Positon Public School

Positon Public SchoolPoston Public School is one of the premier children's and pre-schools in Orlando Florida. The innovative and world-class teachers at this institution have a unique program that is geared towards preparing students for a full-fledged education.To qualify, the students must have an aptitude for reading, writing, listening, and using technology as well as have a desire to enroll in an online degree program. Once enrolled, students have their choice of pursuing a bachelor's degree in any subject from a wide range of specializations including; art, technology, engineering, health, nursing, humanities, computer science, communications, economics, business, and so much more. Once enrolled, these students get the support of qualified Poston education teachers who help them in achieving their academic goals in life.Many students go on to pursue their own online degree program while others choose to work with the best school tutors. One thing that sets Poston Public School apart from many other institutions is that the school offers a regular two-year program for adults. It also offers a graduate program and a business program for adult students. All the classes are offered in the traditional classroom format, with the traditional classroom teaching methods used.Online tutoring provides students with an environment and a supportive community they can truly count on. This environment can lead to a life long education, which is priceless for the future leaders of tomorrow. With high standards and a fully professional curriculum, the Poston Public School teaches its students well and a traditional education has never been better.Poston offers flexible tuition rates for its students. Full-time students have the option of a two-year course, while part-time students can attend an accredited online certificate program through this institution. Poston's flexible tuition rate allows its students to secure their future and begin their careers today.Poston offe rs an online program for parents or guardians of students in which they have access to a database that holds the complete application form and other vital details required by prospective students to be able to pursue the course. Students also have the ability to access the program through a secure website to provide the privacy of the instructors and their students. The instructors at Poston do not have the time to meet with prospective students in person or provide detailed information. For those who may need extra attention from their instructors, there is a team of qualified and licensed teachers who can arrange that for them.Poston Public School's online tutoring program and curriculum include classes for all grade levels. Classes are taught in the traditional classroom format with detailed instructions and games to keep the students interested and on track with their learning. There are multiple ways to complete each lesson, depending on the student's level and interests. Onlin e tutoring provides students with the opportunity to learn in a way that suits their personal learning style and allows them to find out what works best for them.

This Young Kumon Student Learned To Love New Challenges in Math

This Young Kumon Student Learned To Love New Challenges in Math This Young Kumon Student Learned To Love New Challenges in Math Praksitha’s love for math and  general  tenacity has helped her get ahead both  in-and-out of the classroom.  Already setting  the  goal  to one day become a pathologist,  she  is determined to stay ahead  academically,  while maintaining a well-rounded extracurricular activity schedule.       She has a love for ice skating and  Bharatanatyam  â€"  a  form of Indian  classical  dance,  but she also enjoys  assisting  others.  Helping her fellow classmates solve tough math problems in class is not the only thing she does to support her peers, she has been elected and currently serving as a member of the student council for two terms.   Praksitha  even took her academic talents to the next level to compete  with other young  scholars at state level for  Destination Imagination.  Destination Imagination, Inc. is a leading educational nonprofit dedicated to teaching students the skills needed to succeed in school, their careers and beyond.  The organization is dedicated to developing project-based learning programs that incorporate STEM education along with arts and social entrepreneurship. Praksitha participates seasonally with her team in this exciting experience to really put her math skills to the test!     Praksitha’s love for math guided her to Destination Imagination, but it’s her tenacity  that earned her a Praksitha shakes hands with Kumon North America President Mino Tanabe ticket to the 2018 Kumon Student Conference. She was just one of 56 Kumon Students from the United States, Canada and Mexico to attend the conference!  She shares some of  the  experiences  of  her 8-year Kumon journey.   How has Kumon helped you in the classroom??   Whenever there’s a hard question in math, my teacher calls me up to solve it. I also  can  help other students when they are solving a math problem.         How has Kumon helped you  beyond academics??   Kumon has taught me many valuable lessons such as being confident in myself, motivation, time management, creative thinking and discipline. Kumon challenges me consistently by introducing new  concepts one after the other. In school, there’s a requirement to learn two new languages and it was easy to adapt as Kumon frequently  inspires  me to learn new concepts.         What  keeps you motivated in Kumon?     Kumon can be tough sometimes, but  all  of  the challenges and  the  resulting  benefits  keep me motivated. Kumon teaches me everything well ahead of time, so when I learn it in school,  I have already had so much practice that I always speed through it.  This  tells me that if I keep going in Kumon, I will always achieve my math goals.       What did it mean to you to be invited to the 2018 Kumon Student Conference??   First off, I was very excited because this is the first time I have been invited. Attending the conference has given me the opportunity to interact with different students from Kumon North America Centers, and listen to their experiences and best practices.       What advice do you have for other Kumon Students??   Just stick with it and never give up!     Discover even more student success stories.     You might also be interested in: Discover How This Student Learned to Love New Challenges How One Student Learned to Love the Kumon Program This Young Student Gets Competitive With Her Math Skills Discover How This Young Student Has Gained Independence in Math This Young Kumon Student Learned To Love New Challenges in Math This Young Kumon Student Learned To Love New Challenges in Math Praksitha’s love for math and  general  tenacity has helped her get ahead both  in-and-out of the classroom.  Already setting  the  goal  to one day become a pathologist,  she  is determined to stay ahead  academically,  while maintaining a well-rounded extracurricular activity schedule.       She has a love for ice skating and  Bharatanatyam  â€"  a  form of Indian  classical  dance,  but she also enjoys  assisting  others.  Helping her fellow classmates solve tough math problems in class is not the only thing she does to support her peers, she has been elected and currently serving as a member of the student council for two terms.   Praksitha  even took her academic talents to the next level to compete  with other young  scholars at state level for  Destination Imagination.  Destination Imagination, Inc. is a leading educational nonprofit dedicated to teaching students the skills needed to succeed in school, their careers and beyond.  The organization is dedicated to developing project-based learning programs that incorporate STEM education along with arts and social entrepreneurship. Praksitha participates seasonally with her team in this exciting experience to really put her math skills to the test!     Praksitha’s love for math guided her to Destination Imagination, but it’s her tenacity  that earned her a Praksitha shakes hands with Kumon North America President Mino Tanabe ticket to the 2018 Kumon Student Conference. She was just one of 56 Kumon Students from the United States, Canada and Mexico to attend the conference!  She shares some of  the  experiences  of  her 8-year Kumon journey.   How has Kumon helped you in the classroom??   Whenever there’s a hard question in math, my teacher calls me up to solve it. I also  can  help other students when they are solving a math problem.         How has Kumon helped you  beyond academics??   Kumon has taught me many valuable lessons such as being confident in myself, motivation, time management, creative thinking and discipline. Kumon challenges me consistently by introducing new  concepts one after the other. In school, there’s a requirement to learn two new languages and it was easy to adapt as Kumon frequently  inspires  me to learn new concepts.         What  keeps you motivated in Kumon?     Kumon can be tough sometimes, but  all  of  the challenges and  the  resulting  benefits  keep me motivated. Kumon teaches me everything well ahead of time, so when I learn it in school,  I have already had so much practice that I always speed through it.  This  tells me that if I keep going in Kumon, I will always achieve my math goals.       What did it mean to you to be invited to the 2018 Kumon Student Conference??   First off, I was very excited because this is the first time I have been invited. Attending the conference has given me the opportunity to interact with different students from Kumon North America Centers, and listen to their experiences and best practices.       What advice do you have for other Kumon Students??   Just stick with it and never give up!     Discover even more student success stories.     You might also be interested in: Discover How This Student Learned to Love New Challenges How One Student Learned to Love the Kumon Program This Young Student Gets Competitive With Her Math Skills Discover How This Young Student Has Gained Independence in Math

A Week Without A Cell Phone Changed My Life

A Week Without A Cell Phone Changed My Life Photo credit: financial philosopher Since I go to school a thousand miles away from home and Im still on my parents phone plan, I wasnt going to get a snappy replacement phone, but I was okay with that. It ended up taking a week to replace my iPhone, but it was the nicest week Ive had in a while. It was weird at first not having a mobile device attached to me at every waking moment, but in turn I gained so much freedom. Granted I had friends that could communicate for me, and I live on a small college campus so that does make phone-less-living a bit easier, but I really enjoyed my week without a cell phone. I went about my days much differently than I do when I have my phone within a 3-foot radius of me at all times. From this experience I decided that my New Years resolution is to take a day or half a day each week to turn off my phone. I am also going to try and not respond to its every beckon like my life depends on it but in truth, it doesnt. I encourage you to try something similar. I can tell you that its a liberating feeling to go about your daily life without a phone, but you wont fully understand until you try it. Think about it- when is the last time you spent an  entire day  without touching your phone? Try it. It could change your life.

3 Smart Steps to Find a Language Tutor Who Actually Gets You

3 Smart Steps to Find a Language Tutor Who Actually Gets You 3 Smart Steps to Find a Language Tutor Who Actually Gets You So you don’t want to sit in a class, but you’re hitting a wall just studying your target language on your own?The best language tutors can offer the best of both worlds.While classes with multiple students have their own strengths, they can also be frustrating because you cant learn according to your personal interests, schedule, pace and style.  Meanwhile, learning on your own can leave you feeling a bit directionless.With a language tutor, youre able to study at your own pace and focus on the skills that are most important to you, but you also have an expert speaker of the language available to correct you, explain new concepts and keep you on task. Unlike a language exchangeâ€"which costs nothing but the time you spend teaching your partner your native languageâ€"youll have a trained teacher to explain grammar and other more complex topics.Finding a great tutor can be overwhelming, though. There are thousands of teachers, so how do you know who will work best for you? Here are some suggestions for finding the right language tutor to level up your language skills. 3 Smart Steps to Find a Language Tutor Who Actually Gets You1. Find Some Potential TutorsLanguage tutors can be either online or in-person, and there are advantages to both arrangements.  Online tutors are often cheaper and don’t require you to travel anywhere, saving you both time and money. They can also use a wide variety of technological tools to display and create images in real-time, walk you through slideshows, give you a play-by-play of sentence constructions and introduce you to authentic materials.Yet I  would always choose an in-person tutor if possible. I find it helpful to have my tutor be able to draw diagrams or write out phrases and look closely at my mouth to correct my pronunciation by having me rearrange the position of my lips or tongue. In person, theres also no problem with static on the connection or Skype fails.Here are some places to find both, as well as the pluses and minuses for each option:Craigslist (or local equivalent). Craigslist tutors are easy to find, often have availability and are usually the cheapest options. But they have the least amount of vetting. You could be getting a trained language teacherâ€"or it could be someone who dropped out of school after fifth grade and has never taught anyone before (okay, thats not super likely, but certainly possible). If you find a tutor on Craigslist, you should be extra careful about making sure that the tutor knows what he or she is doing. Some local Craigslist equivalents are 58.com in China, leboncoin.fr in France and loquo.com in Spain.Language schools. Language schools are probably the most expensive and least flexible option, but theres assurance that the teacher will be qualified. Language schools include cultural institutions like the Alliance Française, the Confucius Institute, the Goethe Institute and the Cervantes Institute.Universities. Go to campus and look for foreign students who want to earn some extra money, or even visiting scholars. Students usually wont charge as much as a trained teacher, but also wont be as able to explain grammar depending on the level of education and training theyve received so far. If you choose to work with a foreign student who doesnt have experience teaching, focus on working on pronunciation and speaking with them. You could look for offerings in the various departments devoted to language and culture, review the bulletin boards around campus and even post a seeking language tutor flyer on these bulletin boards yourself.italki.  The website italki has both community tutors (untrained) and professional teachers, all of whom teach online only. Its one of the cheapest ways to get a foreign language tutor.Google search for language teachers. There are tons of language tutors that market themselves through blogs and websites only.  In this case youll have to vet the teacher yourself, but theres often a trove of online material that allows you to assess how much the teacher knows and if youll understand his or her explanations.2. Evaluate Your OptionsInevitably you’ll end up with lots of teachers who seem fine. When it comes time to contact some of them, here are things you can  ask to see how well their teaching style will actually help you.What does a typical tutoring session look like?  You want someone who focuses on speaking and pronunciation during the actual session, with things like pronunciation drills, reading aloud and having you do prepared and unprepared monologues. You should be talking at least twice as much as the tutor during the actual session.Do they assign homework and correct it outside of your tutoring time? Youll also need to work on writing and grammar, but most of that should be done outside of your tutoring time. Ideally, your tutor will correct your work beforehand and go over it with you in the first five minutes of each lesson. Ask them if this is something theyll do with yo u.Can he or she explain grammar concepts?  If youre paying a teacher, he or she should understand the grammar concepts well enough to explain them. Dont fall into the common trap of assuming that any native speaker can explain grammarâ€"most of them cant. It takes special training to be able to explain grammar to a language learner. If you just want conversation practice you dont need a grammar ninja, but you should also be paying substantially less if your tutor cant do anything but chat with you.Do they have a set program or tailor their program to you?  Many language tutor have set packs and they insist that you choose a tutoring program. While that does show a certain level of organization, it fails to take advantage of the main reason for choosing a tutor over a classâ€"you get control over what you work on each lesson. You need a language tutor who will listen to your needs and create custom lesson plans. You need someone whos willing to change course when something isnt worki ng or when your priorities change.3. Trial and ErrorIf you’re looking for a long-term tutoring relationship (You are looking for a long-term tutoring relationship, right? Thats one key to making the most of tutoring in general), be prepared to do a trial session with several tutors. This doesnt have to break the bankâ€"many tutors offer discounted trial lessons that you should take advantage of. During the trial lesson, here are the things to look out for.The basics. Did the tutor show up on time, and was he or she prepared with a relevant lesson? Was he or she able to answer your questions to your satisfaction? Was he or she reasonably organized? A surprising number of tutors dont meet these basic requirements.Talk time. An exceptional language tutor will always make sure that youre doing the majority of the talking. He or she shouldnt spent time lecturing you about grammar or anything elseâ€"you should do at least 75% of the talking. For tutors who are also regular language teac hers, this can be a challenge because theyre used to talking at a room full of students, not engaging with one student one-on-one. But tutoring sessions should never feel like youre in a class in which you happen to be the only student. The tutor-student dynamic is fundamentally different, and a great tutors style should reflect that.Sparks.  This is someone youre going to meet with, one-on-one, for (hopefully) months or years. Whether or not you feel a connection to the person and enjoy his or her style and manner of being is important. Going to your language tutoring session should be a joy, not a chore, and having a tutor you like can go a long way. This doesnt mean you just want a nice tutorâ€"a good tutor is enjoyable but not afraid to be firm about homework or to correct you mercilessly.Hiring a language tutor can be one of the fastest ways to learn a language. It allows you to focus on the language skills that are most important to you and to get specific assistance with the skills that you struggle with.But a language tutor can also be a waste of money (and they can be expensive!) if you dont take the time to find a language tutor who knows what he or she is doing. The best tutoring arrangements last for months or years, so you want to take the time to find someone who will support you on your language journey and encourage you to learn  more.Take your time to find an awesome language tutor and youll be rewarded with quick progress towards fluency in your target language! And One More ThingSince youve read this far, youre obviously serious about learning languages, so you may just love FluentU.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that real people speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos, like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse ScreenFluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language cont ent 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 TranscriptsYou 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.

The Importance of Tutoring Services

The Importance of Tutoring ServicesIf you are looking for a tutor in Fort Worth, you've come to the right place. We all want to learn how to play the guitar. With the rise of online tutoring, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find an individual that you can trust to show you the ropes.By attending one of our workshop classes, you will learn how to master the skills that will help you succeed in life. We offer a wide variety of private tutoring courses to fit every need. You can work on your finger picking skills or learn how to play the ukulele or guitar. We'll provide you with the support and encouragement you need to reach your goals.Our specialized learning course will educate you on how to better perform your guitar playing. Our studio is warm and welcoming, and offers music room and other studio facilities that are designed to prepare you for your lessons. The studios are large and completely equipped with equipment that will make you look and sound great when you're ready to take your lessons. A professional tutor in Fort Worth will teach you how to read sheet music and learn how to do common chords.They will also teach you how to control the fret board to bring out the best in your playing and develop your own style. They'll teach you how to take lessons at home from the comfort of your own home, and the tuition will include your guitar, and the necessary resources.Your tutor in Fort Worth will not only show you how to play the guitar, but will also learn the techniques you will need to become an accomplished musician. By taking their advanced lessons, you will not only become a better guitarist, but you will be able to share your music with others and eventually go on to tour the world as a professional.If you are looking for someone to play your favorite songs, we have many other options. Our tutors are experienced musicians that will give you the tips and guidance you need to improve your guitar playing. They will show you how to practice, and w hich modes to play to sound your best.Take advantage of the online tutoring program in Fort Worth. See how easy it is to learn to play the guitar, while still making music that you can hear and enjoy.

Tips For Success in Thumbtack Tutoring

Tips For Success in Thumbtack TutoringThumbtack tutoring is a great way to supplement your career while gaining valuable skills in the process. For those who have been searching for an ideal home business opportunity, Thumbtack is something to think about.One big difference between your typical work at home business and traditional tutoring is that they both provide you with great opportunities for growth. While they can be very lucrative, they are also at times a little bit challenging. The only difficulty is that it can be hard to keep up with all of the clientele that Thumbtack has to offer. Here are some tips that will help you in order to not only get the most out of your online education but stay on top of things for the long term.- As a tutor, you should remember that your first priority is your student. Your first duty is to help your student achieve their goals. If you're at a place where you are having difficulty with their goal or are finding yourself struggling, then you will want to keep that in mind when you are focusing on your lesson plans. When it comes to building your network, your goal is to reach out to as many people as possible so that you can teach as many others as possible.- If you have never taught before, then it's a good idea to build your base in order to be able to teach others. Try setting up a time in your schedule for you to tutor someone every day. Some people may need a couple of sessions a week, while others might need to take advantage of more frequent sessions. When you're setting up your tutoring schedule, you should not only find a time to do this but also put in a lot of research into who the most qualified individuals are in your area.- If you don't have the opportunity to tutor a core group of students, then you should set yourself up so that you have the opportunity to teach other individuals as well. Online tutoring sites offer such services and there are a wide variety of strategies that you can use to grow your on line tutor community. You should ask each member of your group what they would like to see from you and what you could add to your services. You should offer to teach to them once a week if they need a bit of a break from work. That's something that many businesses don't do; instead they build a scheduling schedule that is time-based and offer classes as scheduled.- Don't forget that time spent studying on your personal life will greatly affect the work you do on your business. If you're not spending time with your family or socializing, you are not going to be able to concentrate on your job. While tutoring is one of the best ways to build your personal relationships, taking time for yourself can be a great help.Thumbtack tutoring is a great way to keep you motivated as you pursue your dream of becoming a tutor. If you put in the effort to learn, develop your business and hone your communication skills, you will realize that you are on the right track. Take the time to find a mento r who will help you be successful as a tutor and you will be well on your way to your personal fulfillment.

What is it Like to Attend the State University of New York at Geneseo

What is it Like to Attend the State University of New York at Geneseo Chase is a current senior at the State University of New York at Geneseo. He is majoring in Spanish and international relations. He specializes in various levels of Spanish tutoring. Below, he shares his experience at SUNY Geneseo: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Chase: The SUNY Geneseo campus is the perfect size, neither too big nor too small. The freshman side of campus, sometimes referred to as the south side, is somewhat separated from the rest of the campus. However, its still less than a 10-minute walk to the academic buildings. The campus itself is located next to Main Street, which has restaurants and coffee shops. There is also a campus bus system that takes you around to different locations on campus, as well as to the local grocery store. A car is not necessary unless you live off campus as an upperclassman, although most off-campus living options are within walking distance of campus. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Chase: The professors and TAs are available as much as you need them. As with any other college or university, they will not seek you out. Rather, if you need extra help or have any questions, they are a simple email away. How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Chase: The dorm life situation is what you would find at any SUNY school and provides many opportunities for socialization. They recently added a new dorm, which is very modern and nice. They also recently renovated the on-campus dining hall, which has gotten much better since my freshman year. They offer gluten-free and other options for those with dietary limitations. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Chase: From my experience, Geneseo is best known for its science department, specifically physics, as well as their school of education. That is not to say that all other majors are obsolete, just that those are what the school is best known for. I, for example, double major in Spanish and international relations; I have received an excellent education for both of these concentrations. The history and political science professors were all very knowledgeable, engaging, and have superb credentials. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Chase: It was not difficult to meet people as a freshman. Geneseo has a thriving Greek life community, which I would recommend if you enjoy meeting new people. At Geneseo, its really important to get involved in an organization, whether that is a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or club. Since the school itself is rather small, its important to be in something, which in turn facilitates the process of meeting friends. How helpful are the Career Centerand other student support services? Chase: Geneseo has a really strong alumni base that helps current students get jobs or internships post-graduation. I have had friends who have gained employment because of a Geneseo connection. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Chase: There are an abundance of places to study on campus. Most academic buildings are open until 2 AM, so there is always a quiet place to study. Describe the surrounding town. Chase: Geneseo is basically in the middle of nowhere in upstate New York, which can be a bit of a culture shock for students coming from the downstate area. The closest big city is Rochester, which is about a half hour away. So, I would say there is not much to do outside the immediate vicinity of campus. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing, because it means that everyone will always be on or around campus, which leads to a more close-knit community. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Chase: I believe there are currently about 5,000 undergrad students. The class sizes were one of the main reasons I chose to attend Geneseo. Obviously, introductory lecture classes and some science classes will have over 100 students per class. Aside from those classes, though, my average class size was about 20-25 students. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Chase: My most memorable experience with a professor was in my Latin American history class my junior year. The class was the most engaging and interesting class I have ever taken in my life. I am currently doing a directed study with that same professor. Check out Chases tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

How To Play Bluegrass Guitar Common Fingerstyle Techniques

How To Play Bluegrass Guitar Common Fingerstyle Techniques Sign up successful Three-Finger Style Otherwise known as the Scruggs Style after banjo player Earl Scruggs who first popularized it, this fingerstyle employs a thumb pick, index finger pick, and middle finger pick to pluck individual strings on the guitar. The advantage over other picking styles is the speed at which experienced players can play arpeggios and string skipping runs without breaking rhythm. This gives the guitar a very percussive, lively sound that lends itself well to an ensemble setting. However, this isnt to say that players using this technique can only play single-note runs. Many experiment with combining this style with strumming via thumb pick or either finger pick. As always, you are free to play whatever you like! Three-finger style is versatile and popular but can be difficult for players with limited fingerstyle experience. When learning this style, try picking individual chord tones with a slow, consistent rhythm before speeding up as you are able. Using a metronome will greatly increase the effectiveness of these exercises because it will keep you honest! If you keep falling behind the beat, just turn it down and start slower. This kind of practice is the quickest way to become an amazing picker. Three-Finger Style Techniques Because many bluegrass fiddle tunes are in the key of C major, I have presented these exercises using C, F, and G chords to portray typical chord progressions. When you are learning how to play bluegrass guitar, it is wise to stick to a simple set of chords. It’s how you use them that matters. Three-String Runs The idea here is to use your thumb for the bass notes and your two fingers for the two high strings in each measure. If you pull it off, you can keep the rhythm strong with your thumb while filling out notes with your fingers. Try different chord tones to find the voicing that you like. Four-String Runs This exercise is almost identical the one above, except that the thumb is utilized not only for bass notes but also for a high string as well. Experienced bluegrass players learn to play in this style for the fastest of the fast songs. Make sure to start slow with that metronome! Two-Finger Style This variation of the Scruggs Style was favored by bluegrass guitar legend Lester Flatt. It omits the middle finger pick in favor of a simple thumb pick and index finger pick combination. Because of this simplicity, the two-finger style is easily adopted for purposes that resemble flat picking. The main idea is to use the thumb to pluck individual bass notes while strumming with the index finger. This is great for playing loud chords in a driving manner and is often used to carry the main harmony of the song. In addition, this style can be used to simulate bass lines in the absence of a bass player. But just like with Scruggs style, you are free to explore and find more ways to utilize this approach to playing bluegrass guitar. Here are some exercises I would recommend to become acquainted with the two-finger style. And don’t forget your metronome! Two-Finger Style Techniques Again, these figures are portrayed in C major for simplicity but you are not stuck here. Playing around with different chords will give you a better idea of what you and your guitar are capable of. Pluck-and-Strum This exercise is all about getting you acquainted with the capabilities of two-finger style. Specifically, it is about using your thumb to pluck the bass note of each chord before strumming two full chords with your index figure. Bluegrass ballads often call for this type of guitar arrangement. Fast Strum Now we’re getting to the fun part. Some bluegrass tunes are played at extremely fast tempos, and by speeding up the pluck-and-strum you just may manage to keep up. The key here is to play the chords almost as if you were flat picking with a normal guitar pick. The difference is that you can still use your thumb for the bass in two-finger style, but you will still most likely resort to strumming both up and down with your index finger. There’s no diagram for this one find a fast bluegrass song to play along to and try to keep up! (I usually use the song “Wait So Long” by Trampled By Turtles when I teach). Keep Practicing Some of these techniques may seem tricky at first, but don’t be discouraged. Practice at least ten minutes a day for two weeks and you’ll be seeing some serious improvement! No bluegrass guitarist ever became great overnight, and with these common fingerstyle techniques you now have a roadmap for how to get there. Learn how to play bluegrass guitar and more by studying with a private guitar teacher. Guitar teachers are available to work with you online via Skype or in-person, depending on your location and availability. Search for your guitar teacher now! Collin K. teaches in-person guitar and singing lessons in Brooklyn, N.Y. He studied Music Technology at New York University, plays in an instrumental rock band, and writes music for films.  Learn more about Collin here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Eric Frommer

5 Ways to Stay Motivated During Finals Week

5 Ways to Stay Motivated During Finals Week Finals week can be a true test of your academic stamina. By this point in the semester, youre likely working double time to stay on top of your studies and maintain a positive mindset. As finals week quickly approaches, its key to find strategies to stay energized to succeed. Ways to stay motivated during finals week include focusing on your goals, following your study plan, and finding strategies to hold yourself accountable. Looking to successfully tackle your finals? Keep reading to learn five ways to stay motivated during finals week. 1. Stay motivated during finals week by remembering your goals Studying for your finals can feel like an endless battle, so its important to set goals and to stick to them. You may have a variety of different goals moving into finals week, such as: Are you trying to boost your math grade from a B to an A? Do you need to maintain a certain GPA to participate in a spring sport? Are you aiming to earn a specific grade in order to qualify for acceptance into a particular program? Whatever they may be, keep these goals in mind when you feel like you cant study anymore. Write down your goals in your student planner, or print them out and hang them up in your room. Do whatever you have to do to remind yourself of these important reasons to stay on track. [RELATED: How High School and College Students Can Setand AchieveAcademic Goals] 2. Stay motivated during finals week by sticking to your study plan You likely have a study plan in place that youve used throughout the semester. If not, now is a great time to develop one. Study plans can be broken down by class and can help you to accomplish all of your goals in an organized manner. When you have tests for multiple classes in a short period of time, it can quickly become overwhelming to remain organized. Write your study plan down, and check tasks off the list as you go. Remember, studying more doesnt always mean that youre studying smarter. Be honest with yourself about what you need to be working on and commit to that. Even when youre in the midst of finals week, keep returning to your plan so you dont forget anything. [RELATED: The Finals Week Survival Guide] 3. Stay motivated during finals week by holding yourself accountable Sometimes its hard to remain motivated on your own. Do you have some academically motivated friends? Organize an after-school study session to go over notes and challenging questions. Additionally, check in with your teacher to see if they offer office hours in which you could go and ask them questions outside of class. This is a great resource to use, especially for last minute questions. If youve been utilizing a tutor throughout the semester, consider scheduling a tutoring session during finals week so that you can get extra practice before your exams. These opportunities for accountability will help you keep going during the challenging parts of finals week. [RELATED: 6 Hacks to Make Finals Week a Little Less Stressful] 4. Stay motivated during finals week by getting a sufficient amount of sleep You can study all of the material, but if youre not getting enough sleep, you wont be able to recall it and synthesize it on the actual exam. Getting enough sleep starts with sticking to your study plan and avoiding late-night study sessions. Going along with getting sufficient sleep is making sure to eat and stay hydrated throughout the week. Taking care of yourself means that youll be ready to do your best work on your finals. 5. Stay motivated during finals week by reminding yourself how far youve come Although it may feel like it, finals week wont last forever. Its important to remember your goals and to find what motivates you to succeed. Hone in on how you can best use your time and help yourself do the best work. 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.