Tips For Finding Tutoring Jobs in Mesa AZ

Tips For Finding Tutoring Jobs in Mesa AZDue to the lack of tutoring jobs in Mesa AZ, I've started this site to share my experiences in searching for tutoring jobs in Mesa AZ. I am also offering some advice to people who are interested in finding a job.If you are someone who is not too good at writing or speaking well, don't fret - there are plenty of places to find tutoring jobs in Mesa AZ. However, it does make sense to know what you are looking for before you begin your search. Whether you're looking for one-on-one tutoring or work-study or even an online or weekend tutoring career, it's important to first determine what type of student you want to be tutoring.The great thing about being a tutor in Mesa AZ is that the state requires those who work as tutors to register their students with a state agency that will help keep them from falling into the hands of human traffickers and pedophiles. If you have a family, it makes sense to consider becoming a caretaker for a child or teena ger so that you can stay close to them. You can also teach at home by yourself and also have your own little business that you can run from home.For those who have a little more experience in the world of tutoring, there are many opportunities available in the area. You may choose to work with kids in community centers, schools, and even private homes. You can also work as a tutor in an online environment, where you can provide tutoring services to people who are paying thousands of dollars for high school tuition. There are a number of websites where you can list all of your credentials and earn a living doing something you love.In addition to these, there are also tutoring positions in Mesa AZ where you can work for a company that offers to pay you a stipend for each client. Forthose who like to have control over their own schedule, you may choose to work as a tutor for a company that provides tutoring services. You can find a lot of great companies who are willing to pay you a st ipend to help those who need assistance.Finally, there are tutoring positions that you can take part in if you're looking to become a teacher. Teaching is a job that can be very rewarding, and you can teach in a variety of areas - most of them include high school classes and possibly community colleges.If you're interested in working in the tutoring field, Mesa AZ has plenty of opportunities waiting for you. Take the time to find one that fits your interests and skills, and have fun!

Frightfully Fun Activities for a Brainy Halloween

Frightfully Fun Activities for a Brainy Halloween Frightfully Fun Activities for a Brainy Halloween Boo! Ghosts and goblins are out and about and witches are walking among us! The Halloween season sparks imagination, creativity and a sense of wonder in children of all ages. Who are we kidding? Even adults like to partake in the season of spooky make-believe. This time of year is a great opportunity to build upon that imagination and turn it into a ‘spooktacular’ learning opportunity. Check out these frightfully fun activities for a brainy Halloween. Pumpkin Math There are many pumpkin related activities you can do while reinforcing a few math lessons. Work on your child’s estimation skills by guessing how many pumpkin seeds are inside, how much it weighs and what the circumference of the pumpkin is at its widest point. You can then work on their counting skills when you cut open the pumpkin and count the number of seeds inside. Children will have fun using addition and subtraction skills when determining the difference between the actual weight and circumference and their closest prediction. Candy Sort We all know that children love candy and one of the most popular Halloween pastimes is sorting it after a successful night of trick-or-treating. Why not throw in a little learning? Work on your children’s sorting abilities by having them sort the candy in various ways and then graph their results. They can sort to see the most common to the least common type of candy, by candy wrapper color, chewy candy versus hard candy, etc. After you are done sorting, create a Venn diagram that classifies the different characteristics of the candy. This teaches sorting skills, language skills, and comparing similarities and differences. Halloween-Inspired Books What better way to spark your children’s imagination and creativity then through reading books. One of the best things parents can do for their children is read to them every night. Channel their Halloween excitement by picking out some frightfully themed books. Scholastic has some great options for kids all of all ages. Candy Corn Calculations Your children will love practicing their multiplication tables in a tasty and fun way by creating sets of candy corn to solve their own products. Have your children roll a die to represent the number of sets of candy corn. Then roll a second die to find out how many pieces of candy corn will be in each set. For example, you may roll a six and a four. Your children will then arrange the factors they rolled (six sets of four pieces of candy corn, or 64=24). This activity helps them find their factors, multipliers and products. These are just a few activities that will keep your children’s learning brewing this Halloween season. You might also be interested in: Celebrate Halloween with this Mystery Booklist for Grades 3 through 7 Fun and Easy Tips to Keep Kids Learning during the Holiday Season 4 Fun Ways to Perfect Your Child’s Mental Math Skills Happy Read Across America Day! Kick-off National Reading Month by Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday With These Fun Activities Frightfully Fun Activities for a Brainy Halloween Frightfully Fun Activities for a Brainy Halloween Boo! Ghosts and goblins are out and about and witches are walking among us! The Halloween season sparks imagination, creativity and a sense of wonder in children of all ages. Who are we kidding? Even adults like to partake in the season of spooky make-believe. This time of year is a great opportunity to build upon that imagination and turn it into a ‘spooktacular’ learning opportunity. Check out these frightfully fun activities for a brainy Halloween. Pumpkin Math There are many pumpkin related activities you can do while reinforcing a few math lessons. Work on your child’s estimation skills by guessing how many pumpkin seeds are inside, how much it weighs and what the circumference of the pumpkin is at its widest point. You can then work on their counting skills when you cut open the pumpkin and count the number of seeds inside. Children will have fun using addition and subtraction skills when determining the difference between the actual weight and circumference and their closest prediction. Candy Sort We all know that children love candy and one of the most popular Halloween pastimes is sorting it after a successful night of trick-or-treating. Why not throw in a little learning? Work on your children’s sorting abilities by having them sort the candy in various ways and then graph their results. They can sort to see the most common to the least common type of candy, by candy wrapper color, chewy candy versus hard candy, etc. After you are done sorting, create a Venn diagram that classifies the different characteristics of the candy. This teaches sorting skills, language skills, and comparing similarities and differences. Halloween-Inspired Books What better way to spark your children’s imagination and creativity then through reading books. One of the best things parents can do for their children is read to them every night. Channel their Halloween excitement by picking out some frightfully themed books. Scholastic has some great options for kids all of all ages. Candy Corn Calculations Your children will love practicing their multiplication tables in a tasty and fun way by creating sets of candy corn to solve their own products. Have your children roll a die to represent the number of sets of candy corn. Then roll a second die to find out how many pieces of candy corn will be in each set. For example, you may roll a six and a four. Your children will then arrange the factors they rolled (six sets of four pieces of candy corn, or 64=24). This activity helps them find their factors, multipliers and products. These are just a few activities that will keep your children’s learning brewing this Halloween season. You might also be interested in: Celebrate Halloween with this Mystery Booklist for Grades 3 through 7 Fun and Easy Tips to Keep Kids Learning during the Holiday Season 4 Fun Ways to Perfect Your Child’s Mental Math Skills Happy Read Across America Day! Kick-off National Reading Month by Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday With These Fun Activities

Five things English majors should do this fall - TutorNerds tutornerds.com

Five things English majors should do this fall - TutorNerds tutornerds.com/ Tips From a Los Angeles English Tutor: Five things English majors should do this fall Thousands of college students will decide to major in English because it leads to so many different career fields that specialize in research and writing. Students who choose this course subject as their major field of study should be prepared to do a few things this fall, so they are on track for graduation and get a foot in the door to the job or company that interests them most our private Los Angeles English tutors are here to help you succeed. 1. Take a prerequisite All English majors will need to take a series of prerequisites before they can move on to courses within their chosen subfield. Prerequisites, such as English 1A or English 101, are very popular and taken by general education students as well as English majors, meaning the courses fill up fast. Students should take a look through the course requirement handbook or meet with an academic counselor to make sure theyre taking all of the prerequisites available during the fall term. Otherwise, students may have to wait until the next fall and possibly delay graduation in order to get into required courses (READ: 4 Reasons to get an Irvine Back-to-School tutor). 2. Apply for an internship English majors should definitely consider applying for an internship with a company that interests them. This is one of the best ways for students majoring in a broad field to figure out how they will specifically put their new skills to use. Completing an internship will help college students determine their strengths and weaknesses and what they want to be doing for the next 30 years or so. Internships also look great on a student resume and help new adults develop professionalism so they can be a contributing member of any workplace. 3. Meet with an English professor English professors serve as a great resource for students who want to know about the career field as well as the classes available to them. English is an incredibly broad major and students might end up as a writer or editor, a teacher, a researcher, or working at a corporate office. English professors can give tons of valuable insight to students who are willing to reach out. Even if a student doesnt know exactly what they want to do for their whole life, they will gain a ton of skills by taking advanced level English courses. 4. Read! It may seem obvious that English majors will be reading a lot but its also important that they read a certain number of books considered to be great literature. There are tons of texts on the Great Books list that students will never get to know about in their high school English courses. Students can consult a professor, teaching assistant, or even just do some online research in order to find out which novels will best push their knowledge to the next level. Students who are well-versed in famous authors and titles will be more likely to excel in their classes and improve their reading comprehension to a point that is expected of an English language expert. 5. Join a club or society for English majors One of the best ways for students to network and get career ideas is to join one of their on-campus societies or clubs geared towards English majors. This gives underclassmen, especially, an opportunity to learn from their more experienced peers, get recommendations on classes and professors, get a foot in the door in the career field, and enjoy being around like-minded people. Most college campuses will have several organizations geared towards people who love English and literature and will provide an opportunity for students to socialize and have fun in addition to focusing on academics. Finally, our experienced Los Angeles English tutors are here to help you succeed in your courses. Call us today to learn more. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

5 Quotes About Language Learning to Motivate and Inspire You

5 Quotes About Language Learning to Motivate and Inspire You 5 Quotes about Language Learning to Motivate and Inspire You Learning a new language can be a lot of funâ€"you discover new cultures, new people, new movies and new books!It broadens your horizons and keeps your brain healthy.But sometimes you need a little push to keep on studying and learning, and what better way to do that than with inspiring quotes?There are plenty of quotes about language floating around the Internet. However, these quotes never talk about the down and dirty parts of language learning. Language learners don’t seem to generate these quotes. The quotes try to lift your spirits, but they rarely come with practical advice!Thats why I now present you with five quotes by two famous polyglot language learners. These will inspire you to keep going when you feel like you aren’t making progress, and they’ll give you some new ideas to try out, too! 5 Quotes about Language Learning to Motivate and Inspire YouQuote #1:No language is studied merely as an aid to other purposes. It will in fact better serve other purposes, philol ogical or historical, when it is studied for love, for itself.  â€" J.R.R. Tolkien, from “English Welsh,” a lecture given at Oxford in 1955J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, loved language for aesthetics and historical purposes.He was an avid learner of many, many languagesâ€"he had knowledge of Latin, Greek, Finnish and Medieval Welsh, among many others. Those certainly aren’t your everyday choices for language study! Despite those niche skills and preferences, he invented several fictional languages for his stories, including Quenya and Sindarin, and was an esteemed philologist, as well.Learning a host of ancient languages combined with Finnish allowed Tolkien to become rich and famous from The Lord of the Rings, but somehow, I don’t think he was betting on that from the beginning.Tolkien’s love for languages drove him firstâ€"the language’s use came after. This is a wonderful lesson to learn when many choose to learn languages for fashion able reasons or monetary gain.How can you apply it? Benefits of learning a particular language should be secondary, and even then those benefits might not always be readily apparent.Fads pass and economies change. If you love the language, that love will last longer than some goal that’s dependent on the outside world. For example, everyone wanted to learn Japanese in the ‘80s when its economy was booming like no other. Then they hit a recession. Better to have learned Japanese for the manga and anime!If you’re still deciding which language to pick up, apply Tolkien’s wisdom in your own life by choosing a language you genuinely like! Pick a heritage language, or the language of a culture that fascinated you as a kid. Maybe you even have that one language for which you have an irrational love. If those things match up with an economically advantageous language, then so be it, but it certainly shouldn’t be your first thought.Quote #2:The basic pleasure in the phonetic elemen ts of a language and in the style of their patterns, and then in the higher dimension, pleasure in the association of these word-forms with meanings, is of fundamental importance. This pleasure is quite distinct from the practical knowledge of a language, and not the same as an analytic understanding of its structure. It is simpler, deeperâ€"rooted, and yet more immediate than the enjoyment of literature.â€" J.R.R. Tolkien, “English Welsh,” Oxford, 1955Aesthetics of language is a subject not often talked about, but Tolkien thought about it all the time, especially when he was inventing his own languages. Tolkien valued aesthetics above the practical purposes of language, like chatting with native speakers or reading novels.How can you apply it?When you’re feeling burned out, take a step back and listen to the language for what it is. Relax and listen to talk radio or music in your target language without any expectations.Try TuneIn Radio to find international radio stations i f you dont live in a country that speaks your target language. You can even try shadowing, a learning technique championed by Dr. Alexander Argüelles (a polyglot himself), to better listen and absorb the sounds of your language. Shadowing involves listening to recorded audio in the language and saying the audio yourself almost simultaneously with the recording to help you produce the sounds and rhythms of a native speaker.Really admire the sounds and the rhythm! Your skill level doesn’t matter so much for thisâ€"you don’t need to understand everything to appreciate the aesthetics of a language.Quote #3:I only have one mother tongue: Hungarian. Russian, English, French, and German live inside me simultaneously with Hungarian. I can switch between any of these languages with great ease, from one word to the next. Translating texts in Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, and Polish generally requires me to spend about half a day brushing up on my language skills and perusing the m aterial to be translated. The other six languages I know only through translating literature and technical material.â€" Kató LombKató Lomb was a Hungarian translator, simultaneous interpreter and, clearly, an accomplished polyglot. She knew 16 languages, but she wasn’t shy about letting people know that she wasn’t some supernatural geniusâ€"she knew her languages at different levels. Some languages she could only read, and some got pretty rusty from disuse.Lomb accepted that language learning never stops and that one’s language level is always in flux.How can you apply it? Multilingual people rarely know all of their languages at the same level. Language learners often feel that at some point they will have “learned” the language and that they won’t have to study anymore. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Even very accomplished learners always upkeep the languages that are important to them. If they don’t, they know that the language will weaken.On the other hand, many learners also believe that polyglots speak their languages all at the same level. Polyglots often have to brush up underused languages, much like Lomb did. Some only have an intermediate knowledge of some languages, and some can only read in others. Languages are complicated, and they aren’t easy to measure!So, keep track of your languages! If you know you’re getting rusty, know that you can always brush up on a language.Quote #4:A book can be pocketed and discarded, scrawled and torn into pages, lost and bought again. It can be dragged out from a suitcase, opened in front of you when having a snack, revived at the moment of waking, and skimmed through once again before falling asleep. It needs no notice by phone if you cant attend the appointment fixed in the timetable. It wont get mad if awakened from its slumber during your sleepless nights. Its message can be swallowed whole or chewed into tiny pieces. [] You can get bored of itâ€"but it wont ever get bored of yo u.â€" Kató Lomb, Polyglot: How I Learn LanguagesLomb learned Russian through trashy romance novels, which she writes about in her book Polyglot: How I Learn Languages. Learning through novels was her favorite method. She would parse through them and decode them, using dictionaries only if she was dying to know what a word meant.How can I apply it?Read more novels!Native-level novels, no matter the reading level, are great for beginners and seasoned learners alike. The massive context allows you to pick up words even when you’re not intending to. The long descriptive passages provide plenty of less common vocabulary, and the dialogue gives you everyday phrases and common slang. Best of all, you can copy out words and sentences into your SRS to remember forever!Where can you find novels in your target language? Check out Project Gutenberg for books in the public domain (but be wary of older books in case of goofy, archaic vocabulary). The Amazon Kindle Store for your country might have  a selection of popular books from the bigger languages (for example, in the US store, I’ve found e-books in Spanish, French, German and Italian). Amazon third-party sellers are also a good betâ€"just search for author names or book titles in the target language. And, of course, a good used bookstore can have some great finds!Quote #5:Language is the only thing worth knowing even partly.â€" Kató Lomb, Polyglot: How I Learn LanguagesAs I mentioned earlier, Lomb had an incomplete knowledge of many of her languages, but she wasn’t afraid to use them, whether she was translating or simply talking to someone.How can you apply it?Many language learners have an all-or-nothing mentality. Theyll dramatically  think, “If I’m not fluent in a year, then all is lost!” I am personally prone to catastrophic thinking when I mess up grammar or can’t think of the word I wanted. After all, if I can’t do it perfectly, then I  must not know anything!This, of course, is wrong.This kin d of thought process only serves to discourage language learners and keep people away from learning a new language at all. Any level of language acquisition is worth far more than you think!Get back to the basics. Simple greetings and polite words go a long way when talking to someone in his or her language. No matter your level, pick up a high-quality phrasebook for your language (the ones from Lonely Planet  are like mini textbooks, and available for both major and less-popular languages!) and make sure you’re strong on the basics.Hopefully, you’re now super revved up to get back into learning your language.Remember that even the best, most illustrious polyglots experienced the same struggles as we do, but we can take their ideas and use them, maybe even better than they did themselves!After all, Sir Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.”

What Did Julia Louis-Dreyfus Say About Group Chemistry?

What Did Julia Louis-Dreyfus Say About Group Chemistry?If you've been wondering what that comment by Julia Louis-Dreyfus in the 'Seinfeld' episode was all about, you're not alone. Take a few moments to read the following article and then you'll know the answer. It's interesting to see how much behind-the-scenes gossip is told in those episodes and how they can provide some insight into the lives of the actors, especially when it comes to playing the roles.Julia, who played Elaine, was the daughter of a very successful plastic surgeon and mother of two children. While it's clear that her parents were great in their own right, the comic timing for her character's statement was another telling clue. At that time in the show's history, members of the cast had taken the advice of their parents and they'd kept up the same demeanor, so as not to make the cast look like they were cheating on their spouses.There's a great scene in the 'Seinfeld' episode where George's wife, 'Maude' (Amy Brenn eman) comes into the apartment while he's having an argument with his ex-wife, Elaine. They are arguing about where they should move next, and she offers him a hot cup of coffee that was prepared by his dad. In an instant, her presence as the mother of two kids created a whole new dynamic for the characters that made them much more likable.As an actor, one of the best lessons one can learn is how to play a part with respect to group chemistry. Just because the characters have similar interests doesn't mean they can't develop some other skills for themselves. This can be a real eye opener for those who've ever tried to play a part where they're supposed to have some uncanny gift for a specific skill, but just aren't very good at it. While many times, they do not become successful actors because they couldn't pull off the part, they may learn what can help them succeed even if they're not really gifted at acting.Also, those who don't stick with the act of acting sometimes feel they ar e stuck. If they don't get to act and perform their talents at any point, they'll start to see other things as being much more important. This is especially true when you're not happy about the way you look or how you may sound, but you are desperate to find someone who understands what you're trying to say.You may see some actors that you think could probably improve their acting abilities by simply watching how the cast of 'Seinfeld' acted. While you can't learn exactly what went on behind the scenes with the comedians in that episode, you can pick up a few tips and tricks by listening to the conversations. By using a little study of what's going on behind the scenes, you'll be able to direct your own performance and ultimately help improve your acting as well.When you're feeling down or you feel you're losing your head, take a minute to listen to the sound track of the show and identify the characters who seem to talk a lot. These are the people who may be having a difficult time at the moment but are passionate about what they are doing. They're able to express themselves clearly and from a level of wisdom that is beyond your normal ability. When you're in this place, you're just glad you were able to hear their side of the story.

What Is the Chemistry Jobs in Oregon Doing to Make Them So Popular?

What Is the Chemistry Jobs in Oregon Doing to Make Them So Popular?Do you think that the trend in finding chemistry jobs in Oregon is more about simply keeping up with the times or do you see it as a sign of the times and that there will be many more opportunities in the future for folks who are interested in careers in chemistry? When looking at the availability of these types of jobs, it's good to see the big picture. So how do you know if the job opportunities in Oregon will continue to grow and that it's time to move to the Pacific Northwest to enjoy the current boom?What's happening in Oregon right now is just one of many in this state. When you look around the world as a whole, the future for jobs in chemistry is very exciting. You're only limited by your imagination and your ability to keep up with the many types of opportunities out there. What's important is you have a passion for chemistry and that you like working with things and that you believe in the possibilities that exist.Just because jobs in Oregon might not be as plentiful as they were in the past doesn't mean they're all filled to capacity. In fact, the types of jobs available are becoming more varied in their demands. If you love to work with matter and substance, then there are plenty of opportunities available for you in Oregon.In fact, the types of jobs in Oregon that you might have been interested in are starting to change. For example, if you've always wanted to work with the elements of nature such as water, then you can enjoy working in a lab and studying the chemistry of water. On the other hand, if you like to design chemical solutions, then you might want to consider an industry where you help design products that are being used to make these solutions.Chemists are in demand and if you want to join one of these new jobs then you need to understand the kinds of skills you'll need to possess. You may have been interested in working with water, but you'll need to find out what other aspects of chemistry you'll be able to master before you consider applying for a position with the labs that are popping up all over the state. When you consider the type of lab jobs available, then you can get a feel for the kind of work you can expect to do and what it's going to take to be successful.The opportunities in Oregon are continuing to expand. What you need to realize is that there are many jobs available in chemistry that will allow you to be part of a company and a community that are dedicated to learning about the world around us. It's a wonderful experience and one that you won't want to miss.The employment outlook for jobs in Oregon is very promising, so when you're considering this as a career, you need to understand that there are great opportunities in many industries and that you can't live without a science degree. These days, you might have many more opportunities than you expected.

Thanksgiving Crafts That Teach Students Gratitude

Thanksgiving Crafts That Teach Students Gratitude Thanksgiving is an ideal time to introduce children to the concept of cultivating gratitude. For younger students, this may be the first time they have considered that not everyone has the comforts and opportunities that they do. For all students, instilling the habit of practicing gratitude has been shown to increase empathy and improve physical and psychological health and resilience. Thanksgiving crafts that teach students gratitude can include a gratitude journal, a thankful wreath, or a tree of thanks. When getting into the spirit of the season, consider crafts like these to incorporate gratitude into your holiday, while also continuing to practice those creative skills. Keep reading to learn about thanksgiving crafts that teach students gratitude: Thanksgiving craft group #1: Gratitude calendar, journal, or photograph challenge For a month-long or extended focus on gratitude, consider creating a Thanksgiving calendar or journal, or weigh joining a gratitude photograph challenge. These activities result in hand-crafted projects, with the added benefit of a daily practice over the course of a month. For the calendar, a poster board serves as the backdrop for 30 paper pockets, each labeled with the date. Every day, students can insert a slip of paper into the pocket that states what they are thankful for that day. Alternately, using cardstock or construction paper, create gratitude journals with your child. Sit down together in the mornings or at the end of each day to fill a page with thanks for something in your lives. A gratitude photography challenge lets your student experiment with technology by taking a picture each day of something he or she is grateful for. At the end of the challenge, students can create a collage or a slideshow to share at Thanksgiving dinner. [RELATED: 3 Ways Students Can Benefit From Journaling] Thanksgiving craft group #2: Thankful handbook, tablecloth, or wreath These activities are prepared in advance, and children can ask for input from friends and family on Thanksgiving day. Students can trace the outline of one hand on craft or construction paper, and then compile and decorate a small journal of hand-shaped pages that visitors can fill in. If your child enjoys writing, he or she can transcribe what family members say they are thankful for; otherwise, participants can fill in the pages themselves. A thankful wreath uses: A circular wire frame Clothespins Paint or markers A Sharpie. Students can paint the clothespins ahead of time, pin them to the frame, and then ask guests to contribute by writing something they are thankful for on a painted clothespin. Last, consider buying an inexpensive cotton tablecloth for your child to decorate, and then ask guests to write their gratitude on their section of the tablecloth sometime during dinner. [RELATED: 4 Educational Family Field Trips] Thanksgiving craft group #3: Garland, paper quilt, or tree of thanks A final suggestion is the type of craft you can reuse for decor every year. Students can create a garland with: Individual hanging leaves A tree with bare branches that can be filled in with leaves or handprints A paper quilt from alternating squares of plain and decorative paper on a canvas or wooden board. Then, draw a picture or write a small sentence about what you are grateful for on individual flags, leaves, or paper squares, and display it during the holiday. Families can add to these each year with new experiences and new thanks. [RELATED: Holiday Gift Ideas for the Student in Your Life] Whether you choose a long project, a way to include family and friends, or something youll revisit each holiday season, taking the time to sit down together and reflect on your lives can inspire gratitude. This is a meaningful way to cultivate a habit of giving thanks this holiday season and beyond. 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.

Essential Painting Equipment

Essential Painting Equipment What Should I Buy to Start Painting? ChaptersPick Your Favourite PaintKit Yourself out with the Right BrushesWhat Surface Should I Paint On?Other Useful Art AccessoriesWhere to Buy Your Art SuppliesManet, Van Gogh, Kandinsky, Cezanne, Rembrandt, Munch, Courbet, do all these names make you want to paint? The road to becoming an artist, however, is a long one, paved with exhibitions, painting classes near me and hard-work.That's why all painters should have the best equipment possible at their disposal so they can express themselves and work to the best of their abilities. Painting on silk, painting on glass, painting on canvas, painting with watercolours, each artist has their own style.The equipment needed, therefore, will depend on the artist. Linen canvas, drawing material, paint tray, knives, fixative, painting kit, sketch pad, you choose according to what you want to learn to paint.Here are some ways to get the essential materials. FernandoPainting Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Emma Painting Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidPainting Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPainting Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StefaniaPainting Teacher 5.00 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SakinaPainting Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenPainting Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Off2themoonholliePainting Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsPick Your Favourite PaintHave you just uncovered a whole new passion for painting?Acrylics, oil painting, watercolours, does all of this make you want to get your hands on a paintbrush?Don't forget acyclic paint dries very quickly! Source: PixabayNow you have to go and practise. This is where things get complicated.You won't become Van Gogh overnight!To paint the most beautiful portrait of your little sister, you need to know what paint to use f irst.This depends entirely on your taste, your objective and your style of painting.Watercolour PaintingThis type of painting is often used by  artists on the move. A paint that's easy to carry and doesn't require a lot of equipment. All you need is a paintbrush and some water to use watercolour paints, even in the middle of the street!This type of painting, made from finely crushed pigment, is used on special paper. It must absorb the water without creasing. You can buy notebooks with this type of paper, which are handy for taking with you everywhere you go.The paint is sold in the form of small tubes or cubes which are stored in a special box that can also be used as a palette. Buying a set will cost you between 20 and 100 pounds. It all depends on the size of the kit.Make sure to check out the painting resources online  when choosing your equipment!GouacheGouache is a paint composed of pigment, the binding agent  gum arabic and  a solid white pigment. It is widely used in schools and is the easiest paint to use.Simply dilute it with water and then paint on any type of paper. Its appearance is much more opaque than watercolour paints. The price of gouache paint is relatively low because of its composition and the fact that it's intended for children.Acrylic paintingThis paint is a mixture of pigment, drying oil with a binder made of acrylic resin and water.Thanks to this water, acrylic is a paint that can be easily  washed when it gets on clothes.It also dries very quickly which makes it the perfect paint for painters who don't want to spend days on their artwork. However, this also means that you have to act fast when mixing colours.You should spend around £3 or £4 on acrylic tubes of paint.Oil PaintingMade with drying oil and pigment, oil painting is very popular among artists who like to take their time.It usually takes  three layers to achieve the right finish.The first layer is done with turpentine essence to get an outline. The following steps involv e applying different layers of paint by adding more and more oil. Each layer must dry for several hours before you can continue.Painting in multiple layers makes it easy to correct any errors you might have made.However, make sure to paint in a ventilated area as oil paint is rather toxic. It costs between £5 and £10 for a small tube of oil paint.For each painting, it may be wise not to go for the cheapest price.  Choosing good quality paint is the first step to a successful artwork.Discover also how to pick a painting technique!Kit Yourself out with the Right BrushesBrushes are essential for all artists. Even if some prefer to paint with their fingers, it's still common to have one or two brushes to create a masterpiece.The advantage is that there's more than just one type of brush. Brushes come in shapes and sizes.First, you have to choose the right handle.While short-handled brushes work well with watercolours, long handles are usually used for painting on canvas. Indeed, the l onger the handle is, the more it allows you to take a step back from your work.On the other hand, a short handle gives you greater precision.In terms of the material of the brush (birch, beech, oak, etc.), choose a handle which feels most comfortable.The brush is an extension of your arm, so you need to have the best tool possible.The bristles of the brush come in a variety of forms: natural extra fine, natural fine, ox, goat or pony hair, as well as synthetic hairs. Again, the choice will depend on the type of painting you do.Remember that painting kits for children not only have proper brushes but also various essentials such as:Pastels,Glazes,Cotton canvas,Linen canvas,Synthetic canvas,Frames,Tracing paper,Graphite pencils,Acrylics,Watercolours,Etc ...Round tip, flat tip, fan brush, all brushes have different shapes. Opting for a set of different brushes allows you to use each brush for different effects: fine lines, paint a surface, etc.How to Choose a BrushIf you go to an art s hop, ask the shop assistant to show you a selection of brushes according to your requirements.For example, polecat or ox hair is recommended for watercolour painting  whereas stiff brushes are good for oil painting.Art shops sell all sorts of brushes! Source: PixabayStay clear of cheap brushes that are usually for children. Synthetic hair come out very quickly and your brush won't last very long if you use it regularly.How Much Should I Pay?The price of brushes varies enormously according to the type.The main reasons for an expensive brush can be the type of wood and the type of hair used. If you're working with a small budget, try to find a compromise between quality and price.Find out where you can take private painting lessons!   FernandoPainting Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaPainting Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidPainting Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPainting Te acher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StefaniaPainting Teacher 5.00 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SakinaPainting Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenPainting Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Off2themoonholliePainting Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat Surface Should I Paint On?Many artists choose to paint their artwork onto canvas. These give you a large surface to paint on and are strong enough to be exposed.But of course, several types of canvas are available.Some canvases are made of linen. This material is perfect because it's solid and absorbent. However, linen canvases are often the most expensive.The most commonly used is the polyester canvas. It is reasonably priced and is good quality. This type of canvas does not crease too easily, unlike cotton fabric.Indeed, the latter is the cheapest, but the quality often leaves something to be desired. Th e surface loosens over time and with changes in temperature. This is not ideal when a professional painter or art student wants to exhibit their works in a variety of places.Check out these painting classes London.Painters often use a canvas for their masterpieces. Source: Visual HuntIf your preference is watercolours, you probably prefer using paper. In this case, you need to look at the thickness and the grain. Some paper is smoother than others, they snag the brush less.And for the most original artists out there, why not get creative and try using wood or even porcelain.Join the discussion: can painting be learned online?  Other Useful Art AccessoriesTo paint the most beautiful portrait, you might want to add a few more accessories to your kit. Equipment that will still serve you well when it comes to painting your great-grandchildren.The EaselPainters who like using a canvas must find a stand to support it so they can easily exhibit their creations.Inwood or metal, the price of an easel ranges  between £20 and £100.The PaletteOften forgotten about, a palette can be very helpful for painters.It is very hard to work on a piece of paper. Most pallets are, therefore, made of wood.Some shops also sell a whole pad of special paper in the shape of a palette. This may be preferred by painters who don't like to overlap several layers of paint.On the other hand, if you don't have a palette, cardboard always comes in handy to remove excess paint from the brush.The Art BoxOnce you have all the right equipment, you'll need to take care of it.Especially since your brushes can be kept for many years if they are looked after. A small case or box is perfect for protecting your art equipment.A good protective case will keep your brushes in good shape and prevent any mess! Source: Visual HuntYour painting kit can hold a number of accessories, there are no limits (extra fine brushes, casting, special-effect paints, gilding, decorative painting, painting on fabric, etc.).So me people like to use a pot of water, others a cloth to clean their brushes, ...It all depends on your painting techniques (porcelain painting, watercolour painting, painting on glass, Ink wash painting, ...).Every artist has their own unique way of painting.Where to Buy Your Art SuppliesWatercolour paper, white spirit, painting palettes, linseed oil, dry pastels, Canson paper, graphite pencils, paint stripper, thickening agent, varnish, Sienna, paint thinner, canvases, fine art materials are all easily found in specialised  art shops.Case Art and Hobby Craft are examples of good art shops, popular with art students and even professional painters.Here you will find a wide range of painting and drawing supplies:Charcoal,Stencils,Mechanical pencils,Markers,Colouring pencils,Spraypaint,Drawing paper,Paint pots,Painting surfaces,Paint rollers,Brushes, etc.If you take painting classes, your teacher will surely encourage you to go to one of these stores to find good quality materials.Of c ourse, you can also buy online or at  large retailers but you won't get the same advice or selection. On the other hand, it be a good way to get the basic supplies at an affordable price.Whatever way you decide to paint, you now know what you need to get going!Now learn more about how you can become a painter...

Spring Break Practice Tips for Musicians

Spring Break Practice Tips for Musicians Megan L. As Spring Break hits, its so tempting to put everything on hold and just lounge by the pool with some lemonade, passing a few lazy days before getting back to school or work. If youre studying music however, it is really important not to slack off when it comes to your practice routine. Taking just a week off can seriously slow your progress or even move you backwards from reaching your goals. How do you keep up your discipline to practice when your brain is in vacation mode? Try these five tips to make the most of your break! Traveling? Theres an app for that.  If youre going out of town and its not practical to bring your instrument with you, keep your music theory skills sharp by practicing with a mobile app. Educators Technology  has put together a great list of 12 apps that can help you practice sight-reading and ear training as well as apps that simulate instruments from an 88-key piano to a glockenspiel. Get inspired!  Take advantage of your free time to make a playlist of music youd like to learn. See if you can find a movie or documentary about one of your favorite performers or composers or about the history of your instrument. Focusing on what inspires you to play will help keep your instrument exciting and energize you to practice. Practice outside the box.  Is the warm weather and sunshine calling your name? Find a place where you can go outside to practice. Whether you find yourself strumming a ukulele on the beach, bowing your violin in the forest or just singing in your backyard, a little fresh air can revitalize you and rev up your practice. Be creative!  Spring Break is the perfect time to shake up your practice routine. Channel the revitalizing energy that comes with Springtime and find new ways to practice your instrument. If youve fallen into a rut, try playing familiar pieces and exercises backwards. Play around with tempo or rearrange a piece you are learning to write a new piece of your own. All aboard the Friend-ship!  Make practice more fun by playing with a friend. If you have a friend who is learning the same instrument, you both might find you have a lot to teach each other. If your friend plays a different instrument, jamming together can help you brush up on  your theory skills and learn more about how your instrument interacts with others. Additionally, practicing with a friend can keep you accountable for continuing to practice on your own time. What are your plans for keeping up your practice routine over Spring Break? Let us know in the comments! Megan L. TakeLessons Staff Member and Blogger You might also like.. Its Time to Spring Clean Your Music Goals How to Handle Roadblocks In Your Music Lessons Videos We Love: How NOT to Practice Photo by Uhhhlaine