Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Choosing Your Homeschool Curriculum

Choosing your homeschool curriculum is by far the most important foundation of homeschooling. I strongly suggest buying a prepackaged curriculum for your base curriculum. A prepackaged curriculum will give you lesson by lesson, step by step, strategies and resources for your lesson plans. Let's face it, we're not super heroes. We can't possibly know everything in every grade level and every. . .

Educational Toys Come in from the Cold

My son Jack and I took some time out from playing with the educational toys he received for Christmas and went to a hockey game over the holidays. Like most 7 year olds, his favorite part is when the Zamboni comes out to clean the ice. We had seen this a thousand times so I was stymied when Jack said, “Why is there smoke coming out of the back?” It’s steam I told Jack, they use hot water becaus. . .

So You Want To Teach As A Private Music Tutor?

An Introduction for MusiciansFor many of today's musicians, working as a private music tutor has many benefits over working within an educational establishment. Firstly, you are a lot freer to choose where, when, and depending on how well you teach, WHO your students are. This will also let you continue whatever employment or other commitments you already have. Building up your student base slo. . .

Motivate Unmotivated Students With These Surprising Motiv...

So many youth believe that they are already prepared to live independently, and don't need anymore training or education before embarking on life on their own. Here are some very creative ways to show youth that education will be essential to their future. All these interventions focus on common adult transportation problems. If your youngsters don't readily have the answers to these adult situ. . .

Learn To Learn More Effectively. Why You Should Discover ...

Study skills are gained only through actually studying. They develop, evolve and mature over time as you become more practiced, experience feedback and reflect upon what you are doing and how you are progressing. Your thinking and use of language will also develop as you progress through your course. Students often make the mistake of believing that quantity is what is important rather than qua. . .

Read Read Read

When I was growing up I remember my mother and father reading. We would go to the grocery store and my mom would always pick up a copy of Women’s World at the check out counter. As for my father, I think he has every copy of the Louis L’ Amour books ever written. I remember him going to small book stores in the middle of Downtown Los Angeles trying to find some of these old books. That habit, o. . .

5 Ways an Online MBA Degree Gets You Ahead Faster

What is an MBA? MBA stands for Masters of Business Administration, and is a degree you get to take the next step in business administration. Getting an online MBA degree can reap many benefits, and may possibly be the tool you need in furthering your business career. Doing a little research will help you decide if participating in an MBA online course is the best course of action for you to ta. . .

Firefox: Benefit Analysis versus Internet Explorer

Most of Firebird's advantages are MSIE's disadvantages, and vice-versa. This article will look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of Firefox in relation to MSIE.Advantages - Security is often cited as the primary reason for users switching from MSIE to Firefox. Security is of utmost importance for software that interacts with remote computers, in an era of high security risk activities. . .

Interview Tip #211 - So You Got The Call Back, Now What?

You handed in your resume with the job application and you have gotten the call. They have asked you to come in for that all powerful job interview, what are you supposed to do now? Start working your little butt off that is what! You need to learn absolutely everything that you can about this company if you want to stand a chance of getting this job. There is bound to be some pretty heavy comp. . .

Learn Speak Spanish - That Should Be Your Goal

Can you Speak Spanish?How long have you been studying Spanish? Between high school and college classes and you own efforts you could easily have a couple years already under your belt. During that time you have likely built up a good Spanish vocabulary along with a basic understanding of Spanish verb conjugation, but can you actually speak Spanish?Why is speaking Spanish so hard?Can you go up t. . .

Impact of One in the Apology

One of the greatest pieces of ancient philosophical writing is without question the Apology written by Plato sometime during 4th century B.C.E in Greece. It tells of the trial of Socrates, Plato’s teacher, who was accused of corrupting the youth and spreading false beliefs of the gods and higher thoughts. It is a powerful tale of one man standing up for what he believes in and facing foe and f. . .

The Need for Arts

The arts have taken blow after blow from schools lately. People just aren’t supporting them. They push them aside and think there’s no use for them in society. But without them society would fall apart. Without relief, without distractions, we would be mindless servants following the ever winding path of greed and corporate business.The arts come in many different forms. There’s painting, sculp. . .

A Little Certificate Can Go A Long Way

The word certificate does not need any introduction. In this day and age certificates mean a lot to everybody. When we graduate from a university, institute or a career training school, we get a certificate. A certificate is the proof of our successful completion of an education or training program.The institutes where we take admission issue a certificate after the course. We get the certi. . .

7 Steps to take the Stress out of Homework

Homework is at best a chore for most children and, unless they are very committed, They find homework difficult, often because they are not motivated. Consider the following questions.When your child does homework to what degree is he or she comfortable, focused and relaxed or is doing homework a battle and a struggle every night?If so:Do you have to give homework help regularly?Have you spoken. . .

Difference Between Physical Therapy And Occupational Ther...

One common question asked by parents is what is the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy services provided through schools as a related special education service? Both therapies are related services to special education and are provided only if the child needs therapy to function in the educational setting. The role of physical therapist and an occupational therapist is . . .

Sales Training Means Business

You can be a master in producing world-class products and may be among the best in the business, but that is not enough. You have to sell the product and anytime and anywhere in the world convincing a consumer is not an easy task. It is a well-accepted perception that to sell a product in numbers, product quality is not always the top priority. It has been observed that a reasonable product . . .

Meet Helen…your new online teacher

Stanley Kubrik’s HAL 9000 may have been smart enough to run the spaceship Discovery, but HAL lacked one thing today’s computers may soon have—a face. Computers, long plagued by the impersonality of a box with speakers and programmer’s graphics, will soon have a face and attitude compatible with their users. A one-on-one teacher just for youFor simplicity’s sake, we’ll assign a name to our comp. . .

Teaching The Latin Language In High School

Latin was the language of the Roman Empire. All of the Romance languages, including French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, are directly descended from this native tongue. Our own English language is heavily influenced by roots from the Latin Language (as many as 80 percent of our language can be traced to Latin). Today, Ecclesiastical Latin is the official language of the Roman Catholic Chur. . .

How to Study - Power Learning: Getting By With Online Col...

Ever wonder why some online college degree students know how to study seem to quickly learn, recall and excel in school while others (perhaps your child or you) never seem to quite get it. You’re probably just as smart in all other respects, right? Well what’s the problem? (And what is power learning?)Most of us are born with good minds, but some just use them better than others. I believe that. . .

Six New Debate Topics

The same debate topics are used again and again. Why not liven up your next debate with some new ideas? Here are some more unusual and fundamental questions to debate.Happiness shouldn't be pursued. The pro side of this could start with the obvious pain that people face when their expectations are not met. Maybe it is better to just relax and stop thinking about happiness. On the other hand, th. . .

Translator Prerequisites and the A-Z of Becoming a Transl...

If you are serious about becoming a translator, you must be able to fulfil the following criteria, at the very least.Translator Prerequisites Your standard of education must be very high; with very few exceptions, a degree is essential, though not necessarily in languages - it is a positive advantage to have qualifications or experience in another subject. Postgraduate training in translation i. . .

Using a Scientific Calculator In Mathematics Exams

Using a Scientific Calculator In Mathematics ExamsWith exams approaching this is a short article with reminders and advice for anyone about to take a mathematics exam and who will need to use a scientific calculator.The most common calculator problems are:- setting up the calculator in the right mode- not being able to find the calculator manual !- remembering to change calculator modes- roundi. . .

Tritium Technology in Military Watches

Tritium paint has been used on the hands and numerals of watches since the 1930's. At first this technology was Top Secret and restricted to use on military watches.Tritium paint on watches is a mixture of tritium and phospor. Tritium is naturally radio-active and needs no external source of light or charge to work. Tritium does not glow. As it decays, tritium emits beta radiation, which are a . . .

Presidents Day – Let’s Not Forget to Honor the Big Three

Commerce was never meant to be at odds with congress or even juxtaposed with it. But Presidents Day, it seems, like other special holidays has gone the way of all flesh. Even as a boy I remember questioning how the Birth of a Savior could be overtaken by the notion of a fat little benevolent man who comes bearing gifts. How did the celebration of a risen Savior get replaced with a candy egg bea. . .

College scholarships for adults

If you are an adult returning to get your college degree, you knowthat it can be expensive. Whether you are commuting to classes or doing an Online college degree, the tuition is about the same. Paying for college can be a problem.But did you know that there are scholarships just for adult students?Yes, and you could be the recepient of one of those scholarships.First you need to get clear abo. . .

Five Ways Consolidating Student Loans Can Save You Money

Most students take out numerous loans for college, each with its own interest rate and its own monthly amount. The plethora of different loan sources is a great benefit in terms of paying for college, but when it comes to credit rating, this long list of outstanding loans can put a serious damper on your overall score. By consolidating student loans, your credit report will show one combined . . .

A Short Comparison Of Public Speaking Schools Of Thought:...

As everybody will certainly agree that having the confidence to speak publicly is a valuable skill, there is much debate as to which technique of public speaking is the most effective. Currently, the most recognized public speaking associations are Toastmasters International and the Dale Carnegie Course. Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of the pr. . .

The Curse Of The Easy A

Many current music educators grew up in a time when being in an ensemble was solely about playing the music for the next concert. I personally cannot recall ever doing a worksheet or any real music theory work while in high school. It seemed that all I had to do to get an "A" was come to my lessons, play at the concerts, and otherwise stay out of trouble. Outside practice was expected but not e. . .

Navigating the Special Education Maze

As a school psychologist, as well as the mother of a child with a chronic health condition, I understand all too well the intimidation that accompanies entering the “bargaining” sessions of IEP meetings. There are ways, however, to stack the proverbial cards in your favor. Read on…To begin with, be prepared for anything. Keep accurate documentation and note the dates and times that everything o. . .

Concept of E-Learning Solutions: Better or Worse

Increasing demand for corporate training as well as the logistical headaches associated with assembling instructors and students at a single location has been the main reason for the birth of E-learning services. In an attempt to avoid the logistical complications of on location training, many companies have opted for a virtual approach to training. Stand-alone CD-ROM modules, enterprise-wide, . . .

Reading to Learn: Turning Kids into Lifelong Learners

Along about third grade, children reach a level of reading competency which allows them to read independently for the purpose of gathering information and learning new skills. At this point, a whole world opens up to them. They are developing the tools to pursue interests of their own, and wise teachers and parents will take advantage of this phenomenon to build on their children’s educational . . .

Online Education: Study At Your Own Pace!

Online education is becoming increasingly popular because it allows people who may not ordinarily have the opportunity to get qualifications, to do so. Those of us who work do not have the time to commit to full time education and with bills to pay, and family to look after it becomes even more difficult to fit evening courses into an already full schedule. However, an online education means yo. . .

Homeschooling – A Real Benefit

There are so many problems with our schools today that it can be a difficult choice to put your child on that bus each morning and send them away to an institution where it is likely little or no learning will take place throughout the day. Consider homeschooling your child. There are so many wonderful advantages. One of the best things about homeschooling your child is the fact that you get to. . .

Home Schooling – There Are Some Disadvantages

There are a number of advantages to home schooling your children. They get the educational material you know they should be getting. They get the one-on-one attention you know they deserve. Moreover, they don't encounter any of the problems with schools today like drugs and bullies. While you may know about the advantages, you should certainly take some time to think about the disadvantages to . . .

How To Be Public Speakers? Check Out Public Speaking Courses

Public speaking is an important course though most might think they do not need one. The skills you acquire in public speaking are certainly helpful in your everyday work routine, interacting with people and practically in your social life. In studying public speaking, you would learn to say what you mean, develop self-confidence, learn more about yourself and how to relate with others and of c. . .

Which is Best – GED or Diploma?

Trying to decide whether getting your GED or your high school diploma is best for you is a personal decision that each individual must consider at some point in time. It is important to know what some of the advantages are in both situations.If you are considering your GED, you have a number of advantages. First, you simply have to take a seven-hour test to get your GED. You have to complete fo. . .

A Diploma Or A GED? Some Important Facts

Deciding whether or not to stay in school and finish your diploma or to drop out and take your GED can be a rough choice. There are a number of reasons you may choose either, but before you make that essential decision, it is best to get all of the facts about both options.The eligibility for a GED is determined by your particular state. You will need to do a bit of research to decide of you fi. . .

Developing Reading Skills In Your Child

A lot of teaching your child to read is first instilling in your child a desire to read. It’s so very important for the child to know that reading activities and learning to read is fun. Early on, for instance, if you haven’t yet, set aside an area of your home where your child can have their very own reading area and little person library. This will get most all your reading activities off to . . .

Top 20 Reasons Why Children Should Study Music

All you need to do is visit the kids’ audio/video section of your local CD shop and you will be bombarded with a multitude of educational enhancement products to buy. You may find ‘Baby Einstein’ or ‘Brainy Baby’ and an abundance of similar merchandise to make your child smarter. These types of goods can be a wonderful way to introduce music to your children before the age of three. However, . . .

Use Mind Maps to Improve Your Learning

Are you still taking notes to organize your information the old fashioned way? Try the technique of making mind maps, and see whether this method of organizing your thoughts works better for you. When you need to organize your thoughts, you probably write out all your thoughts the old fashioned way. However, there is a technique called mind mapping which can help you organize your thoughts a. . .

How ADD Affects Child Education And Schooling

Educating a child with Attention Deficit Disorder may not be an easy process. Although great strides have been made in recognizing the disorder and many school systems have answered the call, many are still antiquated in their procedural methods as well as catering to specific circumstances.How ADD affects a classroom is usually seen before diagnosis takes place. It may be seen in the little gi. . .

Insights of Accreditation

Requirements for licensing and/or authorization for educational institutions vary from state to state in the United States. Most states require that a learning institution be certified, authorized and/or accredited in order to award degrees to students. There are some schools out there that do not meet these requirements. In fact, there are several levels of fraud found in some educational prog. . .

Massage School

Which friend doesn’t love to pass time away chitchatting while receiving a massage? Which boyfriend doesn’t love to spend some quality time giving his girlfriend a backrub? In any situation that it’s possible, we love to give and get massages. However, when we join the real world where the job takes over, girlfriend gossip gatherings become rare, and the boyfriend, who has now become the hus. . .

All Scholarship Applications are Alike, Right?

Evaluating thousands of scholarship applications hasdefinitely left an impression on me. I still remembersome of them, because the students who submitted themmanaged to get into my head in a personal way. Many books and articles will tell you that "personalization"is good, but they don't tell you how to accomplish that. I saw a photo attached to an app showing the senior student shaking hands w. . .

School for Children with Social Difficulties

Choosing a school for children with social difficulties is a very difficult task. Parents know that the school they chose will have a big impact on their child’s self-confidence, their ability to learn and their childhood experiences. Get it right and you can help them learn and overcome many barriers and many difficulties they may have. Get it wrong and it can become practically a daily nig. . .

Quality Schools

After presenting these ideas at the NAREN (National At-Risk Education Network) in Wisconsin last week, I was asked to write an article that would be able to reach more people to spread the exciting word about Dr. William Glasser’s work in the area of Quality Schools. There are many characteristics that are required in order for a school to be listed as a Quality School. There are currently 13 s. . .

Choosing The Best Accounting Schools

Accounting is defined as the measurement of assurance about certain information in the aid of resource allocation for managers and other decision makers. The most popular and most commonly practiced branch of accounting is financial accounting. This branch of accounting involves processes where data is recorded, summarized, analyzed, organized, interpreted and communicated to others concerned. . . .

Cisco CCNA Certification: Static Routing Tutorial

In studying for your CCNA exam and preparing to earn this valuable certification, you may be tempted to spend little time studying static routing and head right for the more exciting dynamic routing protocols like RIP, EIGRP, and OSPF. This is an understandable mistake, but still a mistake. Static routing is not complicated, but it's an important topic on the CCNA exam and a valuable skill fo. . .

The ONLY Thing You Need to Consider When Learning

Wonder how children learn so darn quick? Well, the answer is easier than you might think. There are many contributing factors to a child’s almost miraculous ability to soak up information that passes their way (and some information which we can only wonder at its source). To understand it, at least in part, we need to have a look at the way we, as fully fledged adults, try to learn. First, take. . .

Homeschooling Outside The Box

My 12 year old son is creative and intelligent. He can compose artistic and written works at a level beyond that of many his age. So why can he be so difficult to teach? When using standard curriculum, it can be like pulling teeth to get him to do anything more than the absolute minimum. He races through the lessons, obtaining grades far lower than he is capable of getting, or he easily get. . .