How to Choose the Right in Home Chinese Tutor For Your Child

How to Choose the Right in Home Chinese Tutor For Your ChildAre you looking for an in home Chinese tutor? In this article I will take a look at some of the different factors to think about when it comes to choosing the right tutor for your child.What is the time that your child needs the tutoring? Do they only need one or two hours a day? A regular tutor will not need to charge extra if they only need one hour or two a day.The in home Chinese tutor needs to be able to get up early and know exactly what time your child goes to school. Do they have an assistant? Some teaching schools only have one tutor and are a one person operation. In these cases the tutor can charge a little more but it is worth it in terms of efficiency.Do they spend a lot of time with your child? Some tutors have a partner who is willing to help with their young age. They can probably find a little bit of spare time to help your child as well and charge less.Does the tutor offer their services on the internet? Fo r many parents their child might be computer savvy. This means that if the tutor is going to send them to work then they are going to do it online. This will allow them to meet you over the internet or wherever you both happen to be.The other option is that the tutor will work out how you can self learn. Most children can do basic grammar and reading and write tasks. For these children they will have a tutor to teach them skills that are common to them. If the tutor is offering self learning the tutor can be more effective in doing so.By looking at the various factors in regards to this you should be able to make a decision in terms of who you want your tutor to be. Always remember that quality matters most in this business.

Tips for Parents The 5 Best Guitars for Kids

Tips for Parents The 5 Best Guitars for Kids Megan L. Figuring out how to find a great first-time guitar can be a challenge in itself, but what to do when youre looking for a child? Have no fear, guitar instructor  Matthew K. is here! Read on for some professional insight, purchase recommendations, and how to find the best guitars for kids Learning to play the guitar can be the most exciting time in a child’s life so it’s important to choose a guitar that fits!  Full-size guitars can be too big and bulky for a child’s small hands to work around, which can be extremely frustrating and result in aggravation directed at the parents or the teacher.  Nobody wants that frustration! To help your child love playing guitar, I have selected a list of five guitars that, in my eyes, are the best five guitars for kids. The list includes both acoustic and electric guitars. Just keep in mind if you go with an electric guitar, you will have to buy an amp to accompany it. The following are in no particular order since it’s most important to try guitars out in the store and see what works for your child. Let’s get started! Yamaha JR1 Photo via Alto Music Yamaha has a reputation of making great affordable acoustic guitars. Their ¾ size JR1 is no exception. This one is modeled after Yamahas famous FG folk guitar series, and has a great tone for such a small-bodied guitar. It’s listed at $129.99 on Sweetwater.com. Ibanez PF2MH Performance 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar Photo via Reverb I actually own this guitar and love it.  Personally, I use it as my travel guitar, but it’s also a great guitar for beginners. The neck is very easy to maneuver, and the sound it produces is almost of full size quality. It too is listed at $129.99 on Sweetwater.com. Squier  Bullet Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar with Tremolo Photo via Squier Guitars If the electric guitar is more your kids style, the Squier  Fender Bullet Stratocaster HSS is an excellent choice. Modeled after the American Series Fender Stratocaster, the Squier Bullet is the perfect electric guitar to get your child excited about music. It can be found for $129.99 on Amazon.com. 4) Epiphone Les Paul 100 Photo via musicradar This guitar is slightly more expensive, but tonally superior. If you’re more of a Gibson than a Fender person, this is the guitar. The Epiphone Les Paul 100 is a slimmer guitar, so it is perfect for a beginner with smaller hands. It is a little more expensive, but this is a guitar that will remain in their collection for some time. It can be found on Sweetwater.com for $269.00.  The bag and amp are sold separately. 5) Martin LXM Little Martin Photo via Martin Co. This little guitar was just made famous by Ed Sheeran. Extremely playable, it sounds like a full-size Martin. It may be a bit more expensive than the rest, but this is a guitar that should last your child a lifetime. GuitarCenter.com has it listed for $299.99. There are many guitars for kids out there, so hopefully this list will help to narrow your search. Remember that its important to try before you buy- especially for beginners, so don’t just buy online! Once youre all set with an instrument, youll be ready to find your child the right guitar teacher and get rocking! Matthew K. teaches guitar, piano, and music theory lessons in Brooklyn, NY. He studied music composition at Mercyhurst University, and he has been teaching lessons for four years. Matthew is available to teach in-person lessons as well as online via Skype. Learn more about Matthew 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 Photo By Eric Peacock

Are Cheap Gym Membership a Red Flag

Are Cheap Gym Membership a Red Flag Low-Cost Gym Classes: Value-for-Money or Something to Avoid? ChaptersLow-Cost Fitness Training in the UKAre Budget Workouts as Effective as High-End Ones?5 Advantages to Low-Cost Fitness5 Disadvantages of Low-Cost FitnessThere are many exercise and fitness options available, from a personal trainer to buying your exercise equipment to installing a sauna in your basement.According to The Guardian, 12% of UK adults use a gym to keep fit, yet this figure appears to be a low lower than what it could be, as nearly 80% of people have set themselves a fitness goal.So, what’s keeping people away from the gym?High membership costs and joining fees are enough to scare anyone away, especially when they can exercise for free by taking up jogging, for example.However, since the financial crisis of 2008, the low-cost gym market has taken the health and fitness industry by storm as more and more people access high-quality equipment for less.Despite the fall in disposable income of the 9.2 million gym users across the UK, the market has adapted to the finan cial climate and thrived in doing so.Whether you want to tone up before a beach holiday, or you’re training for a triathlon, joining a gym can help you towards your goal.Work on your cardiovascular endurance, stretching in pilates, take Zumba dance or aerobic group training classes or do some basic strength training â€" you can do all of these things at the gym!But which gym should you join?Given the range of price points, membership options and facilities available, it’s not always an easy choice to make.If you’re frugal, you can always rule out the £60 per month, high-end options, so what should you look for from a more affordable, low-cost gym?It’s understandable if some prices for low-cost, basic gyms make you wary â€" after all, you get what you pay for, right?Thanks to the level of competition between businesses in the low-cost fitness industry, the quality of equipment and services at these gyms are pretty high, meaning that you really can have access to the best for less.So, to help you find out more about how low-cost gyms work and what’s on offer, we’ve looked into the affordable fitness options available across the UK. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Jonathan Economics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsLow-Cost Fitness Training in the UKAfter first appearing in the USA, the market for low-cost gyms has only gained momentum by crossing the Atlantic, making its mark in the UK and Europe.Exercise is great for your physical and mental health, and you shouldn’t have to compromise the health of your finances to be able to join in.Depending on how you plan to use your gym, you could pay anything between £10 and £50 per month for the same se rvices.Keeping fit doesn't have to cost a limb ¦ source: Pixabay - markusspiskeThis is because the prices of membership plans vary according to the services offered by your gym.Some gyms and health clubs have pools, saunas and the option of hiring a certified personal trainer in addition to their gym equipment.In budget gyms, however, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll have access to such luxuries â€" not a big deal for those just looking for a no-frills workout.After all, gyms are about providing an area for members to exercise rather than spa experiences.So, here is a run-down of the most popular low-cost fitness centres in the country.Xercise4LessXercise4Less gyms offer the latest high-spec workout equipment as well as 200 free fitness classes per month, led by a fitness instructor.Membership works in tiers: monthly prices are £9.99 per month for off-peak use (between 10am and 4pm on weekdays) or £14.99 for full access, meaning no restriction on when you can attend, and you can use any Xercise4Less gym nationally.They also give students a generous 20% off â€" so there’s really no excuse for them to spend their days asleep!PureGymPureGym is the giant of the low-cost fitness market.Offering 24/7 access to its high-quality equipment as well as lots of free classes for between £19.99 and £26, PureGym is a favourite for night owls and those who work during the day alike.What’s more, for £52.99 per month, you can have access to two PureGyms of your choice.In addition to its wide range of equipment, every PureGym club has changing facilities, lockers, individual showers and hairdryers for its members, so you leave the gym feeling fresh!The GymWith membership starting at just £10.99 per month, The Gym offers quality workout equipment for those on a budget.Paying this little doesn’t mean facilities are compromised, either.With changing rooms, showers and lockers available, as well as vending machines selling drinks and towels, you won’t have to worr y about your post-workout routine.The Gym offers 24/7 services to its members, and for just £29.99 per month, you can use any The Gym in the country!easyGymFrom the same people that run budget airline easyJet, easyGym provides low-cost gym facilities, “Pack Workouts” (group personal training sessions with an accredited personal trainer, rather than a group fitness instructor) and classes for around £18 per month.Its popular group fitness classes include Boxercise and Body Combat and they provide downloadable 12-week fitness programs from their website absolutely free!Are Budget Workouts as Effective as High-End Ones?Paying so little for the gym may have you wondering about the quality of your workouts, and whether this will have an effect on achieving your fitness goals.However, unlike in the case of products, where price indicates the quality of the goods, budget gyms work by providing the facilities for a quality workout and saving money by removing luxuries such as massage therapists and swimming pools.For this reason, it is less common to find personal trainers available in budget gyms, but as we’ve seen, it’s not impossible!Choosing the right gym can be a tough decision ¦ source: Pixabay - StockSnapThe lack of personal training advice and fitness expertise in so many low-cost gyms means that users are often left to their own devices, and so the risk of injury, especially for beginners, is significantly higher.This is because if you’re a workout newbie, it’s difficult to know your body’s limits when it comes to resistance training, cardio health and the weight it can bear.Thankfully, as an intro to your gym fitness education, many of these gyms offer a free induction, so that beginners can learn to use equipment safely and effectively.So, paying just £9.99 per month does have its advantages, but as a member of a low-cost gym, your risk of injury is significantly decreased once you acquire the knowledge of how to train properly with the eq uipment provided.If you’re looking for someone to keep you motived, many low-cost gyms offer personal training services at an added cost.Sometimes, however, if you would just like some guidance on your training program, there are plenty of fitness plans and workout videos from online personal trainerâ€" you just have to choose the right one for you.So, low-cost gyms are brilliant for people who have no trouble motivating themselves to work out and regularly challenge themselves.5 Advantages to Low-Cost FitnessNow we’ve seen what budget gyms are all about, let’s round-up the reasons why low-cost fitness could be an option for you.The PriceThe clue is in the name really.Join a low-cost gym, and the cost will be low.What really is so good about these organisations is the value-for-money. For a regular gym user who just wants somewhere to work out, rather than paying £40 per month for services they don’t use, they can pay as little as £10.Only Pay for What You UseAgain, low-co st gyms only charge for the services you use.This means you only pay for the equipment, changing facilities and the running costs of the gym.Gym Whenever You LikeAlthough budget gym Xercise4Less sells membership based on on-peak and off-peak use, the majority of other low-cost facilities do not operate this way â€" and some of them are open 24/7!Off-peak membership is offered by mid-range gyms as a budget option, however, this isn’t ideal for anyone who has a full-time job.A Like-Minded ClienteleOne of the things that makes budget fitness stand out is the diversity of its users.At a low-cost gym, you’ll meet people from all kinds of backgrounds with a wide range of different goals.What they have in common is their ability to self-motivate and a need for simple, no-nonsense training.Freedom in Your TrainingThe lack of personal trainers can be advantageous, as low-cost gyms offer independence in your workouts â€" even if they help you get started or give you a training plan, you†™re free to add to or change it depending on what you feel is right.If a certain exercise isn’t working for you, you’re free to try something else and figure out what’s best for you.5 Disadvantages of Low-Cost FitnessThese days, it’s becoming easier than ever to access top-of-the-range services for a lot less than you’d expect. Even low-cost gyms might offer, for example, ladies-only exercise options for women nervous about exercising around men.However, what you don’t pay in cash might be paid in the quality, availability and reliability of what you buy.Here are the 5 main aspects of low-cost fitness which may make you think twice about signing up to a budget gym.Lack of a personalised programmeMany upmarket options include personal training as standard, however, this is classed as a ‘luxury’, and therefore hardly features in budget gyms.Of course, your fitness journey is all about your continuing education about techniques and your physiology, however, no amount of googling and Youtube tutorials can replace a professional in training program design who has had to sit formal fitness certification exams to become a personal trainer.Many recommend that beginners see a personal fitness trainer as an athlete with a personal  trainer certification to try out different exercise programs before they set out in a gym by themselves. Advice from a fitness professional helps them get used to the gym environment and how their body responds to physical exertion.Increased risk of injuryAlthough many gyms do their best to introduce you to the equipment, since there is no personal guidance whilst you embark on your journey towards your goals, you’re more likely to use the machines incorrectly and subsequently injure yourself.Personal training can reduce your risk of accident at the gym ¦ source: Pixabay - MeditationsNeed for self-motivationSince there is no one to make sure that you turn up on time and stick to your fitness program, you have to do so yours elf.Being able to self-motivate means the difference between wasting your time and money, and successfully achieving your objectives.Risk of stagnationStagnation is what happens when you can’t see any clear way to improve your skills, so your workouts become far too easy and you stay at the same ability.With expert advice, this won’t happen, but the nature of low-cost gyms means that you have to learn to challenge yourself on your own.Added costsSince low-cost gyms only provide the very basics as part of your membership fees, you may be expected to pay for locker, changing and shower facilities â€" so your training may not be so low-cost after all.Having help and guidance from a fitness specialist can help avoid all of these problems, but it’s all about weighing up the pros and cons and deciding what’s right for you.

Career Guidance for Teenagers

Career Guidance for Teenagers Parents often have ideas of what types of careers their children should consider once they approach college, but they are, of course, quite biased. Although adults have a lifetime of experience to draw from, they really only know their own career journey well. Parents intentions might be good when they suggest possible college majors and career paths, but its more important that they put their teens in the drivers seat and guide them from the sidelines. Understandably, parents want to compel their teens to get serious about their futures as early in high school as possible, but this can be overwhelming and counterproductive for students, says Eileen Huntington, CEO and Co-Founder of Huntington Learning Center. So, whats the best way to help teens explore the possibilities and discover the best career for them? Huntington offers these tips: Ask more than just, What do you want to do? Sure, some teens have known what they want to do from the time they were in third grade, but for those who havent discovered that yet, its fruitless and frustrating to be asked the question over and overthey simply dont know yet. Instead, parents should ask their teens about school and extracurricular experiences that make feel fulfilled and productive. Try questions like, What subjects are you best at? In school and life, when do you feel most successful? and Are there any jobs youve heard of that sound interesting to you? Springboard from the strengths. While teens might recognize that they are skilled at science and math, they might not understand what careers would suit their strengths. This is where a career assessment might be useful, and the school guidance counselor might have recommendationsor parents can search online for options like ACT Profile, a college and career planning platform that helps students identify majors and occupations that might fit their interests and abilities. The College Boards Big Future Major and Career Search tool is also a great resource for teens who know what theyre good at but arent sure what careers best highlight those assets. Encourage them to talk to real-world professionals. Sure, an internship in college is a great way to get hands-on experience in a field, but high school is a good time to figure out what career options appeal. Teens who are interested in medicine might spend time volunteering in a hospital or talking with a physician in private practice. Those convinced that acting is their calling can reach out to a local theater company and ask to talk to some of the people who work there about their experience. Parents can encourage their teens to check out job shadowing (and similar) opportunities through their guidance counseling offices, or proactively set up conversations and experiences on their own. Nudge them to get involved. Sports are an obvious extracurricular activity in high school, but teens should look beyond athletics for ways to get to know themselves. Many clubs and organizations lend members insights into different academic pursuits and careers. Look for clubs focused on math, science, entrepreneurship, journalism, foreign languages, debate, business, public speaking and art, to name a few possibilities. The hands-on nature of clubs fosters professional development while building responsibility and encouraging teens to think about their life purpose and future. Huntington reminds parents that most peoples careers are not a straight, narrow path. While parents want their teens to make the very most of the college investment, the real value in this process is that teens learn to assess their strengths and navigate their careers, she says. Its never too early to begin thinking about ones career plan, but life is a journey. Teens should explore opportunities, continually evaluate their strong suits, and keep an open mind as they move through their lives. About Huntington Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader.Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. 2018 Huntington Mark, LLC. Huntington Learning Center, the three-leaf logo, and 1 800 CAN LEARN are registered trademarks of Huntington Mark, LLC. Each franchised Huntington Learning Center is operated under a franchise agreement with Huntington Learning Centers, Inc.

4 Ways to Make Online Learning Successful - by TutorNerds

4 Ways to Make Online Learning Successful - by TutorNerds Take your teacher and tutor anywhere: 4 ways to make online learning successful Online Edtech has made it so easy for students to be able to learn in the convenience of their home but, they can still utilize this technology when theyre out and about. A well-rounded education includes more than just looking at a computer screen. There are on-the-job experiences, museums, field trips, and travel. Many older students are taking their teacher with them, virtually, so they can experience the world and still have a guide to help them know whats important and what to pay extra attention to. However, this requires some creative communication, and the technology is now advanced enough that teacher and student can communicate almost anywhere check out our in-home online tutoring network TutorNerd. Match with experienced tutors in your area all from the comfort of your home. 1.     Real-time interaction One of the best ways for teacher and student to communicate is through simple real-time interaction. In a virtual world, this means that the student is hearing the teacher’s voice and maybe seeing their face, but theyre not there in person. Students can ask questions and get immediate answers, and teachers can move from one topic to another without advanced preparation. One of the issues here is that its difficult to get a whole classroom of people to meet virtually at the same time, and so this type of online education tends to include private tutoring and consultation. Many students use their video for a brief meet and greet but then find the camera to be a distraction and end up using voice only while they work through their study session or learning material. 2. One-way communication Although initially, one-way communication doesnt seem like the ideal fit, it can work great in an online environment. The instructor can record a lecture or lesson ahead of time and students can watch it or listen to it when they have time. Many online students are working adults or high school students in an alternative learning environment, so they want to be able to study after work or on weekends. Many one-way communication courses still provide a great opportunity for interaction and QA theres just a delay in response. One-way communication can also work great for students working with a private instructor in a different time zone or for lessons that require additional preparation or research on the part of the educator. 3. On-the-go situations Creative communication can even help students learn while they’re out and about. For example, the instructor can record some preliminary information about artwork for artifacts in a museum that their student is planning to visit and the student can listen to these facts and figures in their ear buds while standing right in front of said artifact. In theory, a teacher could pre-record cultural lessons about world heritage sites or practical facts about how to navigate technology. Online students can be in any self-led field trip and still have a virtual teacher there with them. 4. Shared information One of the most important things about making online education successful is to figure out how to appropriately share information. What these days document sharing is readily available through Google Docs and teachers can look at students’ computer screens to help them navigate the world of Internet research by viewing their screen through programs such as Join.Me. Students can even set up a split screen where they have their work on one side and document sharing on another. Although there are many benefits to having two people sitting in the same room at the same time with a piece of paper and pencil, creative communication, and modern technology allows people to get together and learn when they would otherwise never have had a chance to meet. This encourages so much more people to receive their education in an alternative environment and give them the option to do more than just sit in front of a screen while they complete assignments. As more and more things happen online, students will be able to expand their education outside of the classroom. In-home online tutoring is a great way for students to get extra help without interfering with their busy schedules. Check out online tutoring network TutorNerd to learn more! 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.

On Singledom

On Singledom credit: http://www.flowers-magzine.com/Reviving_Wilted_Roses I can rejoice in the fact that it’s just me again. I no longer have the burden of another person. I can do what I want, when I want. I can enjoy the uncertainty of being a twenty-year-old junior in college. I can enjoy the uncertainty of what will happen every time I go out. I actually feel like going out again. The strange sadness that prevented me from doing anything is gone. The strange sadness of knowing that I was in the wrong relationship is gone completely. I can listen to all kinds of happy single-girl music, and then recognize that it isn’t my style. I can actually figure out what my style is. I can actually figure myself out. I remember that I’m still not fully acquainted with who I am. I have yet to fully develop my own identity. I can start by gathering qualities in myself that I admire. I admire my sensitivity, as it denotes empathy and caring. That doesn’t mean that I am weak or fragile, it means that I hold consideration for others in the highest regard. It means that I am in tune with my emotions and that I have a warm, open, heart. I know that I am stronger than I seem. I can remember bad things, much worse than this breakup that I got myself through. I recognize that I am my own best advocate. I can keep my own company and be in a relationship with myself. I know that the relationship that I have with myself is the most important relationship in my life. I know that at the end of the day, I have to be my own lover. I know that unless I have a stable, loving, respect-filled relationship with myself, that I will never be able to have one with another guy. I am thankful for the non-romantic relationships in my life. I am thankful for my family, and for my friends, who are the family I’ve chosen. I know that regardless of my romantic status, my life is filled with love. I will never give up on love. I will, of course, let my heart heal, and wait for the right person to let in next. I will be patient, but hopeful. I will be alright. I’m single again, and I’m going to be okay.

Schools closing early for the weekend to save money - Tutor Hunt Blog

Schools closing early for the weekend to save money Schools closing early for the weekend to save money Schools closing early for the weekend to save moneySchoolss most people are aware we are still suffering through austerity, with significant cuts to most public sectors, including the police force, and the education department. Even though we are living through these frugal times, I was certainly not aware that some schools are having to cut short their working week because they can`t afford to educate their pupils for the full five days. I was astonished to learn that as many as 200 schools across the United Kingdom have already cut their working weeks, or are considering doing so within the next academic year. The standard practice here seems to be sending the children home after lunch on Friday. To accommodate those parents who may be working, and unable to collect their children at this earlier time, most schools will offer some kind of `after school club,` enabling pupils to remain supervised on school property - all for a fee of course. This practice seems to have been going on for a number of years in some schools, with the greater public largely aware of it - that was until last week, when hundreds of parents and pupils staged a protest march outside Westminster. The march was Organised by Labour MP Jess Phillips, whose son attends a primary school in Birmingham which has recently adopted the shorter working week. Not content with just organising the march, Jess Philips has gone a step further - on Friday, after her 10 year old son Danny`s school day finished at lunchtime, she drove him and his friend Morris to 10 Downing street, where the boys sat of the Prime Minister`s front steps and completed their homework. This bold statement was obviously to highlight the Government`s responsibility to care for and educate children throughout the whole working week. When questioned about whether it was appropriate for a child to be sitting outside someone`s doorstep doing their homework Ms Philips said `The whole thing is quite exciting for him - he wants to stick up for his school. It`s a brilliant school.` Some might say that she is using her son to make a crude political point, but I for one applaud her methods. It is simply unacceptable that a large number of schools are adopting the practice of closing early. Half a day may not sound like much, but that`s ten percent of the working week - children in these schools will be missing out on a huge portion of their education. It could also be the start of a slippery slope - if half a day can be cancelled, why not a whole day? Why not just have a three day week - for the other two days the school can hire child minders, employing them at a lower salary than teachers, and charge the parents for the cost of looking after their children. Ms Philips has said that in Birmingham alone there are 26 schools already employing a four and a half day week, or are in the process of introducing it; and this certainly isn`t to say that the problem is solely confined to that part of the country, as the MP was keen to point out: `This is not just a Birmingham issue, which is what the government wants to paint it as - it`s a problem in Stockport, Oxford, Cambridgeshire, Berkshire there was one in Theresa May`s (Maidenhead) constituency Bournemouth, London, Leicester, Sandwell.` The campaign group Save our Schools have said that children on this system will lose about 20 school days a year. For young children in primary school, whose brains are like sponges, assimilating information faster than any other age group, each day at school is valuable. The government themselves made this point when they stood behind their policy of fining parents who take their children out of school to go on holiday. This practice of shortening the working week is hypocritical, extremely damaging to children`s` education, and should be immediately stopped. 7 months ago0Add a Comment