Welcome to Biology - Your DNA and Your Body

Welcome to Biology - Your DNA and Your BodyWelcome to Biology, the wonderful and thoroughly bizarre world of humans. Welcome to humanity's incredible journey through the cell. Welcome to the mysterious world of chromosomes, hormones, receptors, the cell body, DNA and every other aspect of life that are necessary for its existence.Every single human being has a different set of DNA, from the male to the female, genetically linked with everything that the individual carries in his body. Each of these cells constantly change and evolve, depending on which is the dominant chromosome. The genetic materials are carried around in the body, from one generation to the next. The expression of genes within a human body has an influence on all human beings, which is why each individual must be tested for them before being approved for certain treatments.The human body is made up of all the cells and tissue in it, along with the fluids and even the air, which are all brought together into the cel ls. Everything is so utterly different from each other, yet everyone uses the same methods of moving the cells and tissues around in the body to make it function as a whole. So the transformation of human cells into proteins, chemicals and cells is so incredibly hard that in order to achieve the same, different cells must be replaced with different cells, and then they must be re-combined into a whole, which is called repairing the genome.Normally, when a cell is damaged or diseased, cells of the body try to repair it, which is why diseases like cancer occur. Unfortunately, this has become impossible, as the cells can only repair so much damage and then the damaged cells will eventually die off. When that happens, there is nothing left to repair, so the body becomes a giant game of 'Russian roulette', trying to prevent the death of any more of the healthy cells.One of the most important things to understand about the DNA is that it changes the way human beings behave. Inparticular, how they look, and how they perceive things, and because the human body is so complex, this means that even things that don't feel very bad can actually be very dangerous.When a person takes part in sports or engages in other physical activities, this can cause serious injury, and if the person is injured, it can kill them. When it comes to this, you have to know that DNA is the mechanism which makes the cells of the body, along with the muscles that make up the joints, interact.When any of the cells in the body to contract, the proteins that are necessary for the cell to function will be created, but there will not be enough proteins to do what is needed. In a constant state of anxiety, the cells around the damaged parts of the body will get in touch with DNA to ask for proteins to repair the damage. The DNA of these cells will always be in contact with the damaged area, and they will be able to tell whether or not there is anything on the outside to repair.And, when it comes to th e brain, human cells have many more functions than just carrying out the actions of the cells around the body. A small part of the brain is the hypothalamus, which is responsible for controlling a person's appetite. When a person has an excess of protein, the hypothalamus will decide that something needs to be eaten.

2016 New Years italki Language Challengers- Make a Public Video Pledge!

2016 New Years italki Language Challengers- Make a Public Video Pledge! If youve signed up for the italki Language Challenge  , here is a trick to motivate you to succeed!  Do you really want to complete the challenge?  Use peer pressure (in a good way) to help yourself achieve your language learning goal! Research has shown that if you put yourself up to something by doing it in public, you follow through because others are watching. Things that you put on the Web have a better chance of getting done! How to Upload your Language Challenge Public Video Pledge Make a Public Video Pledge by uploading a video to YouTube or Youku before you begin your first session (or your first few sessions). Youtube video example: Youku video example: What should you say in your Public Video Pledge? Speak in your native language Tell us why you are taking the italki Challenge and what language you are learning Tell us what you will commit to (e.g. I promise to take at least 3 sessions a week) Tell us your Language Challenge Goal (e.g. Five minute conversation with a co-worker) Speak in the language you are learning Repeat the above in the language you are learning If you can’t say anything, or your language level is at a beginner level then try to say a few words you know in the language or just say you have no ability. Label the video: “(italki username)’s  italki Language Challenge New Year 2016 Public Pledge The video should not be longer than 2 minutes in length. Send a link to  the YouTube/Youku video to support@italki.com. We will upload your video to our blog! Just send us an email to support@italki.com and let us know the link to the  video  with the Public Video Pledge! If youve signed up for The Challenge and you really want to finish, you should make the Public Video Pledge now!  It will help you complete the Challenge! 2016 New Years italki Language Challengers- Make a Public Video Pledge! If youve signed up for the italki Language Challenge  , here is a trick to motivate you to succeed!  Do you really want to complete the challenge?  Use peer pressure (in a good way) to help yourself achieve your language learning goal! Research has shown that if you put yourself up to something by doing it in public, you follow through because others are watching. Things that you put on the Web have a better chance of getting done! How to Upload your Language Challenge Public Video Pledge Make a Public Video Pledge by uploading a video to YouTube or Youku before you begin your first session (or your first few sessions). Youtube video example: Youku video example: What should you say in your Public Video Pledge? Speak in your native language Tell us why you are taking the italki Challenge and what language you are learning Tell us what you will commit to (e.g. I promise to take at least 3 sessions a week) Tell us your Language Challenge Goal (e.g. Five minute conversation with a co-worker) Speak in the language you are learning Repeat the above in the language you are learning If you can’t say anything, or your language level is at a beginner level then try to say a few words you know in the language or just say you have no ability. Label the video: “(italki username)’s  italki Language Challenge New Year 2016 Public Pledge The video should not be longer than 2 minutes in length. Send a link to  the YouTube/Youku video to support@italki.com. We will upload your video to our blog! Just send us an email to support@italki.com and let us know the link to the  video  with the Public Video Pledge! If youve signed up for The Challenge and you really want to finish, you should make the Public Video Pledge now!  It will help you complete the Challenge!

10 Things you shouldnt do on italki

10 Things you shouldnt do on italki In an effort to keep italki clean and focused on language learning and respectful cultural exchange, we’ve developed a list of 10 things you should not do on italki.  We’ve included some examples below so you know what we’re talking about and also what kinds of spam and scams to watch out for and to avoid.  Were always trying to improve italki to make it more beneficial to language learners everywhere.  Thanks for your support. DONT  1) Ask inappropriate questions   2) Send people youve never met love letters           3) List the same language under both I speak and Im learning  4) Send people spammy messages    5) Try to scam people by asking for their email address, bank account number, home address, or other information     6) Use italki to promote competing commercial interests  7) Post naked, semi-nude, suggestive, or scantily clad photos of yourself or anyone else (sorry no photo) 8) Post your email address publicly (in comments, groups, answers, etc).  This will lead to more email spam.   9) Reply to people who say they love you or have a crush on you because they read your profile. Yes, We know its the same letter as #4, but spammers will try to get you anyway they can!  10) Disrespect fellow italki members     Although they didn’t make the Top 10 list, there are a few more Dis-Honorable Mentions that you also shouldn’t do on italki. Dishonorable Mentions  â€¢    List Other for your speaking or learning language when your language is clearly listed as a choice •    Get mad if someone doesnt accept/reply to your Chat Now invitation •    Post Help me practice English (or any other language) in Answers If you have other items you think should be added to this list, feel free to write them in comments below, or add them to the Knowledge page.  If you find members engaging in spamming or scamming, please report them to feedback@italki.com 10 Things you shouldnt do on italki In an effort to keep italki clean and focused on language learning and respectful cultural exchange, we’ve developed a list of 10 things you should not do on italki.  We’ve included some examples below so you know what we’re talking about and also what kinds of spam and scams to watch out for and to avoid.  Were always trying to improve italki to make it more beneficial to language learners everywhere.  Thanks for your support. DONT  1) Ask inappropriate questions   2) Send people youve never met love letters           3) List the same language under both I speak and Im learning  4) Send people spammy messages    5) Try to scam people by asking for their email address, bank account number, home address, or other information     6) Use italki to promote competing commercial interests  7) Post naked, semi-nude, suggestive, or scantily clad photos of yourself or anyone else (sorry no photo) 8) Post your email address publicly (in comments, groups, answers, etc).  This will lead to more email spam.   9) Reply to people who say they love you or have a crush on you because they read your profile. Yes, We know its the same letter as #4, but spammers will try to get you anyway they can!  10) Disrespect fellow italki members     Although they didn’t make the Top 10 list, there are a few more Dis-Honorable Mentions that you also shouldn’t do on italki. Dishonorable Mentions  â€¢    List Other for your speaking or learning language when your language is clearly listed as a choice •    Get mad if someone doesnt accept/reply to your Chat Now invitation •    Post Help me practice English (or any other language) in Answers If you have other items you think should be added to this list, feel free to write them in comments below, or add them to the Knowledge page.  If you find members engaging in spamming or scamming, please report them to feedback@italki.com

Teacher talks What its really like teaching English in China

Teacher talks What it’s really like teaching English in China If you haven’t read it, here’s the first part of our Teacher Talks series with Dave on the differences between teaching ESL to kids vs. adults. And if you don’t have time for that, let me catch you up. Dave Stewart is a placement coordinator for the Explore Program in China. He spent several years teaching abroad in both China and South Korea. This blog will specifically look at his experience teaching in China. So, let’s jump right in! Why did you decide teaching in China was the best fit for you? If I’m really honest, I’d say to add to my travel-cred. South Korea felt like something a lot of people almost expected to hear when I said I taught English abroad. China had a bit more mystery to it, and I wanted an experience that was different from most. I was actually curious about teaching in China for a while. I first visited on vacation and there was just so much to see. It’s a much bigger country than South Korea, so I felt like there was a lot more for me to explore. The cities were bigger, there were larger and more diverse expat communities. In Korea, the expat community was mainly ESL teachers but in China there were all sorts of expats working in different industries. It was also the novelty of it too, there are things you just never forget - like these goat skewers that you could get from street vendors in Beijing. They were delicious, but it’s the only time in my life I’ve eaten food that has been heated by a hairdryer! Aside from all that, when I actually sat down and did my research, I felt that China had the most opportunities when it came to teaching adults. Read this: 5 reasons why you should teach in China What are some of the main challenges you’ve experienced teaching adults in China? I suppose one of the main things teachers have to adjust to is mostly cultural. There’s a real fear of losing face. Getting students to speak up is probably 80% of the work in the classroom. I used loads of different techniques. Bigger groups weren’t the best for the shy-natured students, so I divided them into smaller groups, focusing on roleplay and pair work. With adults, they need to know the value of what you’re teaching them. So a lot of the roleplay has to be quite specific, business situations and real-life scenarios played out better than more imaginative stuff. At first, it can be a bit stressful because there is that feeling of talking to a wall, it’s a catch-22 with teaching ESL. Adults are silent, so you’d give anything to get them to speak up, and kids won’t shut up, so you’d do anything to get them to be quiet and focus for a few minutes. I’ve heard that English pronunciation is especially tricky for Chinese (Mandarin) speakers...is that true? Definitely, there are quite a few problems with intonations and phonology. One of the big issues that Chinese English learners have is with vowel sounds. What happens when someone mispronounces a consonant is that you can still figure out the meaning. Like “Coppee” as a pronunciation for “Coffee” in Korea. But if a learner messes up the vowels it becomes much harder to understand what they want to say. Check out the University of Toronto OISE TEFL course’s specialization in teaching English to Mandarin speakers How did you give students feedback? Was there a grading system in place? For private lessons and conversation classes we were given feedback reports to fill out after every class. These could be more candid and in depth than anything you might give a child. I would still always try to be encouraging so give them any negatives in a compliment sandwich. Any horror stories you care to share? I had a student that called himself “Death”, and it wasn’t an accident. He knew what it meant and it was written on all his business cards. He was an odd guy, but part of teaching is accepting people as they are, so you just have to roll with it. Was anything about living in China ever frustrating? Using Bing instead of Google. Maybe the biggest thing for a Westerner teaching in China is the frustration with access to news sources. Many of the sites I would usually go to for current events were blocked or censored. Also anyone that’s taught abroad appreciates the treasure trove of Realia that YouTube represents. In Korea, I would often incorporate videos into classes, but that wasn’t possible in China. They use a network called Weebo to host videos instead and it just doesn’t have the same number of native English speakers creating content. Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. A lot of teachers worry that living in China will be restrictive and they won’t have as much freedom. How would you respond to that? That’s one of those false assumptions, there are a lot of rules in China, certainly a lot more than in Vancouver - but for some reason I felt freer there. Perhaps because in Vancouver we enforce the rules that do exist, in China I found them quite lax as long as you weren’t disturbing anyone. It felt safer to go for a walk at night, the culture didn’t have any aggressive masculine undertones like in the West and you could grab a beer and go for a walk without worrying. I loved wandering there, which isn’t something I’d do in Vancouver. In China, I would just stumble across historical monuments or vendors selling weird foods. China gave me a different perspective on things I thought I already knew. In the west there’s this idea that communism is a bad thing, but they were so proud of their rich history and saw Mao as a liberator of the people. Just witnessing that first hand was fascinating and something I could never have imagined sitting at home reading about China. It’s not a place that can be described, I’d recommend spending time there to anyone who is curious about the country. Professional development is a big part of Chinese culture and work. Did you get a chance to develop your teaching skills? Definitely, they encourage all teachers to take courses and even pay for them. While I was there I did a distance learning course in phonology that was so useful in the classroom. It allowed me to hone in on specific issues with the student’s pronunciation and figure out where they were straying. It was amazing to get a chance to really understand the mechanics of ESL for Chinese students and get a bit more context about how to help them with their specific issues. If teachers are looking to take a TEFL course and know they want to teach in China or Korea, it might be wise to take one with a country specific specialization tagged on. Some of that information will be gold in the classroom. What was the most interesting thing about teaching in China? How focused they were on my strengths and the way they helped me grow my skills. I’m a stickler for interesting lessons and they saw that strength and gave me room to research and develop new classes for the school. I loved having that sense of creative ownership and being able to come up with ways to tweak and improve classes other teachers had designed. Recommended reading: Requirements to teach English in China [Video] 12 companies in China that are hiring English teachers like crazy Teaching in China on a tourist visa: Can it be done? What’s the average salary for a teacher in China? Do I need to speak Mandarin to teach English in China?

Getting Better Grades With Maryland University of Maryland Tutoring Athletes

Getting Better Grades With Maryland University of Maryland Tutoring AthletesThere are many ways to help kids get better grades and that is why finding the best Maryland University of Maryland tutoring services is essential. You can get into any area you want and get kids to do well on their exams. The services offered by the university also include a wide range of sports teams and physical education programs to make them healthier.The academics will get better and your child will have a better chance of graduating from school. Your child will be able to move up in school and feel more confident about themselves. They will also be better able to cope with changes that may come in the future.For this reason, getting athletic tutors is a good idea if you have kids who may need some extra encouragement and emotional support as they go through high school or university. A sports team can be just as important as a school work. They can give a child the social support that they may need to concentrate in school and get the best grades.Your child will have someone to talk to and who will listen to them when they have a problem. They will also be better able to deal with stress and other challenges in their life. All of this can lead to a better adult life.Many of the coaches and family members of some of the athletes have taken a great interest in their academic performance and will go out of their way to help them. Some coaches and other staff members volunteer to tutor them. If they don't, that doesn't mean they don't care.They often offer to teach the players how to take fitness classes at their local gym. These can be good ways to keep your kids healthy. It gives them the opportunity to interact with other people.As parents, you can sign up for one of the online school programs. It will give you access to professional sports tutors in your area so that you can offer the best possible support to your kid.

Hockey Shooter Tutor

Hockey Shooter TutorIf you're looking to improve your game and have decided on hockey shooting skills, the way to do it is to find a hockey shooter tutor. Hockey is not an easy sport to learn and if you don't get help from someone who can help you improve your game, it will never be possible for you to become a better hockey player. When you hire a hockey shooter tutor, you will get expert advice and coaching in the sport of hockey.Hockey is one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet and, as you can imagine, this is great news for the people who play it, but it's not good news for those who want to make sure that they are getting good shots from the ice. If you want to improve your skills and you don't have the time to find a good coach, you may need to consider a tutor.Many of the people who have good skills in the sport of hockey (a lot of them are known as 'talent scouts 'hockey players' - some are called 'talent guides 'skill experts') don't want to spend their time going to the rink every day to train with others. The good news is that there are some people who want to help you improve your skills and these people are calling hockey shooter tutors. If you have the time and the money to hire someone, you should consider hiring a mentor who will get you on the ice and teach you the best techniques to shoot a puck.One thing that you will need when you are looking for a coach is access to some actual NHL hockey players who are also looking for help with improving their skills. That means that you need to find a coach who has players from all over the country who are looking for ways to improve their game and is willing to let them come onto the ice so that they can see how other hockey players perform the tricks that they use every time they shoot a puck.Once you decide to sign up with one of these coaches, they will instruct you in the fundamentals of the game of hockey. They will show you what you need to do in order to shoot a puck correctly and will a lso show you what you need to do in order to score goals.Another thing that you can look for when you are looking for a good hockey shooter tutor is someone who will be honest about the fact that you should also work on your speed, and at the same time, he will put you on the ice so that you can see how much you can improve your skills. Most of these tutors have been coaching people for years and they can help you with skating, but not to the point where you will be able to show off your skill.When you do go to the rink and watch other players shoot the puck, take a look at the gloves of each one. You may be surprised to learn that some of them are shaped differently, and those that are shaped differently do have a big impact on how the puck will hit them and how quickly the puck is going to come off.

Times Tables Online Tutors - Maths Times Tables Help

Times Tables Online Tutors - Maths Times Tables Help Times table is a multiplication table where in the table, the result of all the numbers when they are multiplied with each other is given. So starting from number 1, all the different numbers are multiplied together and their final results are put together and shown in the times table. Hence it is very convenient to have a times table around and it is very much recommended to memorize the table as it helps in solving various problems and it also makes the calculations easier. Example 1: Write the times table of number 2. In order to write the times table of number 2, we start by multiplying 2 by 1. 2 * 1 = 2 2 * 2 = 4 2 * 3 = 6 2 * 4 = 8 2 * 5 =10 2 * 6 =12 2 * 7 =14 2 * 8 =16 2 * 9 =18 2 *10=20 (So here the times table for 2 can continue as we can keep multiplying 2 further with any number). Example 2: Write the times table of number 3. In order to write the times table of number 3, we start by multiplying 3 by 1. 3 * 1 = 3 3 * 2 = 6 3 * 3 = 9 3 * 4 =12 3 * 5 =15 3 * 6 =18 3 * 7 =21 3 * 8 =24 3 * 9 =27 3 *10=30 (So here the times table for 3 can continue as well, because we can keep multiplying 3 further with any number).

Ask an Admissions Expert Whitney Bruce

Ask an Admissions Expert Whitney Bruce Whitney Bruce has been helping students succeed in the college admissions process for over 15 years. Her experience on the admissions boards for both Washington University in St. Louisand the University of Michiganhave led her to develop a true expertise for this subject and prepare numerous students for the lengthy process. Whitney currently counsels students as a team member of Accepted, a premier admissions consulting service. VT: How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Whitney: Students can begin working on their college applications during the summer prior to senior year of high school. More than 400 colleges are members of the Common Application (commonapp.org), which generally releases its current application on August first of each year. Some students aspire to complete their essays, or personal statement earlier than fall of the senior year, but Ive found that for many students, the maturity that comes with the extra few months between the end of eleventh grade and the beginning of twelfth grade leads to better essays. VT: What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Whitney: The most important approach is to let go of the idea that your essay topic needs to be based upon an earthshattering experience. Its true, students write very impactful essays about overcoming chronic illness, the death of parent, or other personal tragedy, however I wouldnt wish those circumstances on anyone just for a compelling essay topic. The best essays often spring from a small moment; its what the writer does with the topic by adding his or her own personality and viewpoint leads to an effective college admissions essay. VT: Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Whitney: A good essay is more about the perspective a student shares than it is about the topic. When I was an admissions officer, there were several themes that made trite or impersonal essays. The first is the travelogue: I went, I saw, I did. The second essay springs from the athletic team- kicking the winning soccer goal, or learning that winning isnt more important than being a good teammate. It doesnt mean that you cant write about these topics, but again, its about your thoughts and point of view as the applicant, not the nuts and bolts of the soccer game or trip to Costa Rica. VT: What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Whitney: Procrastination. Good writing takes time and personal reflection. Essay writing is also quite different from the writing most students work on in high school English class, so writing a personal essay can be really hard for many students. For most of the students I work with, their final essay is dramatically different from the first draft, even when the topic is essentially the same. That process takes time, and a student who sits down to write his essay at the 11th hour just cant put the same effort into the revision process. VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Whitney: The evaluation process varies dramatically and I encourage students to look carefully at the information for each college to which they are applying. VT: What do you think is the single most important thing a student should make sure they present in the best possible way on their application? Whitney: So much of a students application is complete before he or she even applies. Grades and curriculum choices are already set, and for most colleges, those are the most important factors in determining admission. I recommend that students control what they can in the process, by putting their best foot forward on their application forms and choosing teacher recommenders with care. VT: How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? Whitney: The best way is to spend some time at the colleges you are considering. Campus tours are a great overview, but adding time for a visit to the cafeteria, sitting in on a class, an overnight in the dorms, or just an afternoon on the quad can be very telling. Do the students look happy? Stressed out? Are they hardworking? Intense or laid back? You can also talk to students from your high school who have attended these colleges. VT: Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions...With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Whitney: Which application plan a student utilizes truly depends upon his or her academic record, whether his profile is likely to be stronger later in the application season, the need to compare financial aid offers or seek merit scholarships and a host of other factors. Its a very personal decision based upon the student and the colleges under consideration. VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Whitney: It is going to vary by college. For example, at some state universities, a specific rank in class and test score combination guarantees admission. At some of the most highly selective colleges, almost the entire applicant pool is capable of academic success at the institution, and those applicants all present stellar grades and test scores, so their personal qualities, extracurricular accomplishments, and recommendations take on a greater level of importance. VT: What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Whitney: First of all, most colleges that require teacher recommendations are seeking a letter from a teacher who has taught you in a solid, academic course, during 11th or 12th grade. While there are some exceptions to this, for example, an art program seeking a recommendation from an art teacher, the following the statement above will ensure that you submit an appropriate recommendation. Academic courses are in the disciplines of English, Math, Social Studies, Science and Foreign Language. At many colleges, religion is not considered a traditional academic course for this purpose. Identify a teacher who will be able to give a strong endorsement to your academic performance in the classroom. It doesnt always mean the class in which you received the highest grade, rather, which teacher understands you best as a student? Think in terms of your written work, class participation, group projects, your enthusiasm for the subject matter, or your ability to overcome challenging material or struggles in that classroom. It is polite to give your recommender as much lead time as possible to write your recommendation. Consider this scenario: I was a college counselor at a small, private school which offered two AP courses to most juniors, AP US History and AP English, with approximately 30 boys enrolled in each course. Most of those students asked at least one of the two teachers to write a letter of recommendation, with each teacher devoting time to writing 15-20 letters of recommendation in addition to all of their other responsibilities. It was very time consuming for them, and advance notice was critical for the teacher to write the most specific and supportive letter possible. While you might not have a solidified list of colleges and deadlines at the time you first request your letter of recommendation, it is polite to ask for an opportunity to sit down with the teacher to discuss your college application plans and your recommendation. After your teacher has written his or her recommendation, follow up with a thank you note. As the applicant, it is always in your best interest to waive your right to see the recommendation. Visit Accepted.com for further information on Whitney and the rest of her teams admissions counseling services.The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

How Parents Can Help with Middle School Homework Challenges

How Parents Can Help with Middle School Homework Challenges At some point, all middle school parents experience the Sunday night homework announcement: suddenly, your student has a shoebox diorama due in third period history class tomorrowand he or she hasnt started it yet. With the move to middle school comes major change: shifting to bell schedules, an intense focus on social dynamics, and an increase in responsibilitiesincluding homework responsibilities. Even though the start of the middle school year brings more homework and higher expectations for time management, that first bell doesnt automatically imbue your middle schooler with all the skills to handle the change. For parents, its important to strike a balance between giving middle school students the autonomy they crave and the support they need when it comes to homework and time management. Ways you can help your middle school student with homework challenges include developing a homework tracking system, practicing task assessment, and encouraging the implementation of study breaks. Read on to learn how parents can help with middle school homework challenges: [RELATED: 4 Ways Parents Can Help Middle School Students Succeed] Middle school homework solution #1: Develop a tracking system Speak with your student about how homework changes in middle school, such as more frequent long-term projects and a heavier homework load overall. Together, brainstorm ways to keep track of homework assignments. Keep in mind that the school may have its own system, such as an online calendar or a mandatory student planner. If not, some ideas might include: Writing homework out on a calendar, in a planner, or on an app Reviewing new assignments as the first homework task each day Creating a checklist or chart for the kitchen (or another common area). Then, give your student regular reminders to stick to the plan youve created togetherthat way, he or she stays accountable. Middle school homework solution #2: Let your student struggle occasionally If the dreaded Sunday night homework crisis does occur, and your student has a book report due tomorrow for a book he or she hasnt read, consider simply letting your student endure the consequences of procrastination. Ask your student what his or her plan is to handle the short timeline. If he or she needs to go to the store for supplies, make yourself available to drive there, but dont do the project for your student. Having to turn in a late or sub-par assignment will help your student learn to avoid the same situation in the futureand you can help drive the lesson home by talking with him or her about a plan for approaching the work differently next time. [RELATED: Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences: What to Ask] Middle school homework solution #3: Practice task assessment Another skill you can help your student develop is to help him or her look at assignments ahead of time and analyze how much work they will take. If your student is sticking to a tracking system, you can help read over the assignment or look through the problems before they are due and estimate how much time, materials, reading, or other preparation will be required. Add those things to the planner or calendar as needed, and work with your child to spread out any heavy workloads in a realistic way. Middle school homework solution #4: Implement breaks and other study skills Middle school is going to require longer homework sessions and different types of studying. Help your student create good study habits by encouraging him or her to take regular, short breaks and to study using different methods like flashcards, rewriting notes, analyzing math problems that were missed, participating in group study sessions, and other techniques beyond simply reviewing notes. As your child gets into the pre-teen and teen years, your role as a parent will need to shift from helping directly with homework assignments to helping your student manage time and tasks effectively. Taking an active role in teaching him or her organization, time management, analysis, and planning skills while allowing more control over the details will build lifelong capability and confidence. [RELATED: 3 Ways to Effectively Communicate With Your Childs Teacher] 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.