Number Prefixes For Chemistry

Number Prefixes For ChemistryNumber prefixes for chemistry is a set of guidelines that can be used by teachers and students to be able to identify certain substances and give them proper names. This can help them be able to get the right chemical formula for the right substance in the right manner. It also helps to increase their knowledge when they are given a new chemical composition.Number prefixes for chemistry can be either official or unofficial. The former can refer to government testing while the latter refers to the procedures and regulations of an individual or organization when they give you a name for a chemical. This can also refer to schools and universities, where the student or teacher would have to register with them. If you need a name for a particular compound, you can consult the appropriate institute.Number prefixes for chemistry could also refer to the common man as a subject. If you are a chemistry student, it can also refer to your student number in your schoo l. It can be given to anyone as a way of recognition.In order to understand number prefixes for chemistry better, it is important to know some of the chemicals used in everyday life. These would include substances such as water, gasoline, ammonia, chlorine, sugar, flour, milk, oil, and alcohol. Another chemical that is commonly found in the environment is nitrogen dioxide, which can be used as a byproduct in industry and gardening.Once you have learned the compounds in the environment, it is important to understand the difference between an element and a chemical. There are two main types of elements, those found in nature and those created artificially. The natural ones are usually called alkaline earths, while the artificially made chemicals are known as acidic earths. This means that if you are given a number prefix for chemistry, it is always assumed that you are dealing with an alkaline earth chemical. Number prefixes for chemistry can also refer to the chemical and its attribu tes, especially in the context of humans. There are those who are in the business of selling lab chemicals, usually used in biological experiments. These are also called life sciences, and they may have number prefixes for chemistry because these are often used in research on diseases, reproduction, or other health issues.Number prefixes for chemistry can also be used in other fields of study, such as biology, physics, and even psychology. They can be given to you when you are giving you names for your chemical substances.

Build Breath Support With This Physical Warm-Up

Build Breath Support With This Physical Warm-Up Suzy S. When you begin learning how to sing, you may come across several styles of vocal warm-ups.   Building your breath support is an important part of voice lessons, so spending time on appropriate warm-ups is key.   Heres a great exercise to try, courtesy of Dallas teacher Jacklynn T.: Singing is a total body workout, and warm-ups as part of a regular practice routine are essential to your vocal health and progress. There are warm-ups for range extension, intonation, breath support and placement, to name only a handful of objectives. As singers, our bodies are our instruments; therefore, I like to begin my vocal warm-ups with some type of rhythmic physical movement to reinforce appropriate singing posture and foster an awareness of the breath. The following warm-up is fantastic for awakening the body and building breath support at the same time. Greg Jasperse demonstrated a variation of this warm-up each morning at the Vocal Jazz Workshop at the University of North Texas this past June. In my exploration and application of it, I have found that it encourages the internalization of rhythm, reduces performance anxiety and fosters a focused practice/rehearsal mindset. First, find an open space away from furniture or other potential obstacles. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, chest open, arms resting at your sides, and wrists and fingers free of tension. Inhale slowly through the nose over four counts while maintaining a relaxed and open throat. Draw the breath downward, allowing it to fall deep into the belly. As you inhale, sweep your arms out and up toward the sky so that they are above your head by the fourth count. Next, exhale over four counts with a gentle “shh” sound. Arms should reach up above the crown of the head, down and away from the body while you begin to bend at the waist and fold toward the floor. Then, inhale again through the nose over four counts, gently lifting at the waist (only slightly, not coming back to standing position just yet) while inviting airflow into your lower back. Exhale over four counts making a “shh” sound, and explore folding deeper toward the ground. Finally, inhale to come up, gradually stacki ng the vertebrae in your spine atop one another and letting the arms come to rest gently at your sides. Exhale over four counts as you come to rest in your original standing position. Repeat for several cycles. You may choose to exhale silently through the nose if you would like and add the “shh” sound as you become more comfortable with the movement. If you don’t want to “shh” you can buzz (by loosely placing the top teeth on the lower lip) or a “vuh” to further activate the breath. It is also fun to practice this warm up while listening to music of varying styles, tempos (i.e. a slow four count to a ballad versus a fast four count to a pop song) or time signatures. Get instrument-specific updates and expert advice, tips and more right in your inbox!  Sign up for email updates here! Jacklynn T. teaches singing, violin,  Broadway singing, music performance, music theory, and opera voice lessons to students of all ages in Dallas, TX. Jacklynn joined the TakeLessons team in July 2012, with a Bachelors degree in Music Education from Texas Tech University.  Sign up for lessons with Jacklynn, or visit TakeLessons to search for a teacher near you! Photo by Bengt Nyman.

5 FCE Oral Prep Tips When the Examiner Joins the Discussion

5 FCE Oral Prep Tips When the Examiner Joins the Discussion In the final part of the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) oral exam the examiner will join in the discussion in order to stimulate it.This three-way discussion is generally based on the photographs you have already discussed with your partner during the exam.Here are some tips to help you shine.1. AnecdotesThis is a great time to show off your own unique English skills. When relevant, make reference to your own personal experiences when answering the examiners questions. It’s a good idea to keep them short however.Some good ways to lead into this are…This reminds me of when…Actually, I have personal experience with this particular issue…2. Use a Variety of AdjectivesUsing a wide variety of adjectives could set you apart from other candidates.Rather than saying, that’s a good point you could use the adjectives:Excellent,Interesting,Fascinating,Intriguing,Thought-provoking3. Don’t forget the other candidateWhen the examiner joins in the discussion, it is tempting to forget the other candidate in the exam with you. This would be a mistake, however, because you will be marked on the interaction between the three of you.4. Don’t be afraid to disagreeIf you don’t agree with what the examiner is saying, don’t be afraid to disagree with him/her. Indeed, this is a great way to get the discussion going. However, be careful with the tone you use to express this contrary opinion.Actually, I hold the opposite view…I hope you don’t mind me saying, so but I think the opposite is true…Yes, I see what you are saying but I think we should also bear in mind that….  5. Build On What You Have Already Said. Don’t Repeat ItThe purpose of this section is to show a development, and not a repetition, of what you have already said.A great way to shine in this part of the exam would be to say that after considering the topic further you have changed your opinion of it.You can do this in a number of ways:On further consideration, I would go back on what I said earlier….Actually, that’s a really good point. You have made me see the topic in a new way…  Did you find this blog helpful? Feel free to share it on Facebook and Twitter.

Why I Volunteer - Beatriz Gs Story

Why I Volunteer - Beatriz G's Story Meet Beatriz G, volunteer extraordinaire from Woodberry Down Community Primary School. In fact, Beatriz was such a fantastic volunteer tutor that she just landed a full time TA position in Woodberry’s Year 2 classroom (congrats, Beatriz!) We help her tell the rest of her story below. Before Beatriz began volunteering, she had been living in London, quite unhappily, for nearly a year and a half. She worked in a local coffee shop and as an on-call supply teacher for an independent agency, but her heart was in neither. “It is not what I came for,” she tells me. “In the morning you wake up at 7.00 a.m. and wait for a phone call [from the agency]. You cannot have another job, you cannot make more plans. You just have to go in and play teacher for one day.” When Beatriz heard about the Tutorfair Foundation’s volunteer tutor program through a community of aspiring teachers, things started to change. “[Tutorfair] makes you feel like schools and kids need you. It is not just talk . . . they’re actually doing it,” Beatriz says. “For me, that was the point [Tutorfair] made me feel confident enough [to think], ‘Okay, I’m here, I can do it.’” Although she was still working at the coffee shop in the evenings, Beatriz had finally begun to chase her dream of being a teacher. Before long, she was called upon to use that newfound confidence to tackle another challenge: a new student. “[He was] a Portuguese boy who didn’t know a word of English,” Beatriz explains, sounding a bit nostalgic. “The teacher asked me to stay with him. It was . . . complicated. Everyone thinks that Spanish [Beatriz’s first language] is very similar to Portuguese, but it's not really. “You need to to think of different ways to communicate. The other children were reading books, and I would sit with him and help him learn simple words and colors to help him communicate with the other kids. That was our main concern: how could we integrate him? How could we help him feel like he could say something?” I tell Beatriz that that must have taken constant practice and a lot of extra attention. “Definitely,” she says, “but on the last day, he was saying some words in English, and I was like, ‘Wow!’” she claps, laughing. “I felt like I helped him, somehow. Finally!” Although the story has a happy ending, it reminds Beatriz why she started volunteering in the first place, and she sobers quickly. After a beat, she explains, “I had forgotten a little bit who I am. I got [to London] and needed to [be an adult] and pay my bills and do this and do that and blah, blah, blah. “Going to the school was like opening a door for me. I knew I needed to do it, that I needed to find a way to do it somehow. My coworkers used to ask, ‘You’re doing this for free?’ And I’d say, ‘It’s brought me back, of course I’m doing it for free!’” Fortunately for both Beatriz and her students, an opportunity was soon offered that would fulfill her adult responsibilities and her passion for teaching. This fall, Beatriz will return to Woodberry as a full time Teacher’s Assistant, and she couldn’t be happier. “I’m going to learn a lot,” she says, “but I know where I am going, and that makes you feel confident and full of energy for September.” Given her well-deserved success, I figure Beatriz might recommend volunteering with the Tutorfair Foundation, but I thought I’d ask her anyway. She doesn't let me down. “Do it! Do it!” she says giddily. “Try to give it your best, and you will gain a lot in exchange.” Thanks, Beatriz! If you're a tutor, teacher or an aspiring educator looking to make a difference, visit the Tutorfair Foundation to find out how you can join the future of tutoring.

Encourage Creativity and Imagination through the World of Poetry

Encourage Creativity and Imagination through the World of Poetry Encourage Creativity and Imagination through the World of Poetry From Dr. Seuss to Mother Goose, nursery rhymes are often the first introduction to poetry.  Most infants and toddlers are instantly drawn to the rhythm of the words. The repetition of rhymes are not only fun and stimulating for young children, but they are critical to the development of early  literacy  skills. As children get older, that same love for rhymes and rhythm can continue to develop  through poetry. Did you know that April is National Poetry Month?  The celebration was created to highlight the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievement of American poets and to encourage the reading of poems. Poetry is a form of expression and opens a new door of creativity through language. Encourage your children to express their creativity this April by exploring the world of poetry. Types of Poetry. Introduce your children  to the  many  different forms of poetryâ€"haiku,  limerick, acrostic and  rhyming  are just a few.  Here are  short descriptions to help familiarize your children with the different forms. Haiku â€"  A  traditional form of Japanese?poetry.?Haiku poems?consist of 3 lines. The first and last lines of a?Haiku?have 5 syllables and the middle line has 7 syllables. The lines rarely rhyme. An old silent pond (5) From leaf to leaf hops a frog (7) Looking for a meal (5) Limerick â€"  A limerick is a silly poem with five lines.?It is  often funny or nonsensical.  The first, second and fifth lines rhyme with each other and have the same  number of syllables (typically 7  to 10).  The third and fourth lines rhyme with each other and have the same number of syllables (typically  5 to 7). There once was a wonderful star Who  thought she would go very far Until she fell down? And looked like a clown She knew she would never go far. Acrostic â€"  A form of poetry  where the first, last or other letters in a line spell out a particular word or phrase. The most common and simple form of an?acrostic poem?is where the first letters of each line spell out the word or phrase.  This type of poetry is very fun for kids. Easter is a great time of year And everyone likes to each chocolate   So make sure you don’t eat too much Together we can hide   Easter eggs and find them Remember not to eat too much candy Rhyming â€"  There are different kinds of rhyming poems to explore. Couplets?are made up of two lines whose last words rhyme. They are often silly. My cat ate a mouse? And  then brought it in the house. Triplets?are made up of three lines. The rhyming pattern can be AAA or ABA. What a fine day To go out to play In the month of May. Quatrains?are made up of four lines. The rhyming pattern can be AABB or ABAB. I never saw a purple cow,? I never hope to see one:? But I can tell you, anyhow,? Id rather see than be one. Family Poetry Challenge.  Now that you’ve  introduced your children to  different forms of poetry, find out which form they find interesting and encourage them to give it a try. Make it a family activity and share your poems with each other.  Having trouble getting started? Here are a couple of ideas to get the creativity flowing. Brainstorm  poem themes and topics.  Sometimes it can be difficult to start writing a poem, but remind your children that poems can be about anything. They can be about their family, a dream they had or even something as simple as what they had for dinner. Creating a rhyming list.  One way to start writing poetry is by creating a list of rhyming words on a piece of paper. Using a mixture of rhyming nouns, verbs, and adjectives, your children can create simple sentences that can be used to create a poem. Discover even more  parenting tips and student success stories! You might also be interested in: Soaring Imagination Fuels This Young Writer’s Creativity Kumon of West Chester Students to Compete in the First Lego League World Championship 8 Must-Read Collections of Poetry on Kumon’s Recommended Reading List Aspiring Food Critic Hopes to Travel the World One Day Encourage Creativity and Imagination through the World of Poetry Encourage Creativity and Imagination through the World of Poetry From Dr. Seuss to Mother Goose, nursery rhymes are often the first introduction to poetry.  Most infants and toddlers are instantly drawn to the rhythm of the words. The repetition of rhymes are not only fun and stimulating for young children, but they are critical to the development of early  literacy  skills. As children get older, that same love for rhymes and rhythm can continue to develop  through poetry. Did you know that April is National Poetry Month?  The celebration was created to highlight the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievement of American poets and to encourage the reading of poems. Poetry is a form of expression and opens a new door of creativity through language. Encourage your children to express their creativity this April by exploring the world of poetry. Types of Poetry. Introduce your children  to the  many  different forms of poetryâ€"haiku,  limerick, acrostic and  rhyming  are just a few.  Here are  short descriptions to help familiarize your children with the different forms. Haiku â€"  A  traditional form of Japanese?poetry.?Haiku poems?consist of 3 lines. The first and last lines of a?Haiku?have 5 syllables and the middle line has 7 syllables. The lines rarely rhyme. An old silent pond (5) From leaf to leaf hops a frog (7) Looking for a meal (5) Limerick â€"  A limerick is a silly poem with five lines.?It is  often funny or nonsensical.  The first, second and fifth lines rhyme with each other and have the same  number of syllables (typically 7  to 10).  The third and fourth lines rhyme with each other and have the same number of syllables (typically  5 to 7). There once was a wonderful star Who  thought she would go very far Until she fell down? And looked like a clown She knew she would never go far. Acrostic â€"  A form of poetry  where the first, last or other letters in a line spell out a particular word or phrase. The most common and simple form of an?acrostic poem?is where the first letters of each line spell out the word or phrase.  This type of poetry is very fun for kids. Easter is a great time of year And everyone likes to each chocolate   So make sure you don’t eat too much Together we can hide   Easter eggs and find them Remember not to eat too much candy Rhyming â€"  There are different kinds of rhyming poems to explore. Couplets?are made up of two lines whose last words rhyme. They are often silly. My cat ate a mouse? And  then brought it in the house. Triplets?are made up of three lines. The rhyming pattern can be AAA or ABA. What a fine day To go out to play In the month of May. Quatrains?are made up of four lines. The rhyming pattern can be AABB or ABAB. I never saw a purple cow,? I never hope to see one:? But I can tell you, anyhow,? Id rather see than be one. Family Poetry Challenge.  Now that you’ve  introduced your children to  different forms of poetry, find out which form they find interesting and encourage them to give it a try. Make it a family activity and share your poems with each other.  Having trouble getting started? Here are a couple of ideas to get the creativity flowing. Brainstorm  poem themes and topics.  Sometimes it can be difficult to start writing a poem, but remind your children that poems can be about anything. They can be about their family, a dream they had or even something as simple as what they had for dinner. Creating a rhyming list.  One way to start writing poetry is by creating a list of rhyming words on a piece of paper. Using a mixture of rhyming nouns, verbs, and adjectives, your children can create simple sentences that can be used to create a poem. Discover even more  parenting tips and student success stories! You might also be interested in: Soaring Imagination Fuels This Young Writer’s Creativity Kumon of West Chester Students to Compete in the First Lego League World Championship 8 Must-Read Collections of Poetry on Kumon’s Recommended Reading List Aspiring Food Critic Hopes to Travel the World One Day

How to tell your kindergartner its time to go back to school

How to tell your kindergartner its time to go back to school Tips from a San Diego Tutor: How to tell your kindergartner its time to go back to school Its that time of year once again; parents have to help their kids adjust to being back in the classroom after a long winter break. After a few years, students start to adjust to having a couple of weeks off and then gear up for the rest of the school year. For a kindergartner, however, this is the first year they have had to transition. Some kids love to be at home doing crafts, watching their favorite TV shows, and playing with their friends in the neighborhood. Others may love going to school and have lots of friends they look forward to seeing in January. Regardless, one of the best ways to help young learners adjust to the confines of the classroom is to prepare them for the transition ahead of time. 1.   Talk about time in general What is, in reality, only two weeks might see more like three months to a little kid whose concept of time is different from an adult’s. A kindergartner’s entire life is defined within a five year period and so two weeks carries a lot more weight than it does for us. Talking with kids about time, in general, can help them both with the transition to and from winter break as well as understanding time as it relates to other topics. If kids know theyre going to be gone from school but they will come back after holiday celebrations theyll be more prepared to give their attention to their teacher after the New Year (READ: Time management: The key to success during middle school). 2. Structure during the holidays It can be a major challenge to maintain a consistent structure during the holiday season. Families travel or have relatives who come to visit, and there are festivities going on day and night. However, if kindergartners can have just a little bit of structure during their time off, theyll have an easier transition back to the classroom. Maybe they have story time for an hour in the afternoon or play outside in the late morning. 3. Friends from school Most kids have a few friends at school who dont live within their immediate neighborhood. As a result, they dont get to play with them as much over break and may be looking forward to seeing their peers back at school. This can be a great icebreaker for parents to talk about with their little ones. Some younger students even get a little bit bored over the holidays and look forward to going back to school if they have a few friends waiting for them. 4. An intellectual challenge Even though it may not be at the forefront of their minds, many kindergartners miss having the academic challenges that greet them each day in the classroom. They’re learning about letters and numbers and using their imagination on a regular basis. Some of this starts to subside during winter break because of all the celebrations and travel. Kids who have picture books or number games to play with are more excited to go back to school. In fact, there are tons of apps available for young kids that can help them stay challenged during the break. 5. Winter camp Just as many kids attend a camp during the summer, there are winter camps available when kids are out of school, but parents are still expected to be at work. Many of these camps provide more than just daycare, in fact, they might help a child learn about a specific interest theyve wanted to pursue or help them with an academic subject that’s a little bit too tough. Kids who spend time at these programs are often ready to go back into the classroom without complaint. Start 2017 off right with the help of a private San Diego tutor from TutorNerds. From test prep to college admissions, we are here to make the New Year a success. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

The 7 Best Ways to Learn a Foreign Language What Are They

The 7 Best Ways to Learn a Foreign Language What Are They The 7 Best Ways to Learn a Foreign Language: What Are They? You deserve the best.The height of luxury and decadence.All your meals should be prepared by Michelin-starred chefs.All your clothes should be made from silk and unicorn hair.All your lattes should be trenta.Okay, maybe you cant always have the best. I mean, trenta isnt even available for hot beverages.But just because some businesses cant evolve to meet the worlds growing caffeine dependency doesnt mean you cant have the best in some areas of your life.Case in point: You can totally learn a language the best way.However, a caveat: There is no  one best way to learn a language. That varies between learners.So how do you decide which method is best  for you? And what are the main contenders? What Factors Influence the Best Way to Learn a Language for You?One major component to consider is time. Some learners want to  learn a language quickly. Others take their time and spread it out over several years. You might be prepared to spend several hours a day studying, but only have a few minutes to spare. When selecting what method is best for you to learn a language, this is an important factor to take into consideration. For instance, an immersion program isnt suitable for someone who only has a couple minutes a day.Youll also need to consider budget. There are language learning methods that are completely free, while others can cost thousands of dollars. What budget you have available can play a big role in what methods are feasible and work best for you.Another important factor is personal preference. What you like matters. After all, youre more likely to keep studying if you enjoy the process. Because of this, some learners may prefer  fun ways to learn a language while others may actually feel better about a more conventional approach.The final component to consider is personal learning style. Look back over your previous educational experiences. What material did you learn most easily, and how was it presented? If you can replicate your best learning experien ce, you might have an easier time learning a language. For instance, some learners can get a lot out of reading a textbook or taking a class. Others learn better through hands-on experience. All of this can shape what method of language learning will work best for you.The 7 Best Ways to Learn a Foreign Language: What Are They?Through Regular Use as a ChildOkay. Well acknowledge that if youre reading this article, this  might not be a feasible option for you anymore. And if it is, well, good for youâ€"youve earned that juice box and those animal crackers.However, its still worthwhile for adult learners to be aware of the fact that learning a foreign language as a child is one of the most ideal ways to go about it. After all, children are language learning machines. They can absorb second and even third languages in the natural, easy way they learned their first language. One study suggests that even babies can learn phonetically from live interaction with someone speaking a foreign l anguage. Another study  suggests that studying a foreign language in elementary school can improve a childs cognitive abilities and actually better their performance in other disciplines, including math and reading. Jealous much?So why should you know about this if you cant learn as tantalizingly easily as a child? Its simple. If you already have children or see children in your future, keeping this information in mind can motivate you to keep studying your target language so that you can raise your child bilingual. Who wouldnt want to give their kid such a major life advantage?But even beyond that, resources for children are still usable by older learners. There are tons of  online language learning resources for kids, and many of them are cute and fun. You dont have to be a kid to learn from them. So even if you cant learn as a child, you have nothing to lose by taking a shot at learning like one. Below are a couple ways you can do that.ResourcesDino LingoDino Lingo is a subscript ion service that offers countless learning activities for over 50 languages, so if youre a beginning language student, you can probably find some great material to help you hone your skills. The site offers lessons, songs, videos, stories and so much more. The focus is predominantly on the 200 most common words and phrases, giving you functional, highly usable vocabulary.Little PimLittle Pim may be designed for children under six, but since it uses repetition to teach vocabulary, anyone can learn from it. You can purchase volumes of learning materials, which consist of videos, parent guides, pronunciation guides and more, for 12 different languages. To get the most out of this as an adult, be sure to refer to the parent guides to do the activities yourself.Consuming Authentic MediaAnother great way for anyone to learn a language is by consuming authentic media, like movies, TV and music.This is a popular method for several reasons. First of all, its fun. You can easily convert your entertainment time into learning time. Beyond that, though, there are many educational benefits to learning with authentic media.For example, youre exposing yourself to native speech, which can improve your accent and make it easier for you to understand authentic speech.  In fact, some research  has indicated that students must experience their target language being used by native speakers in order to learn to communicate effectively, and authentic media can meet this need.So if youre looking for a fun way to prepare yourself to understand native-level speech, consuming authentic media is a strong learning option.ResourcesFluentUTo get the most out of using authentic media for learning a language, try FluentU.FluentU offers authentic, real-world videos, like music videos, movie trailers, news and more. However, youre never thrown in without support. Each video is captioned, and the captions are annotated with each words definition, example sentences and an associated image. No need to keep a dictionary handy when you want to enjoy authentic media! Plus, you can even click on any word to see other videos that use that word.FluentUs Quiz Mode provides a new take on authentic media. It fuses videos, images and example sentences into activities and flashcards for an engaging and unique learning experience.Regardless of your current level, FluentU can help you improve your skills. You choose what you watch and how often. Meanwhile, FluentU uses personalized tracking and spaced repetition (see below) to build on what you already know.NetflixFinally, a good excuse for a Netflix binge! Netflix offers tons of foreign language TV shows and movies that can be great learning tools for language students. Since theyre intended for native audiences, they use authentic language. But since theyre meant to entertain native speakers, theyre also super fun to watch.You can find great material in any major language. For instance, Spanish students can enjoy countless hours of bing e-able learning with  El Internado  (The Boarding School). French students might love a tense detective drama, like Les Témoins  (Witnesses). To find programming in your target language, simply search the name of your target language and TV or movies.Best of all, any program on Netflix at least offers English-language subtitling, so if youre not fully proficient yet, you can use this to help you along. Some programs in foreign languages also offer subtitling in that language, which is a helpful way to more clearly understand individual words.Immersion ProgramsIf you have a chunk of time you can devote entirely to language learning, an immersion program is ideal.Adult immersion programs  usually work like retreats. You enter a special program for a set length of time ranging from a weekend to a few weeks. During that time, you only use your target language. You take classes in your target language. You interact with other students in your target language. Youre even required to drea m in your target language. Okay, no one can regulate your dreams (this isnt some dystopian thriller), but youll be using your target language so much that youll probably do it whether you want to or not.Immersion programs can be expensive and require a period of time set aside just for them, which can turn some students away. However, they also offer some unbeatable benefits.  One study  indicated that students in an immersion program progressed more quickly in oral communication than classroom students and even study abroad students. So if you want to really jump-start your journey to fluency, immersion programs are a great choice.ResourcesConcordia Language VillagesConcordia Language Villages is a Minnesota-based program that offers a nice array of immersion options.For young people, there are summer immersive programs for 15 different languages.While offerings for adults are more limited, there are still some great options. Adult learners can select from nine language offerings, including Chinese, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Spanish and Swedish. Programs usually last between two days and a week. The programs combine a focus on using the language and cultural activities. In addition to language lessons, participants enjoy authentic meals from countries where the target language is widely spoken, songs in the target language and cultural presentations.EFIf youd rather enjoy your immersion program in an exotic locale, EF is a good option. EF offers immersion programs (each between two weeks and several months) for some of the most common languages in popular destinations around the world.For instance, you can study Spanish in fun destinations like Barcelona, Madrid and Costa Rica. Korean students can enjoy the hustle and bustle of Seoul. German students can choose between Munich and Berlin.Intensive courses offer 32 40-minute lessons each week. These programs are flexible, allowing for beginning through advanced students. You can als o decide your length of stay.One unique feature of EF is that you can generally choose between living in a student residence or doing a home stay. The student residence experience can help you connect with other students from around the world, while the home stay offers a more immersive experience with local culture and daily life.Studying AbroadNo one can deny the appeal of studying abroad  while in college. Its an adventure unlike any other. You get to improve your language skills while exploring another culture.Studying abroad can be a fun and engaging way to improve your language skills through daily interactions with native speakers. Plus, being abroad provides extra motivation. After all, you need those skills to communicate!The same study referenced above  also suggested that students who study abroad may experience more gains in fluidity than students who study in a classroom. The study also notes, however, that students in an immersion program clocked more hours actually us ing the language than study abroad students and therefore made greater gains, so if you study abroad and want to get the most out of it, try to use your target language even when youre not out on the town.ResourcesIES AbroadIES Abroad is a study abroad provider that offers tons of programs all over the world. Whether youre looking for a study program or want to test out your language skills in an internship, IES Abroad can help you find the right opportunity.Do note that not all study abroad programs focus on language, so pay careful attention to select programs that will help benefit your language skills more directly. You might consider only browsing language offerings. However, youll find plenty of opportunities to study popular languages like French, Japanese, Spanish and more.CIEECIEE is another provider of college study abroad programs. With over three dozen country options, youll have a lot to choose from.The CIEE website even allows you to search by language of instruction, making it easy to find the right program for you.Plus, CIEE also offers the unique CIEE Open Campus program in which you actually design your own study abroad by selecting up to three destinations. While most of the language offerings for this program are beginning-level, its still a fun introduction to a language.Programs may offer home stays, residence halls and even private apartments.Interacting with Native Speakers RegularlyWhether youre interacting with native speakers abroad, through language exchange  or around you, regular interaction using your target language can massively increase your skills.The more you interact with native speakers, the more comfortable youll get with the language. Plus, youll naturally acquire more and more vocabulary in order to meet your communication needs. While research indicates that native speakers will likely simplify and modify their speaking patterns when communicating with non-native speakers, it can also be assumed that you might modify y our speaking in a target language in order to communicate more fully with native speakers.ResourcesMyLanguageExchange.comMyLanguageExchange.com is like a matchmaking service to find a language exchange partner.If you dont know a native speaker and/or dont have much opportunity to converse in your target language, MyLanguageExchange.com can help you connect with one. Once you find your match, you can communicate through writing, texting, voice chat or even in-person exchange depending on you and your partners needs, goals and personal preferences.To get the most out of MyLanguageExchange.com, be sure to take the time to read user profiles to find a compatible exchange partner. After all, youre much more likely to keep conversing with someone if you really click.italkiWhether you want a language exchange partner or would prefer a native tutor, italki can help connect you with some awesome native-level speaking practice.While italkis main focus is on providing one-on-one tutoring, it a lso offers a service to help you connect with a native speaker for language exchange. You might prefer one-on-one tutoring if you would benefit from professional help, guidance or just dont have the time to help someone practice your language.Spaced RepetitionSpaced repetition  is a system of learning in which material is presented at specific intervals designed to improve learning efficiency. Because its designed to help learners memorize information, its ideal for learning new vocabulary.This article  notes the abundance of research showing the effectiveness of spaced repetition. And over time, more and more language learning programs have adopted this approach to improve the efficiency with which learners acquire new information.For language learners, its best to pair spaced repetition with other learning methods in order to ensure a well-rounded education.ResourcesDuolingoDuolingo is one of the most popular language learning options that uses spaced repetition. Through a variety of quizzes, youll see vocabulary words over and over again in different contexts, which can help you build your vocabulary and your confidence.AnkiAppAnkiApp is a a flexible flashcard app that uses spaced repetition.Not only are there existing flashcards for language learners, you can also make your own flashcards and AnkiApp will take care of providing you with the spaced repetition you need for efficient learning.This is ideal for language learners looking to learn vocabulary sets that may be hard to memorize with other tools. For instance, if you work in insurance and need to learn industry-related French terms, you can make your own flashcard set.Language CoursesWhether you take in-person language courses or online language courses, formal courses definitely have their place in language learning.One study suggests  that most research supports language instruction being beneficial to both children and adults ranging from a beginning to advanced level.If youve ever taken a langua ge course, you likely already know the benefits. First of all, they offer the benefit of being developed to be well-rounded and to balance your skill set. Plus, they offer a clear learning order that builds on previous learning.For maximum effect, you might try pairing a language course with another method to maximize your learning. For instance, a lot of students benefit from learning through a course and then giving their skills a workout by interacting with native speakers.ResourcesedXThis website offers a number of free or affordable language courses through real universities.For instance, Tsinghua Chinese,  offered through Tsinghua University, is a self-paced introductory Chinese course that you can take for free. Want a certificate to mark your accomplishment? This is available for $49.Language courses offered include Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Italian, Spanish and more. Plus, edX also offers some courses in languages other than English, which is a great opportunity f or advanced students to use their language skills in context.AlisonAlison offers over 1,000 hours of free online language instruction. Thats a hard offer to decline!Courses cover common languages, like Chinese, English, French and Spanish. However, there are also some less common offerings, like Irish.So go ahead and select the best learning method for you.Youre worth it!