Tuesday, March 24, 2020

10 of the Top Small Colleges in the U.S.

10 of the Top Small Colleges in the U.S. When high school students begin looking for colleges, theyre forced to prioritize the things they want. A strong athletic program, a hard-to-find-major, or a particular location can all influence a students desire to attend. So, too, can sizefor many students, the choice of big schools vs. small schools is one of the most important factors. While there are reasons to attend a big school and reasons to attend a small school, finding an academic institution that suits your needs is crucial to success in your continued education. For those students looking for a smaller college (perhaps with 5,000 students of less), we present you a list of some of the very best. California Institute of Technology The California Institute of Technology is a small private university in Pasadena, California. Known for its abundance of Nobel Prize winners and recipients of the National Medal of Science and Technology, the school accepts only 8% of applicants and specializes in engineering and science. Claremont McKenna College Located in Claremont, California, Claremont McKenna College is a private liberal arts college known for its programs in economics, government, and public affairs. The college accepts only 9.8% of those students who apply to the prestigious school. The school has only been co-ed since 1976. Pomona College Another California school to make the list, Pomona College is located in Claremont and only offers undergraduate education. It is one of the most endowed liberal arts colleges in the United States and accepts 12.1% of applicants. The college is associated with the Say Yes to Education Compact, offering free tuition to inner city youth. Swarthmore College Swarthmore College is a private liberal arts college in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, and it was one of the first co-ed colleges in the U.S. They accept 17% of applicants. The school is part of a consortium with Bryn Mawr College and Haverford College, which provides an integrated library system and gives students the opportunity to cross-register for classes. Amherst College Amherst College is a private liberal arts school in Amherst, Massachusetts. There are 38 majors to choose from, and it is said that students enjoy the open curriculum. Approximately 14% of students who apply are admitted to the school. Bowdoin College Located in Brunswick, Maine, this East Coast college offers a student-faculty ratio of 9:1. Theyve also got a 118-acre coastal studies center on Orrs Island. Bowdoin accepts 14.9% of students. Perhaps best of all, Bowdoin is a no-loan school, meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need with grants. College of the Ozarks College of the Ozarks sits in Point Lookout, Missouri and is a Christian liberal arts college. They offer over 30 majors and charge no tuition for full-time students, instead offering a student work program, so its no wonder that admissions are difficultthe school accepts only 9% of applicants. Alice Lloyd College This Pippa Passes, Kentucky college offers 18 degree programs and roughly 20 students to every faculty member. The school has a high percentage of first-generation students, and around 33% of students who apply are admitted. Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is well known throughout the world for its programs in physical sciences, engineering, and biology. The school also boasts a high number of Nobel laureates and National Medal of Science recipients, many Rhodes Scholars and MacArthur Fellows, and Fields Medalists. It is understandably difficult to enrollonly 7.9% of students are admitted. U.S. Naval Academy The U.S. Naval Academy is a four-year school in Annapolis, Maryland, educating officers for commissioning in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. To get in, candidates must be nominated for admission, usually by a member of Congress. Candidates must also be between the ages of 17 and 23, unmarried and childless, and of good moral character. Theyre given applications, standardized tests, physical tests, etc. Only 7.9% of applicants are admitted. While some of these schools may to difficult to get into, they certainly offer some rewarding perks. By planning your strategy for college applications well in advance and studying up on the kinds of things admissions officers are looking for, youll undoubtedly increase your chances of going to one of the top small colleges in the United States!

Friday, March 6, 2020

Ceramics

Ceramics Ceramics: the Definition of Art History ChaptersWhat Are Ceramics?What Equipment Do You Need for Ceramics Lessons?Where Can You Find Ceramics Classes and Workshops?Getting Started with Pottery LessonsBefore Indiana Jones captivated our imagination with his tales of derring-do, archaeologists mainly laboured in obscurity â€" both in the literal and figurative sense.Sure, when a great find is made, such as Tutankhamun’s tomb or the greatest discovery of clay sculpture ever made, the Terracotta Warriors were found, those discoveries make headlines around the world.But when a graduate student on a dig finds pottery shards... that’s not necessarily earth-shattering news.Although rarely publicised, those finds invariably point to pottery-making being one of the most ancient forms of art, right up there with cave-painting.Why did early humans make pottery? How did they discover pottery clay and figure out that it could be used to make things?More importantly: how is it that this ancient art, born of necessity, is currently en joying a resurgence?From Australia to the Americas and, of course, in our own lovely country, clay artists are keen to promote their craft by offering adult classes in pottery as well as the occasional kids’ ceramics class.You have to be careful mixing kids with clays; the high-temperature kilns alone make it a risky proposition!If you’re reading this, you must have some interest in the materials and processes involved in ceramic arts.As always, your Superprof is fully supportive of your endeavours.Whether you’re aiming for your Bachelor of Fine Arts or looking to become the artist in residence in your home-built ceramic studio, we now provide you with all of the information you need to get started.Wash your hands, shut off your kiln and follow along! CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free! Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our t utors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat Are Ceramics? the Terracotta Warriors are perhaps the most renown ceramic sculptures of all time Image by broquitos from PixabayWe tend to think of ceramics in terms of what we’re familiar with: ceramic tile, ceramic vases or delicate ceramic boxes (those are called raku, by the way).Seldom does the average person consider the full scope of things that are ceramic; nothing illustrates that point better than the insulators we see on electrical poles.Most people make a distinction between glass and ceramic insulators; the fact is, they are both ceramic.Likewise, most make a distinction between pottery â€" say, the terra cotta pots in the garden, porcelain fixtures in the bathroom and the bone china used on special occasions. Here again, they are all ceramic.Any substance that is inorganic and non-metallic is considered ceramic.That means that the bricks your home is built of and the mortar that holds them together; the windows you look out of (provided they are glass, not some polycarbonate compou nd), the fixtures in your bathroom and maybe even your kitchen... they are all ceramic.Ceramics have many uses in fields of science and engineering, too.  Consider reusable launch systems such as the US’s space shuttle or reusable space capsules.Those components must be protected from the extreme heat of re-entry into our atmosphere; that is why they are protected with heat-resistant ceramic tiles.Admittedly, space travel and re-entry is a fairly limited proposition; it is much more common to board a jet and fly from one country to the next than fly away from our planet altogether.Would you be surprised to know that ceramics play an integral part in the workings of jet engines?Learn more about ceramics and their many applications...What Equipment Do You Need for Ceramics Lessons? This type of pottery is fired at low temperature Image by Hans Braxmeier from PixabayMost people, when considering ceramic art generally don’t consider archaeology, building techniques or the transition temperature of re-entry; they just want to tap into their creative process and express themselves through the visual arts.Well begun is half done. AristotleMost who stand by that adage would start their venture into studio art by being thoroughly prepared: the right tools, the right equipment and the right materials and the right attitude â€" we all know attitude counts for a lot!Believe it or not, to properly prepare yourself for lessons in pottery, all you really need is an openness to learning and a can-do attitude.As far as equipment and materials, to make even the simplest pot out of clay, you will need:A potter’s wheel: you don’t have to have one but it sure makes pottery-making faster and easier!A kiln: you may choose an electric kiln, a gas kiln, a wood kiln or a raku ki lnClay: there are many types and grades to choose fromWaterIt is remarkable that, over the millennia that humans have been working clay â€" the oldest figurines, found in the Czech Republic, have been dated to 45,000 years ago, very little has changed.True, we have nifty clay tools and it would be a good bet that those ancient potters, coiling their rolls of clay would probably be amazed at the convenience of pottery wheels.But you don’t need to bring any tools or clays to begin making pottery in class. You will likely be asked to bring an apron, though, and to dress appropriately.Find out what else might be asked or expected of you in your first few ceramics classes...Where Can You Find Ceramics Classes and Workshops?As mentioned earlier, art ceramics are enjoying a new wave of popularity all around the world. Everywhere, people are turning out earthenware, glazed or unglazed, to use in their gardens or serve as accent pieces.In light of that, could finding classes be difficult? That depends on several factors.If you live in a city, it would be much easier to find an art center offering pottery lessons than, say in the Scottish Highlands.On the other hand, if you live in Scotland, you might seek out the Scottish Potters’ Association to connect with experienced ceramic artists; you may even become a member of their group!One of the first questions they’re bound to ask you is: why do you want to learn pottery? That question is at the heart of finding the best ceramics classes.If you’re only just beginning to work with ceramic materials, beginner’s classes at an art studio or open classes at your local college of art would work well. There, you could learn all of the basics:the different types of clay (and what they’re used for)the different equipment and tools a clay artist usesproperties of kilns â€" high temperature, low temperature, inner diameter and so onwheel throwing: how to work with a pottery wheelIn fact, pottery artists recommend taking a wheel throwing class because it can be quite tricky getting the hang of working with a pottery wheel.Conversely, if you’ve already met with a bit of success in turning out stoneware creations, you might keep an eye out of workshops that address a skill you’ve not yet mastered.Essentially, finding pottery classes and workshops really boils down to what you need to further your art education... Beware that you won't turn out a full set of tableware on your first try! Image by Dieter Fettel from PixabayGetting Started with Pottery LessonsYou may be a fan of the classic film, Ghost, in which Demi Moore’s character sits half-clad at a pottery wheel in the middle of the night.The vase she’s making grows, grows, grows taller until Sam sits behind her. She gets distracted, the vase flops...In that story, floppy vases are of little consequence. So, for that matter, is pottery.On the other hand, for the perhaps overeager ceramist, clay creations that continuously flop can a source of frustration. Plenty of people have gotten discouraged over their clay not becoming what they want it to be!Ceramic artists all aver: check your expectations.It would be safe to say that hardly anyone sitting at a pottery wheel met success the first time out. It takes patience and skill to turn out a flawless piece.Your instructor will no doubt make pottery-making seem very easy but there is a measu re of skill involved even if it seems effortless when done by a pro.Knowing exactly how much pressure to exert on the clay as it turns, how often to moisten it and when to stop before the piece is ruined all take time to learn.The wonderful thing about clay is that it is so forgiving! If what you’re working on doesn’t satisfy, you can knead the clay into a ball and start all over again or try something new, maybe even experiment a little.It is important to remember that you’re not going to master pottery or clay sculpture after only a couple of lessons; in fact, the dedicated ceramic artist makes learning his craft the work of a lifetime.In light of that, if you’ve never thrown a pot â€" used a pottery wheel, you will have a few things to get used to.  A good rule of thumb is to learn one ‘thing’ per lesson, starting with the ceramic material you are currently manipulating.Your instructor should explain what type of clay you’re working with, what it’s composition is, and what they mean by ‘bisque’.You will be treated to so much information about ceramics as an art form... why not read our companion article to get fully prepared?

Watch Now Knucklebuster Guitar Exercise

Watch Now Knucklebuster Guitar Exercise Suzy S. As a guitar player (at any level!), one of the most important things you can work on is conditioning your finger strength and stamina.   Once you can train each of your fingers to work independently, youll have an easier time with your accuracy and proficiency. The following knucklebuster tutorial from Pompano Beach guitar teacher Steve G. is an excellent way to work on this technique. (Bonus: Use a metronome while youre practicing for even more precision!)   Grab your guitar, and watch the tutorial here: Want even more expert advice from our teachers?    Sign up for email updates here! Steve G. teaches bass guitar, guitar, mandolin, music recording, music theory, ukulele and banjo lessons to students of all ages and levels in Pompano Beach, FL. Steve joined the TakeLessons team in May 2012, with several years of experience in performing, teaching, audio recording and more. Sign up for lessons with Steve, or visit TakeLessons to search for a teacher near you! You might also like Watch Now: How to Tune a Guitar Watch Now: How to Play Pumped Up Kicks Videos We Love: Man With No Hands Plays the Guitar 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

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Certify Your French Language Skills Through DELF

Certify Your French Language Skills Through DELF How to Test Your Level of French with the DELF ChaptersEarly Certification Through DILFDELF: a French Language Exam for EveryoneA Word on DALFTips for Successful DELFLet us suppose your favourite pastime is perusing eclectic book collections along the Seine. After selecting one  you wander to your favourite café or bistro for a cuppa, crack open your coveted Sartre or Zola...And you can read and understand every word!But does that prove your ability to use the French language effectively, in every situation?Unfortunately not.To get that proof, you would have to submit to official testing, and have your ability to use French measured and categorised by the Ministry of National Education in France.We're not talking about parlaying your GCSE foreign language test scores into an approximate equivalent, here.Our French neighbours have considerately divided their language certification exams into three segments, each corresponding to one or more portions of the Common European Framework of Reference for Language, or CEFRL.In case you are not familiar with said framework:Level A1 represents basic knowledge of the language; C2 represents fluency. B1 and B2 exams are designed to test and certify intermediate language learners' abilities.Please refer to the table at the end of this article for a correlation between the French exams and their CEFRL counterparts.Where francophones are concerned, those exams are called DILF, DELF and DALF.Let us now take a closer look at them.Or click here to find out about the cost of French tutoring. E represents études â€" studies, in French.Thus, it stands to reason that those sitting DILF are beginners; just starting their forays into French vocabulary and French grammar.The DILF is an official qualification awarded by the French Ministry of Education that recognises a basic level of competence in French â€" one that corresponds to A1.1 on the CERFL scale.Nevertheless, all four areas of language competence are tested: reading, writing, speaking and listening.The reading portion w ould include understanding simple instructions and basic information.The writing segment calls for the candidate to fill out a form or write a simple message. The ability to understand and write numbers correctly is also challenged.The listening part revolves around understanding a public message or simple instruction. Here again, the use of numbers is specified.The speaking portion consists of an interview with a panel of examiners, as well as various conversational activities, like introducing people and making a doctor's appointment.Speech and listening comprehension rate higher for this exam than do writing and reading â€" whose total points tally up to 30.Overall, the candidate would have to score a total of 50 points out of 100 to earn a pass.For the oral portion, a 35 out of 70 would be considered satisfactory.It is important to note that there are no questions specifically about grammar and verb conjugation; every phase of the exam is geared toward pragmatic concerns.The DIL F is considered the initial step toward a later DELF ordeal.However, as it is only offered in France, you may consider an immersion curriculum in your favourite French province in anticipation of this exam.Check for the best French lessons here.the DELF exams are progressive, with some reserved exclusively for the youngest learners Source: Pixabay Credit: KhamkorDELF: a French Language Exam for EveryoneJust to clarify this point: although there is a progression in these language proficiency exams, you are not required to take the elementary level exams prior to testing at intermediate or advanced level.The DELF offers a wide range of tests designed for any French language student, from DELF Prim â€" for students as young as seven, to DELF Pro, the test geared toward business professionals.The most commonly administered exam is called DELF Tout Public, or public access DELF.These four exams, each increasingly more difficult, test the same aspects of your second language as DILF does: reading, writing, speaking and listening.However, the subject matter covered and the intensity varies greatly. That can be evidenced by the time allotted for each exam.Whereas the A1 exam lasts one hour and twenty minutes, the B2 exam demands over two hours and topics of discussion range from politics to other hotly debated subjects.There is no placement test to determine which exam you should sit.However, the French Ministry of Education provides sample tests to help you establish where you are in your French studies, and which certification exam you should take.The DELF is a pass/fail proposition. If you score above the threshold indicated for the exam you sit, you will be certified at that level.Should your pronunciation, for example, be deemed insufficient â€" resulting in a failure to certify, you may resit the exam, but only after 60 days.Unlike other language assessment programmes, you cannot retake only the portion you did not demonstrate proficiency in; you must redo the e ntire exam.The cost of the exam depends on what level you sit. The latest pricing table, from last year, indicated that: sitting  A1, or Basic Level, would cost £70; high intermediate, or B2, would run £105.You will be charged a fee each time you sit the exam, even if you are taking the same exam again.Check for French lessons online here.A Word on DALFLet us say you have been taking French lessons for most of your academic career. In fact, most would consider you bilingual, and you even anticipate sitting French A Levels... in other words, you are well advanced in French speaking, reading and writing.Your language training may qualify you to sit DALF: a thorough examination of your ability to discourse and write about humanities, social studies and current events through French conversation and composition.The C1 exam takes a little over four hours, and costs £145.Testing your knowledge of French language and culture at the highest level, C2, would take three and a half hours, a nd set you back £170.Now that we have a breakdown of test levels, let us take an in-depth look at language learning geared to the level that would likely be most beneficial to you; the ones included in étude programme.No need to paint flags on yourself as proof of speaking French! Sitting the DELF will do nicely. Source: Pixabay Credit: IcarrissimiTips for Successful DELFDetermine Which ExamFor the adult francophone, the choice is easy: s/he can sit the aforementioned Public Access exam, or DELF Pro: the one meant for those whose level of expression is suited to the business world.If you hope to work in France or any French speaking countries, that would be the exam for you.Both require you to demonstrate proficiency levels in the range of A1 to B2, but the nature of the discussions and materials are slightly different.The Pro exam includes more business terminology.The young  French learner has a greater choice of exams:Prim â€" for primary school students. Levels tested are A1.1 to A2Junior: for kids and teens in secondary school; they can test from Level A1 to B2the levels are the same as tests for adults, but topics discussed are relevant to people of that age groupScolaire: Same tests/levels as the Junior category, but administered in a classroom, through a French language learning center.If your child takes classes at the Alliance Francaise in Cambridge or Cardiff, for example, s/he may be encouraged to sit DELF on recommendation of her teacher.Contact Your Closest Testing CenterIf you do not live in France and are not enroled in a French language school, you may have to find a language testing center close to you.Even if you are enroled in a language school, it may not be certified to officially administer the exam.There are only a baker's dozen certified testing centers, scattered throughout the UK. Contacting them to find the next available test dates and the most up-to-date  criteria for testing is essential to securing a seat.Knowing when and wher e to test will eliminate the possibility of confusion and frustration, thus increasing your chances for a good evaluation of your linguistic abilities.You can engage a Superprof French tutor online to help your French pronunciation! Source: Pixabay Credit: JeshootsPractice, Practice, PracticeFrom the moment of your enrolment into the test of your choice, you should speak, read and listen to French every chance you get.Participate actively in your French courses; query your French teacher over any aspect of the language that you have difficulty with.You may consider engaging a Superprof tutor to give you an extra boost of confidence!Attend all of the French cultural activities you can; be sure to speak French to anyone who says bienvenue  or bonjour to you.Check with your local library: perhaps they will host a French movie night. If not, maybe they have a few titles for rent.Or, you could stream French television and music.All of these suggestions might appeal to your child or child ren, who might be taking French language courses in preparation for their ordeal.There is no accredited or recommended manner of immersing yourself into French language studies â€" short of living in France for full immersion into the language and culture.However, taking language classes, followed up by reinforcement activities is sure to prepare you well to sit DELF, at whatever level you choose!Learn more about practicing your French skills and find french courses london.We now leave you with a breakdown of how the French language certification exams correlate to the European language certification framework. Bonne chance!DELF PrimPrimary school students aged 7 to 12Levels tested: A1.1; A1; A2DELF JuniorSecondary school students aged 12 to 17Levels tested: A1; A2; B1; B2DELF ScolaireSecondary school students aged 12 to 17Levels tested: A1; A2; B1; B2DELF Tout PublicAdultsLevels tested: A1; A2; B1; B2DELF ProAdultsLevels tested: A1; A2; B1; B2DALFAdultsLevels tested: C1 and C2

Staying Motivated - Private Tutoring

Staying Motivated BobbiM Mar 31, 2014 Getting motivated is one thing; staying motivated is another. Which one is harder for you? In order to stay motivated you should give yourself checkpoints on the way to reaching your goals. These checkpoints might include: -Monitoring your motivation for learning just as you monitor your comprehension when you read. Each time you sit down to study, ask yourself about the level of motivation for what you are doing. You have an internal body clock, which means that you will find that certain times of the day are more conducive to learning than others. Try to plan your study sessions around those times. -Studying the subjects you find the most difficult, or are least motivated to learn, first. Then move to the subjects that are easier, or those that you enjoy more. In that way you will be more likely to stay motivated to study the subjects you find the most interesting. -Planning some breaks in your study time-dont try to study for more than one hour without a short break because you will find it difficult to maintain your motivation. But what if you find yourself losing motivation? Its important to have strategies to follow in this scenario as well. It might help if you: -Take a break and come back to what you were doing at a later time. -Switch topics every hour or so. -Work with a study group. Misery loves company and others can often demotivated you. -Plan to study in the library or another quiet place if you find that your social life is interfering with studying because your friends are calling you or dropping by. Find somewhere to study where you will be free from distractions and temptation. Excerpt from  College Success Strategies  by Sherrie L. Nist and Jodi Patrick Holschuh.

Skype English TV Comparatives and Superlatives

Skype English TV Comparatives and Superlatives Hello! This is our first video recording of our Skype English Classes. In this video you will see Frank using comparatives in English. He is comparing his daughter to his son. Watch the video below, then read the notes to learn more about comparatives and superlatives in English. In English we use comparatives by adding an ER at the end of an adjective or adding the word MORE in front of the adjective. How do you know when to add ER or when to use MORE? Easy, for short adjectives (fat, thin, tall, rich, smart) we add ER. For long adjectives (intelligent, extroverted, beautiful, stupid) we put MORE in front of the adjective.We use than as our connecting word.Some common comparative mistakes:using BOTH more and er: Frank says, “My daughter is more taller than my son.” Incorrect. Correct, “My daughter is taller than my son.”using that instead of than. “My daughter is 3 years older that my son.” Incorrect. Correct, “My daughter is 3 years older than my son.using THE with co mparatives. Frank says, “The Peru is better than Chile.” Incorrect. Peru is better than Chile. We don’t use The with formal nouns unless it is part of the name: The United States, The Dominican Republic, The European Union.using the superlative rather than the comparative, “Peru has the best food than Chile.” Incorrect. “Peru has better food than Chile. Remember we use the comparaitives with ER or MORE when we are comparing 2 things, people, or places. We use the superlative when we are comparing 3-999,999,999,999 things, people, or places.If you have any more questions or would like to take a class on comparatives and superlatives please contact us.

How to start the school year right

How to start the school year right Teachers in many countries across the world go back to school this week and next week. For all of our teachers at home and overseas, good luck in the new school year, and remember these tips to start the year off right!Introduce yourself - Every teacher has a different level of comfort with how familiar they are willing to be with their students, and it’s up to you to decide how much personal information you choose to share with your class. However, letting your students know a little about yourself - your interests and hobbies, what you did with your summer, your pets - can set a welcoming atmosphere and ease first-day jitters for students. Other slightly more unconventional facts about yourself might include your least favorite food, a bad habit you have, or the most interesting place you've ever visited.Get to know your students - Have your students share the above information with you! Icebreaker questions get students smiling and help you learn more about their personalities. For a challenge, ask students to share something unique about themselves that they think is true for only them and no one else in the class. You'll learn which student raises pet tarantulas, which one has twelve brothers and sisters, and which one has a fear of butterflies.Learn names as quickly as possible - Some teachers are better than others when it comes to memorization. During the first few days, use a labeled seating chart and say students’ names out loud every time you speak to them in order to commit them to memory. This is crucial to establishing classroom order.Reinforce your goals - Before your students arrive on the first day of school, remind yourself of your short-term and long-term goals for the school year. Repeat throughout the day, and every day of your first week, in order to maintain the right perspective and outlook for the year.Remember to breathe - The first day of school is hectic for everyone. As a teacher, you might be feeling even more stress than your students. Not only is it your responsibility to ease your students into the new year, but you have the added burden of needing to do so while also setting the tone of your classroom and establishing authority. Not an easy task! Whether you’re teaching kindergarten or high school, don’t let first-day nerves overwhelm you. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that things will have settled down tomorrow.Have your own tips? Share your ideas with us below! We'd love to hear your first-day-of-school classroom activities.