Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

How Can Parents Encourage Their Children To Read?

While it is true that children spend a significant portion of their day with their teachers, it is often their parents who wield more power to encourage them to read. However, a lot of parents are unclear as to how they can achieve this. The following steps outline some ways in which parents can improve their children’s’ reading skills.Be enthusiastic about your children's reading: Everyone nee. . .

School Uniforms in Public Schools on the Rise?

Surveys show that school uniform policies are becoming more popular in public schools. A poll in 2000 showed that 3% of public school students were in uniform. The number jumped to 12% by 2004 and a new survey is due out in 2006. School uniforms are on the rise.The biggest advocates are school administrators and teachers who have seen school uniforms in action. Most schools who have tried t. . .

Federico Garcia Lorca

Born in Fuente Vaqueros near Granada in 1898, Federico Garcia Lorca was the son of a prosperous farmer and a school teacher mother. It was from Lorca’s mother that he took most influence in early life – she taught him to play music and sing – skills that would lay the foundations for the poet’s sense of rhythm and timing. In 1909 the family moved into Grenada where he would later mingle in arti. . .

The Right Way to Adopt a School Uniform Policy

Whenever a school considers adopting a school uniform policy, the question, "How do we go about it?" always comes up. A Roselle Park, New Jersey, school district got the ball rolling with a series of public hearings. State law actually requires public schools to hold a hearing when considering a uniform policy.The hearing proved an excellent way to approach the subject. Parents were able to com. . .

The Life and Works of Henri Matisse

The undisputed leader of the Fauve Group, and regarded as one of the great formative figures in 20th century art, Henri Matisse was a master of the use of color and form to convey emotional expression.Born on December 31, 1869 in Cateau-Cambresis, in the north of France, Matisse grew up in a middle-class family. Eventually, he studied and began to practice law. However, while recovering from a . . .

Career Choice: Automotive Systems Technology

Bobby Ventura, a lanky 6’2” blonde-haired blue-eyed high school junior, is a self described home mechanic who enjoys tinkering with his screaming yellow ’97 Mustang at every opportunity he can get. Having an uncle who runs a garage helped him to land his first car several months before he obtained his driver’s license.“I’m not much for studying, but auto shop has kept me focused. I plan on work. . .

The American Accent: Pronunciation Of The Vowels

The English Vowel SOUNDSMany learners of English have a distinct accent because they pronounce English with the vowels of their language. They commit this error because the English vowels are "something like" the vowel sounds of their native language, but they are not the same!It is not enough to listen to radio and TV. Most people will only hear the sounds of their native language and will not. . .

Using the Library for Homeschooling

Where can homeschoolers get unlimited educational materials and not spend a dime? The library, of course! What a blessing to be able to bring home stacks and stacks of books, all for free. The library makes homeschooling an option for parents who could not afford it otherwise.According to various experts, and proven by our own experiences, reading aloud is the very best educational activity. Th. . .

MCSE v/s MCSA

Technology is advancing rapidly with each passing day. The world of Information Technology today is a forever growing vast expanse. Infact, the IT Certification industry has witnessed a significant turn in the past few years. In today’s arena, certified professionals are considered a step higher compared to others. Certification in the relevant IT technology has become an effective way to augme. . .

Characteristics Of Sound

Sound in brief but remarkeable terms is a vibration, that our ears percieve by the sense of hearing. Most commonly vibrations travel to our ears via the air. The ear then converts these sound waves into nerve impulses that are sent to our brains, where the impulses become sound. To say all that in a more technical language: Sound "is an alternation in pressure, particle displacement, or particl. . .

Avoid the Trap When You Consolidate Debt, part iii

Avoid the Trap When You Consolidate Debt===================To consolidate debt is a great idea with a trap built into it. The technique described here helps everyone in debt, but if you have an ongoing credit card debt you desperately need this article.-------------------* Part I Don't get into debt. Ways to avoid it.* Part II The big advantages of student loan consolidation* Part III This arti. . .

Earning An Online University Degree

Earning a University degree online can be an experience that is every bit as enriching, interpersonal, and dynamic as attending college the traditional face-to-face way. A big misconception is that online learning is impersonal. This isn’t the case at all. Programs offered online present the same opportunities for group work, independent study, and interpersonal communication as do traditional . . .

Golden Years and Tears - Pension In One Hand And Out With...

The Golden years a time in all our lives where we look forward to retirement, long gone are the days when pensioners were in their prime.Now the prime candidates for the government's new ruling of raising retirement to the ripe old age of 67. How many of the golden oldies will make it down to the local post office to collect their pensions.What happened to the days when grandparents sat you on . . .

Your Educational Search, Do You Have The Right Stuff?

Your main objective should be finding a school that offers a program consistent with your career choice and educational needs. The earlier you began your college search the better. This process should begin no later than the year you enter the eighth grade. Some may think this is too early, but what is too early. There are students who began earlier, which is great. Remember the earlier you app. . .

Gap Year in Italy, The Ideal Program To Study Abroad In I...

Once again, Scuola Leonardo da Vinci, one of Italy's largest provider of in-country Italian courses in Italy, is announcing the new programs for the year 2006 presenting innovative plans to promote the learning of the Italian language. Now, universities, colleges, community colleges, high schools and students worldwide are invited to read about our wide choice of Italian language and cultural c. . .

Art Is For Everyone

One of the saddest views that I encounter is that art is elitist: an activity for the few. Nothing could be more wrong. Art is for everyone, and the creation of artwork makes people happy. Many people have told me over the years that they don't have any artistic talent. To this I reply, "So what. Neither do I!"Let's consider an analogy. People take part in many activities that don't produce tan. . .

Christmas Customs Around the World

December is well-known for Christmas but do you know how people in countries around the world celebrate it? Here are some customs from various parts of the world.AustraliaGreeting - Merry ChristmasSanta's Name - Santa Claus. Children leave him a piece of cake or biscuits and a glass of milk or a bottle of beer.Food - Many Christmas dinners include roasted meats and vegetables, special fruit cak. . .

Do You Want Ketchup With Your Degree, Or Can You Beat McE...

A short editorial published by Education Today in early October of 2002 started a debate that is not settled to this time. Moreover, in many regards it becomes sharper as distance learning evolves. The argument is between two principally different approaches to learning. On one side are advocates of developing standardized courses that can be delivered easily and cheaply by any educator, in an. . .

Reading Activity For Kindergarten

As a homeschooler one of the most important tasks for you to accomplish in your child at an early age is getting them interested in and developing good reading habits. At an early age learning to recognize letters, the sounds they make and words they eventually form should be an activity and not a structured assignment. A great reading activity for kindergarten aged children, for example is to . . .

Becoming a Qualified Driving Instructor in the UK

Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) requires a substantial commitment of your time, effort and money. It is important that you do not make this commitment without very careful consideration of what your training establishment is offering you. The following notes outline the requirements for becoming an ADI and are summarized from the Driving Standards Agency booklet ADI14 ‘Your Road t. . .

Online Tools Make Translation (Chinese/English) Easier

Today we will introduce several online tools that our team frequent use. These all may help to do translations, especially in Chinese (traditional and simplified) and English.1. Googlehttp://www.google.com.hkYes. The first one to introduce is Google. Google is not only a search engine, it is also a simple but good enough translation tool. In the search box, type "fy apple" and press Search. You. . .

English As A Second Language

The English language is the most commonly spoken language on Earth, either by native speakers or by people who have learned it in addition to their first language. More and more people everyday have the desire to learn English as a second language. The type of people who wish to learn it run the gamut from children in other countries who are required to learn English as part of their school cur. . .

Enforcing School Safety In The UK

"A Headteacher's Safety Management Toolkit Article"The Health and Safety Executive(HSE) as the body responsible for enforcing safety laws in our schools believes that up to 80% of accidents and incidents can be attributed to what they are calling now “Human Factors”. An indication of how Human Factors integrate with the HSE’s Regulatory function can be seen in the where they emphasise such as c. . .

Volunteerism for Teenagers: A Great Character Builder

Volunteerism among high school and college students is at an all-time high; many school systems actually build volunteer work into their curriculum. Young people are building homes for Habitat for Humanity, working in National Parks for the Conservation Corps, and involving themselves in political, environmental, and social causes.It's certainly admirable for young people to take an active par. . .

The Pablo Picasso Museum, Malaga

The Pablo Picasso Museum in Malaga is a wonderful tribute to this greatand innovative artist of the twentieth centuary.It had been a long time desire of the artist himself, as well as his family, that he should have a presence in his birthplace city of Málaga. The Picasso Museum is one of only three in the world dedicated exclusively to the artist. He was one of the most influential artists of. . .

Kids in School? Check Out The School Systems Before You B...

If you're looking to buy a new home and you have school-aged children, the quality of the school systems in the towns or cities you're considering needs to be a major component of your decision making process. As you're looking for homes, be sure you research the schools, both public and private, in the region where you'll be living.First, what sort of school would you like for your children? D. . .

Paying For College

Paying for college is getting more difficult, but it should be affordable if you plan ahead.If you have or are planning on having children, you have probably already given some thought to how you are paying for college. This is definitely something that you should start considering as early as possible - especially when the price for a year of education is rising with each academic year. The . . .

Why College Degrees?

Formal education is one of those things that have become a part of our culture. It is nesecary and it is a prerequisites when applying for a job. Education to some extent, helps people get aquanted to and better experienced in the field which they are pursuing.It happens when a "union" creates a curriculum to educate people, most of the time it is the youth. Formal education has become very sys. . .

Developing Learning Activities And Simulations In E-Learn...

What turns your best dress into a showstopper? Accessories. And what turns your online course content into dazzlingly useful learning content? Learning Activities. What is a Learning Activity? In e-learning content development, we use all forms of questions for test and quizzes: 1. Multiple correct, which presents a number of choices as answers to a particular question. There may be more than o. . .

What is the University of Phoenix Campus Like?

Established in 1976, the University of Phoenix is the oldest and arguably the most successful online university. While going online has propelled the University to the popularity that it enjoys today, it still retains its brick and mortar roots. Describing a University of Phoenix campus is a bit of a misnomer, because there is no single campus.The University operates on three educational platfo. . .

A New Strategy to Meet the Needs of the Elderly

Getting older isn’t what it used to be. There was a time when senior members of the community lived amongst their extended family, relying on their children or grandchildren for support. But as the Baby Boomer generation pushes the population’s media age higher and higher, and as each generation seems to move farther and farther from its geographical roots, the act of younger generations caring. . .

How To Choose An Online University Degree Program That Wi...

Undoubtedly, an online degree can further your career aspirations. However, choosing a program can be a confusing process. One way of identifying a suitable program is to list your goals and then go through the listed programs carefully to see which one meets your list best. It also helps to peruse the feedback from students who have successfully acquired their degree from institution to see ho. . .

Learn A Foreign Language Online

Knowing more than one language in today’s world is not so unusual. With cultural barriers coming down, and many people living in and visiting non-native countries, it makes sense to have at least a basic knowledge of one or more languages other than your native tongue. It has never been easier than it is today to learn a foreign language. Taking a foreign language course online is a convenient . . .

How Does An Online University Course Work?

Any online university course has a few prerequisites like a computer, a phone connection, and an Internet Service Provider. With these basics in place, any student anywhere in the world can enroll for the programs being offered by an online university. After enrolling you will typically be given easy-to-use Internet access software to facilitate quick and smooth retrieval of lectures, questions. . .

What You Need To Know About a University of Phoenix Onlin...

The University of Phoenix Online offers degree programs in several disciplines. Depending on your professional pursuits and interests, you can opt for an Undergraduate, Graduate, or Doctorate course in business management, business administration, nursing and health care management, social and behavioral sciences, and education. It is important that you carefully select the program that is most. . .

10 Best Student Loan Options

There are several different options available for students in terms of student loans; however, following are the 10 Best Student Loan Options:1. Subsidized Stafford Loan2. Unsubsidized Stafford Loan3. Federal Perkins Loan4. Federal PLUS loan for parents5. Direct PLUS loans6. Federal consolidation loan7. Federal Nursing Loan8. Federal Insured Student Loan9. Health Professions Student Loans10. Pr. . .

Student Credit Cards

Various people have different needs. So the credit card suppliers too have designed different type of cards. Besides the normal credit cards, there are small business cards for small business and then there are student credit cards which are designed especially for students.Now, what is different about the student credit cards?You could say not much, since all credit cards work in pretty much t. . .

Creating, Maintaining and Presenting a Homeschool Portfolio

Many school districts now require homeschoolers to present portfolios showing their student's progress in an organized fashion. This is actually a very convenient method of recording whenever it is done properly. Here are some ideas on how to create, maintain, and present your homeschool portfolio for a successful assessment, evaluation and review. First of all, it is important to have a firm g. . .

Learning Math and Dosage Calculations Using a Computer Pr...

IntroductionIn nursing particularly, absolute competence is a must as patients’ welfare is directly connected to any action or decision that you take. Give the wrong dosage or medication and a patient can be killed. Naturally, this can have devastating consequences so it is absolutely crucial that you take all the precautions in keeping up to date and maintaining your skills.Dosage calculations. . .

What Are The Real Challenges Of The New SAT?

The Scholastic Aptitude Test is one of the most widely-taken admission tests in America. The SAT evidently has become synonymous to the college application process. Moreover, it is considered to be one of the most accurate evaluating indicators of applicants’ college success. The SAT gained amazing popularity among educational institutions, which are more likely to accept the SAT, rather than a. . .

Tips For Receiving On-Line Accredited Degrees

While a great many individuals dream of getting a degree, it is sometimes seemingly impossible to interrupt your career and or family life to go back to school. Many of us, of course, have jobs and find that the traditional schedules offered by community colleges and universities often make it impossible for us to juggle our schedules to attend. Or perhaps we have family members, kids more than. . .

IELTS Mental Preparation

It seems like everyone is talking about the best way to prepare for IELTS. Do we need a study plan or not, how do we master the art of interview, what is a good IELTS essay, and so on. Well, aren’t we forgetting something? What about the mental aspect?IELTS, like many other similar tests, requires psychological preparation not less (and may be even more) than good solid studying. As you read th. . .

Take Advantage of the Exploding Popularity in Distance Le...

Distance learning colleges are popping up all over the world. One of the most well-known, University of Phoenix, started in 1976 with 8 students. Currently, its academic enrollment numbers more than 200,000 students located all over the world, making it the largest private, accredited university of the distance learning colleges. In fact, it's the largest private accredited university in the Un. . .

Learning the Arabic Language

The Arabic language is an ancient tongue that dates back to earlier than the 6th century. It is a language steeped in history, and shrouded in mystery. Today, the Arabic language is the 5th most spoken language on the planet, and it is the official language in many Middle Eastern countries, such as Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. If you are interested in the study of . . .

How To Receive An Education And Training Online

It is not unusual for a person to grow apathetic toward his or her current job. Lack of stimulating work, low pay, and limited growth potential within an organization are all excellent reasons to seek out a way to make a change. One of the best, and easiest, ways to achieve this is to explore furthering your education and training online. This innovative and exciting method of personal and prof. . .

Earning Your Associate’s Degree Online

An Associate’s degree, or a “two-year” degree, provides a valuable pathway to career enhancement, and provides an educational foundation which makes it easier to earn a Bachelor’s degree down the road. Earning an Associate’s degree online is a flexible, convenient, and innovative way to advance your career and improve your education. Traditionally, going to college requires a student to physica. . .

Which Online Universities Have Degrees That Are Actually ...

In this era when education is more than mere literacy every individual wants to acquire it from the best place possible. A surge in the number of people aspiring for education and internet as an abounding source of knowledge in all areas have given birth to online education. Today there are countless online universities that offer numerous degree and diploma courses through internet and so brin. . .

Learning The Arabic Language

The Arabic language is an ancient tongue that dates back to earlier than the 6th century. It is a language steeped in history, and shrouded in mystery. Today, the Arabic language is the 5th most spoken language on the planet, and it is the official language in many Middle Eastern countries, such as Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. If you are interested in the study of anc. . .

Top Ten Reasons To Become A Teacher

1. To ignite the spark of learning in children.2. To practice three of life's most valuable virtues: kindness, patience, and understanding.3. To experience the joy of seeing children learn to read, write and do arithmetic - and set them on a path to success in school and in life.4. To share your love of learning with young mindsand help students discover their potential.5. To see the world. . .

Idioms: Piece of Cake or Hard Nut to Crack?

A language is a living substance, which evolves under the influence of different factors. Being very flexible English language constantly enriches its vocabulary with the words invented by the language speakers, making it more colorful with new idiomatic expressions, and at times refills its stocks with the borrowings and neologisms. English just amazes by its extraordinary linguistic diversity. . .