this scenario right away.

If you enroll your child in an early childhood education program you will help show your children exactly what to expect when they do reach public school. You'll likely have a greater success rate of your child adjusting well when they enter school as well.

Now if you don't want to place them in early childhood education programs there are other options. Another wonderful way for your child to get a head start is with the Internet. The online world is loaded up with educational games to help teach your child new things in a fun way. I encouraged my daughter to play these games when ever she wanted from age four on. Some of these games she still enjoys playing today even at age eight.

If you are considering enrolling your son or daughter in early childhood education programs I recommend you do some research online to see what is available in your area. You'll likely find numerous websites and find the perfect program for your child close by. It's never to early for them to start learning, and hopefully they'll never stop.

Submitted By: → D Fraser

Friday, 2 November 2012

How Early Childhood Education Affects a Child

Parents who are thinking of enrolling their children in an early childhood education may encounter a lot of issues regarding the appropriateness. There is an on-going debate with regards to sending children to school before they even reach 5 years old. Some people believe that kids are better off playing and enjoying their childhood, while others think that children need to be taught early on. Both of these may be due to the fact that they just want their children to enjoy, while others simply want to take advantage of the intelligence they possess during this stage.

While there may be some facilities offering educational activities for children below 5 years old called day care, this is not really the formal early childhood education. It is simply much like a baby sitting service since it usually offers toys and other activities that incorporates fun and learning. In this facility, education is not much emphasized. In the recent times, early childhood education puts its focus on the formal learning process as well as the other vital operations.

According to research, some children can benefit from an early childhood education. There is a lot of effective curriculum for kids all over the world. Basically, the schools give the parents a guarantee that they will keep the children safe in the school. Aside from the facilities, the pupils will be able to learn and enjoy the educational programs offered. This usually covers playing, learning, as well as socializing. These aspects are integrated together in preparation for primary school. As expected, some children will excel in other areas, while others will simply show average result. Nevertheless, these children are expected to stand out in academics in so far as the age group is concerned.

Amongst the primary purposes of early childhood education is the early onset in introducing the learning process to them. Before even reaching pre-school age, some parents think it is appropriate to expose them little by little to what their life will be in a few years. During this phase, the child will not just experience the regular brain development, but they are also given the chance to enhance their physical and verbal abilities, too.

The skill of the teacher is crucial in early childhood education. Patience and variety are needed in keeping these little children interested. They will not just use the conventional lesson plans, but they will also prepare the resources for their pupils. Creativity is a must since they need various types of teaching styles in keeping their attention span, and energy at bay.

The concept of early childhood education is fairly new, and has been increasingly popular amongst families with the goal of ensuring their child excels as they grow up. While this idea is appropriate for some children, chances are, this will not do well with other kids. Before having your child sign up to one, make sure you do the necessary research. Furthermore, assess whether your child is mature enough to handle this much stress. Above all, let your child realize that you will always be there every step of the way.

Submitted By: → Nicole Mae Patrick

Friday, 26 October 2012

A Review Of Early Childhood Education Programs

Pre-school years are a fun time in your child’s life. At this age they begin to develop and learn the skills needed for their future. It’s a phase that passes quite quickly yet it is at this time that they exhibit a lot of potential. Nowadays early childhood education programs are available for children at this age. Parents are now willing to give their children a head start in life. By going through an early childhood education program a child can have a decent grasp of the situation when they enter their kindergarten years.

It would be wise to consider an early childhood program for your pre-school children. It can be an important part of your child’s intellectual growth. The earlier a child is taught the brighter the future for that child will be. It prepares the child for the learning process and the curriculum that are offered in public schools. Many children experience problems as they adjust to the public school environment.

The adjustment difficulty may be due to the sudden change of environment. Children who have been cooped-up with their parents at home can be shocked to an environment dominated by the teacher and the presence of other children. An early childhood education program may be able to help your children cope with the sudden change in the environment and may help them have a greater learning success rate. Another way that you may consider to prepare your children for education and learning is through the Internet.

The World-Wide-Web is packed with children’s games that can enhance their learning capacity in a fun filled environment. In the process of having fun, they begin to develop and learn useful skills they need for their education. Online games can stimulate children from four up to seven years old. This inventive technology can help your child develop learning and understanding skills.

If you are planning early childhood program for your child, then you should consider trying the Internet for games that can help your child. Browse through a number of sites to discover that ideal early childhood program for your pre-school darling. Give them an early head start for their future.

Submitted By: → Morgan Hamilton

Friday, 19 October 2012

Benefits of an Early Childhood Education

Not every child is given a choice when it comes to preschool, or an early childhood education. Some parents put their children in preschool because they have to go to work. Others use preschool as a way to introduce their children into the social realm of life. There are some children who are given the choice. They can choose whether they want to start school at an earlier age, or wait until they are old enough to attend a kindergarten. While it is important to allow children to make their own decisions in life, there are some benefits to requiring your children to have an early childhood education.

Learning Abilities For The Future

By starting when a child is very young, they can learn how to learn. Going to school on the very first day is intimidating for many children. They might not know what they need to do in order to get an education. Preschools or other early childhood education choices are great ways for a child to pick up the ability to learn. When they enter kindergarten or first grade on the first day of school, they will have already done something similar, and time will not have to be wasted. The children will already know that they need to sit at their own spot, whether it is at a desk or on a rug. They will hopefully have an understanding about there being a teacher who will give instructions. Children who go to preschool before kindergarten have already learned ABC’s and 123’s and will be ready to jump right in to whatever is next.

The Social Aspect

While some children are natural social butterflies, others need a little encouragement. Being at home all day with Mom has many benefits as well, but if a child does not know how to associate with other children and adults, because all they have are parent/child relationship skills, it could cripple them when they enter the public school system. Preschool age children are just innocent enough that they will not judge your child, giving them the opportunity to make friends in a social setting of their own, without having to hold Mom and Dad’s hand.

Success In Life

Sending your child to a preschool will not guarantee success for them throughout their life, but statistics show that it could help. Children who are involved in early childhood education programs are more likely to finish college and earn more money than others. They are also less likely to be arrested or to get involved in drugs.

An Important Truth

Something that parents need to realize is that their children need their help. Simply sending your child to a preschool will not guarantee their success in the program. You, as the parent, need to be involved. Know what is going on at school. Be there to help them with homework or special projects. Find out who their friends are. It might seem like something that you don’t need to worry about until they are in high school, but the truth is that whatever habits and standards you set now will go with you and your children throughout all of their schooling experiences.

An early childhood education outside the home is not a requirement and will not guarantee success. There are some benefits however, if someone does decide to send their child to a preschool or other early childhood education program. By taking some time to research your different options, and by getting involved with your child’s education at a young age, your children can be successful.

Submitted By: → Lawrence J. Reaves

Friday, 12 October 2012

Is Online Education Cheaper Than Traditional On-Campus Education?

Along with the widespread advantages of online education, wouldn’t that be an additional bonus if the tuition was cheaper as well? Contrary to popular belief, tuition fees for online education are not cheaper than your traditional brick and mortar college or university education. Current information that boasts cheaper online education can be misleading.

There are a lot of “what ifs” when it comes to education costs. Tuition will certainly be more expensive if you attend a private school as opposed to a public school. But you will not find any great cost savings by attending school online instead of on-campus. The courses you choose, whether online or on-campus, will generally cost you a specified amount per credit. Depending on the amount of credits your degree or certificate needs, will decide the total cost of your tuition.

If you do happen to come across an unbelievable deal for achieving your degree online, then beware. The validity of the degree may be as unbelievable as the price. Diploma Mills will take your money in exchange for a fake degree. They are a huge business and make lots of money off of the unsuspecting student. A sure sign of a Diploma Mill is if you see “Achieve your Bachelor’s Degree for $425” or “Get Your Degree in as little as 27 Days” –Beware! If what the online school is offering seems too good to be true – it probably is.

So, despite its convenience and flexibility, online education offers no cost advantage on your tuition. But wait, you can still save money. Having the ability to engage in your education from the comforts of your own home has many cost savings benefits attached to it. You could save hundreds or thousands of dollars alone in:

Auto Expenses – first off, there isn’t the extra expense of gas and we are all aware (and sensitive) towards our rising gasoline prices. Depending on how far you would typically have to drive to university, this could be a substantial savings. Parking on campus can also do a good job at keeping your wallets empty over the course of a semester. And there are always other accompanying costs which come with owning a vehicle.

Room and Board – If the college or university offering your program is too far away that you can’t commute, then online education can save you a huge chunk of cash on not having to pay for food and lodging close to the campus. Costs for room and board alone can sometimes add up to more than the tuition fees.

There are still other minor cost savings benefits that are recognized from taking your courses online. But the real benefit is that, if it wasn’t for online education, some people wouldn’t have the ability to pursue a post secondary education at all. Many are working or have families and they cannot attend school during the day. For others, online education can be the source of “hard to find” course that they need. The benefits are many.

The costs of developing, implementing and delivering distance education courses can be substantial. Online Institutions have not passed these costs onto the students as one would think. We are actually fortunate that the cost of online education isn’t higher than on-campus tuitions.

Submitted By: → Jacquie Cattanach

Wednesday, 10 October 2012

Learn English And Travel The World

Have you always wanted to travel the world? Almost every individual has this desire to travel but some of them hesitate at the thought of travelling to English-speakingcountries. A lot of people have this hesitation that is not unfounded. It can be quite nerve-racking to travel to a foreign country that you have never ever been to with very little knowledge of their language. It can be quite a challenge to communicate while getting around the city if you know very few English words.

If you want to travel to all parts of the world and experience various cultures then you should start by trying to learn English. You can learn English by taking lessons from a native English speaker. By taking English lessons, you will be able to learn how to speak the language well. This way, when you finally travel to a foreign country you can communicate in English really well.

It can be very frustrating to get lost in a foreign country and have a hard time asking for directions from the locals just because you cannot communicate well in English. It is just not possible to ask for directions to the museum by making hand gestures. The locals may lose patience with you and just walk away or maybe even think you are crazy. When you learn English you can read all the English street signs very well so there might not even be any need for you to ask for directions from the locals. This is nthe reason why it is important to learning English if you want to travel all over the world.

Even if you travel to other countries that do not have English as their native language, being able to speak well in English can still be very useful. After all it is not possible to force yourself to learn the native language of all the countries that you wish to visit. This can take years and years to accomplish. If you learn English then that should be more than adequate to get you through your travels all over the world. This is because English is a universal language. Even if you travel to a non-English speaking country there is still bound to be a few locals that you will meet along the way that can speak English fluently. If you ever need directions then you can just ask around for some locals or fellow tourists who can speak English as well as you do. One way to learn English is by Skype with a native speaker. For more details visit our link.


By : Rodney Marsh

Monday, 8 October 2012

Get Paid to Travel the World – and Never Hold a Job - travel magazine, travel guides

Who wouldn't want a fun job that involves traveling to different beautiful locations?
The allure of travel is a great incentive. Most people would give up their careers just to get such jobs. They are categorized as travel jobs and nowadays, they are some of the most sought after careers.

A good number of travel job positions are, for a lot of reasons, very competitive. Therefore, if you want to land one, you must improve your qualifications and have an impressive resume. Fortunately, there are other kinds of travel jobs that do not require too much education. Sometimes, your enthusiasm and determination is enough to get you hired.

Some travel jobs rely on skills and resourcefulness. Travel can be a resource for businesses. You can use your trips to make or find products that you can sell; the journey can be used for inspiration to create writings that anyone can utilize as a marketing tool to generate sales.

In any form, travel jobs are generally fun. Now if you want one, consider these examples. Maybe you have what it takes to become successful in these careers.

Fun Travel Job #1: Cruise Ship Employee

Working on cruise liners lets you travel to different tourist destinations. The environment is full of fun and amusement and you can also meet a lot of interesting and beautiful people.
Cruise Liners offer plenty of jobs. In fact, they have a lot of positions to fill because cruise ships have so many areas of responsibility and they offer countless of services to on board patrons.
If you have adequate skills in a particular field, you can try your luck and apply to a cruise company. Just be sure that you have good people skills and great enthusiasm. Entry level jobs are relatively easy to get but they may only have satisfactory compensation. Low level jobs may have meager salaries but you can get tips especially if you are constantly in contact with vacationing clients. Vacationers are usually generous and always in a good mood.
You can climb up the career ladder quickly if your work performance is excellent and beyond expectations.

Fun Travel Job #2: Travel and Tour Organizer/Guide

Do you like to lead group travels? Be a travel organizer/guide. The job is fun and easy especially for persons with the penchant for traveling and organizing.
People skills are required along with a vast knowledge of history, geography, and arts to some extent. You will be educating people on the journey while making their experience enjoyable and worthwhile. As a guide, you must be prepared for any unforeseen events and must be able to carry out contingency plans with confidence and calm demeanor.
You can become affiliated with an agency or work as a freelancer or as a contractor. Tips and bonuses from clients is also a common occurrence.

Fun Travel Job #3: Travel Photographer

Traveling offers a lot of scenic view and cultural activities which translate into excellent photo opportunities. If you have the skills and equipment to capture beautiful pictures, you can become a travel photographer and earn money for every snapshot you make.
You can sell photos online or simply get hired by interested businesses. Publishers of travel magazines and newspapers are the usual buyers but some business establishments like hotels and resorts may be in need of your service.

travel magazine, travel guides, travel tips, travel news, tourism news


By : Rajat Leblanc Singh

Saturday, 6 October 2012

How to Travel the World for Only $1,000 a Month

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." - St. Augustine

Do you believe that it's expensive to travel? Have you ever excitedly looked over a glossy brochure of your dream vacation, only to discover that it will cost you thousands and thousands of dollars for a single 10 day vacation?

If this has happened to you, I can understand. I too would dream about traveling the world, but get disenhearted when I saw those expensive price tags placed on travel.

But I have learned that travel is NOT expensive. You see, travel agencies want you to believe that it costs a LOT of money to travel. That way they can jack-up the prices of tours to earn a bigger commission for themselves. They want you to think that you must have money, a lot of money, to be able to travel.

This kind of thinking does not help the majority of us. It distances us from our dreams.

A fact that most people don't realize, is that world travel can be down-right cheap. It can actually be cheaper, a lot cheaper, than staying at home.

It amuses me that travel agencies try to SELL travel. They try to get you to pay for things that you can do all by yourself. They try to keep this a secret, but -

You Don't Need Them.

What do people do when they travel anyway? They get a place to sleep, eat, use transportation systems and spend money on entertainment and a few miscellaneous things like laundry, clothes and souvenirs.

What do you do at home? You pay the rent, buy your food (and sometimes go out to eat), you drive or use the bus, and you spend money on entertainment and a few miscellaneous things like cable and utilities.

Travel costs are really the same damn thing as staying at home; the big difference is that you'll be seeing and doing a lot of different things.

Let me ask you this: If I were to offer you a place to stay in your home-town, meals, entertainment for you of my choosing, and have a strictly scheduled shuttle-bus that takes you where I want you to go and when, and I'll only charge you $10,000 a month for the BASIC package, would you accept it?

Not only would you not accept it, but you'd

LAUGH IN MY FACE!

So why do travelers consistently do this very-same thing? Why do they pay travel agencies a ton of money for the very things they can do all by themselves, for a lot cheaper, and for a lot more freedom and flexibility?

World travel is not expensive at all if you know how to do it. It is easily possible to travel the world for only $1,000 a month or less; that's only about $33 a day.

How much do you spend on a normal day at home?

Here is an example of a single-person's average monthly expenses in the United States (this is a modest estimate):

Rent: $800 a month

Food: $300

Transportation (gas, insurance): $400

Utilities (phone, internet, electricity, water, cable): $300

Entertainment: $300

Misc. (clothes, gifts, doctor bills): $400

Total: $2,500

Now let's sum-up the average monthly costs of world travel (when you know how to do it):

Hotels: $300

Food: $150

Transportation: $300

Utilities: $0.00

Entertainment/Site-Seeing: $200

Misc. (internet cafes, souvenirs, clothes): $50

Total: $1,000

Let's break this down by day:

Hotel: $10

Food: $5

Transportation: $10

Entertainment/Site-Seeing: $6.67

Misc.: $1.67

Daily total: $33.34 USD

World travel costs less than staying at home, and offers a lot more freedom.

I'm sure you're thinking that I am grossly under-estimating travel costs. But actually, the expenses above can be a LOT cheaper.

Did you know that in some countries you can book a three- star hotel for $10? Or that you can get comfortable accommodation for as low as $0.50 to $6.00 per night? Are you aware of the tens of thousands of people across the globe that invite travelers to stay at their homes - for free?

How about food? Full-blown buffets are offered for $0.50. Lunches with soup, the main course, a soda and dessert can be had for $1.50. Some companies will even pay you to dine at their restaurants!

Transportation? How about taxis that go anywhere in the city for $2. Inter-country buses for $20 to $50. Or international flights at 80% off?

By balancing your travels with expensive countries and cheap countries, your average travel costs can be just $1,000 a month or less.

Remember, people actually live in the countries that are foreign to you. In some countries the average monthly wage is only $150 - but it is enough to live on.

If they're not paying thousands and thousands of dollars a month to be where they are, then why should you?

In many places, with just $1,000 a month to spend, far from living like a pauper, you'll be living like a king.


By : Thomas Carroll

The Top Choices in Early Learning Education

As a parent you are faced with many choices when it comes to the development and education of your children at all stages of their life. One of the most important decisions any parent can make is what method of childcare they opt for in the crucial period up to 5 years of age. This article looks at the various options now available regarding childcare for under fives.

Many studies have shown that there is a direct link between the quality of childcare received in the early years and a Childs long term schooling and social development. And so with the first five years of a Childs life being so crucial what options are now available to parents when it comes to childcare for their kids?

Before we look at the various options available it is important to remember that anyone in the UK who provides childcare for over 2 hours a day and who is rewarded for this should be registered with OFSTED. It is also vital that they have received the correct level of training including first aid training as well as adequate insurance cover in place. If in any doubt about either of these requirements the childcare provider should check with the regulators or a specialist pre school insurance, nursery insurance or childcare insurance provider.

So if the childcare provider makes sure they are compliant there are really 4 main types of childcare option available to parents and guardians and the first of these is using a pre school. A pre school usually operates on a sessional basis and traditionally provide childcare for children aged between 2 years 9 months until they begin school although they can take children younger than this.

The second option available to parents looking for childcare is a nursery. A nursery is more likely to appeal to working parents as they offer extended childcare arrangements including being open most of the year and being open for longer hours. Nurseries are usually run privately, by local educational authorities or by a chain of owners. This differs from pre schools that can be run privately or managed by a committee of volunteers.

As with any of the forms of childcare available nurseries need to make sure they have the correct level of nursery business insurance in place.

Another option available when it comes to childcare is to employ a childminder. A childminder differs from pre schools and nurseries in that they are often individuals who provide childcare from their home and they are extremely flexible. Whereas a pre school or nursery sticks to set times a childminder can be part time, full or pretty much anytime providing they can reach an agreement with the parents of the children they are looking after. This can even extend to weekend and overnight childcare cover which for a parent can be extremely welcome.

As with nurseries and pre schools, childminders are still OFSTED regulated in the UK but can offer advantages that pre schools and nurseries cannot. These include brothers and sisters of different ages being cared for together, care being delivered by the same person and their services being paid for directly as childminders operate on a self employed basis.

The final option available to parents is to employ a nanny to provide childcare for their children. A nanny will usually provide childcare in your home so you can benefit from the numerous advantages of this set up.

The truth is there are many options now available to parents looking for childcare for their children. With the stability that pre schools and even more so nurseries bring combined with the flexibility from childminders and the home comforts of a nanny, there should be something suitable for everyone to make sure their child gets the best possible start in life.

Submitted By: → Mark R Burdett

Tertiary Vocational Education – Bachelors Education With a Difference

Every year thousands of students all over the country complete their schooling, and apply for admissions in colleges and universities for further studies. While the sciences, law, accountancy, banking etc are the popular picks, there is a small but fast growing number who are opting for universities that offer a formal training and education in creative vocational courses like music, dance, dramatics, computers, web designing etc.

The syllabus of these courses is designed with the view to not only provide the theoretical knowledge, but hands-on training and practical know-how in the chosen field; in order to expose the students, and better prepare them for their chosen careers. While the traditional courses follow the semester and examinations system, with practical training and apprenticeship being offered in very few subjects, the creative vocational courses aim at revamping the educational system and pedagogies altogether.

With the growing demand for students who are not just textbook learners or scholars, but are well prepared to meet the dynamic demands of the global workforce in fields like entertainment, IT, travel and tourism, performing arts etc, the need to shift the focus from just the classroom and textbooks has been strongly felt. The teaching methods in vocational courses are very comprehensive and better suited to the creative needs of the students.

·Vocational courses do delve into the history, theory, and a detailing of the concepts, but these are attached too much value. Practicals, projects, training, learning by doing, is the preferred medium of instruction in vocational courses. So while studio work is compulsory in a photography course, most drama classes are organized not in classrooms but in theatres where students are actually exposed to the stage, lighting etc.

·Not only this, but the students are also allowed to choose their specializations, usually from the second or third semester onwards, so the education that they get is not of a general nature, but focuses on the specific skills and training required for their specializations. For instance, a student studying photography can choose to focus on wildlife photography, fashion photography, documentaries etc.

·The teaching staff and faculty in vocational courses are renowned artists and practitioners in their own fields, rather than just being educationists. They work best to understand the needs of the students and the courses and the right methodology to impart the kind of education to their students that will best help them to meet the demands of the job market. Guest lectures by people who have worked successfully in their respective fields are also common, to not only inspire students with their own success stories but to also offer them advice and answer questions and queries that they may have related to their chosen courses.

·Apprenticeship or a training period is a mandatory credit in vocational courses. Working under the guidance of a professional person helps students in ways that no education imparted in any classroom can equal. Dealing with day-to-day occurrences, learning by watching, and taking small but important responsibilities as trainees, helps students prepare themselves for when they would independently start working.

·Examinations are conducted in vocational courses as well, but the written theory exams are not considered indicators of the students progress, but practical performances, projects, actual music recitals, clothes designed by students themselves, short-films made independently and other practical ways of gauging a students progress are given more importance.

Submitted By: → Lorabella

Friday, 5 October 2012

Sound Advice To Help You Save Now For Your Childs Education Using An Education IRA!

This investment retirement account (IRA) is useful to you as an investor to understand because it may be a good way for you to save for your kid’s education AND save on taxes. These plans are now called Coverdell Education Savings Accounts in honor of the late U.S. Sen. Paul Coverdell. Individuals can make annual contributions of up to $2,000 per child into an account that's exclusively for helping to pay higher education costs. The money contributed to a Coverdell account doesn't count against the $3,000 ($3,500 if 50 and older) annual total individuals may contribute to their combined personal individual IRAs.

The earnings and withdrawals from a Coverdell account are tax-free, but you can't deduct the contributions from your income tax because the account is for the benefit of the child, not the contributor. This is great for parents who are good savers and investors who want to make an annual tax-saving contribution that they can invest in the stock market toward the education of a studious and responsible child. In addition, if your child received a Coverdell ESA distribution, you now can also claim Hope Scholarship or Lifetime Learning credits. Just make sure you don't use Coverdell money to pay for the same expenses you use to claim an education credit.

The beneficiary (your child) of the education IRA must withdraw the funds by age 30 if they don’t go to college and pay taxes and penalties on it. However, the account can be transferred to a sibling or the beneficiary's child if they don’t pursue a higher academic degree or use it all.

Once you have the account open you can use the stock market to help finance your child’s education selling the stock at a high price after you have bought it at a low price using the techniques that I teach you in my course “The Blue-Collar Base Bonanza – What the insiders [definitely] don’t want you to know!”.

Submitted By: → Dr. Scott Brown, Ph.D.

Thursday, 4 October 2012

Enjoy Traveling the World 10 Minutes at a Time

Everyone dreams of being able to travel around the world. However, we all do not always have the option to enjoy this type of travel. Travel is a wonderful way to learn new things about the world. The more you can travel, the more likely you will have an opportunity to learn about different cultures, societies, and ideals.

To be successful in your travels require some help. Many websites are dedicated to helping those who wish to world travel. You can learn from the experiences of other travelers so that you do not make the same mistakes they may have. Learn tips to help enhance your trip. Imagine if you could create a special database of facts that you could rely on each time you make plans to travel. Enjoy the benefits of traveling without the hassles that most people have to deal with. In just ten minutes, you can learn a great deal that will help you travel more efficiently and safely.

If you have ten minutes to spare during a break, you can check out what 10minutetravel has to offer. In less time than most people take for a break, you can learn some interesting facts about any place you might be interested in learning about. Pictures and special information that most people do not know about an intended location are provided on this site. You can read articles from people who have actually been to the place you want to go. Some history about the location you want to visit is also provided.

If you are one of those who just enjoy visiting places from a distance, you can still enjoy it all from the safety of your computer. Pictures, videos, and important information are provided to allow you the best chance of learning what you need to know to enjoy traveling (whether it is virtual or physical) the world.


By : Aren Williams

Tuesday, 2 October 2012

Worldwide Travel - Travel the whole world

Worldwide travel is the dream of everyone who loves traveling, but due to high prices of airlines and expensive airfares it is not possible for everyone. Traveling is the most relaxing activity which refreshes and recharges you. Traveling is full of fun, excitement and adventure. There are approx 193 countries in this world where you can travel. Each has its own culture, religion, tradition and lifestyle.

Due to availability of cheap airfares and low cost flights, a worldwide travel has now become possible. Large numbers of airlines are offering low airfares for your travel. Now, you can travel to destination at any corner of the globe. You just need to choose the destination, where you wish to travel. You can travel for holidays, studies, honeymoons and business trips.

For your air travel, you need to search for the best airlines with which you can travel. For this you need to get the information regarding all this. You can take the help of internet, which will give you hundreds of options. There you will find many travel and tour operators providing all the facilities for your travel. These companies will help you to find cheap flights, discount flights, packages and various other similar services.

The famous destinations for holidays are Australia, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Cape Town, India, Thailand, Mauritius, Goa, Malaysia, Manila and many others. Take the cheap flights, cheap packages, travel insurances, car hire, etc., for your travel to the destinations worldwide.

Avoid peak season travel to any destination which you are traveling. You will get all the information on the internet, about the place, its people, culture, food, etc. You can take discount flights, long haul flights, and cheap flights for your air travel. Travel the whole world, by taking advantages of cheap flights and low airfares. A cheap flight doesn't mean low grade flights, but it means flights with low airfares and low prices.

Visiting different destination every time will be a learning experience. When you explore different destinations, you will come to know various things about that place, people, language, food habits, lifestyle and various other things.


By : Jack Smith

Sunday, 30 September 2012

Peru Travel: The Wari Culture

The Peruvian highlands are generally less visited than other more famous areas of the country such as Cusco or Puno. However they possess some hidden gems that should not be missed on a trip to Peru. This culturally rich region abounds with archeological sites, fascinating unspoiled traditions and particularly hospitable people that will make your trip to Peru unforgettable

One of the many interesting sites of Rio Mantaro Valley, in the central sierra, which will ravish all history addicts is the impressive ruins of the ancient capital of the Wari Empire. Fairly unknown by the majority of tourists to Peru, the Wari is a fascinating culture which once encompassed several hillsides outside Ayacucho, between 600 and 1,100 AD. The Wari site is located about 14 miles (23km) north of Ayacucho, and is believed to have been home to over 50,000 at the peak of its development.

The Wari, also spelled Huari, were a militaristic, expansionist and very religious society in the 7th century who managed to conquer most of Peru where they established a strong and oppressive empire, imposing their own language and culture on their subjects. The Wari empire reached its apogee in the 9th century before fragmenting into several sub-groups which were eventually conquered by the Incas.

There are several Wari sites remaining in Peru, the best known being Cerro Baul, north ofMoquega in the far South of the country, Toro Muerto, which are petroglyphs about three hours from Arequipa, the Pachacamac site south of Lima, Pikillacta nearby Cusco, and Wilcahuain near Huaraz. The capital city in the highlands near Ayacucho is the most impressive remnant of the Wari culture.

The influence of the Wari culture on Peruvian history has been particularly strong as they were the first to built roads connecting their outposts, system later extended by the Incas. Their massive buildings were made to resists earthquakes often feature polygonal rock blocks, an architectural element which the Incas also adopted. The Waris are also known for their extraordinarily refined tapestries and woven textiles, among the best produced by any culture in the world. Some well-preserved examples can be seen in several museums in the country.


By : Hortense Soulier

Friday, 28 September 2012

Sound Advice To Help You Save Now For Your Childs Education Using An Education IRA!

This investment retirement account (IRA) is useful to you as an investor to understand because it may be a good way for you to save for your kid’s education AND save on taxes. These plans are now called Coverdell Education Savings Accounts in honor of the late U.S. Sen. Paul Coverdell. Individuals can make annual contributions of up to $2,000 per child into an account that's exclusively for helping to pay higher education costs. The money contributed to a Coverdell account doesn't count against the $3,000 ($3,500 if 50 and older) annual total individuals may contribute to their combined personal individual IRAs.

The earnings and withdrawals from a Coverdell account are tax-free, but you can't deduct the contributions from your income tax because the account is for the benefit of the child, not the contributor. This is great for parents who are good savers and investors who want to make an annual tax-saving contribution that they can invest in the stock market toward the education of a studious and responsible child. In addition, if your child received a Coverdell ESA distribution, you now can also claim Hope Scholarship or Lifetime Learning credits. Just make sure you don't use Coverdell money to pay for the same expenses you use to claim an education credit.

The beneficiary (your child) of the education IRA must withdraw the funds by age 30 if they don’t go to college and pay taxes and penalties on it. However, the account can be transferred to a sibling or the beneficiary's child if they don’t pursue a higher academic degree or use it all.

Once you have the account open you can use the stock market to help finance your child’s education selling the stock at a high price after you have bought it at a low price using the techniques that I teach you in my course “The Blue-Collar Base Bonanza – What the insiders [definitely] don’t want you to know!”.

Submitted By: → Dr. Scott Brown, Ph.D.

Thursday, 27 September 2012

Travel the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in Marrakech

A Marrakech holiday is one full of exotic and rich culture. As you wander the souks and sample the tagine, you will experience a world a million miles away from your own. But outside of the city walls there is an entirely different world awaiting you. Your holiday in Marrakech will take a different turn as you journey the Route of 1000 Kasbahs towards the Atlas Mountains.

Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate, known to the Moroccans as 'the door of the desert', is the first stop for those wishing to take their Marrakech holidays out of the city. South of the High Atlas Mountains, the Berber province has become known for the fortified city or ksah, Ait Benhaddou. This beautifully structured, mud-brick fortification contains many wonderful examples of Kasbahs and, though most inhabitants have moved on, it still houses twelve families who repair the damage the ksah suffers with each heavy rainfall. As you make your way up through the city you'll pass collections of goods crafted by these dwellers, which you can buy as an entirely unique souvenir of your trip. A particularly impressive example of the Moroccan Kasbahs, Ait Benhaddou has been the setting for many successful movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Alexander and The Mummy.

Dades Gorge

Travel a little further into the Atlas Mountains themselves, and you will find the Dades Gorge. The marvellous colours of the valley are the first thing to notice, with the green riverbed lined with volcanic red rock. Impressive Kasbahs are dotted over the landscape, blending in with the soil and rocks so that you have to look twice to see them. The winding roads take you through the magnificent scenery and lush palms of the mountains, and past fascinating landscapes, including the bizarre rock formation known as 'the Monkey Fingers' due to its uncanny resemblance. Venturing into the Dades Gorge allows you to see breathtaking backdrops unlike anything you will see in Marrakech. Holidays to Morocco are enormously enriched by the colourful landscapes of the Dades Gorge.

The Skoura Oasis

Found in the middle of the Dades Plain, the Skoura Oasis radiates an air of peace. The immense palm groves make visitors feel as if they have been wrapped up in nature itself. However the main reason to visit the Skoura Oasis, other than the sense of tranquillity, is to view the Amerhidl Kasbah. This 17th Century Kasbah is immortalised on the back of the 50 dirham note, and is one of the more fascinating Kasbahs in Morocco. You can take a tour of the mud-brick building, venturing through prayer rooms and kitchens that have been preserved all these years and be amused when your guide shows you traditional artefacts along the way, such as old-fashioned door locks and hairbrushes, to see if you can work out how they were once used. Resembling an Eastern castle, you can gaze out over the ramparts at the desert views and rows of palm trees, enjoying the peace after what was likely to have been a frantic start to your holiday in Marrakech.

Todra Gorge

Slightly less secluded but equally magnificent is the Todra Gorge, found on the east side of the mountains. Cool your feet in the stream running through the gorge, and watch as Moroccan families go about their business - swimming, washing fruit, and even doing their laundry. One of the most dramatic sights to be seen in Morocco, standing at the bottom of this cut in the mountain looking up at the dizzying height of the walls above, you will be glad that you ventured out of Marrakech. Holiday makers from all over Morocco travel to the Todra Gorge regularly, in order to enjoy the cool, fresh streams running through the gorge.

Marrakech holidays are undoubtedly full of dramatic and fascinating culture that you are unlikely to have experienced before. But the areas surrounding Marrakech and stretching into the Atlas Mountains have so much to offer. For truly outstanding landscapes, be sure to head out of Marrakech along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs.


By : Nick Wrightman

Tuesday, 25 September 2012

THE NILE RIVER

THE NILE RIVER

The Nile is the longest river in the world, stretching north for approximately 4,000 miles from East Africa to the Mediterranean. Some people believe that the river Nile has its source at th Ripon Falls in Uganda where it leaves Lake Victoria. The Nile has been a source of contention between Egypt and the East African Countries namely Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania.

Studies have shown that the River (Iteru, meaning, simply, River, as the Egyptians called it) gradually changed its location and size over millions of years. The Nile flows from the mountains in the south to the Mediterranean in the north. Egyptians travelling to other lands would comment on the "wrong" flow of other rivers. For example, a text of Tuthmosis I in Nubia describe the great Euphrates River as the "inverted water that goes downstream in going upstream."

Three rivers flowed into the Nile from the south and thus served as its sources: the Blue Nile, the White Nile and the Arbara. Within the southern section between Aswan and Khartoum, land which was called Nubia, the River passes through formations of hard igneous rock, resulting in a series of rapids, or cataracts, which form a natural boundary to the south. Between the first and second cataracts lay Lower Nubia, and between the second and sixth cataracts lay upper Nubia.

Along most of its length through Egypt, the Nile has scoured a deep, wide gorge in the desert plateau. At Aswan North of the first cataract the Nile is deeper and its surface smoother. Downstream from Aswan the Nile flows northerly to Armant before taking a sharp bend, called the Qena. From Armant to Hu, the River extends about 180 kilometres and divides the narrow southern valley from the wider northern valley.
Southern Egypt, thus being upstream, is called Upper Egypt, and northern Egypt, being downstream and the Delta, is called Lower Egypt. In addition to the Valley and the Delta, the Nile also divided Egypt into the Eastern and Western Deserts.
The Nile Valley is a canyon running 660 miles long with a floodplain occupying 4,250 square miles. The Delta spans some 8,500 square miles and is fringed in its coastal regions by lagoons, wetlands, lakes and sand dunes.

The Delta represented 63 percent of the inhabited area of Egypt, extending about 200 kilometres from south to north and roughly 400 kilometres from east to west. While today the Nile flows through the Delta in only two principal branches, the Damietta and the Rosetta, in ancient times there were three principal channels, known as the water of Pre, the water of Ptah and the water of Amun. In classical or Graeco-Roman times, these were called the Pelusiac, the Sebennytic, and the Canopic branches. There were additionally subsidiary branches or artificially cut channels.
The most dominant features of the Delta as the sandy mounds of clay and silt that appear as islands rising 1-12 meters above the surrounding area. Since these mounds would not be submerged by the inundation, they were ideal sites for Pre-dynastic and Early Dynastic settlements, and indeed evidence of human habitation has been found. Perhaps these mounds rising above the water table inspired the ancient belief of creation as having begun on a mound of earth that emerged from the primordial waters of Nun.

There were several major oases of the Western desert, which comprised about 2/3 of Egypt: the Fayoum, where during the Middle Kingdom period the capital of all Egypt was situated, and which increasingly became one of the most densely populated and agriculturally productive area in Egypt, the Bahriya, where many sarcophagi of the Graeco-Roman period have been found, the so-called Golden Mummies, Kharga and Dakhla, which were known for their excellent wines, and Siwa, whose Oracle of Amun was consulted by Alexander the Great to demonstrate that he was the true successor to the kingship of Egypt.

The Eastern Desert was exploited in Pharaonic times for its rich minerals.
The mere mention of the name of the Nile evokes for modern man images of Pyramids, great temples, fantastic tales of mummies, and wondrous treasures. But the Nile represents life itself to the people of Egypt, ancient and modern. In fact, for thousands of years, the River has made life possible for hundreds of thousands of people and animals, and has shaped the culture we today are only beginning to truly understand.
The River filled all areas of life with symbolism. In religion, for example, the creator sun-god Ra (Re) was believed to be ferried across the sky daily in a boat (compare that to the Greeks and Romans whose non-creator sun-god rode across the sky in a chariot driven by fiery horses, and Hymns to Hapy (Hapi), the deity personifying the Nile, praise his bounty and offerings were left to him, and the creation myths, as mentioned earlier, revolve around the primordial mound rising from the floodwaters surrounding it; in ritual where Nile creatures such as the hippopotamus, whose shape the goddess Tawaret took, or the crocodile, called Sobek, or Heket (Heqet), the frog, deities deemed powerful in the processes of childbirth and fertility, were revered, in writing, where floral signs such as the lotus and papyrus figured prominently, in architecture, where the very structure of temples emulated the mounds of the Nile and its waves, from the bottom to the top of capital columns and the trim on walls, and in travel, where models of boats have been found dating from the fifth millennium BCE.

The god Hapy was earlier mentioned as being the personification of the floods and ensuing fertility. Two Hymns to the Nile, one probably composed in the Middle Kingdom, the second written later in the Ramesside period, praise Hapy and the river for its renewed life for Egypt.

"Hail to you Hapy, Sprung from earth, Come to nourish Egypt Food provider, bounty maker, Who creates all that is good! Conqueror of the Two Lands, He fills the stores, Makes bulge the barns, Gives bounty to the poor." (from the Middle Kingdom hymn as translated by Lichtheim)
From the earliest times, the waters of the Nile, swollen by monsoon rains in Ethiopia, flooded over the surrounding valley every year between June and September of the modern calendar. A nilometer was used to measure the height of the Nile in ancient times. It usually consisted of a series of steps against which the increasing height of the Inundation, as well as the general level of the river, could be measured. Records of the maximum height were kept. Surviving nilometers exist connected with the temples at Philae, on the Nubian Egyptian border, Edfu, Esna, Kom Ombo, and Dendera, as well as the best-known nilometer on the island of Elephantine at Aswan.

The ancient Egyptian calendar, made up of twelve months of 30 days each, was divided into three seasons, based upon the cycles of the Nile. The three seasons were: akhet, Inundation, peret, the growing season, and shemu, the drought or harvest season. During the season of the Inundation, layers of fertile soil were annually deposited on the flood-plain. Chemical analysis has shown how fertile the Nile mud is. It contains about 0.1 percent of combined nitrogen, 0.2 percent of phosphorus anhydrides and 0.6 percent of potassium.
Since most of the Egyptian people worked as farmers, when the Nile was at its highest and they could not plant, they were drafted by corvee into labor projects such as building Pyramids, repairing temples and other monuments and working on the king's tomb.

Herodotus, the great Greek philosopher, wrote of the Nile: "the river rises of itself, waters the fields, and then sinks back again; thereupon each man sows his field and waits for the harvest." The great historian also called Egypt the gift of the Nile. This description would lead the casual reader to imagine Egypt as being a great paradise where the people simply sat and waited for the sowing and harvesting to need be done. But the ancient Egyptians knew better. Too high a flood from their river, and villages would be destroyed; too low a flood and the land would turn to dust and bring famine. Indeed, one flood in five was either too low or too high.
The rock inscription called the Famine Stela, dated in its present form from the Ptolemaic period, recounts an incident, (whether real or fictitious is not currently known for certain), from the period of King Djoser of the 3rd Dynasty. The King writes to a governor in the south, describing himself as disheartened over the country's seven-year famine. The King learns from a priest of Imhotep that if gifts are given to the temple of Khnum, the creator-god of the region, who it was believed had control over the Nile and it's flooding, then the famine would be ended.
Many modern travellers to Egypt today take a Nile cruise as part of their package. And why not? To see the land as its people do, one must journey on the river. A felucca is often the water vehicle of choice.

The Nile flowed from south to north at an average speed of about four knots during inundation season. The water level was on average about 25-33 feet deep and navigation was fast. That made a river voyage from Thebes (modern Luxor) north to Memphis (near modern Cairo) lasting approximately two weeks. During the dryer season when the water level was lower, and speed slower, the same trip would last about two months. At the great bend near Qena, the Nile would flow from west to east and then back from east to west, slowing down travel. No sailing was done at night because of the danger of running aground on one of the many sandbank and low islands.
When one cruises on the Nile, one might pass by the ancient and significant sites of Karnak itself, Luxor, on the other side of the river from Karnak, Dendera, with its grand temple to the goddess Hathor, Abydos, with its marvelous temple built by Seti I as well as being the site of Earlier Dynastic tombs, Esna, with its temple to the potter and creator-god Khnum, lord of the region who was credited as having the power over the river and its richness, Edfu, with its temple to Horus, Kom Ombo, with its double temple to Sobek and a form of Horus called Haroeris, and Aswan itself, with its mighty modern dam. Truly, the Nile is the Heart of the ancient and modern land of Egypt.


By : Alphaxad

Friday, 21 September 2012

Endless Excuses (Or: How We Know the Education Establishment Doesn't Care About Education)

Judging by the record, our Education Establishment believes in teaching as little as possible. Indeed, the prevailing attitude seems to be one of pious horror. Teach X, Y, or Z?? Heaven forbid.

Presumably, these elite educators want students to know their own names. Once you reach that achievement, our Education Establishment seems bereft of any good reason why you, a student, might wish to know anything else.

My impression is that the education commissars don't want teachers to teach much, and they don't want students to learn much. The broader goal seems to be a world where people know next to nothing. This, of course, is a world easily manipulated and controlled.

My gloomy sense of the education landscape is that every hot new method, when you really examine its impact, actually functions to diminish knowledge in the classroom. I've studied Constructivism, Cooperative Learning, Self Esteem, Reform Math, and several others, and found them of questionable value.

In day-to-day operations, however, the Education Establishment does not need the fancy sophistries just named. Instead, educators rely on several dozen dismissive clichés that can be tossed without thought into any and all situations, should anyone dare to suggest teaching something. Here, in no particular order, are many of the most common excuses:

"Our children can't handle this material."

"Our children don't need to know that material."

"Our children learn this material at home."

"Children don't need to learn this. They can look it up."

"This material is too exotic and remote--we need to teach things that are relevant."

"This material is too local. We need to teach about other cultures."

"This material will offend girls. No sexism."

"This material will offend minority kids. We must avoid racism."

"This material is old-fashioned and no longer interesting to today's kids."

"This material is too trendy, We want substance."

"This material is too technical and should be taught at a later grade."

"This material is obvious and we don't need to waste time on it."

"Children today are not interested in things that happened long ago. History is not a good use of class time."

"George Washington is overrated; haven't you read Howard Zinn on this? Thomas Jefferson, too."

"This material assumes that people all learn in the same way. Our curriculum must cater to diverse learning styles."

"This material is too controversial, we can't possibly mention it in the classroom."

"This material is too boring; we don't want to put our children to sleep."

"This material is easy--kids learn it from each other."

"This material will create differences between the children; we can't have that."

"War is much too violent and might give children bad dreams. We should skip all the wars. Except the Vietnam War. There you can teach political truths."

"All that scientific and mathematics stuff. Who really needs it?"

"All the stuff about rich people, kings, and aristocrats--it's very inappropriate for our kids."

"Betsy Ross--that's so lame. The American Revolution didn't really have much place for women. Girls will be offended by the exclusionism. Skip the Revolution."

"Caring about the environment is one thing. But our kids don't need to know the names of insects, trees, and stuff."

"Novels? They are too complicated and far removed from the lives of our children."

"Adventure books? Our children don't need trashy stuff like that."

"Success stories? No, we don't want to give children unrealistic expectations."

"Technology and computers -- kids learn that on their own. Look what they do with their phones."

"Poetry? Maybe a few by Langston Hughes."

See how easy it is!! Everything is either too simple or too difficult, too close or too far away, too blue or not blue enough. Bingo! Nothing is left. Classrooms are filled with a stunned and shimmering emptiness. You can stare a thousand miles in any direction and see nothing.

The only good thing about all these excuses is that they do provide a litmus test. So-called educators who say these things are clearly more interested in deleting knowledge than in teaching knowledge. You know them for the non-educators they are. (Of course, you can now understand why these people hate testing so much. Tests would indicate how little the children know, and that must be kept a secret.)

What we need is an Education Establishment that loves knowledge and wants children to acquire it. Start early and teach, teach, teach, because facts are fun and knowledge is power. Schools based on any other principles are babysitting services or indoctrination centers. Or, as with too many public schools, both.

(For related analysis, see "41: Educators, O. J. Simpson and Guilt" on Improve-Education.org. Also see "20: The Quizz.")

Submitted By: → Bruce Deitrick Price

Thursday, 20 September 2012

While Traveling the World Avoiding Problems Is Simply Hard

People tend to pack a lot of unnecessary stuff when preparing to travel somewhere. Not only that your bags will get heavier and you'll end up paying for extra luggage but you could also get arrested and not knowing why.
First of all, take your time to consult the list of prohibited items in the country you are about to visit. For safety issues some common items are prohibited almost everywhere in the world. Even if you care for your own safety don't think about taking weapons with you or you'll end up having to go back home.

Also anything that might cause suspicions like gun-shaped lighters or toys, metal forks, knives, razors, hammers, scissors are prohibited. For sure you'll find some to buy in the country you'll spend your holiday. If you plan to practice sports there, you should know that baseball bats or golf clubs are on the "absolutely not" lists in airports for your handbag. Not to mention lighter fluids or fireworks.

Also you have to know that other items like liquids, gel products, shampoos, sun screen, creams, toothpaste in small amounts can be taken normally on planes but only if stored in transparent food bags.

Odd as it might seem in some countries you are not allowed to take vegetables or fruits with you. Citrus fruits, pome fruits, stone fruits, tropical or temperate fruits, berry fruits, beans, potatoes, garlic, onion, shallots are for example prohibited in South Australia. Fruits and veggies that are allowed there include coffee berry, pineapples and olives.
Anything you pack should be verifiable, not wrapped in gift paper.

Even if you have to take two flights to get where you want to, you should know that some items you were allowed to take in the first plane could be strictly forbidden in the second one. So you'd better consult the lists of the airline and keep your bag as simple as you can.


By : world travel

Friday, 14 September 2012

Hangzhou Travel - The "City of Heaven"

Hangzhou Travel "The City of Heaven"

Hangzhou is the "City of Heaven" and is beyond dispute the finest and noblest in the world, according to Marco polo, the great Italian traveler. Now it is renowned for its historic heritage and natural beauty and known as the most beautiful city in China. Hangzho is located in the northeast of Zhejiang Province, China. It is the capital of the province as well the provincial economy, politics, education and culture center.

Hangzhou was among one of the six ancient capitals (along with the present Beijing, Xian, Luoyang, Kaifeng and Nanjing) in Chinese history. In the times of Wu & Yue and Southern Song Dynasty, Hangzhou reached its prime in terms of economic and political development.

A Hangzhou travel is regarded as an experience of the beautiful southern China's scenery and its rich historical heritage. One of Hangzhou's most popular sights is West Lake. The lake covers an area of 6 square kilometers and includes some of Hangzhou's most famous historic and scenic places. The area includes historical pagodas, cultural sites, as well as the natural beauty of the lake and hills. There are "Ten Scenes of the West Lake", a collection of ten scenic views formed during the Southern Song Dynasty. They are distributed around and within the lake, and serve to show the charms of the West Lake  through a use of varying locations, varying seasons, and varying times of day. Each scene is unique, and when taken together, are said to present the essence of West Lake scenery, and form the core of any West Lake tour. Following you will have a chance to appreciate the tea ceremony art in the Tea Plantation. For the rest of the day enjoy your free time to explore this heavenly beautiful city.

Lingyin Si (also Soul's Retreat Temple) is believed to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanghou, as well as one of the largest and wealthiest in China. Like most of the other landmarks in Hangzhou, Linyin Temple has witnessed numerous destructions and reconstructions. Nowadays, this temple is thriving as a destination for both pilgrims and tourists, home and abroad. It features a large number of grottos and religious rock carvings, the most famous of which is the Feilai Peak ("the peak that flew hither").

Hangzhou is also well known for its fame in silk industry and tea plantation. Hangzhou silk is best in the world since the past 1000 years from Tang Dynasty. Silk products are vast in Hangzhou, among which the Hangzhou Satin is the most famous and successful export products. The layered weaving process is labor intensive and produces fabulously luxurious fabric that feels great next on the skin. For visitors coming to Hangzhou, tailors are available everywhere who make dresses, shirts and other clothing from silk and satin, just within several days.

The West Lake Dragon Well Tea, grown on the hills surrounding the city, is Hanghzou's specialty. It is also called Longjing Tea, one of the best green teas in China. Dragon Well Tea is most famous for its unique fragrance and flavor; flat, slender strips of tea leaves in bright green liquid. Furthermore, Dragon Well Tea aids one's health in many ways regardless of your age. It is used to deter food poisoning, refresh the body, stop cavities, fight viruses, control high blood pressure, lower the blood sugar level, and to prevent cancer. Hence, Dragon Well Tea is regarded as the elixir for health and is widely sold and accepted all over the world.

Hangzhou Cuisine is the representative of Huaiyang Cuisine (in Zhejiang Province), one of China's eight cuisines. Hangzhou Cuisine is featured for freshness, tenderness, softness, smoothness and sweetness of its dishes with mellow fragrance. Famous dishes like West Lake Sour Fish, Dongpo Pork, Longjing Shrimp Meat, Jiaohua Young Chickens, Steam Rice Flower and Lotus Leave Wrapped Pork, etc. are widely known and loved home and abroad.

The climate in Hangzhou is humid subtropical with three distinctive seasons. The best time for the enjoyable Hangzhou tours is from spring to autumn.

Here is normal Hangzhou Highlight Tour that is from China Connection Tours:

Day 1 Hangzhou Arrival
Arrive in Hangzhou. Check into a hotel near the West Lake. Enjoy your free time around the lake.

Day 2 Hangzhou city tour with lunch.
Today you visit the beautiful West Lake by boating. After lunch for Hangzhou dishes in a local restaurant, you will visit the Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak and then the Six Harmony Pagoda. Of course you won't miss the Tea Plantation visit to enjoy the famous Dragon Well Tea.

Day 3 Hangzhou
Depart from Hangzhou, ahead for next destination.


By : Eric Xu with China Connection Tours

Education Activist Challenges Education Establishment: Stop the Lies

Here’s what the USA is faced with: declining literacy rates and more than 50,000,000 functional illiterates. How could the Education Establishment get away with creating this massive damage to our society? The quick answer is they told a lot of lies. I’m asking them to stop.

For 75 years the Education Establishment has promoted Whole Word and tried to marginalize Phonics, as much as possible in both cases. Still today, after eight decades of disaster and dyslexia, and despite their own claims of embracing a more balanced approach, many schools and educators seem to have learned nothing. Check the internet and you’ll find that Dolch Words, Sight Word, Word Walls and the rest are enthusiastically pushed, as if they are some wonderful new invention.

This scam is built on one fantasy in particular: that humans can learn to read English using sight-words. Therefore children shouldn’t study letters and sounds, because it’s much easier to memorize shapes. Not true.

Truth is, almost nobody can memorize even 1,000 of ANYTHING. Consider flags, classic cars, celebrities, famous monuments or great paintings--pick the non-phonetic objects that would be easiest for you. How many could you memorize to the point where a picture is flashed and you say the name? Allow months to work on this. Throw in a big cash prize. Could you reach 500? 800? 1,000??

But you have to name them quickly. At least one a second. Otherwise, it’s nothing like reading.

Point is, memorizing 1,000 sight-words is like memorizing 1,000 sight-ANYTHING. Which is nearly impossible unless you have a photographic memory. (In fact, memorizing flags, cars, paintings, celebrities, or monuments is easier than memorizing English words, because our letters appear as lower and UPPER case, not to mention many hundreds of type styles.)

So, 1,000 is probably the upper limit for memorizing most categories of things, for most people. But 1,000 sight-words is merely the BEGINNING of literacy, which requires at least 10,000 words. Now do you see the problem? Whole Word demands that children do something that is not humanly possible.

Furthermore, during the many years when children are trying to do this mission impossible, their academic progress and self-esteem will be utterly destroyed. And all of this damage will continue for as long as our country lets the Education Establishment get away with this malfeasance.

So here is the essence of the Big Lie: that memorizing thousands of sight-words is doable. Frank Smith, the chief priest of Whole Word, airily announced that people can learn 50,000 or even 100,000 sight-words. Not true.

The little trick that the Education Establishment plays is to pretend that English words are a special kind of visual object, and if you look at them a few times, you have them for life. Not true.

The Education Establishment can get away with these absurd lies only because most adults don’t stop and reflect : hey, what is being asked of my kid here? That’s why I invite you to extrapolate away from reading to something else you are comfortable with--cars, paintings, faces, etc.

Try to imagine the staggering task of memorizing a thousand such objects--so you can name them with “automaticity,” as the educators say that children must do. Memory, you’ll find, is a fickle friend. As you fail to master 1,000 of your favorite objects, I predict you’ll be thinking, “Those *&+# educators are lying ^*%#@.”

Exactly.

But let’s say you hit 1,000. Congratulations. Bet you can’t hit 2,000. At which point you would still be a functional illiterate.

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For a comparison chart that shows why Whole Word doesn’t work, see “37: Whole Word versus Phonics” on Improve-Education.org.

Submitted By: → Bruce Deitrick Price