A Chemical Science Degree Program - A Training That Helps You In Enhancing Your Skills And Knowledge

A Chemical Science Degree Program - A Training That Helps You In Enhancing Your Skills And KnowledgeTi 84 Chemistry Programs provides education to high school students about the wonders of chemistry. There are different types of chemistry programs available in the market today which have their own advantages and disadvantages. The results that the students get out of their classes depend on their aptitude and interest level as well as the time taken for them to complete the course. Due to this, most of the chemistry programs that you will find online today come with a certificate and degree.Even though there are different kinds of chemistry programs available in the market today, these programs are almost the same. Most of the programs have to be completed in four years. You have to do the required coursework from your class or even take an alternative option to complete the course. You can opt for the online approach, which is very popular and gets you the certificate and degree wit hin four years. However, many schools also make use of the traditional way to complete the program in a shorter period of time.In Ti 84 Chemistry Programs, you have to choose between the advanced study or the conventional study. If you want to improve your skill and knowledge than the conventional method is the best option. You can expect to learn all about the nature and properties of chemical elements as well as the reaction of these elements. This is one of the most common reason why people get into the field of science. These programs are not just designed to improve your skill but also to help you in earning the qualification.You will also learn about the different elements like the doctrine, vanadium, iridium, tin, tungsten, chlorine, chromium, platinum, antimony, iron, mercury, selenium, yttrium, rhenium, thulium, etc. There are many more. All of them have their own scientific names and it helps you know their properties.In Ti 84 Chemistry Programs, you have to understand the basic principle behind these elements and the reaction that they undergo. This is something that is really important for the betterment of life. In the advanced programs, you will have to learn the chemical reactions that take place between certain elements to produce other elements. All of these are very complicated and you will have to be expert with all the chemical techniques to understand them.In Ti 84 Chemistry Programs, you have to complete all the required works before the end of the year. In case of traditional ones, you will need to complete the required assignments in an alternate format which is in the form of a dissertation. These types of programs normally require you to do the required coursework.These programs help you develop your new skills and knowledge in chemical sciences. However, if you need a fast paced course, then you can find them in the online era.

Kids Guitar Lessons How Often Should My Child Practice

Kids Guitar Lessons How Often Should My Child Practice Madalyn Danielson Odds are that if your child is taking guitar lessons, your child chose to play the instrument. Unlike stringed instruments, piano, and classical instruments, kids usually choose to start playing guitar. Kids guitar lessons are a great start, especially when they are geared to your child’s age, but the only way your child will really progress with the guitar is through regular practice. Practicing is a unique challenge when it is an instrument that a child chooses to play. People tend to take up the guitar imagining they are going to sound like a rock star in no time. It won’t take long for the disillusionment to settle in, and kids can be particularly susceptible to feeling discouraged by a lack of progress. Also, setting up a strict practice regiment can do as much harm as good. Your child wants to play for fun, so practicing needs to be regular and enjoyable. The Minimum Recommendation Your child should practice regularly, just like a student in band or orchestra. Students should average between two and three hours a week. The recommended time is 20 minutes a night, six days a week; however, this can be difficult to fit into your schedule. If it is not possible to work 20 minutes into a day, students can break it up, spending half an hour to 45 minutes each day of the weekend, then getting in 15 to 20 minutes on three week days. If there is additional time to spare during the weekends, your child will see better results by practicing closer to five hours a week. Having a day or two every week to get lost in the music and ignore the clock is one of the best ways to both inspire a budding musician and to think of practicing as a pleasant experience instead of a chore. During your childs guitar lessons, the focus will be on execution and technical aspects, so they might focus less on the music itself. The best time for your student to get lost in the music is when he or she is alone and practicing. Steady Practice vs. Practice in Bursts The thing to keep in mind is that practice is most effective when done regularly. While your child can get a lot done by practicing an hour both weekend days, if they don’t practice the other five days  a week, improvements will be slower to show. Like anything else, regular practice is always better than occasional long sessions. Staying Motivated to Practice There should be something about practice sessions that makes them fun for children. This is something to discuss after your kids guitar lessons. Their guitar teacher can recommend what would be most beneficial at each particular phase in the learning process. What you can do will depend in part on your own musical skills. If you are not musically inclined, set up time every week for a “concert” to give your child an audience. Make sure to praise your child’s progress. Point out the things you noticed that showed a better understanding of the guitar, even if it is as simple as playing steadier or not needing the sheet music. Encouraging words can give your child a reason to keep practicing. You can even invite friends and family over occasionally so your child has a real audience. If you play a musical instrument, join in with your child a couple of days a week. Have a duet session to make it feel more like a band since that was probably what inspired your kid to start playing. If you don’t play but are comfortable singing, you can sing while your child plays. Musical collaboration is something that can really inspire children to keep going with their instrument, because there is an amazing sense of accomplishment. Signing up your child for guitar lessons is a great first step. Your child will learn the basics and will be given music that is appropriate for his or her current skill level. Plus, a guitar teacher will offer encouragement and criticism to help your child improve. However, without practice, your child’s skills will remain nearly unchanged. Two to three hours a week is the minimum amount of practice needed to start really seeing results. The practice should span at least four days, but is best when done six days a week. Helping your child stay motivated to practice will go a long way to convincing your child to practice more often. Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by  Douglas Pimentel

When Should I Apply to Medical School

When Should I Apply to Medical School Deciding toapplyto medical school can be stressful and time-consuming. However, with careful planning, you can successfully manage this processas well as your classes, extracurricular activities, MCAT prep, and social responsibilities. You must: meet with your schools pre-medical adviser, sit for the MCAT, request letters of recommendation (LORs), and complete the application itself. This consists of the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) system, secondary applications, and interviews. The below timeline references your junior year of college, and it assumes that you plan to attend medical school immediately after graduation. Create a calendar Print a month-by-month calendar on several sheets of paper, and annotate it with important deadlines. You may also wish to include proximity alerts, which remind you of upcoming dates. Place the calendar in a highly visible locationabove your computer is an excellent choice. Remember to print a physical calendar! While your deadlines will not change, you do not want to click or tap several times to view a date. Additionally, little feels as wonderful as crossing out a task that you have completed. You may also want to check out these tips on how to decide which medical school is right for you. Meet with your adviser in the fall Most schools have a pre-health, pre-medical, or pre-professional adviser. Advisers become extremely busy during the spring semester, so schedule an appointment with him or her in the early fall. If your adviser understands your situation, it will be much easier for him or her to answer a brief question for you in the spring. Ask for letters of recommendation in early spring Approach professors who know you well in one of two ways: if you had a pleasant experience with a professor, but you do not plan on continuing your interaction, ask for a letter of recommendation immediately after the class ends. If this is likely to be an ongoing relationship (i.e. a professor in a small department that concerns your major, or one with whom you will do research), ask between January and March. Recognize that professors are not always available. Is your favorite professor going on sabbatical? Inquire, and note their dates of availability on your calendar. Here are some great tips for asking for a medical school letter of recommendation. Sit for the MCAT and submit your application in late spring/early summer Complete the MCAT between April and June. This way, if you must retake it, you can devote one to three months to preparing. Be realistic about the amount of time you require to review, as well as whether you need an MCAT tutor. It is possible to improve your score, but it involves time and hard work. Certain programs utilize rolling admissions, so apply to medical school early! AMCAS opens during the first week of May. Submit your biographical information, coursework, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and test scores in June. Secondary applications are issued by individual medical schools. These require several short essays in response to specific prompts. Write down any deadlines associated with secondary applications on your calendar. Attend interviews and commit to a school in your senior year Certain programs grant interviews as early as August. However, most will do so in the fall and winter months. In general, schedule them as early as possible. Keep in mind that you may find it wise to begin with those schools that are not your first choice, in order to practice. Here is some great information on medical school interviewsthat you may find helpful. If you receive an acceptance letter, make your decision carefully. By mid-spring of your senior year, you must accept one medical schools offer. If you are waitlisted, notify the school of changes to your application (i.e. an improved MCAT score). As you may realize, there is a great deal to do, as well as a deceptively long time in which to do it. Applying to medical school early may improve your chance of success, so submit your materials in June. This is the first step in a lifetime of work that is not possible without excellent time management, so give yourself plenty of leeway, follow your handwritten schedule, and you will be surprised at how much less stressful this year can be.

Drop Everything Listen to These 6 Great Singers!

Drop Everything Listen to These 6 Great Singers! Sign up successful Having a background in both classical and musical theater singing has given McDonald a uniquely brilliant, shimmering, but conversational voice. Contemporary song cycles and musicals like Ragtime have been graced by her soprano.   Check out her gorgeous Stars and the Moon above. 2.   Roberta Flack Known for her soaring  1972 hit, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (later covered by Lauryn Hill and the Fugees), Roberta Flack is regarded as one of the clearest and purest voices of RB, or of any genre for that matter. Listen to how well-supported her sound is in the clip above. 3.   Stevie Wonder Discovered by Motown producers at the tender age of 11, Stevie Wonder remains an icon of singing and songwriting to this day. An effortless, whimsical (albeit nasal)  quality can be found consistently in all of his recordings. Unlike many singers, thanks to his generally healthy vocal habits, Wonders voice sounded much the same for 30 years. 4.   Eva Cassidy Eva Cassidy died of cancer in 1996 before few people outside the Washington, D.C. area even knew who she was. If you want to learn how to be a great singer, then you should most certainly know who she is and what she sounds like. Now, notwithstanding her occasionally raspy notes and hoarseness, her voice may be one of the finest that Ive ever heard. Her capacity for sensitivity and song interpretation are truly unmet. Youve never heard Over the Rainbow quite like in her performance above. 5.   Jeff Buckley Son of the 60s singer-songwriter Tim Buckley, Jeff Buckley drowned at the age of 27.   In his short life, however, he managed to record beautiful songs, such as The Last Goodbye, Lover, You Shouldve Come Over, and the flawless cover of Leonard Cohens Hallelujah.   Be sure to listen to the very end. His breath support for the long note at the penultimate hallelujah is almost unbelievable. 6.   Mario  Lanza Though hes not related to me, Im humbled even to share the same surname as this tremendous opera singer. Born in Philadelphia, he starred in several Hollywood films, including a film in which he portrayed another singer, The Great Caruso. His lilting agility and vibrant tone set him apart. As you listen, be sure to listen with a cautious ear.   Remember that no voice is flawless, and that recordings are often altered and polished. No matter what genre you study, no matter what voice type that you have, and no matter how long that youve been singing, theres something to be learned from every singer that you hear. But the list above is a good start. Heather L. teaches singing, piano, acting, and more in Saint Augustine, FL, as well as through online lessons. She is  a graduate of the prestigious Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, and has performed with the New York and Royal Philharmonics, the New Jersey and Virginia Symphonies, the American Boy Choir, and the internationally renowned opera star, Andrea Bocelli. Learn more about Heather here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Drama League

Russian Lessons Glasgow

Russian Lessons Glasgow Looking For Russian Language Lessons In Glasgow? ChaptersWhat Do I Need To Learn Russian In Glasgow?How Can I Find Russian Lessons Near Me?Why Consider Online Russian Classes?There are so many reasons why you might want to learn Russian.Not only is it one of the most spoken languages in the world, but it’s also known as a challenging language for English speakers due to its Cyrillic alphabet  and grammatical oddities. So if you’re looking for a bit of a challenge when learning a new foreign language, Russian is a great language to consider!Although it has a reputation for being tough to learn, it’s certainly not impossible to learn Russian, and there can be a great many benefits to doing so.For instance, if you’re planning on travelling to Russia in the near future, learning even a little bit of Russian should stand you in good stead, as English isn’t as widely spoken by locals as you may have thought.So whether you’re learning Russian:For a challenge;For fun;To develop your C.V.; orDue to an upcoming work or travel com mitment in Russia,It’s important to know where in Glasgow you can attend Russian lessons to improve your proficiency.You can find Russian language lessons that help you improve your Russian in a business setting. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, rawpixel, Pixabay)Location â€" how far are you willing to travel to attend a lesson? Will you take public transport, drive or have someone drive you, or do you plan to cycle?; andThe type of course â€" are you looking for an intensive Russian language course, or a course that runs over a series of weeks or months?Another factor that is worth taking the time to consider is your ability level in Russian, and whether you would consider yourself a beginner, or an intermediate or advanced learner and speaker.If you’re just starting out learning Russian, you may not have had any prior experience with the language. Some Russian courses recognise that people may come to their lessons with no previous knowledge of the language. In such classes topics such as the Russian alphabet, basic grammar, pronunciation, and core words and phrases are likely to be covered as the course progresses.However, if you’ve learnt Russian previously â€" perhaps at school or as a result of self-study, or you consider yourself to be more than a beginner, then you may be expected to already know some aspects of Russian before joining a more advanced course.For example, some intermediate or advanced Russian courses might expect their participants to be comfortable with a wide range of tenses, including:The past, present, future; andThe differences between the imperfective aspect and the perfective aspect.What’s more, they may also expect participants to have the ability to read and write in the Russian alphabet, and have more developed listening, reading, speaking and writing skills than a complete beginner.In some cases, a course provider may assess your Russian language level before accepting you onto a course, especially if you’re applying for a co urse designed for intermediate or advanced speakers. This assessment can take place in a number of ways and may include a short face-to-face interview, or you may have to sit a short Russian language test to assess your ability level.What About Course Materials?Some courses may ask you to bring some learning materials with you, for example, dictionaries or course textbooks.Whether or not you’ll be required to bring these items at your own expense will depend on the nature of your course, its content, and the language school’s policies regarding materials. Some courses will provide all your learning materials without additional charge.If you do need to buy any books, notepads, or dictionaries before the start of your course, it’s likely that your course provider will let you know what you need to get before the course begins. However, if you’re unsure what you should bring along to your first and subsequent lessons don’t be afraid to reach out to your course provider to ask them for further clarification.It's always worth seeing what course materials you might need if you're planning on taking Russian classes. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, congerdesign, Pixabay)How Can I Find Russian Lessons Near Me?So if you’ve finally figured out which  course you’d like to take, how much you’d like to spend on lessons, and where ideally you’d like those lessons to take place, it’s time for the real fun to start â€" namely, finding your perfect Russian language course!Happily, there are lots of different ways to learn Russian in Glasgow.Ask For RecommendationsOne way of finding a Russian language course that suits you is to ask friends or family if they know of any Russian language classes that you could join.It may well be that they aren’t able to help, but if any of your nearest and dearest share an interest in learning Russian, or have mentioned that they’ve taken Russian language lessons in the past, it can be a good idea to pick their brain and see whet her they would recommend you attend the same classes that they did.Reach Out To Different Academic EstablishmentsOne place where you’re likely to find a Russian language course of some description is at a university. While some Russian classes are reserved solely for those involved in an undergraduate or postgraduate Russian degree, some universities also have language centres that offer Russian language courses for non-university members.If you’re interested in learning Russian through a university language school, try to give that university’s language centre a call or drop them an email asking whether they can give you further information about any Russian language courses they offer, and what ability levels they cater for.It might also be the case that this information is available online, in which case a quick Google search will put you in the right direction.Make Friends With The InternetOne of the easiest, quickest, and convenient ways to find Russian language courses i n Glasgow is to use the internet to search for any Russian classes near you. For instance, there are websites out there such as the Scotland-Russia Forum, which outlines a range of places that offer Russian language lessons, whether you’re:Looking to learn Russian as part of an undergraduate degree;Want to attend classes designed for adult learners with the aim of becoming fluent in Russian; orLooking for some online courses.The Scotland-Russia Forum website doesn’t just focus on Glasgow-based Russian language courses, so if you’re interested in learning Russian in another Scottish city, such as Aberdeen, Dundee, or Edinburgh, you can also find information about the Russian courses that are available at those locations.Russian language lessons can really help if you plan on spending some time in Russia and learning about the Russian language and culture. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, elianemey, Pixabay)Why Consider Online Russian Classes?Of course, another way that you can choose to learn Russian in Glasgow is to take an online Russian course or have online tuition.There are plenty of benefits to taking an online language course. For example, you might:Find that an online course is cheaper than attending one in-person;Have more flexibility as to when your lessons take place; andFind that an online course is much more convenient when it comes to travel.One way that some Russian language learners choose to learn and improve their Russian is to use an online tutor. An online tutor can help their students in the areas that they need to focus the most attention on, whether that’s grammar, pronunciation, their Russian reading and writing skills, or common verbs and phrases.Superprof has a wide network of language tutors across the UK  including Russian tutors that students can pick from. With tutors that offer online, in-person, and group classes and cater to a range of experience levels, it’s never been easier to search through Superprof’s database for your n ext Russian language tutor.What’s more, students aren’t restricted by location when selecting an online tutor. If a student's perfect tutor is actually located in Scotland, England, Wales, or elsewhere, then online communication eliminates any problems associated with distance.  This means that ultimately, you should be able to study the Russian language and develop your Russian skills wherever you live in the UK!If you found this useful, why not check out our blogs on how to advance your Russian skills in Birmingham, research Russian courses in London, learn Russian in Leeds or study Russian in Manchester? Regardless of where you live, it’s good to know that there are plenty of Russian classes throughout the UK to choose from!

What is it Like to Attend University of North Texas

What is it Like to Attend University of North Texas The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Najah is a Dallas Fort Worth tutor specializing in Anatomy tutoring, Physiology tutoring, Essay Editing tutoring, and a number of other areas. She is currently a junior at University of North Texas majoring in Biology. See what she had to share about University of North Texas: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Najah: University of North Texas is a fairly safe, urban school located in Denton, Texas. The university offers campus-wide bus services, as well as ride-sharing services. Many students drive their cars around campus, and even more use bikes, skateboards, and scooters, but these are not requirements to be able to navigate the campus. I generally walk around campus, but I drive to and from school. VT:How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Najah: The professors availability truly depends on the individual professor. I have had many professors who have always been ready to answer a question, along with others who have never answered emails or been available during office hours. Academic advisers are generally always available; I have been extremely happy with the service I have received from them. As for teaching assistants, I have only had experience with a few, all of whom have also typicallybeen available to answer any questions I may have had. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Najah: Although I have never lived on campus, I have heard different opinions about the dorm life at University of North Texas. Most students seem to agree that certain dorms are more appealing than others, both in terms of room arrangements and dining options, but those who do enjoy the dorms truly have only good things to say. I have heard that living in the dorms is the best way to meet new people. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Najah: The primary focus of University of North Texas is definitely the liberal arts. The Music major is one of the best in the country, and it is massively supported both financially and by word of mouth. Education is also a great focus at University of North Texas, but Music definitely precedes it. I am studying Biology because I am interested in medicine. Although science degrees are definitely not the University of North Texas main focus, I have been very pleased with the support I have received throughout the last few years. The science department is a very professional one, with very knowledgeable advisers and professors. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Najah: I did not get a chance to socialize much as a freshman because I was a commuter; I definitely met new people through my extracurricular activities (the organizations that I later joined), but I think I needed that first year to feel my own way around college life. Once I got used to the workload and atmosphere, I found it easier and more practical to begin socializing more. Greek life does play a significant role in the University of North Texas campus life. Although I am not a member of any sororities, both fraternities and sororities constantly recruit new members, and they plaster signs all over campus inviting students to the events that they host. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Najah: Although I have not personally had any experience with the Career Center on campus, I do know that these support systems are generally met with approval from students. They are said to be very helpful in providing students with any information that they need about employment and other future endeavors. I have also noticed that many reputable companies do recruit on campus. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Najah: At University of North Texas, the student union is currently being renovated, so students typically study in the libraries. There are two main librariesWillis and Eagle Commons. Eagle Commons, the science library, is the best place to go if a student actually wants to get any work done; it is quiet, spacious, and easily available. Willis, the art library, is definitely overcrowded during the day (although it is more spacious than Eagle Commons) and pretty loud. Willis also contains a caf, so it sort of doubles as both library and social hangout. I prefer Eagle Commons. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Najah: Denton is an interesting area. Close to campus, there are many different establishments, such as a movie theater, mall, and several different restaurants. Downtown Denton also contains The Square, which is the citys largest social center. The Square contains everything from restaurants to a courthouse to art studios, and it is very popular among students. I believe that more students frequent the downtown area versus the campus area simply because there is more to do downtown. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Najah: University of North Texas has a very large student body of approximately 30,000 students. In fact, this years incoming freshman class was the largest freshman class to ever be admitted to the university. I am the type of person who enjoys large class sizes, so I was very pleased with the classes that took place in auditoriums. I was not so much a fan of the smaller class sizes that took place in typical classrooms. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Najah: The most memorable experience I can think of is definitely the research that I completed at University of North Texas. As a freshman, I was chosen to be part of a research group on bacteriophages, and it was amazing because freshmen generally do not get research opportunities. I spent the year discovering a new organism and then conversing with a genuine, professional research institute in order to have my findings published. This opportunity was the greatest experience I have had so far at University of North Texas. Check out Najahs tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Increase Teacher Pay To Improve Academics

Increase Teacher Pay To Improve Academics Dave Eggers and Ninive Clements Calegari of the New York Times say teachers are underpaid and blamed entirely way too much for the underachieving American education system. In their argument, Eggers and Clements Calegari compared teachers to military professionals. We dont say, Its these lazy soldiers and their bloated benefits plans! Thats why we havent done better in Afghanistan! No, if the results arent there, we blame the planners. We blame the generals, the secretary of defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, writes Eggers and Clements Calegari. So why shouldnt we treat teachers just the same? Why is it teachers fault if their students underachieve because the system is flawed or because their parents arent encouraging them to study harder or do their homework? When students underachieve, not only do we blame the teachers, but we also reduce their already-small pay, fire a lot of them away and make the others scared for their jobs, writes Eggers and Clements Calegari. Compare that to soldiers. When military operations get tough, we rally support for the troops, we give them better tools, weapons, protection and training, and then we offer large incentives to create more interest among prospects. The writers argue that right now is a turning point in the American education system as many current teachers begin to retire. America now has a golden opportunity to create more interest in the profession and recruit/train better teachers. Currently, teachers earn 14% less than professionals in other occupations that require similar levels of education, and their salaries have been decreasing for the past 30 years, inflation adjusted. The average starting salary for teachers is $39,000, and the average ending salary (after 25 years in the profession) is $67,000. These figures make raising a family on one income nearly impossible and prices teachers out of home ownership in 32 metropolitan areas. These low salaries force 62% of teachers to work out-of-the-classroom to make ends meet. Many teachers take up common jobs as waitresses, construction workers or retail cashiers to supplement their low incomes, just to provide for their families. Why would a talented and intelligent teacher continue on in this career? Not many good reasons, state Eggers and Clements Calegari. Thats exactly why most of the good teachers have left the field. They leave because of the tireless, stressful work, low-pay and the students who never truly appreciate their help. Thats not even to mention the occasional angry phone call from a parent. But the problems are fixable, according to the writers. They looked at teaching professions in Finland, Singapore and South Korea, the three countries that perform best on standardized tests. In these countries, the government recruits top graduates into the profession, pays for their training (in Finland and Singapore) and pays teachers more (250% more in South Korea). The writers state that America could follow these countries practices and produce better teachers to fix the education system. Sixty-eight percent of 900 top-tier American college students said they would consider teaching careers if salaries started at $65,000 and rose to a minimum of $150,000.

Understanding Sensory Processing Problems in Kids with ADHD

Understanding Sensory Processing Problems in Kids with ADHD All kids with ADHD have difficulty blocking out distractions and regulating their behavior in stimulating environments. Some kids with ADHD may also experience sensory processing problems that exacerbate these symptoms. Sensory processing problems and sensory processing disorder are not formally recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM-5), but sensory processing symptoms are widely recognized by clinicians and educators as part of the clinical picture for many kids with ADHD (as well as kids with anxiety or autism spectrum disorders). If your child struggles with sensory processing challenges, being aware of these difficulties can help you understand, predict, and manage your childs behavior and reactions in triggering situations. What are sensory processing problems? Sensory processing is a broad term that is used to describe a person's ability to absorb sensory information (sights, sounds, tastes, textures, smells), regulate the intensity of a sensation, and respond appropriately. Kids with sensory processing problems can be under responsive and respond to signals in the environment slowly, lethargically, or passively, or they can be over responsive and have an exaggerated response to signals (e.g., be hyperaware of background noise, feeling highly irritated by a texture or sound, melting down in overly stimulating situations). What causes sensory processing problems? While the exact cause of sensory processing problems is not known, there appears to be a strong genetic or biological influence. Sensory processing difficulties are more common among kids with autism spectrum disorders or those who display some autism traits, and boys are more like to experience sensory processing problems than girls. How do sensory processing problems affect a child's functioning? Depending on the severity of the symptoms, sensory processing problems can impact every aspect of a childs life. Socially, they can interfere with a child's ability to attend or enjoy events that are noisy or crowded, focus on conversations in busy settings, or play comfortably in places that other kids often gravitate toward (e.g., sandboxes, grassy lawns, noisy indoor play spaces, etc.). Extreme reactions to situations, sounds, and textures that are difficult to tolerate can seem strange to other children and can have a negative impact on their relationships with peers. These extreme reactions can also cause behavior that seems oppositional or difficult to parents, leading to stress and strain for the entire family. Academically, difficulty blocking out or tolerating background noise can make it difficult for kids to focus throughout the school day and can interfere with learning. How are sensory processing problems treated? Unlike disorders that are classified in the DSM, there are currently no evidence-based treatments for sensory processing problems or sensory processing disorder. Identification and diagnosis of these problems is often done via an assessment with an occupational therapist. Treatments are typically tailored to the individual needs of each child and can involve a variety of movement and sensory-based interventions designed to improve sensory modulation capabilities. Treatment can also include changes to the child's environment at home or at school that minimize exposure to aversive sensory triggers. However, the true effectiveness of these interventions is unknown due to limited research in this area. Do kids outgrow the problem? It is difficult to predict whether a childs sensory processing problems will improve over time. For many kids, particularly those with more mild symptoms, there may be improvement even with no intervention. For others, there may be only modest changes in their symptoms over time. However, even if a child's sensory processing problems do improve in the long term, the short-term impact can be long lasting if they interfere with a childs ability to develop essential academic or social skills. If you suspect that your child may be struggling with sensory processing problems, reach out to your pediatrician or school counselor and request an evaluation by an occupational therapist or other provider who specializes in sensory evaluations. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

Huntington Learning Center Celebrates Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month

Huntington Learning Center Celebrates Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month This month, the Huntington Learning Center is celebrating Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month, an annual event that aims to increase the understanding and appreciation of mathematics and statistics. These two subjects are important drivers of innovation in the technological world, where new methodologies and systems are always becoming more complex. Eileen Huntington, CEO Co-Founder of Huntington Learning Center says that Huntington is proud to join colleges and universities, high school departments, institutional public information offices, math clubs, student groups and other related groups in the celebration. Many students turn to Huntington for help with math, and we are always quick to share with them how important math is not just in school, but life, says Huntington. Math and statistics play a huge part in many current issuesfrom the data surge brought on by the digital age to climate change, from economic progress to internet security. In April, we take time to elevate the importance of math to the families we serve and remind them of its practical application. Huntingtonadds that while many parents feel ill-equipped to help their children with math homework, there are many simple ways to encourage children to put math and statistics to use in daily life.She offers these ideas: Have your child join your fantasy football league each year and show him or her how the weekly statistics are calculated. Invite your child to balance your checkbook each week. Have your child help you maintain your family budget if you use a program like QuickBooks or a simple Excel spreadsheet. Whenever you measure anything in the kitchen, have your child get involved in the addition or doubling or halving of a recipe. Together, collect data over a period of time and create an interesting graph or chart. For example, the number of snow days, your familys wakeup times or your childs height. Visit the sports page of the newspaper or news website to get familiar with sports statistics and start tracking that data. When you grocery shop, have your child keep a running tally of the bill and compare prices of different products to understand which product is a better deal. Whenever major news breaks about an event or discovery that involves math or statistics, share it with your child. Set up a savings account for your child and give him or her savings goals and a regular chore of calculating interest and keep track of the account balance. Now in its 32nd year, Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month began in 1986 when President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation to establish National Mathematics Awareness Week. This annual celebration is a collaborative effort of the American Mathematical Society, the American Statistical Association, the Mathematical Association of America and the Society for Industrial Applied Mathematics. To learn more about Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month, visit www.mathaware.org. About Huntington Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. 2018 Huntington Mark, LLC. Huntington Learning Center, the three-leaf logo, and 1 800 CAN LEARN are registered trademarks of Huntington Mark, LLC. Each franchised Huntington Learning Center is operated under a franchise agreement with Huntington Learning Centers, Inc. SAT is a registered trademark of the College Board. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. These entities were not involved in the production of and do not endorse either program.