Things To Look For In A Volunteer High School Computer Science Tutor

Things To Look For In A Volunteer High School Computer Science TutorA volunteer high school computer science tutor can be a big help to students and teachers when the need arises. But many people do not know how to find one that is right for them. There are, however, some criteria that should be followed in order to find a qualified one for your child.First of all, you should always search for a volunteer high school computer science tutor that is registered. This ensures that they have come through the necessary training in order to become qualified. If they haven't, then you might not want to hire them.A volunteer high school computer science tutor should also be able to give a reasonable fee for their services. The fee should be reasonable and fair. They should not charge more than the average cost of enrolling in a course, or even more than your regular computer fees.A computer science tutor should be certified by your state board. You should also ask if they have a reputation. D o some research online and check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints about the tutor.Another way to find one is to join an online community. Many people use forums and chat rooms in order to find other people who are looking for tutors. Many of these people will post their credentials in order to get referrals.There are many volunteers who go beyond volunteering and become a volunteer high school computer science tutor. It is very important to become familiar with how to deal with other people who may be working for you. Some people find that it is best to find their own tutor in order to avoid having to deal with other people who are simply trying to make money from the job.When you are searching for a volunteer high school computer science tutor, it is important to make sure that they can teach the courses you require. You should ask to see their qualifications and if they are certified by your state board. You should also check out their reput ation online to see if there are any complaints lodged against them.Finally, you should make sure that the volunteer high school computer science tutor is on the same page as you. You should never have to sign any type of contract before taking the classes and should never be forced to pay them any sort of money. You should have a general understanding of what the tutor can offer you, and if you are comfortable with them, then it is definitely time to start the project.

How Setting Long-Term Goals Led One Kumon Student to Big Achievements

How Setting Long-Term Goals Led One Kumon Student to Big Achievements How Setting Long-Term Goals Led One Kumon Student to Big Achievements Waiting has  become nearly obsolete in todays connected world. Gone are the days of bringing your film to the store to get developed. Even the satisfying shake of a Polaroid would feel like forever compared to the instant gratification of a cell phone selfie. When you can receive an immediate answer to a burning question simply by asking a device on your countertop, next week’s exam feels like a lifetime away. For today’s youth, planning long-term seems  like an impossible task. That’s how Inara felt when she started Kumon as an 8-year-old struggling with math. She  would sit in class, working on simple subtraction, and peek at the work the students next to her were completing. Overwhelmed, she couldn’t imagine herself ever being able to tackle the complex algebraic equations she saw on their worksheets. However, she soon realized that by learning the basics first and progressing step-by-step, what at one time seemed impossible was now achievable. Inara started setting long-term goals for Kumon, with smaller goals to work toward along the way. First, she aspired to finish all 200 worksheets in the level. Next, she planned to reach Level G and earn her yellow Kumon bag. Finally, she would complete the reading program.Kumon helped Inara learn the importance of working methodically to achieve long-term goals, but it wasn’t her first experience setting lofty expectations. When Inara was 5, she joined Scouts, where she started off conservatively. Her first camping experience was inside a building, using a box for a tent.  She progressed to more difficult camping trips as she got older, honing her skills and developing independence. After years of practice, her hard work paid off with a life-changing experience. Inara joined her fellow Scouts on a back country camping trip, completing an arduous four day hike up a mountain over tough terrain. It was challenging but thrilling, and only possible because she had set ambitious goals and worked toward them for years. Balancing Kumon, Scouting, and school was difficult for Inara. There were many times when she thought she wouldn’t be able to continue, but she persisted. Every time she struggled, she looked at her peers completing higher level work and pictured herself in their place. Program completion seemed unattainable to 8-year-old Inara, but by setting benchmarks along the way and keeping a clear goal in mind, she ultimately achieved it. We’ll leave you with the story of Inara’s journey in her own words. Perhaps the best part of accomplishing a goal is recounting everything it took to get to that point. “When I started the program, I didnt really know what I was getting into,” said Inara. “On my very last day, I just remember feeling so accomplished that I get to walk out of here. I was looking at everyone else sitting in those desks thinking, theyre still going through the program, but I finished it. It was a great feeling to be able to do that.” You might also be interested in: SUCCESS IN KUMON INSPIRED THIS YOUNG STUDENT TO EXCEL IN THE POOL 4 Simple Tips for Setting Goals with Your Child in the New Year Ring in the New Year with Kumon’s Goal Setting Tips Roundup This Student Learned the Power of a Routine with Kumon How Setting Long-Term Goals Led One Kumon Student to Big Achievements How Setting Long-Term Goals Led One Kumon Student to Big Achievements Waiting has  become nearly obsolete in todays connected world. Gone are the days of bringing your film to the store to get developed. Even the satisfying shake of a Polaroid would feel like forever compared to the instant gratification of a cell phone selfie. When you can receive an immediate answer to a burning question simply by asking a device on your countertop, next week’s exam feels like a lifetime away. For today’s youth, planning long-term seems  like an impossible task. That’s how Inara felt when she started Kumon as an 8-year-old struggling with math. She  would sit in class, working on simple subtraction, and peek at the work the students next to her were completing. Overwhelmed, she couldn’t imagine herself ever being able to tackle the complex algebraic equations she saw on their worksheets. However, she soon realized that by learning the basics first and progressing step-by-step, what at one time seemed impossible was now achievable. Inara started setting long-term goals for Kumon, with smaller goals to work toward along the way. First, she aspired to finish all 200 worksheets in the level. Next, she planned to reach Level G and earn her yellow Kumon bag. Finally, she would complete the reading program.Kumon helped Inara learn the importance of working methodically to achieve long-term goals, but it wasn’t her first experience setting lofty expectations. When Inara was 5, she joined Scouts, where she started off conservatively. Her first camping experience was inside a building, using a box for a tent.  She progressed to more difficult camping trips as she got older, honing her skills and developing independence. After years of practice, her hard work paid off with a life-changing experience. Inara joined her fellow Scouts on a back country camping trip, completing an arduous four day hike up a mountain over tough terrain. It was challenging but thrilling, and only possible because she had set ambitious goals and worked toward them for years. Balancing Kumon, Scouting, and school was difficult for Inara. There were many times when she thought she wouldn’t be able to continue, but she persisted. Every time she struggled, she looked at her peers completing higher level work and pictured herself in their place. Program completion seemed unattainable to 8-year-old Inara, but by setting benchmarks along the way and keeping a clear goal in mind, she ultimately achieved it. We’ll leave you with the story of Inara’s journey in her own words. Perhaps the best part of accomplishing a goal is recounting everything it took to get to that point. “When I started the program, I didnt really know what I was getting into,” said Inara. “On my very last day, I just remember feeling so accomplished that I get to walk out of here. I was looking at everyone else sitting in those desks thinking, theyre still going through the program, but I finished it. It was a great feeling to be able to do that.” You might also be interested in: SUCCESS IN KUMON INSPIRED THIS YOUNG STUDENT TO EXCEL IN THE POOL 4 Simple Tips for Setting Goals with Your Child in the New Year Ring in the New Year with Kumon’s Goal Setting Tips Roundup This Student Learned the Power of a Routine with Kumon

Biochemistry: Choosing a BN Major

Biochemistry: Choosing a BN MajorBN Chemistry is a popular subject taught by some of the top graduate schools in the world. Many biology and chemistry professors are keen to get their students interested in BN because it teaches students how to understand biochemical processes and how to make sense of chemical reactions.To some degree, all biochemistry revolves around the idea of chemical reactions. But, BN Chemistry is important because it encourages students to think of chemicals as real things that can interact with each other in certain ways. It also helps them to learn the basic building blocks of organic molecules and inorganic compounds.BN Chemistry can teach students how to make sure that a chemical is reacting in the right way and at the right rate. For example, a biochemist might want to know how to avoid the formation of harmful byproducts from an organic compound. If the reaction is too fast, the byproducts will build up, which will eventually kill the organism.In order t o avoid such problems, BN Chemistry has to be taught in the correct way. Although an instructor can probably be trusted to do a good job, a student can do a better job than the teacher if they understand the interactions between molecules and understand how to design experiments to get at the right answers.BN Chemistry requires a good deal of hands-on experience. Students often need to build cell cultures or a variety of chemical systems from scratch. This allows them to learn the basic fundamentals of biochemistry and also to experiment with different types of systems, especially those that do not have adequate biological resources.Another reason why BN Chemistry is popular is because it does not require biology majors. Most of the science classes used to teach the principles of biochemistry are not taught to biology majors because they lack the appropriate skills. If a biology major wants to learn about biochemistry, they usually enroll in some other course.Overall, Biochemistry i s a more accessible subject for biology majors, as well as a more interesting one. But before choosing which major to study in, students need to think about their own needs and interests. Choosing the right minor is a wise decision for students who want to continue on with their science education.

General Chemistry Lab - Get Your Knowledge From General Chemistry Laboratories

General Chemistry Lab - Get Your Knowledge From General Chemistry LaboratoriesOne of the best general chemistry labs that you can take online is based on topics in general chemistry. This subject is a lot of fun and is a great way to get a basic understanding of chemistry. However, for people who have taken chemistry before and are familiar with it, this is a better topic to begin with. This will help give you a good foundation that can carry you through most of the chemistry labs you will face in your career.One of the first things that you will see when studying general chemistry is the definition of the elements. What you will find is that there are five elements, also known as elements. These are Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and Lithium. With this knowledge you can start to formulate compounds using these elements. With a little practice you will be able to make very simple compounds that will allow you to see some of the chemistry.You will find that in general chemistry y ou need to make a small amount of oxygen and Nitrogen to produce methane, a very common gas. Methane is a very useful substance, but unfortunately it cannot be created by normal chemical reactions. The reactions that you will need to use in order to make methane will require a special technique, but once you are able to get methane to form you will be able to get a lot of material for the lab. It will come in handy for the major laboratory projects.Another thing you will learn about general chemistry is the chemical reaction that produces acetone, a very volatile chemical. Acetone is produced when the water reacts with acetone to form a gaseous product. The next step is to take the acetone and take the gaseous product and pour it into a glass. You will then need to turn the glass upside down and drop it into a container that is filled with water. This process produces a gel.Once you have had a good look at the chemical reaction, you will now have a good idea of how to do some of the more complicated lab work that will show up in a normal laboratory. When you first started taking chemistry at school you will probably have never come across that particular laboratory procedure. You will be surprised how useful this is in the lab.Another thing that you will learn about is organic compounds that can be used in a laboratory project. It is not always possible to produce the compound you need, but with general chemistry you will learn about why this is the case. If you are able to use the information in general chemistry, you will be able to produce the compound you need.In this way you will be able to learn a very interesting way to create your own compounds in the lab. When you know some of the chemistry this way you will be able to turn this knowledge into an additional tool that will help you in other ways. It will also allow you to increase your understanding of the chemistry. It is really a great way to start out your career with chemistry.

6 Creative Ways to Prep Improve Your ACT Math Score

6 Creative Ways to Prep Improve Your ACT Math Score 0SHARESShare Act decides your college entry and high level decisions about your college studies. Have a strong foothold with good prep strategies to improve your act math scores. Review Your Math Skills: ? Spend a good deal of time for your ACT Mathematics review in the start of your prep, not to overlook your weak spots in the learning aspects of math. Don’t forget the basics of math; act question Answer setters are interested in trapping you that way. Prepare with free online study guides to know ways to boost your score Analyze the question pattern of act math: ? Not all the questions are done equally. You come across easy, medium and difficult in the ascending order. So, practice to do easy ones within one minute and go on with the medium ones in a minute and skip the difficult ones in case of want of time or inefficiency to answer. Practice timing with periodic practice tests- not allotting equal time to all questions, some fast, some medium and some average according to the order of difficulty Calculate your target score: ? Have a score prep. Calculate your target score and prepare accordingly. If you get 2/3 of the answers right, your score would be decent. Try that and then go ahead Learn the proper use of calculator ? Use your calculator where you have to on the act. Read the answers and find out whether they are final numbers, fractions or variables. In these cases, using calculator consumes time and makes for unwanted delay. If at all you are sure of the function of calculator for the question, you make use of it. Get used to the same calculator during practice for easy handling in the test hall. Make sure that the battery is not old to pull you legs on the right time Write Down your work ? Practice to scribble formula, diagram and calculations in the allotted space. It may not be neat. Don’t worry. Nobody is going to review your work. It is the ultimate filling in of answers that counts. But practice not to waste a lot of time over it How to handle word problem? ? Develop a habit to reread the last sentence of word problem which actually tells what you have to do. Read all the questions, try answers and then look at the answer choices. Look for short cuts, but that should not be the regular syndrome All the best for your act math scores! [starbox id=admin]

6 Communication Strategies to Improve Any Relationship - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 6 Communication Strategies to Improve Any Relationship - Introvert Whisperer 6 Communication Strategies to Improve Any Relationship Communication is what connects us to other people, yet we are rarely taught how to communicate effectively.  All too often what we try to communicate gets lost in translation and the other person hears something else or misunderstands, and frustration and conflicts ensue.   Fortunately, there are some basic strategies that can be used in any relationship to help improve connections and head off miscommunication before it starts.  If you’re struggling to communicate with others, take some time now and give the following 6 strategies, inspired by Klear Minds, a try. Be an Engaged Listener How often is it that during a conversation with someone, instead of listening to him or her, you are thinking about what you’re going to say next.  Effective communication is less about talking and more about listening.  While it might be difficult, try really listening to what the other person is saying.   Listening well means not just understanding the words or the information being communicated, but also understanding the emotions the other person is trying to communicate.  When you’re an engaged listener, not only will you better understand the other person, you’ll also make that person feel heard and understood. Be Aware of Your Nonverbal Signals Most of our communication with one another, in any relationship, isn’t what we say, but how we say it.  Nonverbal communication is your body language, the tone of your voice, its inflection, eye contact.   Be aware of the messages you are sending via non-verbal channels.  When communicating with others, try and use body language such as leaning in to listen, making eye contact, and keep a neutral body stance and tone to your voice.  By using nonverbal signals in this way, you can better connect with others, which helps to build better relationships at home and work. The “I’s” Have It   One of the most basic components of effective communication is the ability to communicate needs and feelings clearly without creating defensiveness in the other person.  One way to achieve this is to use “I” and “I feel” statements. For example, “I am having trouble dealing with my anxiety about our family’s spending habits, and my worries are keeping me awake at night.”   When you start with “I”, the focus is more on how you are feeling and how you are affected by the other person’s behaviour.   It’s less accusatory, sparks less defensiveness, and helps the other person understand your point of view rather than feeling attacked. Empathise Empathy is trying to see things from the point-of-view of others.  When communicating with others, try not to be judgemental or biased by preconceived ideas or beliefs.   Instead, try and view situations and responses from the other person’s perspective.   You don’t have to like or agree with their ideas, values, or opinions.  However, you do need to set aside your judgment and withhold blame and criticism in order to fully understand a person.  Developing empathy helps you better understand even the unspoken parts of your communication with others, and helps you respond more effectively. Keep Stress in Check Some communication scenarios are, by their nature, stressful. Stress can, however, be a major barrier to effective communication.  When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to misread other people, send confusing or off-putting nonverbal signals, and lapse into unhealthy knee-jerk patterns of behavior.   To communicate effectively, you need to be aware of and in control of your emotions.  If you feel you must leave a situation to calm down, do so, then discuss the issue when you are calmer.   When you are calm and focused, you are better able to manage your emotions, and communication becomes more constructive. Assert Yourself Direct, assertive expression makes for clear communication and can help boost self-esteem and decision-making.  Being assertive means expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs in an open and honest way, while standing up for yourself and respecting others.  It does NOT mean being hostile, aggressive, or demanding.  Communicating in an assertive manner can help you to minimize conflict, and have your needs better met, leading to more positive relationships with family, friends, and others. Conclusion Effective communication in relationships is something that often needs to be learned, polished and practiced over time.  It combines attentive listening, nonverbal communication, the ability to manage stress in the moment, and the capacity to recognize and understand your own emotions and those of the person you’re communicating with.  It can improve relationships at home, work, and in social situations by deepening your connections to others.  I hope you find these communication strategies helpful in your relationships, and remember, practice makes perfect!   This article was written by Dakota Murphey. Go to top NETWORKING Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.  Grab yours by visiting here right now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

4 Ways to Incorporate MCAT Prep into your Daily Routine

4 Ways to Incorporate MCAT Prep into your Daily Routine For the majority of students, MCAT prep requires hundreds of hours of dedicated review. Often, this study occurs over several months. In addition to lengthy review sessions and practice tests, studying material in short snippets throughout the day can help pre-medical students fortify conceptual understanding and memorize key facts. Thus, incorporating MCAT prep into your daily routine can be a valuable strategy. Below are four ways to incorporate MCAT prep into your daily routine. Create a set of high-yield MCAT flashcards and review them every night Though the MCAT is largely rooted in understanding fundamental principles and problem-solving, there are always concepts, facts, and formulas that students must memorize to do well on the exam(e.g. endocrine pathways). When you are initially examining your review material, develop flashcards about these topics. Keep these flashcards on your nightstand and run through them each night before you sleep to easily incorporate MCAT prep into your routine. Add to your stack as you encounter additional information you must memorize, and before you realize it, you will have a better foundation in all the material you once had a difficult time recalling. Read notes while you exercise Though workouts can be an excellent way to unwind from the stresses of studying, certain parts of your exercise routine are great opportunities for you to read and absorb information. Consider adding elliptical or stationary bike time onto the end of each of your workouts, and then review prepared notes during that time. If you exercise multiple times per week, this study time can mount quickly and assist you in sorting through a number of topics. Talk through MCAT topics with your peers during a meal Studying for months for the MCAT can become a very isolating experience. To combat this and reinforce your review process, try to schedule a daily meal with those friends who are also studying for the MCAT. Use this meal to discuss a different topic each day, like the gastrointestinal system or chemical equilibrium. You will gain from their perspective, solidify concepts, and enjoy the company. Take advantage of audio learning There are several commercial products available that narrate MCAT concepts and facts in detail to students. Adding these products to your regular review can strengthen your understanding of material while driving, flying, walking to classes, working out, or doing anything else that allows you to have your headphones on or access to speakers. Though this is a passive method of learning, information you glean from audio learning is a bonus, as the alternative would have been not reviewing at those times. Incorporating MCAT prep into your daily routine may seem trivial at first. After all, most people often feel that nothing substantial can be accomplished in several minutes. However, over the course of months, those small moments become hours of review and study that you otherwise would not have had. This, in turn, can translate to large increases in your score, or perhaps a bump of one or two points. However, those one or two points could be the ultimate difference in your medical schoolapplication.

How Much Do Kitchen Accessories Cost

How Much Do Kitchen Accessories Cost How Much Does it Cost to Learn to Cook? ChaptersHow Much Do Utensils Cost?How Much Does Cooking Equipment Cost?How Much Do Baking Accessories Cost?Vocabulary“If you’re afraid of butter, use cream.” - Julia ChildThe average Brit spends a paltry 6 hours a week in their kitchen cooking, doing the dishes, tidying up, etc.  You might be wondering how much it would all cost to get some kitchen accessories and gadgets, start spending more time in the kitchen and start making meals for your friends and family.In this article, we're going to look at the kitchen tools, cookware, and utensils that you have to have in your kitchen cupboards. GiovanniCooking Teacher 4.83 (12) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HalimaCooking Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VincenzoCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GinellaCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArronCooking Teacher 5.00 (2 ) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoshuaCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlickCooking Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHow Much Do Utensils Cost?To become a great chef, you don’t need an arsenal of kitchen utensils! You’ll soon see that most dishes require a basic set of utensils and a kitchen with a hob and/or an oven. But first, let’s talk about preparing dishes rather than cooking them. When it comes to utensils, there are three main ones that you should get so you can prepare fruits, vegetables, and meat:A peelerA paring knifeA chopping boardAnd that’s it...With these three things, you can already do tonnes of things in the kitchen.Great things come in threes! (Source: 27707)You can get these things in both specialised stores and department stores.For a decent stainless steel or ceramic peeler, you’ll pay between £5 and £10. We’d advise against getting the cheapest ones as they don’ t tend to last. Check that the handle is solid and that the parts aren't likely to break easily.A vegetable peeler is usually shaped a little differently and made from stainless steel. You can find them for less than £5. However, you should always check them out and see which you prefer.  I, personally, just can’t get away with a vegetable peeler as it takes me too long and I end up peeling more of my hands than the vegetables.A good knife should be able to cut any fruit, vegetable, or meat with ease. If you’re making chips, you might want to get a chipper to cut potatoes in uniform pieces. However, you’ll be able to do that with a good knife, too. You can end up paying around £20 for a decent sized quality knife.  Don’t forget to get knife sharpeners so that your knives are always ready to go. Modern sharpeners can cost around £15.You can get glass, slate, plastic, or wooden chopping boards. The cost varies in terms of the material and size and a modern cutting board can cost between £7 and £13.Find out how you can learn cooking skills for free!How Much Does Cooking Equipment Cost?While you won’t probably need a professional fryer, saucepan, or a chafing dish, you should get a few basic utensils to help you make your dishes. We're going to assume that you already have cutlery, a microwave, an oven, and a hob.When it comes to utensils, there are two types of people:Those who buy cheap utensils and replace them regularly.Those who pay more but don’t replace them as often.Make sure that your knives are sharp! (Source: Ben_Kerckx)How Much Does a Saucepan Cost?When you live alone, you should be able to get away with just one big saucepan and one small saucepan so that you can heat two things at once. The price of a saucepan varies depending on:The sizeThe coatingThe brandDepartment stores and supermarkets often have a lot of basic cooking utensils like pans and saucepans. Keep an eye out for offers.A 20cm diameter saucepan ranges between £15 and £30. The lower end will get you a basic saucepan while the higher end will pay for a more resistant coating.How Much Does a Good Frying Pan Cost?It’s difficult to cook meat or vegetables without a good frying pan. Just like with saucepans, the price varies in terms of the size, coating, and brand.A 28cm diameter frying pan can cost between £15 and £40. Again, the lower end will get you a basic frying pan while the higher end will pay for a more resistant coating. The mid-range frying pans are usually stainless steel or ceramic.  You can also get a lot out of a wok.NB: Make sure you check that your frying pan will work on your hob: gas, induction, or ceramic.How Much Do Wooden Utensils Cost?To increase your pans’ lifespan, you should opt for wooden utensils. A spoon and a spatula should be enough to get started.  You can normally get a set of them for around £5.How Much Do Covers Cost?In order to stew dishes and keep them from spitting all over your kitchen countertop, you sh ould get covers for your pots and pans.You just need to choose a cover that’s the same size as your pans.  You can get glass or aluminium lids and covers and some can even be used for various diameters. You can save money by buying pans that come with their own lids which usually works out cheaper than buying them separately.How Much Does a Strainer Cost?You can get plastic and stainless steel strainers with large holes.Think about this for a second: You’ve just about to make some spaghetti bolognese. After you’ve cooked the pasta, you’re about to strain it but the holes on your strainer are too large.Now you’re picking bits of spaghetti out of the sink. This is why you should opt for strainers with small holes since you can use them for everything: pasta, rice, stock, sauce, etc.This usually can work out between £5 and £10 depending on what you go for.How Much Does a Gratin Dish Cost?If you have an oven, you have to get a gratin dish. You can do pasta bakes, lasagnas, r oasted vegetables, or gratins. Ovenware and bakeware are usually made out of glass (and not plastic, for obvious reasons), though you can get stainless steel dishes, too.Depending on the size and material, gratin dishes and trays cost between £5 and £20. Just make sure it’s not too big for your oven!Try your hand at these easy recipes!Make sure that your kitchen is ready! (Source: ginsburgconstruction)Of course, while not essential, you can also get waffle irons, rice cookers, blenders, shakers, containers, thermometers (if you cook a lot of meat), and serveware for when you're entertaining guests.How Much Do Baking Accessories Cost?In addition to cooking accessories, there are also baking accessories. If you prefer the idea of torching a crème brûlée to seasoning a savoury dish with a pepper grinder, these are the utensils you’ll need.A Measuring GlassBaking is all about precision and that means you’ll have to measure out the qualities from your cookbook!You should opt f or a glass measuring cup over plastic because it remains odourless and is easier to clean.  A measuring glass can be used for measuring sugar, flour, and liquids and costs around £5.Kitchen ScalesThese things can save lives!Not sure about you, but when I make a cake, I always put my mixing bowl onto my scales and hit the “tare” button before I put any flour in. I hit “tare” before I add the sugar and mix. It also means you’ll be left with fewer dishes to wash at the end.A set of electronic kitchen scales can cost you between £15 and £30 depending on the model.Also discover how you can start cooking delicious meals while staying within your budget!A Whisk/BeaterHow can you mix pancake batter without a whisk?While you could always use a fork, it’s far easier with a utensil that’s actually designed for it.  A stainless steel whisk will last you longer and costs between £5 and £10.A Salad Bowl/Mixing BowlIf you want to cook in a water bath (bain-marie) or just mix a f ew ingredients together, salad and mixing bowls are very useful.It’s great for making ice cream, toppings, mixing crème pâtissière. A 26cm diameter plastic, metal, or glass salad/mixing bowl costs between £5 and £20.A Cake TinIf you want to make cakes, pies, or tarts, a glass or metal cake tin is essential. This usually can work out between £5 and £15 depending on what you go for. Some even have a removable bottom so it’s easier to get the cake out.In addition to these items, you might also want to buy kitchenware based on the kinds of dishes you'll be making. You might need a cookie cutter, an ice cream scoop, tongs, or a cooling rack in your pantry if you're baking absolutely tonnes of stuff!There are plenty of different shapes of cake tins, too. (Source: malinbatmastar)VocabularyEven when it comes to cooking utensils, you’ll see there are a few words you mightn’t be sure of.Springform PanThis is a cake tin with high sides. You can use it for things like tarte tatin .Hand BlenderThis is a device that mixes ingredients by cutting them up. As its name suggests, you hold it with your hands and plunge it into your ingredients to create soups, purée, or compote.Now join the discussion: is it expensive to learn how to cook?And if you want to know how to use the above utensils, look for cooking classes.

Banjo vs Guitar The Difference, Difficulty, How to Decide

Banjo vs Guitar The Difference, Difficulty, How to Decide Willy M. The battle between the banjo vs guitar is a tough one, especially when you’re new to music and trying to decide which instrument is right for you. In order to make the right choice, consider the following factors, and check out the poll below to see what other readers think is the best instrument to play! Which instrument do you prefer: banjo or guitar? Banjo Guitar View Results Loading ... Banjo vs Guitar: Key Things to Consider Musical Style Preferences It’s important to think about what style of music you want to learn. Keep in mind that all music instruction starts off with similar, basic concepts. So either instrument will suit the purposes of teaching you the skills you need to get started as a musician. It’s not until you progress a bit that you start to understand the intricacies of a particular musical style. And it is a common misconception that the banjo is an instrument solely used for bluegrass. Both the banjo and guitar have been used in a wide variety of genres, including blues, jazz, folk, country, and even pop. Both instruments lend an interesting sound to any genre of music. Even a few classical composers saw fit to use the banjo when it was introduced to them in the late 1800s. So, round one in the battle between the banjo vs guitar, does not go to either instrument. They both are very versatile and can facilitate many different styles of playing. Difficulty of the Guitar vs Banjo Depending on your size, the banjo might be easier to play because the neck is smaller and there are less strings. Some banjos tend to be a bit heavy for certain people though, especially children. What about the ease of pressing down on the strings? Well, this can be easily adjusted depending on the gauge of strings you use on either instrument. Thinner strings will be easier on the fingers, no matter what instrument you choose. The tuning you decide to learn will affect your ease of playing. The banjo is tuned to an open tuning, called “Open G tuning.” The guitar is typically tuned to “Standard” which are the notes E, A, D, G, B, E, and this does not create an open chord like the banjo tuning does. This means that whenever you pick up a banjo and strum across the strings, it immediately makes a pleasant sound because the strings are already tuned to one of the chords you will learn to play. So in this round of the banjo vs guitar debate, it appears that the banjo has a leg up on the competition. However, it is important to understand that certain guitar styles, such as the dobro that we often see in bluegrass music, will also be tuned to an Open G tuning, thereby taking away any advantage that the banjo has over the guitar. Learning Playing Chords When you’re learning to play in open tunings on the banjo, you will learn simple two and three finger chords that make up the basic chords you need to play bluegrass music. For example, the first few chords you’ll learn in Open G tuning on the banjo will likely be G, C, and D. People often ask if learning chords is more difficult on the guitar because there are more strings. This is certainly the case when you’re playing in standard tuning. However, the chord shapes on both the banjo and the guitar all fall into five basic categories. Once you have learned the five basic chords (C, A, G, E, and D) you have the ability to play any of the chords that you will need to learn for either instrument. How to Decide Ultimately, the final decision comes down to which instrument makes you the happiest. Which do you enjoy playing the most? Whatever you decide, you will find that the same skills you learn on the guitar allow you to easily take up the banjo later on, or vice versa. The best way to end the debate between the guitar vs banjo is to actually try a few private lessons. At TakeLessons, there are a variety of experienced teachers who play both the guitar and banjo, if you need some professional guidance making your final decision. Regardless of which instrument you choose, when you start your musical journey on the banjo or guitar, it will be one of the most rewarding decisions you ever make! Good luck, and let us know which instrument you decided on in the comments below. Post Author:  Willy M. Willy M. teaches banjo and guitar lessons in Winston Salem, NC. Willy has been teaching for over 20 years, and his students have ranged in age from young children to folks in their 80s.  Learn more about Willy 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