First Things First Before I get into the tools you can use to help interpret or analyze poetry, I want to stress the importance of reading for enjoyment. Relax. Let the words, phrasing, rhyme scheme, and rhythm flow through you. An essential part of understanding poetry is ‘feeling’ it. Read the poem first for overall concept and fun. Do a second reading to start a more thorough interpretation. Poems should be read multiple times. The following blog invites you to ask questions an...

You might have noticed that some people seem to be able to do math like magic, or maybe you think these people are geniuses. Well, they might be, but more likely they have learned a few methods that make mental math a lot easier. Follow these tips to speed up your multiplication and division talents! The main thing to keep in mind when multiplying is to disregard (at first) any zeroes on the right side of whole numbers.

The purpose of these points is to get you engaged and invested in the stories. You will be entering into the stories instead of reading from the outside!

What is your motive? Ask yourself this question, and try to provide an answer. If you don’t know why you are reading something, your concentration will wane quickly. You could be reading for pleasure, for a better grade, to prepare a report, etc. If you want to gain more from your reading, do not answer this question with the following: “Because I have to.” When you must read a book, chapter, or article find another more productive reason for reading it – something that benefits you.

School has already started or is just around the corner for most students. Maybe not every student is jumping with joy, but here are some tips to help you make the best of your year or semester.

Sentences are the basic foundation of any writing, so getting them right is important. The primary goal is to write concise, crisp sentences that clearly convey your message. This is particularly true in business. Avoid any flowery or creative writing urges you have, and stick to the business at hand.  These tips will help you to get started. The sentences in red are weak and/or incorrect. Aim for the sentences in green. 

I am excited to announce that the Short Story Reading course is up and running on the Udemy platform. This course is primarily designed for personal development; however, there are some academic components as well. We will be looking at the basic short story structure as well as elements and literary devices that authors use such as irony, personification, similes, hyperbole, foreshadowing, prediction, imagery, and lots more.

What a perfect time to fall in love with learning – to make friends with your brain! Once you do, the benefits will roll in like waves on a beach. Do I hear screaming?

The following are some general rules for handling numbers in academic writing. Of course, there are always exceptions. Rule 1 Spell out numbers 1 through 10. (There are exceptions such as the previous sentence in which I want the numbers to stand out for quick reference.) You can use numerals for numbers above 10. He needed six extra items in his basket. Sherry counted 60 students on the bus.

These tips apply to those working with learners and the learners themselves. I am a strong advocate for all of us becoming our own best teachers. Hence my book Teach Myself? Teach Myself! Self-Taught Learners Do Best. Be Positive When working with a student, ignore negative or what seem like time- wasting behaviour as much as possible. By addressing every little quirk, the learner gets reinforced. Even negative reinforcement works to increase task-avoidance, so it is counterproductive. Oft...