How to Join the 1 Percent... of Musicians

How to Join the 1 Percent... of Musicians Suzy S. The New York Times posted an interesting infographic last week describing the other, less-publicized trends of the 1 percent including the estimate that only 1 percent of the adult population plays a musical instrument each week. So where do you fit in?   For those of us who have a musical background, it may seem crazy to think that there are so many people out there who havent felt the excitement of playing a song for the first time, the gratification of learning a new language (music!) or the electricity of harmonizing with another musician.   If youve never felt that, whats holding you back? We recently came across a great article from the Music Made Easy blog comparing learning music to traveling and exploring somewhere new, which is the perfect way to think about it.   It can definitely feel like that for the beginner musician but that shouldnt stop you.   It just requires careful preparation and a road map, of sorts. The articles continues on to list out the things you would need to plan if you were traveling, for example: Work out how to get there (Transport) Work out where I want to go once I’m there (Procure a map) Work out how to get around (Navigation) Work out how to deal with possible pitfalls (Inside knowledge) Work out how I’m going to sustain my travel (Fuel) Work out how to obtain day-to-day necessities (Supplies) Next, how would these relate to starting music lessons? 1. Transport = Understand how to practice effectively With effective practice you can get to where you want to go. 2. The Map = Keep a practice diary With this you will be able to see where you have been and where you are headed. 3.  Navigation = Reflective learning This tool can help you to plan the best way to progress. 4. Inside Knowledge = Reacting to your inner critic This information will show you how you can begin to let yourself create great music. 5. Fuel = Motivation This will give you guidance on how to keep your motivation levels up in order to keep learning. 6. Supplies = Performing and recording These aspects are necessary to keep yourself happy and comfortable in music so that you can continue to play. While the article points out there is no final destination in music, if youre armed with this kind of knowledge and preparation, you can come out of your travels with a new skill-set, and the satisfaction of reaching a goal.   And just as you would look back on the memory of a great vacation, you can look back on how much you learned and how much fun you had during the process.   So the question is: Are you ready for the adventure? Your turn: what are your goals, and whats holding you back?   How are you working to overcome your fears?   Leave a comment below or join the conversation on Facebook! Ready to try your hand at music lessons?   Search for instructors near you and learn more about TakeLessons here. Like these posts?   Sign up to receive daily updates right to your inbox!   Click here to subscribe. Photo by Chris Blakeley.

Stress Management Tips for Busy Students

Stress Management Tips for Busy Students It is often underrated how busy a college students life can become. Between schoolwork, maintaining a social life, and potentially holding a job or internship, it can become a very busy and overwhelming time for many. If youre not careful to take precautions, it can easily spiral out of control to a place where stress may cause you to confuse your priorities. Thus, it is very important to be aware of everything on your plate during this chapter in your life this can help you manage all of the aspects so you can perform to your best potential on all accounts. College life can quickly become more stressful and intense than one may think, so understanding how to effectively manage any stress that comes with it is crucial. These tips below can help you on your journey Keep a planner With so many things going on in your life, it can become hard to remember all of the deadlines, work shifts, and other commitments. This is where a planner can particularly come in handy. It is one place where you can organize all aspects of your life. This way, before committing to a social event or a work shift, you can easily make sure you have no classes, tests, or schoolwork that would interfere. And, if you are so inclined, you can even go as far as to color coordinate the different areas of your life (i.e. work schedule is written in red, school deadlines in green, etc.) so you can easily and quickly distinguish them from one another. [RELATED: Top 5 College Study Tips] Communicate with your professor Despite courses being near your number one priority throughout college, things can come up in your personal life that can knock things off course. A family emergency or a flu can quickly put you behind for a few weeks and make it so you are unable to complete certain assignments or attend classes. This is where a good channel of communication with your professor can become key. Meet with him or her and explain your situation. Make sure your professor understands that you are not purposely neglecting the class and that you are still very much interested and engaged you just have other things on your plate at the moment that are beyond your control. Typically, professors will be understanding of this, appreciate your honesty, and be willing to work with you. Coming to them ahead of time and showing your sincerity is important, rather than waiting until the last minute or after the fact. Sufficient rest is your friend When the schoolwork begins to pile up, it can become easy to think pulling all-nighters is the only solution. This, however, is not usually the case. If done often enough, lack of sleep can actually increase your stress levels and cause you to feel worse than before (not to mention it can poorly affect the quality of your work). You may not be able to smash as much information into your brain right away, but you may ultimately perform better if you go into an exam well rested and alert. [RELATED: Breathing Exercises to Ease Your Mind on Test Day] Utilize campus resources A great thing about college is all of the resources you have at your fingertips. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take time to examine what specific areas of your life are causing this stress. For example, are you struggling with a particular subject? Take advantage of a math or writing center on campus, and see if your professors have any tips on who else may be able to help. Also, dont forget to look into what counseling and health services are offered on your campus. These may help you sort out any personal or health issues causing your stress and help you work toward the best solution. Identify a work/life/school balance At the end of the day, this is a time in your life you should be enjoying. Schoolwork, maintaining a personallife, and managing a job or an internship are all valuable parts of a college students life. As a student striving to succeed, trying to ace all of these at once can become a challenge. However, the trick is learning where to place priorities and making a schedule for yourself that allows all three areas of your life to excel. Once you realize this, even the busiest student can flourish. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

5 Benefits of Taking French Lessons on Skype

5 Benefits of Taking French Lessons on Skype Sign up successful 1. They can help you quickly learn  French pronunciation. One common thing that French learners struggle with is learning how to correctly pronounce French words. This is because, in most cases, the final consonant sounds are not pronounced in spoken French. Determining when to pronounce or leave off these sounds can be very challenging for new learners of the language. By working with someone who already knows how to speak French, you can learn correct pronunciation right from the beginning. This prevents you from developing  bad habits that are hard to correct later. When taking French lessons on Skype, be sure  to use headphones to ensure that you hear the teachers pronunciation clearly. 2. They offer more flexibility than traditional lessons. When taking local, in-person lessons, you are at the mercy of what is available in your area. If you live in an area with few French speakers, you will likely  have a limited number of  options of French tutors. When taking French lessons on Skype, you can schedule lessons to fit your busy schedule with teachers anywhere in the world. Whether you prefer morning, afternoon, evening, or even late night classes, you are very likely to find a private tutor who can  accommodate your schedule. 3. You will receive individualized instruction. When taking French lessons on Skype with a private tutor, your sessions will be one-on-one. This means that your teacher can completely customize the lessons to meet your needs. Because youll receive  individualized instruction, you can either slow down when struggling with a concept or skip over topics that youve mastered. 4. They offer increased convenience. Even if your  in-person French lessons only last 30 minutes to an hour, you might  waste a lot of time commuting to and from each session, time that could have been better spent studying new material. When taking French lessons on Skype, all you have to do is turn on your computer a few minutes before the lesson begins. When its over, you can immediately review the material or move on to other things you need to do. Because it is easy to attend your French lessons, you will stay motivated to stick with them. 5. You can try multiple teachers. Every teacher has a different teaching style. Taking French lessons online gives you access to many different teachers, each with his or her  own strength or expertise. When you start taking French lessons on Skype, you should try out a few different teachers to find the one who best  matches your learning style. If youre planning on taking more than one lesson per week, you can  even sign up with multiple teachers. The best way to learn any language is to use it. When you start taking online French lessons with  Skype, you are sure to see a big improvement in your French skills. Ready to start  your online French lessons? Sign up with  an online tutor today! 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  Marco Raaphorst

15 Famous Drummers You Should Know About

15 Famous Drummers You Should Know About The Best Drummers in the World ChaptersFamous Jazz DrummersBest Rock Drummers of All TimeFamous Female DrummersLearning From Your Favourite DrummersAnyone who has ever taken face to face or online  drum lessons has dreamed of becoming one of the greatest drummers of all time. They want to influence young jazz drummers just as they were influenced by the bands of their youth, play the drum solo in a metal band and find themselves on the cover of Drummer Magazine.Superprof is here with a list of famous drummers to provide inspiration to aspiring musicians., then with Rod Stewart. His younger brother Vinny played with Dio and Black Sabbath.Ian PaicePaice is the one member of Deep Purple who has been with them from the start. He plays hard and fast and full of energy and is know for hits such as “Smoke on the Water” and “Hush”.Phil CollinsThough Phil Collins also played jazz, he is best known for being the lead drummer in the Prog-Rock band Genesis. He is widely considered to have been the best drummer of the 1970s, often coming into the studio to support other well-known names. He is known for his “gated snare” drum sound. Nerve damage has forced him to retire as a drummer in 2007 (or has it?), but his legacy lives on.Learn which drums make up a traditional drum set...Dave GrohlFrom playing on pillows with snare sticks to contributing to Nirvana’s hard, uncompromising sound, Grohl has truly come up in life.He is the lead guitarist and main songwriter for the Foo Fighters and still drums for Them Crooked Vultures.Dave Grohl, drummer for Nirvana, Foo Fighters and Them Crooked Vultures. Photo credit: Giarc80HC on Visualhunt.comGinger BakerTrained in jazz, Baker started with the band “Cream”. He’s known for his power style, complicated rhythms, energy and showmanship. Ginger spent several years in Nigeria to study African drumming, and his rhythmic style reflects it.To take drum lessons anywhere in the UK, you only need to head to Superprof!Famous Female DrummersFor some reason, female drummers are not quite as visible as male drummers in rock bands, but a number of women have made their mark in the music world as some of the best drummers around.Cindy Santana-BlackmanA versatile drummer who has worked in jazz drumming and rock, she first rose to prominence drumming for Lenny Kravitz. She has drummed with a variety of bands including Spectrum Road, Sam Rivers and her husband Carlos Santana.Sheila E.Sheila Escovedo is a well-known drummer, singer and songwriter who had her big break during the eighties. She is best known for her work with Prince.Meg WhiteThe percussionist for the blues rock duo The White Stripes, Meg White has a minimalist, flowing style that set a powerful stage for their music. She often sang as well.Karen CarpenterThough her career was tragically ended by anorexia, Karen Carpenter was known as a drummer before she was famous as the lead singer of The Carpenters. She was especially admired for her ability to drum and sing and the same tim e, something that is not easy to do.Janet WeissConsidered as one of the top fifty best drummers in the world, Janet Weiss has played with bands such as The Furies, then got taken on with Sleater-Kinney after an impromptu jam session after one of their shows. She also played for Quasi, the Jicks and Wild Flag.Bobbye HallA session musician not affiliated with any one rock band, Bobby Hall has played with many of the greats, including Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Doors and Pink Floyd. She plays a dizzying array of percussion instruments, from congos to congas to tabla to the güiro.Discover also the history of playing drums through the ages!Bobbye Hall is a session musician who has worked with all the greats, with a large number of percussion instruments. Photo credit: Sunkissis, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40881344Learning From Your Favourite DrummersLooking at the performances of star drummers is a good way to progress in your craft. Watch music v ideos or YouTube videos of concerts and pay attention to their technique on the snare drum, their trick for double bass rolls, how they hold their sticks or hit the cymbal.Of course, part of finding yourself as a musician is finding the moves that are most comfortable for you. But if you try to imitate other drummers, you will get a feel for what works for you and what does not. It will give you ideas for your drum fills and a starting point for elaborating your own style.Try looking at drummers outside of your own music style. Sometimes certain trends in a genre can lead to bad habits or ignoring a technique that is very common in jazz though it’s rarely done in funk.Also, finding what you liked or didn’t like in their performance will help you fine-tune your own. You can try recording yourself or having a friend make a movie as you play the drums so you can analyse your own performance the way you did that of your drumming idol.If you are taking drum lessons London or in Manch ester, our Superprof drum tutors will teach you how to emulate your drumming heroes! You can even find drum lessons for kids.Now discover more facts about the drums!

Teacher Tips to Get the New Year off to a Great Start

Teacher Tips to Get the New Year off to a Great Start Holiday break is behind you, yet your students still seem to be in vacation mode. What can you do to get things back on track quickly? Here are a few ideas for how to re-energize students for the winter semester: Catch up. Talk with your students about what they enjoyed about their breaks. Make the transition a little smoother by easing into the work and giving students a chance to restore that camaraderie with their classmates. Set class goals. Surely you have an agenda for this semester, but rather than tell students what it is, talk through your objectives for student outcomes and get their buy-in. Invite student input where you can. Go over expectations. January is a good time to refresh students memories on class expectations and processes that you went over at the start of the school year. Share your expectations and consequences for not meeting them and trust your students to behave accordingly. Have students write their own goals. Some students might have already thought about their New Years resolutions why not dedicate some class time to that process, too? The first week back to school, ask students to think about what they want to accomplish this semester, academically and otherwise, the steps theyll need to take to get there, and how you as their teacher can support them. Tidy up. Get your classroom in order, and have your students get their desks, binders, and backpacks in order, too. Yes, you could spend your free time doing this, but getting your students involved gets them more invested. Survey students. What did they like about the fall semester? What projects or lessons were particularly engaging? Talk about things youd like to do differently throughout the winter and spring and ask for their ideas. Lastly, be enthusiastic yourself! Nothing is more inspiring than your own attitude, so if youre eager and forward-looking, theres a greater chance that your students will be, too.

New Years 10 Day English Challenge

New Years 10 Day English Challenge As we begin a new year, we might  reflect on the past year and look forward to the next one.  For many people, this means thinking of what they would like to do better, or something they want to accomplish in 2019.  Im a fan of small, achievable goals for my New Years resolutions.  So, I thought of a fun, achievable goal for all you English learners out there: a ten day English challenge.  All you have to do is spend 10 minutes learning English  for 10 days.  Luckily for you,  Ive compiled ten  fun, 10-minute learning experiences.  Some days well practice grammar, some days listening, fluency, reading and more.  You might see topics youre already familiar with, but extra practice never hurts.   Are you ready to set 2017 off on the right foot by improving your English?  Happy New Year, and happy learning!DAY ONE: LISTENING EXERCISEThis interesting video explains  why many people (including myself) dont care much about NYE.  The narrator speaks very quickly, so pay close atten tion, and share your thoughts on this holiday and your answers in the comments section!83% indicated they felt let down.  Not because of their actual plans, but because they ended __ having less fun than they expected.To end  up is a common phrasal verb that means to finally be in a particular place or situation.  What did you end up doing at 12:00am on January 1st, 2019?Reflection can cause existential crises, and __________ on negative events ___ also ____ shown to increase stress.Since we wouldnt  want to increase stress, what has been a positive event for you in 2018?Prone is an adjective that means likely to do/experience/suffer from something negative.  What are we prone to when we drink alcohol?If _____ ___  someone particular on this already angst-ridden evening, a midnight kiss may not be so bad.What have you got to do in 2018?DAY TWO: MODALS WITH CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORYWhat to know about modals:Do not use s in third personHe cans run fast.She should eat health ier.Use not to make them negativeYou should not be rude.  They might not come over tonight.Usually, we cant use modal verbs in future or past tensesShe will can take me home from work.We musted finish our project.You Try:  take a look at these common modals, choose five to  say an example sentence of your own.  Or, even better, write your sentences in the comments below!Sentence structure: (Subject) + (modal) + (base verb) + (object/adj).Question structure: (Modal) + (subject) + (base verb) + (object/adj)?CanCouldMayMightMustOught toShallShouldWillWouldListening Practice:  watch the video and fill in the blanks with the modal verbs.Veruca.  ___ you _____  that for us, please?As soon as little Veruca told me she had to have one of these golden tickets, I started buying up all the Wonka bars I _____ ___ my hands on.From now on, you ___ ____ shelling peanuts and _____ shelling the wrappers off these chocolate bars instead.I vowed I _____ ____ up the search until I _____ ____ her wh at she wanted.We knew Augustus _____ ____ the golden ticket.DAY THREE: FLUENCY FUNSinging is known to help fluency, build vocabulary, and be fun!  So today, I found this song listed as a top song of 2016.  Its easy to sing along to, so its a good one to learn.  Listen and read along a few times until you think youve memorized it.  For even more practice, put it on a playlist for your commute to work.  There are lyrics written in the video, or  you can read them below.Closer (feat. Halsey)Hey, I was doing just fine before I met you I drink too much and thats an issue But Im OK Hey, you tell your friends it was nice to meet them But I hope I never see them AgainI know it breaks your heart Moved to the city in a broke-down car And four years, no calls Now youre looking pretty in a hotel bar And I, I, I, I, I cant stop No, I, I, I, I, I cant stopSo, baby, pull me closer In the back seat of your Rover That I know you cant afford Bite that tattoo on your shoulder Pull the sheets righ t off the corner Of that mattress that you stole From your roommate back in Boulder We aint ever getting olderWe aint ever getting older We aint ever getting olderYou look as good as the day I met you I forget just why I left you, I was insane Stay and play that Blink-182 song That we beat to death in Tucson, OKI know it breaks your heart Moved to the city in a broke-down car And four years, no call Now Im looking pretty in a hotel bar And I, I, I, I, I cant stop No, I, I, I, I, I cant stopSo, baby, pull me closer In the back seat of your Rover That I know you cant afford Bite that tattoo on your shoulder Pull the sheets right off the corner Of that mattress that you stole From your roommate back in Boulder We aint ever getting olderWe aint ever getting older We aint ever getting olderSo, baby, pull me closer In the back seat of your Rover That I know you cant afford Bite that tattoo on your shoulder Pull the sheets right off the corner Of that mattress that you stole From your room mate back in Boulder We aint ever getting olderWe aint ever getting older No, we aint ever getting older We aint ever getting older No, we aint ever getting older (repeats)DAY FOUR: SECOND CONDITIONAL AND THE BIG BANG THEORY  Use: what we would generally do in an imaginary situation.If (subject) (past simple), (subject) would (verb).If this thing happened, that thing would happen.Would (subject) (verb) if (subject) (past tense)?Would that  thing happen if this  thing happened?Good to know:We can’t use ‘when’ since we’re talking about  imaginary situations that probably won’t happenIt is considered grammatically incorrect to use ‘was,’ in this conditional.  For example:If he were rich, he’d buy a car.You try: watch the video for examples of second conditional, then answer the following questions with your own examples.  Dont forget to share your knowledge in the comments section!If you had your own video game character, what would they be like?If you were to ask som eone out on a date, where would you take them?If you made a robot, what would it do for you?If you had  a time machine, where would you go in time?What would happen if everyone was like you?DAY FIVE: ADVERBSadjective + lyUses: we use adverbs toModify verbs: Usain Bolt ran quickly to the finish line.Modify adjectives: Usain Bolt can run  impressively fast.Modify other adverbs: Usain Bolt ran  incredibly quickly.Irregulars:good-well, fast-fast, hard-hard, late-late, straight-straightYou try: start the following video at 3:10.  Listen to the examples of adverbs.  Choose 5 out of the 7 adverbs and create sentences of your own.  Remember to post your ideas  in the comments section!DAY SIX:  TONGUE TWISTERSTongue twisters are a great way to practice pronunciation and fluency.  Take the next ten minutes to read the following tongue twisters several times.  The first time, read them nice and slow, focusing on good pronunciation.  Then, pick up speed.  Youll want to say them as fast as possible in the end, while also using correct pronunciation.   You can even memorize them and practice throughout the day!This one is a personal favorite and common tongue twister:Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked. If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, Wheres the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?This helps with pronunciation of /sh/, and is particularly difficult for me:I saw Susie sitting in a shoe shine shop. Where she sits she shines, and where she shines she sits.For those of you who have trouble with /r/ and /l/ pronunciation:How can a clam cram in a clean cream can?This helps with people  who have trouble with the /w/ pronunciation (many people mistakenly pronounce it like /v/) as well as the /r/ and /l/  sounds:Why do you cry, Willy? Why do you cry? Why, Willy? Why, Willy? Why, Willy? Why?(source)DAY SEVEN: IMPERATIVESForm: we start an imperative with the base verb.Uses:  we use imperatives for    Direct orders: Chew with your mouth closed.Instructions: Complete the exercise.  Invitations: Come on over.Signs:  StopYour turn: listen for the imperatives in the following video clip, and write them in the comments section.  Can you find all 6?DAY EIGHT: READING COMPREHENSIONToday well focus on reading.  So, even though this video has sound, try turning it off  for this exercise.  Press play to read this inspiring story, then answer the comprehension questions.  Remember to answer with complete sentences, making sure to use correct verb tenses and sentence structure!How is the dance company empowering people with disabilities?What does it mean to empower?What is the companys mission?Why did Hamamoto start the dance company?What did the doctors think Hamamoto would never do again? (2)Why did she think her life was over?How does she adjust her choreography (dance routine)?How long ago was Hamamoto told shed never dance again?DAY NINE: PRESENT PERFECThave/has + (past participle )Uses:Experience: Have you seen Human?  Its a long movie, but its so good!Change: He has lost weight since last year.Accomplishments: Scientists have found vaccines for many diseases.Incomplete, expected action: Have you finished your homework yet?Several actions in the past at different times: I have tried that 20 times.You try: check out this clip from a great movie, Freedom Writers, and fill in the blanks with examples of  present perfect.How many of you ____ ____ Boys in the Hood?How many of you ____ ____ in juvenile hall or jail for any length of time?Stand on the line if _____ ____ a friend to gang violence.Stay on the line if _____ ____ more than one friend.DAY TEN: QUIZCongratulations!  Youve made it to the final day of the ten day English challenge!  Pat yourself on the back for starting 2019 on a positive note  by improving your English skills.  Lets finish off the challenge by completing this short quiz.  Dont forget to continue your learning with our friendly, exper ienced English teachers  at  LOI.What did you end up doing last Friday night?Finish the sentence: You are  prone to get sick if youWhat should you do before bed?What can you do well?Sing the song from day 3 again.What would you buy if you won the lottery?If you had time off, where would you travel?Use an adverb: He sings _____.Do a tongue twister from day 6 as fast as you can.Write an imperative.What have you accomplished since January 1st, 2019?

Errors and Mistakes in Language Learning A Field Guide

Errors and Mistakes in Language Learning A Field Guide Errors and Mistakes in Language Learning: A Field Guide You never see them coming.They get you LOLing and even ROFLing.Lets face facts: sometimes messing up is the highlight of your day.While some language mistakes are funny, if your goal is fluency, youll have to work hard to cut out mistakes and errors. Thats because errors in language learning  can have some serious consequences.Language acquisition  comes with a lot of laughs, but that doesnt mean its all fun and games.Linguists, psychologists and language teachers have studied language acquisition extensively, so if this is a topic that interests you, you might want to sample the abundant literature on the topic.For instance,  Second Language Acquisition by Wolfgang Klein discusses the process of learning another language.  Errors in Language Learning and Use by Carl James focuses more squarely on the role errors can play in language education.For now, though, lets dive in head-first with a basic primer in common mistakes and errors you might encounter on your learning journey. Why Its Important to Be Aware of Common Errors and MistakesFirst, its important to be aware of typical errors and mistakes in order to avoid falling into common issues. For instance, if you know that many language learners avoid difficult constructs, you can try to prevent this error by putting extra effort into studying the most difficult concepts, like the subjunctive mode.Think of errors and mistakes as potholes in the road to language learning. If you spot them up ahead, you can swerve. If not, youre in for a rough ride.Plus, being aware of common errors and mistakes will  remind you that youre not alone when you stumble upon them. Language learners can be pretty hard on themselves. When you encounter a roadblock, it can be easy to feel defeated.Knowing that a lot of learners encounter these problems will help you remember that it happens to nearly everyone. Even people who have  learned multiple languages  have likely stumbled into mistakes and errors at some point.Errors and Mist akes in Language Learning: A Field GuideColloquially, we might use mistakes and errors interchangeably, but in linguistics, theyre two distinct concepts.Mistakes entail failing to apply the rules consistently. This means you know the rule, you just dont always follow it. People often make mistakes in their native languages, too.Between errors and mistakes, errors are the more threatening adversary. Theyre a result of lack of proper knowledge.Lets look at mistakes first.Common Mistakes in Language LearningFailing to use proper verb tensesWhen conjugating verbs in a foreign language, students might stick with simpler verb tenses than are necessary since theyre more familiar. This usually means using the infinitive or simple present tense. For instance, students learning English might slip up and say I am sick even if the want to indicate that it has been ongoing, which would be better captured with I have been sick.Since important information such as time frames and conditionality can be conveyed through verb tenses, its important to use the right tense for your intended meaning. Completing verb exercises and using a wide array of verb tenses through speaking and writing practice will pay off in droves.Misusing vocabularyMany students often misuse vocabulary. You  memorize words  and chances are you really do know what they mean, but if youre speaking or writing quickly, you might sometimes slip up and misuse a word or forget it altogether.For instance, even when you know that the Spanish word embarazada means pregnant, you could slip up and try to use it to mean embarrassed.  Luckily, practice makes perfect. The more often you use the words youve learned, the less likely youll misuse them.Subject/verb agreementDepending on what language youre learning, there will be different verb endings to go along with different subjects. Ensuring that your subject and verb agree will help clarify which subject goes with which verb.For instance, a student learning English mi ght say they eats. However, learners may struggle with this due to lack of practice. The more writing and speaking practice you have, the less likely youll struggle with subject/verb agreement.Gender agreementMany languages have gendered nouns and adjectives. Since this is something that English lacks, students may find it a little tricky. To avoid mistakes with gender agreement, its important to make gender an important part of your word study. Another valuable trick is to pay attention to gender patterns.Often times, words of a particular gender will share a similar ending. For instance, someone studying Russian might not remember if ?????? is masculine or feminine. However, if theyve studied that the -???? ending is masculine, theyre less likely to slip up. Over time, studying endings will make it easy to identify the gender of a word without having to consciously think about it.Common Errors in Language LearningSecond Language Learning Errors Their Types, Causes, and Treatment b y Hanna Y. Touchie identifies several of these common errors in language learning. For additional details on their causes and treatment, you might consider referring back to this helpful study.Applying rules from your native language (also known as L1 interference or language transfer)Its widely accepted  that language students take some elements of their first language and apply it to their second. While the exact nature of the transfer varies between languages, it may often include grammatical rules.Its only natural. Since youre more familiar with your native language, it can be easy to transfer rules from one to the other.What can you do to prevent it? Sadly, the verdict is out on this. Researchers continue to study L1 interference/language transfer looking for a solution.Inaccurate or incomplete educationWhether its from faulty teaching or simply not learning enough, a flawed education can result in errors.To avoid this, be sure to use quality resources and/or seek a well-prepar ed teacher. To ensure you have sufficient education, you can continue taking courses or using other learning materials until you reach your desired level of proficiency.If youre studying a language yourself, you might consider an online language teacher to help fill in the gaps or clarify certain concepts.AvoidanceAvoidance occurs when a language structure is particularly difficult. For instance, native Chinese and Japanese speakers often avoid relative clauses when speaking English.Ironically, avoiding difficult structures is self perpetuatingâ€"they wont get easier if you dont practice themâ€"so try to use the most appropriate structures possible even if they require extra effort. Set a timer and plan on spending 15 minutes a day studying this topic. Soon youll find that it isnt as overwhelming as you once thought.SimplificationSimplification is similar to avoidance in that it often stems from a structure being to difficult. Learners use a simpler form in place of complex structur es because they dont quite get it.For instance, some learners may consistently use simpler verb tenses in place of more challenging tenses. While using a wrong verb form can also be a mistake (when a learner has the knowledge, but fails to implement the rules correctly), consistently choosing simpler verb forms is an error of simplification.OvergeneralizationOvergeneralization occurs when a learner incorrectly applies a rule to a situation in which that rule does not apply.  One study  indicated that this may be more common in elementary students than intermediate students.For instance, if a Spanish student conjugated the present tense  yo (I)  form of  estar  (to be) as  esto, this would be an error of overgeneralization. While a similar conjugation would work for most verbs,  estar  is irregular and doesnt follow standard rules.To avoid overgeneralization, it helps to pay particular attention to exceptions to rules, such as irregular verbs.HypercorrectionHypercorrection (also call ed induced errors) occurs when students have been over corrected, ironically pushing them to make new errors.For instance, since many Spanish words begin with  es, you may hear some Spanish speakers begin English-language words with a similar sound. For instance,  especial. However, native Spanish speakers who are diligently studying English may go to the extreme to avoid this, hypercorrecting by avoiding  es even when English words call for it. For instance, they may say sential instead of essential.FossilizationLike fossils, fossilization errors occur when something has been around for a long time. In this case, fossilization refers to how errors that have been repeated over and over can become fossilized, and therefore hard to get rid of.Remember: Language learning builds on itself, so starting out with a strong foundation is important.False concepts hypothesizedFalse concepts hypothesized refers to errors that stem when learners make incorrect assumptions about their target lang uage. Because they believe these assumptions are correct, errors will consistently occur.For instance,  one example  would be a student learning English who thinks is is necessary to indicate present tense. Therefore, he/she might say She is read book.Obviously, avoiding assumptions is helpful, but having a teacher or tutor who can correct you before these habits become ingrained is also useful.Remember, dont take yourself too seriously, but keep an eye out for these mistakes and errors on your path to fluency! And One More ThingSo now you know what not to do in learning a language, but what should you do?Authentic media like the kind on FluentU helps you avoid and train yourself out of common errors and mistakes over time, since it gives you important context you cant ignore along with the language.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that natives  speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos, including movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse Screen.FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover over or tap on the subtitles to instantly view definitions.FluentU Interactive Transcripts You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs quiz mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.

6 Top-shelf Sources for Easy Foreign Language Books

6 Top-shelf Sources for Easy Foreign Language Books 6 Top-shelf Sources for Easy Foreign Language Books Ah, to be a kid again.To read picture books… and not get teased for it.To pretend youre Nancy Drew or one of the Hardy Boysâ€"or some other world-famous, super-cool, yet surprisingly humble teen detectiveâ€"as you bravely plunge into The Case of the Missing Clue.Well, let me clue you in on a little secret:Simple books like these are an essential tool for confidently learning the fundamentals of another language.So grab your favorite bookmark and lets get ready to read! Why Go Easy When Reading in Other Languages?Building a foundationEasy language books are perfect for laying a foundation of knowledge. By using simple language, they help you learn the basics.Just like you cant walk before you crawl, you cant read great literature or college-level texts before youve mastered picture books.Avoiding frustrationWhile its great to challenge yourself, you want to build your confidence with realistic reading goals.If you start out trying to read a book thats way beyond your current level of proficiency, you may soon become discouraged and be reluctant to try again.Easy language books are a relatively painless way to get yourself through the mental hurdle of reading a book in another language.Types of Easy Language BooksThere are several different types of easy language books, covering various genres and themes. Lets look at what they are!Childrens books: Young at heartUse familiar fairy tales and simple stories to help you learn a language, just like its young native speakers do.You likely already know many classic fairy tales that are known internationally, which gives you a head start at understanding them in another language.And even if some childrens stories you choose to read in other languages are new and unfamiliar, the elementary-level writing makes childrens books a surefire way to improve your reading skills.Tales for teens and tweensThese are usually original fiction, geared toward a young adult audience.Although the language is more advanced than childr ens books, young adult fiction is still fairly simple to read.However, the themes reflect their adolescent audience: The focus is often on relationships, individuality and self-discovery. The plots can be anything from everyday life to full-on fantasy, or some combination thereof.Graded readers: Making the gradeWritten for academic contexts, these short stories and simple novels help you gradually expand your vocabulary and increase understanding in your target language. Theyre often paired with exercises, glossaries and quizzes, since theyre often designed for classroom use.Bilingual books: Built-in translationsYou can find bilingual versions of everything from childrens picture books to complex classics of literature.While the texts themselves arent always easy, bilingual parallel texts give you a cheat sheet so you can immediately understand more difficult material.Bilingual easy language books are perfect for beginners, since you can easily link the foreign words to their transl ation and not be thrown off by more complex grammar or sentence structures.How to Get the Most Out of Easy Language BooksRead a seriesMany publishers release entire series of easy language books, translating them into many different languages.Familiar characters, settings and other elements will boost your confidence and propel you forward to read more.Try more than one languageIf youre not finding an easy language book quite easy enough, getting a copy in a language you know well will help you better grasp the story.If youre going for polyglot gold by studying more than one language at a time, you might read the same book in each of the languages youre studying. Your skills in one language can buoy your understanding in a language where you feel less confident.Make an easy language dictionaryJot down new words and phrases as you read easy language books. Unlike a regular dictionary that mixes together all levels of vocabulary, your easy language dictionary will keep you focused on mastering the basics.Keep a journal of your progress, noting down which categories of words youve covered. For instance, if you read a childrens book that teaches you the days of the week and the months of the year, you can cross those topics off your list of essential vocabulary to learn.Figure out ways to drill yourself on your new vocabulary. You might even make custom flashcards, using index cards or your smartphone.With FluentU, you can create your own customized flashcard set with almost no work at all! FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like movie trailers, music videos, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons. A customized flashcard set will pull clips from videos all across the site to give you real-life context for learning your own personal vocab list.Put yourself in the storyAs youre reading, imagine that youre a character in the story. Pretend that you speak the target language fluently.What would you say to the other characters in th at language? How would you describe the settings or explain the plot in that language, if you were talking to a friend?6 Top-shelf Sources for Easy Foreign Language BooksReady for some easy-breezy reading? Here are a half-dozen of the best sources for easy language books. For each resource, well look at the available languages and formats, special features and a few of the most happenin titles in each collection.Library of TalesMost of the bookshelves in the Library of Tales are filled with traditional European fairy tales. Originally known as My Grandmas Tales, the collection is expanding to include original books with easy text.Available languages:ArmenianFrenchGermanItalianPolishPortugueseRomanianRussianUkrainian  â€¦and several more.Format:Print and e-book (Kindle).Types of books:Adaptations of fairy tales from Hans Christian Andersen, Charles Perrault and Oscar Wilde, plus original stories and creative non-fiction.Monolingual, bilingual or both:Mostly bilingual, with a few mono lingual books in Russian, and a few in English.Special features:The Library of Tales offers unusual bilingual combinations, such as Russian-Spanish, Russian-Italian and Armenian-French.While a lot of foreign language book series focus on Western European languages, the Library of Tales reflects the Eastern European heritage of its creator, illustrator Svetlana Bagdasaryan.Originally from Armenia, Bagdasaryan has a Masters degree in Physics and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. After a household accident caused a concussion, she unlocked a previously unknown talent for art. Her beautiful, colorful, distinctive illustrations are the hallmark of the Library of Tales.Where to find them:Library of TalesAmazon.comRecommended reading:Oscar Wildes Fairy TalesThis book contains two Oscar Wilde fairy tales, The Star Child and The Selfish Giant.Wilde is known largely for his witty quotes, satirical plays and farces (such as The Importance of Being Earnest) and his allegorical fantasy The Picture of Dorian Gray.Hes perhaps less well-known for his fairy tales, although The Star Child (one of the two in this volume) inspired a couple of Russian films. The other story, The Selfish Giant, was adapted into an opera in Hungary, a childrens ballet in Australia and an animated TV show in Canada.Fairy Tales (multi-book volume)This title combines three separate storiesâ€"two classic fairy tales, and an original, contemporary fairy taleâ€"that the Library of Tales previously released as individual books, with editions in several different languages.Currently available in German, Russian  and Armenian, this collection is a neat way to sample several eras of storytelling.Youll find this trio of tales inside:Bremen Town MusiciansThe Brothers Grimm classic records the adventures of four animals on their way to Bremen  to make a new life as musicians.Puss in BootsFeaturing a fashionable feline whos the cool cat behind numerous films and a video game, Puss in Boots was adapted by Charles Perrault of Cinderella fame from a 16th-century Italian story (Il gatto con gli stivali) by Giovanni Francesco Straparola.The Underwater Adventures of Christina (Also called The Sea Fairy Tale  in the Russian edition and The Giant Squid: Adventures of Christina and Ramses  in the German and Armenian editions)Set in California, this book is part of a planned original series, written by Gary Mikaelian with Svetlana Bagdasaryan. It stars a young girl named Christina and her German Shepherd, Ramses.Miley SmileyAuthor Miley Smiley transforms familiar household objects into characters in this offbeat collection of original childrens stories.Available languages:DutchFrenchGermanJapanesePortugueseSpanishFormat:E-book (Kindle).Types of books:Contemporary childrens books, mostly written for readers between the ages of 3 and 7.  Monolingual, bilingual or both:Both.Special features:Personified objects, such as a pair of sparkly red shoes, an old chipped teacup or lonely wooden clothespin entertain you as y ou learn names for common household items and other basic vocabulary.Whimsical and witty, most of the titles in this series are available in both monolingual and bilingual forms, so you can choose whichever works best for your learning needs.This series is contemporary, with new titles regularly added. A character named Alexis made her debut a few years ago, leading readers to the Soap Kingdom, the Bug World and the Backward Opposite Upside Down World.Where to find them:Miley Smileys websiteAmazon.comRecommended reading:Two Green BananasAn appealing adventure for lovers of underripe, unappreciated fruit. Taunted by their scornful neighbors in the fruit bowl, two green bananas escape their torment on the countertop by journeying to the outside world.The ClothespinYoull hang on every word of this story! A lonely wooden clothespin tires of his garish plastic companions and goes off to the woods to be with his durable distant relations in the forest.The Sparkling Red ShoesThese ruby sli ppers, beautiful enough to walk down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City, think theyre better than the rest of the shoes at the store. When young Lisa and her mother select them to be worn at a party, the arrogant Red Shoes see this as confirmation of their superiority. However, once at home with Lisa, theyre pushed aside in favor of more practical footwear like bedroom slippers and rain boots.KidKiddos  BooksJoin Jimmy the Rabbit and other recurrent characters from author Shelley Admont as you travel the world of languages through these easy, original childrens books.Available languages:ArabicDanishDutchEnglishFrenchGermanGreekHebrewHindiHungarianItalianJapaneseKoreanMandarin ChinesePolishPortugueseRomanianRussianSpanishSerbianSwedishTagalogUkrainianVietnameseFormats:Paperback, hardback and e-book (Kindle and/or PDF).Types of books:Childrens stories, most of which are meant to teach manners, hygiene and good behaviorâ€"with some just for entertainment.Monolingual, bilingual o r both:Both.Special features:All books are translated by a native speaker; at least one other native speaker edits each book, to ensure a smooth and correct translation. Many of the books in the collection are under the S.A. Publishing imprint, with newer titles published by KidKiddos Books.For most languages, you can find all of the available books in both a bilingual (English-other language) and a monolingual edition. (Notable exceptions are Arabic and Hebrew books, which are always bilingual with English, and English books, which are always monolingual.)Because most of these books revolve around teaching good habits and manners to children, theyre useful for learning basic vocabulary for family relationships and household items.The Kindle editions are generally affordable. The low prices make it feasible to collect more of these books, whether youre building a larger collection of books in one language or youre studying multiple languages and want copies of the same story in all of your target languages.Where to find them:KidKiddosAmazon.comRecommended reading:I Love to Keep My Room CleanYou don’t have to be a neat freak to appreciate the lessons that these bunny brothers learn about the merits of personal organization. As Jimmy and his siblings pick up their toys and put their books back on the shelf, youll pick up words for common household items.I Love to Eat Fruits and VegetablesFeed your appetite for instruction! The bunny boys are back to learn about good nutrition. Pull up a chair at Jimmys kitchen table and chow down on a full course of food words. Bon appétit! Sefa Bilingual BooksFormer physician and publishing CEO turned childrens author Ulrich Renz has built an impressive collection of bilingual books on just two stories. His company also offers a new, original fiction series in monolingual volumes.Available languages:EnglishGerman60+ other languages, including French, Spanish, Greek, Thai, Urdu, Farsi, Swahili, Esperanto, Hindi and IcelandicF ormats:Paperback and e-book (Kindle or EPUB). (Some audio and video versions are also available.)Types of books:Fairy tales and original stories make up the Sefa Bilingual collection.Monolingual, bilingual or both:Both.Special features:There are currently only two tales in the bilingual series from Ulrich Renzâ€"Sleep Tight, Little Wolf  (an original story by Renz) and The Wild Swans  (based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale).While the book selection is limited, the languages are not: These two tales have been translated into tens of tongues, resulting in 3,450 possible bilingual combinations.The online Language Wizard lets you choose your custom bilingual blend from two drop-down menus. Renzs team is also developing a set of audiobooks to pair with the written texts of its two foundational books. (The notation MP3 beside the language name indicates that theres an audio version available.)After youve made both of your language selections and clicked the Go button, a short sa mple of the bespoke book youve requested will appear in another tab on your web browser, along with links for ordering the formats of your choice from various sellers.A new, original series, Motte und Co,  has been released in German; its English-language equivalent is called Bo and Friends.  The first three volumes in this monolingual series have already been released, with a fourth in the works.The first German-language volume in the Motte und Co series, Auf der Spur der Erpresser  (On the Trail of Blackmailers), also comes in a simplified edition.Where to find them:Sefa Bilingual BooksAmazon.comRecommended reading:Sleep Tight, Little WolfThe most basic book available from Sefa, Sleep Tight, Little Wolf is the best place to start for an easy language experience.The Wild SwansRenzs adaptation of this Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale has slightly more advanced language than Sleep Tight, Little Wolf. However, the elements and themesâ€"a castle, a king, a wicked stepmother, enchante d princes and a heroic princessâ€"are quite familiar to anyone whos heard a few traditional fairy tales.On the Trail of BlackmailersAs your reading skills grow in the languages youre learning, fresh adventures await you! Auf der Spur der Erpresser (On the Trail of Blackmailers) is the start of Renzs new monolingual childrens detective series. You can download it for free, giving you a chance to try it before committing to buy the remaining books in the series.German Edition: Auf der Spur der Erpresser (On the Trail of Blackmailers)e-book (MOBI/Kindle or EPUB format)audiobook (MP3 format; also playable online)English Edition: Bo and the Blackmailerse-book (MOBI/Kindle or EPUB format)TPRS BooksTPRS, an acronym meaning Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling,  was the brainchild of a Spanish teacher named Blaine Ray. This teaching method also incorporates the theories of Dr. James Asher and Dr. Stephen Krashen.TPRS Books was founded to provide reading materials that work with the TPRS language acquisition method. Each book is written with a limited number of words to help facilitate the readers understanding.Available languages:ChineseEnglishFrenchGermanItalianLatinRussianSpanishFormats:Mostly paperbacks, with some audiobooks on CD.Types of books:Fictional stories in graded readers.Monolingual, bilingual or both:Monolingual.Special features:These graded readers are novels written in simple language. Many of the same stories are available in several languages, sometimes featuring recurring characters.Geared toward teens, the books subjects are more mature than those found in fairy tales and other childrens stories.Where to find them:TPRS BooksAmazon.comRecommended reading:Poor AnaTravel abroad with Ana! While in a foreign land, she learns lessons that will improve her life back at home.Based on the books language, Anas hometown changes, as does her travel destination.In the sequel, Poor Ana Danced the Tango, Ana travels to Buenos Aires to take an amo rous turn on the dance floor.Bart Wants a CatRemember the Choose Your Own Adventure  books that were a staple of childhood in the 1980s? TPRS brings you the Its Your Story series, which essentially works the same way.Take control of the plot as you choose from several options at key points in the story. Will Bart listen to his parents or his friend? Will he ultimately decide he wants a dog, a turtle or a cat for a pet… or go with a less family-friendly choice, the piranha?Its is all up to you. You can make different choices each time you read it, learning more words as you go.Look for the online teacher guides on the TPRS Books website for extras like a glossary.EMC School World Languages ReadersThis series of slender volumes can broaden your language horizons.Available languages:FrenchGermanItalianJapaneseSpanishFormats:Paperback, with some audiobooks on CD.Types of books:Graded readers with fictional stories.Monolingual, bilingual or both:Monolingual.Special features:Perhaps the most formally scholastic of all our sources for easy language books, the EMC graded readers boast exercises that will test your grammar, reading comprehension and written expression.The books are categorized into 12 proficiency levels, so you can advance step-by-step. They also feature multimedia tie-ins like online projects and matching audiobook CDs.Where to find them:EMC SchoolAmazon.comRecommended reading:Fabulous Fables SeriesEach of the six stories in this series is based on a classic fable from Aesop, Gaius Julius Phaedrus or Jean de la Fontaine. Themed activities and games are included in these books, along with an illustrated glossary.Every story highlights different areas of vocabulary, such as action verbs, parts of the body, telling time and clothing names.Young Readers SeriesDesigned to appeal to adolescents and teens, this series features detective stories and mysteries. Activities, games and exercises accompany the stories for extra vocabulary reinforcement and enhan ced reading comprehension.Story selections vary from one language to another, as do the character names and some other details.So go forth. Go to the library. Go online and order yourself a few picture books, or some tales of teenage derring-do.Remember: Youre not acting like a kidâ€"its all in the pursuit of higher education.