Thursday, April 2, 2020

Review of Asher Millers Chemistry Tutor Program

Review of Asher Millers Chemistry Tutor ProgramThe Chemistry Tutor Series is a supplementary English teaching resource created by asher miller, a licensed teacher of chemistry for more than two decades. The program is available as a complete two-part set including interactive lesson plans, videos, e-books and the Chemical Physics Questionbook. Asher's experience in teaching chemistry helped him to create such a product which could help his readers in teaching themselves.The Chemistry Tutor Series gives you a step-by-step guide to mastering the basics of chemistry. When combined with a website to build a strong foundation in chemistry, she miller chemistry tutor can help teach elementary-school children how to enjoy learning. As a parent, you should consider purchasing the pre-packaged version as this allows you to download files and adjust course settings so that your child can learn at his own pace. It is important to remember that before you send your child to school, it is essenti al to teach him to read and write.The Chemical Physics Questionbook can be downloading in advance to help your child catch up with his classmates. This activity guides him through the procedure and uses handouts so that he is able to understand the concepts and applications of chemistry. Asher's Chemistry Tutor products contain a Teacher's Guide, a course-launching guide, tutorials, activities and quizzes. He developed the practice sessions to help your child prepare for the ACT and SAT. All these features and materials came together to give your child the knowledge he needs to succeed in a competitive, high school level in chemistry.The Teacher's Guide included in Asher Miller Chemistry Tutor teaches parents how to instruct their children about chemistry in the classroom and helps them to prepare their child for science fairs and other exams. This guide contains instructions on how to teach the subject matter by hand and to help them guide the work of their child. A professional st udy guide, the Teacher's Guide provides you with additional hints and tips to help you guide your child in every step of preparing for his examinations and tests.The Teacher's Guide for Asher Millers Chemistry Tutor tells parents how to help their children to prepare for the AP Chemistry Examination. The guide offers many illustrations to help students understand what they are supposed to do, and a high-quality practice guide helps them learn the procedure of AP Chemistry in a practical way.If you want to make sure that your child is properly equipped for AP Chemistry Exams and even if you do not have a high school diploma in chemistry, Asher Millers Chemistry Tutor offers a comprehensive book of resources for all levels of students. This chemistry tutor has developed a comprehensive structure to help parents and teachers to teach their children how to learn and how to study. Asher Millers Chemistry Tutor has been developed for both school-aged children and for adults to help them u nderstand the basics of chemistry.The Asher Millers Chemistry Tutor website has various lesson plans that can be used in different classrooms. These lesson plans include a link to the Question Book and a support group where parents can find a tutor who will be able to guide their children to higher levels. The website includes a quiz that will help the user understand how to give a question and an overview of the materials, the student will need to prepare for the AP test.The website provides plenty of online resources for parents to use, such as software for easy access, message boards and blogs that allow parents to communicate with one another, and a forum that allows students to share their views and experiences. The website has a video tutorial that has been designed with children in mind.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Chinese Tutor - What is it All About?

Chinese Tutor - What is it All About?Are you looking for a Chinese tutor in Amsterdam? Many people want to learn Mandarin and want to find someone to teach them in their own home. This is possible if you are willing to work with a local tutor in the area you live in. If you are a student or a professional, you can go online and find someone to tutor you for a fee.The translation service can be a good idea because it can help you get a good experience in learning how to speak Chinese. They can also help you with phrases that need translation. A website will offer the same service to other foreign language students as well. You will be able to contact people who want to help you learn how to speak Chinese. You may also consider a certified or an independent interpreter to do this job.Since you are going to be learning a lot of words on your own, it is not necessary to have somebody that teaches you the vocabulary as you learn the lesson. This way, you will have more confidence in your learning process. There are lots of people that can help you out, as well as your partner in learning the language.The best idea for someone like you is to make sure that you have lots of practice. This is the only way you can know how long you can spend reading and listening to the language. When you have the vocabulary memorized, then you will not have to speak as much and you will not have to feel frustrated about the pronunciation. The more practice you have, the better you will be at communicating with your partner.As a personal assistant, it is good to choose a company that offers you a tutor. You can get tips on how to properly communicate with a person who speaks Chinese. Having someone with you makes the learning process easier.A crucial thing for you to remember is that you should not force yourself to learn the language. It can be a bit uncomfortable at first. You might not feel that you want to do it. However, if you keep at it, you will surely love it.Make it a habit to always practice what you have learned. Practice every day in the time you are given to do so. If you find that you need more practice, then you should have more time allotted for it. However, as long as you continue to work on the method, you will eventually master how to speak Chinese.

Friday, March 6, 2020

ESOL 10 Exceptions to English Grammar Rules

ESOL 10 Exceptions to English Grammar Rules What Are The Main Exceptions to English Grammar Rules? ChaptersGrammar Rules: Adding Auxiliary VerbsBasic Grammar Rule Exceptions in SpellingDoubling Final ConsonantsPunctuation Rule ExceptionsInterim: How to Learn English EffectivelyExceptions Involving ArticlesEsl learners sometimes get frustrated because no rule of English grammar or vocabulary is straightforward: there are always exceptions.  Many people make common mistakes in every aspect of English.As an English learner, you will need to learn grammar rules and spelling rules as well as remembering exceptions.Even native English speakers often break grammar rules and spell words incorrectly. If nothing else, that proves that such English rules can be difficult to remember and apply.Today, we will explore the top ten rule exceptions of the English language. and cyberworld all are spoken with the S sound.Conversely, vowels A, O, and U give C a K sound:Car, can; cold, course; cunning, cues are examples of such words.The same vowel rules apply to G with E,I and Y, but there are  excep tions:Girl, get, go â€" and all of its forms; gift, geese, gears, and geyser are all words that give G a G sound instead of J.“In Shakespeare’s day you could get by with a little variation in spelling...” - Allan Metcalf therefore consonant doubling is called for, making it admitted.The Silent EIn English, the E at the end of most words is generally not spoken. It serves to define the sound of the syllable before it.VCV â€" vowel-consonant-vowel combination makes for a short sound in words such as made, done, and date,  in which the final e is silent.Except in words borrowed from other languages, such as French.Consider the words: fiance, risque, macrame, and recipe.In their original language, all of these words would have an accent on the last letter, making the last consonant-vowel pair a spoken syllable.English does not use any markings on their vowels, as other languages do, so we borrow the phonetic sound without changing the spelling.Wouldn't risquay and macramay be easi er to read?A hiring manager might resume an interview after reading a resume. (Source: Pixabay)As a final note on this topic: resume.The document you present to recruiting managers is called a resume  (pronounced: resumay). To continue doing something after a short break is to resume (rezoom).The first word comes directly from the French language, meaning 'to summarize'. The second follows its Latin roots, meaning to take back.Learn how to avoid common mispronunciations with this blog.Punctuation Rule ExceptionsSome languages do not use punctuation at all but, in this language, these marks are critical to understanding even basic English.To improve your general English speaking skills, learn to speak punctuation.Imagine the dismay of the celebrity who had given an introspective interview, only to find that the journalist had captioned the article:“... finds inspiration in cooking her family and her dog”Most likely, the writer meant that the person in question finds inspiration i n cooking, her family, and her dog.Have you noticed the comma after 'family' in the above sentence?When writing a list of items, separating them by a comma is essential. The last comma, separating the final two listed items is called an Oxford comma. There are few punctuation rule exceptions in the English language, but the issue of the Oxford comma is currently in the headlines; the foundation of a multi-million dollar lawsuit.A Period (or other punctuation mark) Finishes the Sentence, Except...Take a look at the bulleted list below.If you are making a list in that manner, it is not necessary to put a period at the end of every statement, even if you have composed complete sentences.Interim: How to Learn English EffectivelyYou are learning English as a second language. Your goal is most likely fluency, if not mastery of the language.To achieve your aims, you should:Strive for reading comprehensionDevelop your writing skillsCultivate a sizable vocabularyExercise your spoken English at every possible opportunityChallenge your listening skillsShould you aspire to a brilliant academic career, you might seek out courses in English for academic purposes.If you are hoping to use English in a more formal setting, you may want to acquire a business English vocabulary.The British Council addresses many of your English learning needs, from basic English lessons to business English courses.Additionally, you can take English classes at your local library or community center.Many universities offer people learning English as a foreign language a choice of curricula to choose from. Is there such a campus close to you?If not, you could try your hand at online English learning.The Internet abounds with ESOL courses; quite a few of them for free.English is the most prevalent language taught online. - duolingoWith your computer, tablet or smartphone, you can learn everything from basic words and phrases to why nouns sometimes act as adjectives.It is now time for the final gramm ar rule exception on our list.Learning rule exceptions will lead to fewer mistakes when using English (Source: Pixabay Credit: Geralt)Exceptions Involving ArticlesThe most common article, the, is used to indicate something specific or unique:The moon bathes the earth in light.Because earth and moon are unique, using the  to designate them is correct.The article a  is reserved for more general references: a cat, a door, an envelope.However, there are sentences in which unique objects must be expressed with the more general article a. Our Earth would not be the same without a moon.Similarly, the is generally always used before superlatives:She had the most interesting dress on â€" meaning: the dress is both interesting and unique.You might have heard a native speaker of English say: She had on a most interesting dress, with spoken stress on most.This suggests to the listener that the dress must surely have been stunning.In Cambridge English, it could mean the contrary: the dress was a ppalling!To gain proficiency in proper article usage as well as sharpening your English skills, try learning measure words of objects.You work hard to learn English Online. Your literacy grows with ESOL  courses  you complete and, every conversation you have with a native speaker results in your understanding more expressions.If only studying English in general were as concise as this list of grammar rule exceptions!

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Summer Camps for Kids

Summer Camps for Kids Kids' Best-Voted Summer Camps ChaptersAcademic CampsOutdoors Adventure CampsSports and Fitness CampsIt’s that time of year again when, although battling gloomy, chilly or downright cold weather, our thoughts turn to cavorting in the great outdoors.That is especially true for those of us with school-aged children.When you consider that two major holiday periods are on their way â€" Easter and Summer, most of us are annually faced with the dilemma of what to do with our kids while they’re out of school and we’re still at work.Summer camps, an idea borrowed from our friends across the pond, provide the ideal solution.Once it made its way to our shores, the concept took off like a rocket; today, kid camps of all types dot our landscape: STEM and other academic camps, outdoors camps, sports camps, day camps and even camps for the performing arts!Which do you see your kids being the happiest at? Is it the same camp that you’d like for them to attend?We know that summer is still a few months away (and Easter is right around the corner) but, if you hope for your child(ren) to have a spot at the camp of his/your choice, it would be best to register early.Besides, some camps offer discounts for early registration…Let’s take a look around the UK so that we can find the best camps of any type, shall we? CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsAcademic CampsPerhaps the last thing your resident student envisions doing during the summer holiday is pursuing academic studies. On the other hand, judging by the glowing reviews of kids attending these camps, maybe kids want to diagram sentences all summer…That sentence does a disservice to the fine inst itutions that provide that type of learning.Take the Royal Institution Summer Schools programme, for example. They host a multitude of STEM workshops in engineering, cryptography, genetics and more.Your child won’t spend the week sitting in lecture halls listening to experts, s/he will get hands-on: building robots and making bath bombs, dabbling in forensic science and even learning to extract DNA.Hint: that’s not the same as taking a cheek swab… While some camps for teens can be quite primitive, many are not Image by Jerzy Górecki from PixabayIf your child happens to already be a Royal Institution member, you will benefit from 15% off of their summer school booking. Not such a bad deal!If you happen to be closer to Scotland than London (where the Royal Institution is), you might consider the Ardmay House International Summer School.This wonderful facility is located well off the beaten path in Arrochar, in the heart of Loch Lomond National Park.According to Gail, the camp’s representative, their two most popular programmes are Adventure English â€" a combination of English learning and activities, and Ardmay Adventure, an action-packed option.In fact, so popular are these choices that many parents opt for their children (ages 8 to 14) to attend first one, and then the other sessions.Should you worry that your child would miss city life, Adrmay House includes field trips into nearby towns as well as long hauls to Edinburgh and the slightly closer Glasgow.Their students love the Glasgow Science Centre!One advantage of this camp that you would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere is the international aspect. Your child would have the chance to meet, learn and play with kids from other countries.  What a learning experience!At one time or another, to varying degrees of fervency, every child dreams of running away to join the circus.Whether your child has or has not expressed that wish, wouldn’t it be great if s/he could learn circus tricks like walking a tightrope, being a part of a trapeze act, juggling and plate-spinning?Naturally, it’s not ‘all circus, all the time’ at Uppingham Summer School.Instead of your children performing a high-wire act during the end-of-week performance (yes, that is standard!), you might entice them with musical theatre or learning how to work behind the scenes, painting stage sets and arranging props.Unlike other summer camps, Uppingham has no age restrictions; obvious ly, infants wouldn’t be able to participate but, if your child is at least four years old, s/he would be welcome.You can find registration information for any of these facilities via the information below.Academic Summer CampsCamp NameLocationPhone NumberEmailThe Royal Institution Summer CampLondon0207 409 2992summerschools@ri.ac.ukArdmay House International Summer School(North of) Glasgow, Scotland0130 170 2998info@ahiss.co.ukUppingham Summer SchoolUppingham0157 282 0800Theatre@uppingham.co.ukAcademic SummerLondon, Cambridge, Bristol0203 959 9370info@academicsummer.co.ukFire TechVarious locations around the UK0203 950 7310info@firetechcamp.comMad ScienceVarious locations around the UK0203 031 6900heliumhelen@madscienceeast.co.ukExscitec SummerVarious locations around the UK0173 026 2927Alison.brennan@exscitec.comYour turn to chime in: what’s your take on summer camps in the UK? Outdoor adventure camps teach, among other things, environmental education Image by LUM3N from PixabayOutdoors Adventure CampsIt’s every parent’s dream to get their kids off of their electronic devices and out of doors, right?If your child is more connected to your WIFI than to you and cannot bear to have his tea without something bleeping and blooping in his hand, one way to break his (or her) habit is to send them to camp.Between having every minute of the day planned for them and none of the activities involving a gaming chair, you stand a good chance of getting your 6-13-year-olds moving again!Wickedly Wonderful  has a most appealing name… which was not borrowed from Deborah Blake’s book of that title.The activities take place in West Sussex, on the south coast of England. There, for one week or more, your child may ride horses, sail or play games on the beach. If, after all that, they get homesick, surely a chocolate banana roasted over the fire will cure their ills.Beca use everything is out of doors, there is no internet and no WIFI… nothing but fun activities that don’t involve electronic devices!Which camp should you choose if you’re not sure what your child would like to do during the summer? For such situations, Kingswood Camps has you covered.Their five camps are located in:Staffordshire, Wolverhampton (for ages 8-13) Summer and Easter campsGrosvenor Hall, Kent (for ages 8-17) Summer and Easter campsWest Runton, Norfolk (for ages 8-15) Summer and Easter campsColomendy, North Wales (for ages 8-17) Summer and Easter campsIsle of Wight (for ages 8-17) Note: no Easter Camp available at this locationAs you might have guessed by this breakdown, each location presents its own unique challenges and camp activities. For instance, the Isle of Wight adventure camp features water activities but also, because of its unique topography, climbing, abseiling and ropes courses as well as ziplining.Naturally, they do so in a safe environment; camp counsel ors would never allow one of their explorers to get hurt!Such outdoor activities are classic summer camp fare but, if you were more hopeful of getting your kids interested in a sport they could continue when they come back home, you probably need another type of camp.Would you like to find summer day camps near you? Among other aspects of sports camp, nutrition and healthy eating features prominently Image by David Nisley from PixabaySports and Fitness CampsIt seems like every time we turn around, we’re hearing that our country’s children are in crisis.Even if we stop turning around, children in the UK are facing unprecedented weight gain; the experts say that it has to do with food intake â€" including the quality of the food they’re taking in, as well as the fact that they’re not moving enough.Nobody is calling any child fat, here, but there is a grain of truth to kids these days being more sedentary and consuming more calories. It’s time we parents take things in hand, isn’t it?Fortunately, most camp programs have devised days packed with activity and healthy eating is a part of the adventure.Fit for Sport Activity Camp is just such a place. They welcome campers as young as four for team games, water sports and other outdoor adventures such as rock climbing.Should your child not f eel up to those activities, s/he could try their hand throwing pottery or pick up another craft s/he might enjoy.The focus at Fit for Sport is keeping their campers engaged and challenging them to do more â€" never in a cruel or unsafe way.Fit for Sport facilities are liberally sprinkled throughout the Greater London area but also throughout southern England and as far north as Grantham. If you’re in Plymouth, there is a Fit for Sports there, too!Activate Camps takes a novel approach to their enterprise; rather than buying a bunch of equipment to set up their own camps, they make use of facilities not in use during the summer to help kids learn a sport they’re interested or practise the sport they love.For instance, if your progeny is mad for tumbling and gymnastics, s/he could go to either Stroud or Berkhamstead. Conversely, were tennis their sport of choice, they could find a court in Sherborne, Croxley Green or Oundle.Activate has camps for those who are not particularly inte rested in any sport, too. Their multi-activity camp features arts and crafts, games, outdoor exploration and other activities. They do feature some sports but they are not the master plan.If your kids are somewhat younger, say between four and eight years old, the place for them is Energy Kidz.This dynamic group has a day camp arrangement with several schools but where they really shine is their holiday camps. Adept at blending adventure, learning and fun, these camps for children provide a self-affirming, confidence-building environment that kids love.Whether your camper is mad for adventure or keen to learn a new sport, you can rest assured that their camp experience will enrich them: they’ll make new friends, learn new skills and quite possibly enjoy the best summer they’ve ever had.Of course, our country has far more summer camp programs than we can detail here. However, in this table, we’ve listed other camps’ contact information, just to offer a wider variety of summer programs to choose from.Also, consider these residential summer camps…Summer Camps UKCamp NameLocationEmail AddressPhone NumberFit for SportVarious locations throughout Englandenquiries@fitforsport.co.uk 0208 742 4990Activate CampsVarious locations across the countryinfo@activatecamps.co.uk0121 227 4385Energy KidzVarious locations across the UKinfo@energy-kidz.co.uk0333 577 1533XPlore Activity CampsVarious locations throughout the UKinfo@xploreactivitycamps0144 974 2700Ultimate Activity CampsVarious locations around the UKhelp@ultimateactivity.co.uk 0330 111 7077XUKAbberley Hall School, WorchestershireWeb address: xukcamps.com0208 922 9739

Introverts How to Tackle Sexism in the Workplace - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Introverts How to Tackle Sexism in the Workplace - Introvert Whisperer Introverts: How to Tackle Sexism in the Workplace Sexism is by no means eliminated in the workplace. Even if it sometimes goes unnoticed, it’s an everyday reality for many all around the world. Introverts who experience or oversee sexism may struggle to tackle sexism in the workplace. There are many common characteristics of introverts, however, that can back up an introverts plans to eliminate sexism in the workplace. Write it out Although introverts are a “diverse bunch,” they are often characterised as people who “think before they speak.” If an introvert has a concern regarding sexism, therefore, they may find it easier to write out their worry. According to Huffington Post, introverts are “often better at communicating in writing than in person.” Having to speak their issue may lead to them feeling as though they’re in the spotlight. As introverts are self-aware, taking the time to compose a written complaint or account could allow introverts to confidently express their concern. If you, as an introvert, want to voice your worries regarding sexism in the workplace, perhaps consider doing so in an email or a letter. Seek some time out Introverts are known to see solitude as “essential.” In order to feel restored, introverts need time alone. Introverts feel pressured to push themselves into “social situations to the point of exhaustion.” If you, as an introvert, feel overwhelmed by the busyness of the office, try and find some alone time to process your thoughts on potential or obvious sexism in the workplace. If you’ve experienced sexism in the workplace or have overheard a sexist conversation, try and carve some time for yourself. Once introverts have found some solitude in their own company, according to Introvert Spring, “life becomes lighter.” Although sexism in the workplace should always be taken entirely seriously, an introvert may need some time away from the office to understand what they want to do next. Gather your thoughts Introverts like to be prepared. According to Medium, introverts hate being put on the spot. If you, as an introvert, feel you need to go home and prepare what you want to say before you complain about a sexist comment or confront sexism, do just that! Introverts tend to need well-thought-out answers and comments at the ready. Go home to your own space and prepare your thoughts in order to tackle the issue. If you intend on speaking to your boss about an issue, dont be afraid to do so with a notepad of notes by your side. If youre confronting someone whos said something sexist, ensure you feel ready by preparing yourself with ready-made responses. Since introverts are good at planning ahead, find time to make a plan so you approach sexism in the workplace confidently. Rely on someone you trust Introverts thrive in intimate settings and, thus, enjoy one-on-one company. If you, as an introvert, are concerned youve been the subject of sexism or have seen something troubling, rely on someone you trust. Youll likely get your thoughts across in a far more succinct manner this way than if you had to tackle the issue in a larger group. In a one-to-one context, its easier for introverts to talk about more meaningful topics. Introverts shouldnt feel overwhelmed so long as they can speak to just one person about their concerns. Take a trusted colleague to one side and explain what has happened and ask for their advice. Speaking to someone you trust may lead to the bigger picture being resolved. Although introverts rarely volunteer to speak up, its important to tackle sexism in the workplace head-on. Introverts are often mistaken for shy, when, really they prefer to first observe before engaging. If you have been a subject of sexism or have noticed an uneasy atmosphere in the office, dont hesitate to do something about it. As long as you address the sexism in the workplace, it doesnt matter whether you do so in an introvert or extrovert kind of way. Author Bio: Kathryn Terry writes for Inspiring Interns, which specialises in finding candidates their perfect  internship. To browse our graduate jobs, visit our website. Go to top Power-Influence-Office Politics: it comes down to your Strategic Relationships and understanding of how you build each one of these elements. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that outlines all of this and meaningful actions you can take today!  Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

How to Choose Your Yoga Mat

How to Choose Your Yoga Mat Yoga Mats: The Most Common Yoga Accessory ChaptersWhy Practise Yoga?What Types of Yoga Mat Are There?3 Criteria to Consider when Choosing the Best Yoga MatThe Best Yoga Mat Brands and ShopsDetails are important. Some of yoga’s main goals are to improve your confidence and make you more relaxed.While a yoga mat is one of the optional yoga accessories, a lot of people swear by using them because not only is it more comfortable, it also separates you physically from the rest of the world. If you use a mat that isn’t for yoga, a mat that’s the wrong size, or just a mat that doesn’t make you feel like doing yoga, it’s quite likely that you’ll find it difficult to let go and get started with yoga.practising yoga at home...Whether you're attending a yoga class or doing yoga at home, some mats can be taken anywhere. (Source: StockSnap)The PricePrice is a criterion for anything you’re going to buy. Is it important when it comes to yoga? Not really.In fact, you can find good yoga mats for £50 and excellent ones for arou nd £20. If you prefer doing yoga on your living room rug, then do it! However, once you start doing more challenging yoga routines, you might find you want a little more cushioning than your rug provides. Additionally, you can't take your living room rug to yoga classes.While there are plenty of advantages to yoga mats, the most important thing is your well-being and your taste. Like Suzanne Bryant-Cunha, a yoga teacher in San Francisco says:“You have to want to spend time with your yoga mat”Given how much time you’re going to spend with your mat doing sun salutations, stretches, and muscle toning, the price is one of the least important criteria, since you’ll rarely be spending much more than around £50. Even if you do spend the upper limit, it’ll be a very low price for the amount of use you’ll get out of it.While the cheaper mats might seem like a good idea, they mightn’t last as long as the others. However, they can be a good idea for those who’ve just taken up yoga. You can find a good mat for between £15 and £20. On the other hand, a good mat made from natural or recycled yoga mat material can cost between £30 and £50.Don’t forget that the size of your mat is also very important. If you're tall, you might need an extra long mat. You don't want to be doing your downward dog and find that both your hands and feet are sliding because they're not on the mat.Join in on the topic: should runners practise yoga? and how to combine running and yoga.Don't forget that your mat has to be the right size for you. (Source: HannahWells)If you're a beginner and not sold on the restorative properties of yoga yet, then you probably don't want to be stretching your budget by paying a fortune for a really durable yoga mat like they have in professional yoga studios if you're barely going to use it.I did a search for yoga classes near me and found a Superprof yogi who gave me advice on choosing the right mat!The Best Yoga Mat Brands and ShopsThe Best Y oga ShopsIf you’re just getting started, you’ll probably be really enthusiastic and looking at some of the best yoga mats around.It’s a good idea to check out big sports shops like Decathlon that have a lot of yoga gear. Of course, in these places, you probably won’t find as many mats made of natural or recycled materials. For these, you need to start looking at specialised yoga shops.While there aren’t as many of these around, you can find plenty of them on the internet as well as through large online marketplaces like Amazon.The Best Yoga BrandsDepending on what you’re looking for and what you need (straps, patterns, material, etc.), here are a few brands you should check out:Chin Mudra. This is one of the cheaper brands and is very good value for money. You’ll pay around £20 for a comfortable non-toxic mat. This is a great option for beginners. Gaiam. Similarly, this is a great band for beginners. They also come in some nice patterns. These are available for betwee n £15 and £30.Sports brands like Reebok, Nike, etc. These can be quite expensive and don’t last as long. I’d avoid getting one of these.Lululemon. This is a successful brand. There are heavy options (around 3kg) meaning that they’re best being used at home. They’re comfortable and non-porous meaning they won’t get as dirty. They cost around £50.Manduka. This is some of the top-of-the-range yoga mats. You’ll pay upwards of £50 for these large mats which have a very good lifespan. They also have mats for two people.Hugger Mugger: This brand does a huge variety of fitness equipment and yoga mats. The mats start at around £20 and they also do recycled foam blocks, yoga props, and bolsters.Find out how you can get started with meditation and yoga...There are a huge variety of yoga mats available. (Source: Ben_Kerckx)If you know of any other good brands, tell us about them in the comments.Have you got your mat? Now you just have to work on your exercises and your mediatio n. In addition to yoga mats, you might want to get a yoga block or two, a yoga mat bag or a strap if you're going to be travelling with it, yoga towels, and cushions for meditation. As always, ask your instructor what you're going to need and what they recommend.To wash your mat, just use a cloth or yoga towel to wipe off the sweat after each yoga class or routine. You can also use between 5 and 10 drops of essential oils. Some can be put in the washing machine, too.Let Superprof answer your questions about practising yoga...In Conclusion:Forget about sleeping pads or pilates mats, there are plenty of other mats for yoga. You should also take into account the size and thickness of yoga mats since this will vary depending on the type of yoga you’re doing. If you’re just starting out, there are affordable yoga mats for beginners.Avoid PVC mats since there are plenty of natural options available.If you've hired your own private yogi, you should ask them which mat they prefer for th e type of yoga they teach (Vinyasa yoga, Ashtanga yoga, etc.), whether you'll need a cushion for meditating, yoga blocks for a certain posture, and whether they prefer that you get environmentally friendly equipment or an eco yoga mat.Now discover the best documentaries for learning all the facts about yoga...

6 Beautiful Songs for Piano and Voice

6 Beautiful Songs for Piano and Voice Suzy S. Sometimes, its good to take your singing practice back to the basics, and just sing with a small ensemble. Most satisfying of all is working only with a good pianist the level of detail just you and one other musician can achieve when working on material for piano and voice is very valuable to your development as a singer, no matter what stage youre at. If youre stuck for ideas of what to work on, the following six songs one religious, two modern pop classics, one German-language lied, one jazz standard, and one music theater number may give you some ideas. They wont all be suitable for your voice type, nor will they all be suitable for your current level of ability, but these six songs for piano and voice can give you an idea of which composers or artists to start your search with. Schubert Ave Maria Perhaps the most beautiful and appropriate setting of the Latin text for this combination, Ave Maria is the perfect addition to any singers repertoire of songs for piano and voice. Suitable for singers at an intermediate level and up, it demands great purity of line, good breath control, and a moderate level of vocal flexibility. When working on this song, concentrate on evenness of tone, and experiment with dynamic contrast. Adele Someone Like You British sensation Adele supplies a variety of modern classics for the female singer. This breakthrough hit requires considerable vocal control, however, and a solid technique. Make sure that you arent changing the shape or sound of the vowel as you change pitch on it, and practice exercises of arpeggios through the fifth on ah and ooh vowels before you sing this song to help you master this. The Fray How to Save a Life Lyrics-driven pop songs for piano and voice are an excellent addition to your vocal repertoire, as they make you pay close attention to text, and how to color it. For this song in particular, the vocal line itself isnt that difficult, and a beginner to intermediate singer should be able to master it quite quickly. However, bland and colorless words can be a problem for a beginner singer, so rather than preparing for this song with vocal exercises, practice speaking the text aloud, and pay special attention to your diction. Schubert An die Musik We make no apologies for including a second Schubert song in this list of songs for piano and voice; the undisputed king of song repertoire, Schuberts beautiful An die Musik is an ideal first foreign-language song for a beginner singer, as it covers many of the singing basics that you will cover in your first few lessons, including sustaining a lyric line, mastering vocal leaps, and managing dynamic contrasts. George Gershwin The Man I Love Gershwins great jazz and big band standard is the ideal starting point for a female singer at an intermediate stage of vocal development to learn how to develop flexibility within a rhythmic pulse, and how to improvise around an existing written vocal line. Classical singers have been experimenting with similar vocal embellishments called cadenzas for hundreds of years, and its a great way to add some excitement to your singing. Lerner Loewe On the Street Where You Live (My Fair Lady) Sung by the hapless Freddy Eynsford-Hill, this is a perfect addition to the music theater and concert repertoire of a young male singer. Ideal for learning purity of vowels, it will also help for work with high notes and working toward a big climax at the end of the song. Aim for breathless, enthusiastic innocence and dont be afraid to use your full voice. For every song you discover by a composer that you like, try to find at least one more, as this is an excellent way to build repertoire and to explore music that you might not already know. Finally, although exploring repertoire can be fun on your own, make sure that youre also working with a good teacher, who can help you find songs that are appropriate for your specific development and abilities. Have fun! Want more song recommendations?  Check out our list 400+ songs to sing here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of prescreened teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for safe, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by Thorsten Krienke