Benefits of Arts and Crafts for Students

You probably remember getting excited about doing arts and crafts in school as a child, but how long has it been since you’ve done something creative since starting college? If you’re ‘not the creative type’, there’s no need to miss out on all of the great benefits that making your own things by hand can provide. And, if you are artistic, then making arts and crafts a main hobby is a fun way to learn and develop new skills. We’ve listed some of the main benefits of getting involved in crafting.

Save Money

One of the main reasons that people learn to make their own things is in order to save money. Even if you’re not very artistic when it comes to things such as drawing and painting, you can learn new practical skills such as sewing, knitting, and restoring furniture, which will allow you to save money on decorating your home. You could even learn how to make your own clothes! For the more artistic, handmade gifts can be a lovely touch for a birthday or the holidays, and handmade greetings cards are simple and cheap to make, too.

Make Money

Students might not think that arts and crafts is going to help them find careers with an MBA after graduating from Villanova University, but handmade items can actually make some of the best business ideas. With more customers looking for personalized, unique gift ideas for the special people in their lives, handmade products of all kinds certainly fit the bill and often sell well. Once you’ve found something that you enjoy making and believe others will enjoy using or giving, you can get started right away with an e-commerce store.

De-stress

As a student, you’re probably left wondering ‘is an MBA worth it?’ at times when you’re really stressed out. Completing assignments and studying finals can take it out of even the best students, especially if you’re juggling your studies with other commitments. Art therapy is becoming a popular activity in a range of colleges, as many people find that arts and crafts are a very therapeutic activity that helps them to destress.

Make New Friends

Whether you’re at college or recently graduated, joining an arts or crafting class can be a fun way to meet new people and make friends who have something in common with you. At college, students can often find a range of student-led groups, clubs, societies and activities, and if there’s nothing available for crafters or artistic people, you might even be able to start one yourself with like-minded students from your campus.

Learn New Things

Even if art has never been your strongest point, with some practice you’ll quickly start seeing improvements. Taking part in arts and crafts is a fun way to learn new skills and improve your creative flow.


As kids, we’re huge fans of arts and crafts, but not many of us go on to take it seriously as adults. Whether you feel you’re an artist or not, getting crafty has tons of benefits.

Encouraging early learning in your child

These days raising a child can feel a little like a competition; one which you are destined to lose, no matter how much pressure you put upon yourself and your child. It is important to remember that the speed at which your child learns to walk, communicate and recite the alphabet will not be under anybody’s scrutiny but your own, although it can feel as though other parents are judging your abilities as a mommy every time you leave the house.

That said, early learning is essential when it comes to raising a child; the grounding you give your little one now will stand them in good stead for the future, introduce an array of concepts they will soon come into regular contact with, and give them self-belief, confidence and awareness.

Of course, starting your child’s learning journey from birth will provide a wealth of other benefits, including preparing them for school, encouraging them to interact and engage with the world around them, and introducing bonding time that is so valuable to parents and children.

If you are daunted by the idea of taking charge of your child’s early education, do not worry; there is a good chance you are already doing many of the recommended activities with your child.

How can I encourage early learning in my child?

Children tend to learn via play, and by watching those around them, so be sure to introduce a range of concepts to your little one as they grow and develop; from sensory toys, to more structured games, art-based learning and imagination play.

There is no real limit to the fun you can have. After all, the more fun you make an activity the more your child is likely to take from it. The key for younger children is repetition, while older children will benefit from bonding time and solitary play in equal measures.

Sing and dance

It is likely singing songs, making noises, and reciting nursery rhymes will be some of your new family’s earliest forms of communication. Regardless of how silly you feel chattering away to your baby, remember you are introducing them to language. Besides, nursery rhymes and silly songs, as well as animal noises, are hugely entertaining to babies and young children, and will encourage them to interact with you far more than speaking normally would.

Equip yourself

The toys and games that you provide for your baby will go a long way towards establishing their early education; rattles, cloth books, rain makers, building blocks, walkers, activity gyms, teethers, and play mats are all fantastic learning aids at various points in a baby’s development, while brightly colored, noisy items will engage and enthrall.

From birth you should surround your child with a variety of colors and textures, or black and white items to introduce depth and contrast; SkipHop’s collection of play mats and activity gyms are particularly useful for introducing new sights and sounds, and can be used from those very first weeks.

Encourage family learning

Whatever activities you introduce to your baby, be sure to do them together; whether you are reading books, practicing ABCs and 123s, or teaching your child simple actions, make sure that he or she sees you doing it too, and that you are spending uninterrupted time together.

Bonding time is so, so important to children from birth and can help your little one to identify fairly complex processes from a young age. Shapes, colors, numbers, and letters can all be made fun if you use your imagination, so see where your baby’s learning journey takes you both.

Let your child work it out on their own

Helicopter parenting is a term given to those who hover over their child’s shoulder, ensuring they are playing with a toy correctly, or working hard. However, it is often far more beneficial to allow your child to work it out on their own; indeed, allowing a child to get bored, or struggle to work out a problem, can be incredibly good for their early education.

Even babies left to their own devices can learn a lot, although make sure you are never too far away. Remember, a little frustration is good for personal development, so try not to do everything for your baby.

Every day is an adventure for a child, and you will no doubt marvel as your little one learns to tackle the world head on via a series of toys, books, games, and sensory equipment. Every activity that you complete together now will stand your child in good stead for school and, ultimately, adulthood.

Kids Academy Releases Preschool Education Center App for iOS and Android

This blog has partnered with Mom Muzz Media to announce this exciting information!

Kids Academy Releases Preschool Education Center
for iOS and Android!

Hey Moms and Dads! A great app has been introduced recently to teach your kids the alphabet, reading, writing, vocabulary, and math skills. All these in once great app!

Kids Academy – the team behind some of the top educational apps for kids with over 10 million downloads worldwide just released the long-awaited version of their flagship app – Preschool Education Center.

As the name suggests, Preschool Education Center is an all-in-one educational app for kids and toddlers. The app covers all aspects of early childhood education from the alphabet and reading to writing, building vocabulary and developing math skills. Based on the proven Montessori method the app offers a number of fun games that help master essential learning skills through play.

Check out my review in Google Play:

Until now, Preschool Education Center has only been available on iTunes but today's release makes it finally available for Android device on Google Play! This fun and free app is currently being featured in the Family section of the Android store in the USA, Australia and Canada.

Get the app free on Google Play!

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For iOS devices:

Kids Academy have also updated the iOS version of the app: Preschool & Kindergarten Early Learning Games adding new games, books and educational cartoons and shows as well as printable worksheets.

- The update boasts a bunch of cute little monsters that will teach your kids about money and how to count it.

- Kids Academy TV now has a 24/7 Live Zoo channel offering web-cam views on real-life animals.

Grab your free copy of the update on the iTunes App Store!

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BONUS!
Free Preschool & Kindergarten Worksheets for Kids

Kids Academy is also finding a way to expand beyond the screen and help master pen and pencil with free printable worksheets. You can get free preschool worksheets on a variety of subjects from alphabet to math (the library is being constantly updated).

Download, print out and get start practicing with good old pen and paper in seconds!

Head over to to the Kids Academy to get your FREE PRINTABLE WORKSHEETS and get your kids busy!

Rocket Japanese Premium Review + Giveaway! #rocketlanguages

Disclosure: I was not monetarily compensated for this review. I received a complimentary access to test/review/evaluate the site and its service and product. My opinion and findings are 100% mine and may vary from yours.

It feels good to refresh myself in Japanese as this is the first foreign language I have learned while I was in college. It was part of our curriculum. And for 3 years, it was a part of my daily communication at the university. However, I haven't been speaking, hearing, writing and reading Japanese since I left school and that was many years ago. I am so rusty now that this Rocket Japanese gave me another boost in confidence to refresh myself and pick up where I left off.

Rocket Japanese is an interactive online learning resource to learn and speak Japanese fast. It is an exclusive online site for members who can engage in audio and visual learning and also communicate with other members thru forums.

What I like:
It is interactive. You can learn via audio or thru conventional lessons of reading There is also an option where you can do the role-play and record your voice so you can check vis-a-vis the audio lessons for a certain module.

You can download the audio and learn at your own pace and time.

There is an option where you can record your voice so you can compare it with the actual audio lessons.

There are several tests to take to gauge your knowledge level. The tests are designed to reinforce learning and memory retention of the lessons learned.

Aside from the very dynamic features and interactive interface of the site, Rocket Japanese also has a wide variety of articles accessible to all members about advanced learning techniques and tips.

There is a tracking section in the dashboard for your progress and badges earned, giving you the motivation to carry on and finish the entire lesson.

This is the dashboard area where you can find your progress and the lessons you will cover for the whole duration of the learning process.

The site is also accessible 24/7 and is compatible with Windows-based PCs, Mac, Android and iOS systems.


What I don't like:
I find the interface "wordy." I wish there were more images and / or flash cards for the benefit of those who learn faster with visuals.


Price:
Please check the site below for pricing as it varies depending on how many levels you want to avail.

http://www.rocketlanguages.com/?language=japanese#courses-and-pricing


My recommendation:
Given the many available resources provided to members and how the audio (as spoken by Japanese sounding people) helped me refresh and learn fast some basic phrases in Japanese which were enough to get me started with a basic Japanese conversation. I give this learning site my thumbs up!

You may check Rocket Languages in their social network sites too:

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialRocketLanguages
https://twitter.com/rocketlanguages

And now, for the best part of this review - THE GIVEAWAY!!!

I will be posting about the giveaway in another article. So watch out for it!

French for Kids: On Va Jouer (Let's Play) DVD Review #OnVaJouer

Bonjour tout le monde!

I am happy to post my review about this French For Kids: On Va Jouer (Let's Play) DVD because it is a fun product to use. This educational  DVD is in French so it will introduce your kids to a secondary language by use of interactive immersion programme.

Immersion is another method of learning a second language where the second language is the primary language used in teaching and is a good way to engage youngsters to pick up the secondary language at an early age. My daughter has learned 2 languages at the same time at the age of 6 - French and Arabic. All those languages were taught through the immersion programme in her school. I have seen the positive outcome of the method so I trust that this DVD will do the same to your young kids.

DVD cover

Credit: whistlefritz.com

This DVD is loaded with fun and entertainment for the kids and parents alike. Kids are treated to colorful video display, lively song and dance numbers as hosted by Marie and cute animated characters like Fritzi the mouse and other colorful characters.

Aside from the colorful characters, the song and dance plus games are really captivating and can make you dance and sing along to the happy melodies - everything in French! This makes it easier for the young ones to digest the second language and gives them creative ways to instill the new words they learned.

Song lyrics and some basic English words translated to French

The French For Kids: On Va Joeur (Let's Play) DVD comes with small insert of basic words in English and the translation in French. It also has song lyrics so not only can the young kids sing along, even daddies, mommies and older siblings can join in the fun!

I find this a good learning experience for myself too. I can now catch up with my daughter when she speaks French, albeit, I have more practise sessions to catch up on but I will use this too to immerse myself in French. I do recommend this program to everyone who is keen to start their young kids to learn another language.

The French For Kids: On Va Joeur (Let's Play) DVD is created by the award-winning Whistlefritz, a company whose goal is to inspire young minds through learning a second language in an educational environment. Whistlefritz was founded in 2006 and its headquarter is in Glen Echo, Maryland on the outskirts of Washington D.C.

Here are few screenshots from the DVD (credits to Whistlefritz.com)

More info:
Release date: July 2014
Price: $19.99
Run-time: approx. 40 mins.
Suitable for ages 1-7 (but I say, even I enjoyed this DVD!)
Format: DVD
Other products under the Whistlefritz brand: Spanish cds (you can download the product catalog here: http://whistlefritz.com/docs/Whistlefritz-ProductSheet-download.pdf)

You can know more about the immersion programs and tips for parents and teacher of Whistlefritz by visiting their website. You may also view the trailer from Whistlefritz.


Amusez-vous bien! #OnVaJouer

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Review - Pimsleur Spanish Gold Edition

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.




I am happy to be the recipient of the Pimsleur Spanish  Gold Edition CDs/DVDs because Pimsleur is a famous language resource and I have heard so many good things about learning the Pimsleur way.

I started my Spanish lessons few days ago with CD1 and I am amazed by how effective this method of learning a new language is.

What I like:

• Easy to use and follow
• The packaging did not include manuals or any printed books but resources such as the user guide and the booklets required for each lesson are downloadable.
• Downloadable resources
• Compact packaging and cds/dvds are all placed in booklet styles.
• High retention due to the repetitive style of learning
• Fast way to learn a foreign language
• No need to take down notes or memorize things
• Not time consuming, you'll have to learn for 30 minutes each day depending on your available time
• You can always go back to the previous lessons

What I don't like:

Nothing. To me, this is the best way to learn a new language after trying it. I have managed to learn several phrases in just 30 minutes each day for few days and I am only in Disc 1. Imagine learning all the way to the last disc?


Price: SRP Canadian Dollar 120

My recommendation:

I highly recommend this. Do try this before enrolling in some language schools or getting a tutor to teach you a foreign language. I should have done this a long time ago. I relied on free online resources but have not even progressed to how I envisioned myself in speaking a foreign language. With Pimsleur, you don't need to write down stuff nor have a pen and a paper next to you which will only divert your attention from the lessons. It uses repetitive approach and saying out loud the words and phrases over and over until it is imbibed in your system. To me, that is very effective and this is quite unusual because I am a visual person. I prefer taking down notes. I decided to give it a try and see if the positive reviews I have read about the Pimsleur Approach is really effective. My verdict - YES IT IS.

You can buy this from Amazon.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Video Content - Revolutionizing Modern Day's Learning

Learning is a never ending process. There are many ways where we can achieve learning and there are plenty of resources out there that is readily available to everyone now.

Modern age has bridged the gap of accessing resources to learn new things. We can get what we what to find out through the internet. The internet alone is a plethora of information in various forms like articles, journals, case studies, volumes upon volumes of information, clip arts, photos, images and videos.

Amongst the resources found in the internet, watching video seems to be one of the easiest way of learning. You can watch tutorials now and follow step-by-step procedures without having to guess how it is done compared to reading it which is subject to one's interpretation.

The infographic below will provide many reasons why video presentations have revolutionized learning for the modern aged people.

Presented by KZO Business Video Platform

Take Action with Your Education and an Executive MBA Degree

Many people choose to continue their education after high school. They are all trying to learn skills that will help them find a real-life career. Potential employers are more likely to hire those that have completed some form of higher education. However, graduating with a bachelor’s degree does not guarantee someone a career. They most likely need more experience on their résumé. Unfortunately, real-world experience is tough to come by. This is why many successful students choose the path of the master’s degree. Earning a master’s involves more time and hard work. However, most master’s degrees will involve working closely with experts of their chosen field. Earning an accolade like a Denver executive MBA degree can launch your career successfully.

Invest Your Energy and Reap the Rewards

Choosing your path towards a career can be difficult. You will have all sorts of conflicting voices. Your family members may attempt to sway you one direction or another. Friends can do the same thing if you let them. Even if your friends and family are completely supportive, you may still be contending with conflicting voices in your own head. Choosing a pathway towards a career can be stressful and difficult. However, completely investing your energy into your education has its rewards. Choosing to devote your efforts to education is a sign of maturity. You are becoming an adult and taking responsibility for yourself.

Think Carefully about Your Career Path

With a good degree from a well-recognized school, you earn more than just another thing for your résumé. You earn the skills and experience that come along with completing the program. A bachelor’s degree can help get your career started successfully. If you want to be a leader and have the possibility to earn even more money, you may want to look into a master’s level of education. Someone with a Denver executive MBA degree is much more likely to earn a leadership role. The experience earned from a master’s program can open up even more opportunities. Ask yourself what you want to do with your career. Your thoughts will lead you to the actions necessary to reach your destination.

Why Everyone Should Study Abroad

When considering your options regarding where you can attend college, you probably aren’t even thinking about leaving the country. There are so many great colleges and universities close to wherever you live that you are sure to find a school that has everything that you are looking for. But what about the schools that are located in other countries? There are also great colleges and universities located around the world that offer many things that you can find here and some things that you will not find at a school close to you. Perhaps looking into programs for studying abroad and all that they have to offer may create more options in your college choices. If you need even more information you can go to selecttravelstudy.com and do some research.

Increase Language Skills

There are many programs available for people who want to learn another language. Many people have been able to learn new languages using these programs, but actually going to the country where the language comes from may help you learn the language better. You will be fully immersed by the culture and the lifestyle and basically be forced to learn the essential components of the language. Experiencing the daily life of those who speak the language will help you better understand the different elements of each word and the meaning associated.

Gain New Perspective

Nobody really knows about another country until they have actually visited and witnessed the people and environment with their own eyes. When a study abroad student arrives in another country, there are so many things that are experienced and learned that will bring a whole new perspective. Meeting the people who aren’t in the media or spotlight will help you understand more about the country, the culture and the meaning of things that may be very misunderstood. Witnessing the life of these people will change your perspective and help you understand more than you did before. If you visit selecttravelstudy.com you may find more information that you need for an opportunity to gain new perspective.

(Photo credit: gapyear.com)

Hiring Private Tutors

Studying is one of the main activities students do in their academic years. The whole crux of their school years evolve around learning. Not all students are born with a gift to pick up learning fast as opposed to others. This is where tutoring like Dallas tutoring come into picture.

Every student has his or her way of studying and learning. Some just pick up the information faster than the others. While there are those who are not quite the sharpest tool in the shed, it does not mean they have learning disabilities or not as bright as the others. It just takes a little prodding and patience to lead these slow learners.

Tutoring service is a good way to fill that gap. Parents can check numerous companies offering tutoring services at the comfort and privacy of their homes. This kind of service helpt the students with the challenges they face in certain subjects in school. Tutors can provide them learning kits and even share tips to manage their time and work their way around tough subjects in order to achieve flying colors in their school term.

Numerous companies offer private tutoring service in the US. You can check the internet for local companies serving your areas. For example,  you can get search on tutoring for your varsity kids with these search hits like VarsityTutors updates or varsity tutors or local tutors. You can view the company profile and see for yourself which is applicable and how much you are willing to spend to ensure your kid's learning challenges are met and dealt with.

There are benefits in engaging the services of a private tutor. One, it saves the student from embarrassment from others. It can be done in the comfort of one's home creating an atmosphere where the student can relax and not worry about what others will say or do when seen having tutoring service in public. Private tutoring can also engage parents in the process as tutors can involve them with providing tips on how to encourage their kids to follow-through on studying. Parents can have a better assessment on the tutors when conducted at home. They get to see and know first-hand about the tutor and his/her methods of teaching. Lastly, safety and security of the student is also met when done at home.

If you are one of those who require private tutor service, ensure that you research about the company. Ask other people who has taken their service for feedback or visit the company to see their facilities and meet the tutors in person.

The Learning Curve

Learning is a continuous process. One does not stop acquiring information as soon as he or she leaves the fine corners of the academy. The longer one stays in school, the more he or she acquires knowledge and skills.

It is vital for an individual to continue learning new skills and gather information on various fields of discipline. The school is a great place to acquire these knowledge and to use those accordingly. Individuals who are able to go back to school again even after finishing a degree are really privileged. Not all get that second chance to gain a different knowledge and perspective on various fields. Some are willing to go through the rigorous process of having plenty of quizzes and taking grammar quizzes, doing homework, completing projects and most importantly, gathering data for the thesis.

The further studies after the university stint are called Masters degree and the one after that is the Doctorate. There are a multitude of courses offered for higher education. Not long ago, there were few courses to choose from. The present academic curriculum includes test software courses in the field of Computer Science. There are continuing courses in the field of Health Care and Nursing. Further studies can be taken as well for Social Science and Education. Unlike before where the only choice was between a Master in Business Administration, Psychology or Philosophy.

The learning process is indeed a never ending cycle. One must aim to keep the stream of information flowing.