Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Algebra Symbols

Algebra Symbols Algebraic symbols are the symbols which join two or more algebraic terms in an algebraic expression. It can be addition, subtraction, multiplication and division etc. These are the four important symbols of algebra. And these are denoted as follows:- Addition is denoted by +, Subtraction is denoted by -, Multiplication is denoted by x and Division is denoted by / Example 1:(5x -12y-5z) + (4z+11y+2x) Solution :-First we will begin by opening the parentheses, = 5x -12y-5z +4z+11y+2x Now we have to separate the like terms and writing them together, we will get the following = 5x+2x-12y+11y-5z+4z =7x-y-z Therefore on solving (5x -12y-5z) + (4z+11y+2x), we get 7x-y-z. Example 2:Solve 2x/4 + 5x/4 = 3/4 + 5/4 Solution:-Given, 2x/4 + 5x/4 = 3/4 + 5/4 Now we have to solve the right hand side, for this we need to take LCM on the right hand side 2x/4 + 5x/4 = (3+5)/4 2x/4 + 5x/4 = (8)/4 2x/4 + 5x/4 = 2 Similarly we have to solve the left hand side by taking the LCM on left hand side 2x/4 + 5x/4 = 2 (2x+ 5x)/4 = 2 7x/4 = 2 We can rewrite this as, 7x/4 = 2/1 Now to solve the above equation, we have to cross multiply the above, then we will get (7x) x 1= 2 x 4 7x = 8 Now to find out the value of x, we have to divide both sides of the equation by 7 7x/7 = 8/7 Therefore x = 8/7

Friday, March 6, 2020

Teaching Outside the UK Neednt be Scary.

Teaching Outside the UK Neednt be Scary. Get Ready to Teach Outside the UK. ChaptersBut, Why Bother Teaching Abroad?Which Qualifications Do You Need to Teach Abroad?Teaching Abroad by Country: Rates and Things to be Aware Of.Establishments for Helping you Teach AbroadThe Administrative Steps to Start Teaching AbroadAdditional Steps for Teaching Abroad“Making a big life change is pretty scary. But, you know what’s even scarier? Regret”Did you know that more and more teachers are choosing to teach outside the UK?There's a growing market for English speaking teachers around the world. In fact, teaching English abroad is arguably the most popular job for British expats - with over 100,000 TEFL jobs opening every year  (TEFL, by the way, standing for Teaching English as a Foreign Language). Once you've attended a TEFL course and got your TEFL certification, you can start teaching your mother tongue to foreign students who are learning it as a second language. (And if it isn't your mother tongue, you can teach it too!)That said, not all TEFL courses are the same or accepted everywhere. The CELTA is far more widely accepted than an online TEFL qualification.  There are also international teaching opportunities for plenty of subjects.While an English teaching job is probably easier to find when looking for jobs abroad, there are plenty of rewarding jobs abroad for those interesting in teaching overseas in other subjects.However, moving abroad to teach is sometimes harder than it looks. The first question you need to ask yourself regards the administrative steps you'll need to take before you can start teaching abroad.Fortunately for you, we have the answers in this article. 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 JonathanEconomics 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!Dis cover all our tutorsBut, Why Bother Teaching Abroad?Firstly, however, it's worth thinking about why you would bother to teach abroad in the first place. So, why do so many people do it? What are the benefits for you?Honestly, there are so many amazing things about travelling and teaching English abroad that we could probably dedicate a whole article to the subject. However, just to give you a quick idea, here's a little list.See the world.  - Teaching abroad let's you travel, and it can take you to almost every continent on the planet. Considering that there are nearly two billion people speaking and learning English in the world, the market is huge - and can take you to pretty much any country you would like to go.Travel differently.  - Whilst you could see the world on your own steam, teaching gives you a completely different experience of a place. It puts you in touch with real residents of places (students, parents, other teachers) and gives you a peek into different cultures th at you are rarely ever going to get if you are merely backpacking.And earn whilst you travel. - The other thing is that, if traveling is your priority, teaching on the road can keep you traveling forever. Teach, earn a living, and move on.Meet and teach amazing people. - There's nothing like leading a class of students. Whilst it can be a little nerve-wracking to begin with, it is always an incredibly rewarding experience in the end. Helping people to learn is inspirational - and you'll undoubtedly build strong relationships during your time teaching.Looks great on your return.  - People are always dead impressed with people that move, live, and teach abroad - whether that's your parents, friends, or the bloke or girl you fancy. But, on a more serious note, employers too rate the spirit of adventure, dedication, and adaptability pretty highly. So, if you don't intend to stay away forever, the CV might be something to consider too.A personal challenge.  - Teaching abroad is great fun . Yet it can be pretty tough too: you're going to a place you don't really know, teaching people who speak a different language, working with people you've never met before. The CELTA course, too, is an incredibly demanding experience, in which you will be stressed, nervous, and tested. However, at the end of it all, it'll be worth it.As we said above, we could go on. But let's get on to the more practical side of things. If you're convinced that you're going to do it, we need to help you get there. So, what do you need to consider?Which Qualifications Do You Need to Teach Abroad?Whether you want to teach English, modern foreign languages, PE, etc., you'll need to get the necessary qualifications and experience.However, before you start any application process for heading abroad, you should know that there are different ways to get teaching jobs in other countries:You could teach in state schools.You could teach in private schools - which include language schools.You could teach pri vately as a tutor.Each of these jobs comes with different requirements in terms of experience and qualifications.Sometimes being a teacher can be stressful. (Source: JESHOOTScom)Teaching in Language Schools: The Classic Option for Teaching Abroad.Whether you're looking for ESL teaching jobs for your gap year or starting a new career abroad, the first step you should take is finding out what you need to do and in which order you'll need to do it.The CELTA.The most important thing to consider is your CELTA qualification. CELTA stands for Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults - and is also known as the Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This is the benchmark for TEFL training in the world, and only this is  guaranteed  to be held in high regard by language schools across the world.  There's a thing with TEFL that is both a blessing and a curse. That's that it's now a massive industry. This is a blessing as there are so many opportunities across the world. However, it is a curse because there is a bit of a risk of prospective tutors being scammed.So, when you Google things like 'CELTA' or 'TEFL', you'll see lots and lots of sponsored content. This means adverts - and it's important to remember that, just because something appears first on Google, it doesn't mean that it is reliable. Remember that Cambridge English is the best place to go to find reliable, quality qualifications.I would personally advise against any language schools that isn't recognised by Cambridge - or by the British Council. This counts for online courses too - yet, to say this as clearly as possible:It is highly recommended that you take the CELTA training in person, rather than online. You will need to teach in front of people when abroad. Get the practice in then whilst you can.To get onto the CELTA course, by the way, you will need some GCSEs and some proof that you can speak English.What Else?Otherwise, individual language schools may well ask for different qualifications, levels of education, and levels of experience.Experience is a key thing here, because schools prefer if you went straight into a job after finishing your CELTA. If you wait too long before your first job, the schools might be a bit puzzled. And, as with any job, the more experience, the more likely you are to be hired.In some cases, establishments may be willing to accept candidates who don't meet all the necessary bureaucratic requirements.  A lot of those who want to teach English abroad can find teaching positions where the language school will help them gain a work visa and start teaching English overseas.Teaching in State Schools Abroad.Teaching in the state schools of a different country is much like teaching in state schools within the UK. This is the toughest route, and you are most likely to need formal teaching qualifications relevant to the country to which you are applying.So, PGCEs  or PGDEs - the English and Scottish teaching qualifications re quired for state school teaching in the UK -   aren't usually accepted abroad. If they are, they usually need to be translated.  What you will need is the qualification of the different country - which will come most likely with language requirements of their own.To do this, you will find that living abroad either permanently or for an extended period of time is the best way to find a teaching career in a given country.  Sure, you can do interviews over the phone or by using video conferencing services such as Skype. That said, you'll still need to have the right qualifications as well as - crucially - some teaching experience.Establishments may require their employees to be residents - or even citizens - of that country.  For those that do, you probably have to provide proof of this either during the application or before you start work. The trouble is here that, generally, it takes around five years of permanent residency in the country to be entitled to residency status.If you ar e committed to a given country, having residency there will entitle you to more rights and, in certain circumstances, the better working conditions and benefits.As you'll have understood, there are plenty of different administrative hoops you'll have to jump through - particularly when talking about state schools.Private Tuition Abroad.Finally, another option is to become a private tutor abroad - or else, take your existing private tuition business abroad with you. There are a couple of ways to do this.Firstly, if you are hoping to work in Europe, you can keep your Superprof profile and hop on over to the continent without any trouble (at least for the moment - but subject to change due to Brexit). It all works exactly the same there, and you can find clients immediately.  The qualifications you need for this will be the same as the ones you need in the UK.  If you are heading to a different country, however, you will have to check the immigration rules - as you may need a work perm it to receive cash.Secondly, you could do a thing whereby you talk to an agency in the UK which can set you up with tutoring opportunities abroad. This could be for home schooling, for being a resident tutor, or for being a teaching nanny. Qualifications for this will depend on the level and age of those you are hoping to teach.You will probably need a criminal record check though if you are intending to work with children. 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 ou r 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 JonathanEconomics 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 tutorsTeaching Abroad by Country: Rates and Things to be Aware Of.Now, we're not going to go through every country in the world and tell you the pay rates, but we'll try to give you a g eneral idea. As might be expected, rates change dramatically by country - just as you'll find that costs of living change dramatically too. So, whilst you might get more cash in France than in Vietnam, you'll find that you are probably spending much less in the latter.  A lot of people, fresh from their CELTA qualification, tend to head to places in east and south-east Asia. We're talking here about Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and up to Japan. These have a developed TEFL scene, and you probably won't have too much trouble finding work out there.South and Latin America have a growing TEFL market, but you might find that there are less jobs advertised than in other parts of the world. This is because schools hire face-to-face. So, if you are in South America and want to teach English, go into a language school and ask what's what.The opportunities for paid work teaching English in Africa can be a little slim. This is not to say don't try, however! It's worth knowing though that it is more common for teachers to volunteer doing TEFL in Africa.As you might imagine, teaching English in Europe requires you to apply for jobs as you would in the UK.Below, there's a little comparison of different rates across the world.Teaching English Abroad RatesHong KongYou can earn as much as $7,500 a month!KazakhstanMaybe surprisingly, pay for TEFL can be up to $5000 a month.UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, KuwaitThese Arab countries have rich populations, and their rates for English teachers reflects this. Expect as much as $5000.VietnamYou can expect around $1000-2000 for teaching a month.EuropeStarting salaries can be around $1500 a month.Establishments for Helping you Teach AbroadThe British Council: The Kings of English Learning and TeachingThe British Council, for example, has plenty of useful resources for those living, working, or studying outside of the UK. They also have plenty of useful resources for those teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), one of the most commonly taught subjects by British teachers living outside the UK.Which is the best type of teaching for you? Take the time to work out what works for you. (Source: Free-Photos)From their website, you can do things like:Apply to be an English language assistant around the world.Find resources for teaching English as a foreign language.Learn more about different countries around the world.Get practical information on aspects of life in other countries.Similarly, the British Council is a great point of contact for anyone needing more information about teaching outside of the UK. Additionally, they also have information about living abroad and in different countries.Cambridge Assessment EnglishThese are the guys that design, advertise, and run the CELTA course. But they do a bit more than that too - hosting, as they do, the database of all the Cambridge-associated centres across the world (they have nearly three thousand centres across 130 countries).For those who are teaching, they have lots and lots of English teaching resources for you to download - which will take a bit of pressure off your time away.TEFL.The website known simply as TEFL is a great resource for those away and those looking to go away - as it is absolutely packed with advice.Get help with writing the best TEFL CV, scroll through their massive database of jobs, or sign up to their teaching semester in Vietnam to see what this whole TEFL thing's about.So what steps do you need to take in order to start teaching abroad?The Administrative Steps to Start Teaching AbroadYou need to make sure you're prepared to move to another country. Different jobs come with different requirements and different processes. It's important to respect the application procedure for the job that you are applying for:Complete the application forms as instructed.Remember to include your qualifications.In order to command a higher salary, make sure to include your past experience.Don't forget to attach any proof of your language s kills and your CEFR level.If requested, you may need to attach copies of your qualifications (or translations of them).You may also need to attach copies of all other documents requested.You need to plan carefully if you want to become a teacher abroad. (Source: TeroVesalainen)In addition to standard qualifications you may have, it might be useful to include whether or not you can teach disabled students, students with special educational needs, are first aid trained, etc. It won't hurt to have previous teaching experience, either.Instead of an entire year teaching, there are also placements and training programmes you can do. These are a great way to gain professional experience while improving your teaching skills.If your application is successful for  a given job, you also have various legal requirements to meet before you can live and work in certain countries. However, you should be aware that some countries have very stringent visa requirements and procedures for immigration. In fact, the administrative procedure for many countries can be an absolute nightmare.Additionally, these procedures can be completely different from one country to another. For example, the procedure in Korea won't be the same as it would be Spain, Thailand, or Vietnam.Of course, even after you've done all this and got a job, there are still there other things you have to do.Additional Steps for Teaching AbroadYou need to keep in mind that being accepted for a position doesn't mean they have completed all the necessary steps for becoming a teacher abroad. There are also administrative steps that your new workplace may need to take in order for you to stop working with them such as:Requesting visas.Preparing accommodation (if this is included in your contract or provided by the establishment).If you want to teach in state schools abroad, there are usually a lot of steps to take. (Source: Wokandapix)Not forgetting the administrative steps that need to take place before you can start working:Finding accommodation, contracting water, electricity, and gas, for example:Opening a bank account and using it.And getting an international driver's licence, if you're going to need to drive.For researchers, you may have a different visa to complete.In some cases, you will also be expected to register upon your arrival in the country.Don't forget that you also need plenty of useful teaching resources to effectively do your job. Your new job may be completely different to what you're used to, which may mean changing, replacing, or developing the teaching resources that you usually use.Don't forget that your new job may also be a stepping stone towards greater things.So are you ready to develop your professional skills in a foreign country in either in primary schools, secondary schools, private schools, or universities?If you can't get a job as an English teacher, you could always volunteer or do a placement as a teaching assistant. This is where you work in a classroom alon gside a qualified teacher.  This might be a good experience for teachers who are interested in working abroad or in an international school as it gives them an opportunity to see what TEFL teaching involves and the methods that an ESL teacher can use to teach English to those who don't speak it as their mother tongue.Whether you go to Africa, Asia, Europe, or the Americas, you can earn a living in a foreign classroom and travel abroad to enjoy new languages and cultures.

How to Ask for More Flexibility at Work - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How to Ask for More Flexibility at Work - Introvert Whisperer How to Ask for More Flexibility at Work Guest Author June 10, 2016 Career Development, Office Politics, Problem-Solving One response Technology has made job flexibility a lot easier. Staying connected to the workplace isn’t a challenge when employees have access to smart phones, tablets and laptops. That’s one reason more and more people are seeking alternatives to the traditional nine-to-five schedule. Employers are seeing that options not only make workers happier â€" but also make them more productive. Some organizations have fully adopted flexible scheduling. Maybe your company’s not quite on the cutting edge yet, but don’t give up. If you’ve been toying with the idea of a flexible schedule, you can lead the charge. Be prepared with a serious and detailed plan, and you’ll be more likely to get a thumbs up, or at least not a definitive thumbs down. Sometimes change takes time. The Background In the gym, the definition of “flexibility” is straightforward: Your muscles aren’t short and tight. At work, “flexibility” has multiple meanings. That’s great, because you have more possibilities. Before proposing a schedule change, you need to be clear about what you want. Consider these questions: Would you like to telecommute, working from home one or more days a week? Do you want to come in earlier so you can leave sooner? Does the opposite appeal to you? Do you want a compressed work week, where your forty hours are spread over four days instead of five? Would you rather switch to part-time? Perhaps even share a position with someone else? Determine your preference, but also consider which option adapts best to your work responsibilities. The Motivation Give the upper echelon a reason to say “yes.” Develop skills that increase your value to the team and make you stand out from the crowd. Emerge as a go-to expert in a certain area. Be sure these competencies fit into your overall scheduling plan. There’s no point in becoming the best at troubling-shooting an important software program if you ultimately want to telecommute. They’ll never let you to leave the office! The Ad Lib As you’re developing your plan, take advantage of any sudden situations that let you demonstrate your effectiveness under your desired circumstances. For instance, if you want to telecommute, work when you’re home sick or trapped by a weather emergency. Or come in early to meet a looming deadline. When you eventually talk to your boss about flexible scheduling, mention these real-life illustrations of success. The Prep No action is without consequence. Changing your schedule affects coworkers. Think this through, and be prepared to counter any concerns. For example, how will you keep in touch with your team if you telecommute? How can they reach you in an emergency? What kind of equipment and devices will you need at home? Your employer may not be interested in paying for these. Will you? This might involve a significant financial outlay. The Pitch You’ve done the groundwork. Now make your case. Ask your supervisor for a meeting. Don’t throw the idea out in passing. If you don’t present it seriously, you won’t be taken seriously. Make your proposal, but don’t dwell on how it’ll benefit you. Focus on advantages to your employer. For example, telecommuting might let you get more work done, because you’ll have fewer distractions. Having someone in the office early in the morning might make the business more accessible to clients. Having the option will also improve recruitment and retention, since 74 percent consider flexible work schedules a priority when choosing a job. Describe your proposal in detail. Emphasize that you’ve already considered and addressed potential challenges and concerns. Point out that flexible scheduling is becoming more common. Since 2005, telecommuting has more than doubled. Over three quarters of workers believe they’re more productive away from the office. Don’t forget that personal anecdote about working from home when you were sick (or whatever event demonstrated your ability to flex). An instant, enthusiastic “yes” isn’t realistic, especially if flexible scheduling is new to your office. Suggest a trial run that lasts from one to three months. At the end of the period, everyone â€" your boss, co-workers, other stakeholders and yourself â€" assesses the program’s success. Then the proposal can be fully accepted, modified or, if unsuccessful, scrapped. The Negotiation You have a particular schedule in mind, but be open to alternatives. Maybe management is willing to try less radical modifications. Listen to counterproposals. Perhaps you’ll be offered flexibility within certain parameters, such as: Instead of working from nine until five, put in your hours anytime between eight a.m. and six p.m. Adjust your schedule whenever you have appointments or other personal business. Work from home when there’s a specific need, such as injury or illness. Change your schedule just one day a week. The Long Game Even if your proposal is met with a flat “no,” the idea might not be permanently off the table. Note the objections to your plan. Over time, address any concerns about your work habits. Are you slack with deadlines? If that’s the perception, improve! Also, see if problematic conditions change during the year. For instance, starting to telecommute during your busiest season probably won’t fly. Later in the year, the request might receive more support. Professionals who want job flexibility are looking for a work-life balance, not a way to get out of work. Having a well-prepared plan signals that you’re not trying to put your work on the back burner. You just want to try a new way of cooking. Author Bio: Sarah Landrum is a business and career writer with a background in Marketing and Economics. Her blog,  Punched Clocks, helps professionals find happiness and success in life and at work. Be sure to subscribe to her newsletter and follow her on social media for more great tips! Do you know what your next career step is?   Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable.   Get your copy now and start your action plan today: CLICK HERE NOW! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Boxing Classes Leeds

Boxing Classes Leeds Boxing Lessons Leeds ChaptersWhat Can I Expect From Boxing Training?Finding Boxing Classes In Leeds For You Or OthersFrench Boxing Clubs In LeedsThai Boxing Clubs In LeedsBoxercise And Boxfit Classes In LeedsAre You The Next Boxing Superstar?Do you fancy yourself as a bit of a Rocky Balboa? Sylvester Stallone played probably the most famous fictional boxer in the 1980s and still boasts a number of loyal followers to this day. Is there a more iconic scene than Balboa running up the art museum steps in Philadelphia? Or a more compelling theme tune than Survivor's 'The Eye Of The Tiger'?Will you follow in Rocky Balboa's footsteps to become a boxing champion? Photo credit: forum.linvoyage.com on Visual huntThe various forms of boxing each bring a number of physical and mental benefits. Whether you choose to start British boxing, French boxing, Thai boxing or a martial art, you will quickly learn that all of them involve lots of cardio training which is great for the heart. You will therefore need good stamin a as well as strong muscles to be successful in the boxing family! Moreover, you will need willpower and a competitive attitude.If you really want to up your game and develop or improve on your boxing technique, then make boxing training a part of your life. There is no better way to implement this change than signing up to a boxing class.Please note: Most sports centres will insist you produce a medical certificate before you join to ensure that you are fit and healthy.Do boxing clubs in Nottingham also require prospective boxers to produce a health certificate?use a speedball to develop faster reactions and more precise movements.As a newbie to the sport, all of this might sound like a piece of cake. Rest assured though, that boxing training is fun and stimulating but is also highly challenging psychologically and physically, so it’s something you will need to work hard on and enjoy doing.Find out where you can train to be a boxer in Glasgow.Finding Boxing Classes In Leeds For Y ou Or OthersLeeds is known for its contemporary culture, with sport included. Boxing is a sport well-adapted for people of all ages looking to find a friendly and supportive form of relieving stress built up as a result of a hectic lifestyle.Boxing clubs in Leeds, or most cities for that matter, have no place for thugs or bandits, and are professional centres offering suitable equipment and expert trainers.Do you have a dream to become the next boxing superstar? Have you seen signs of a champion in your son or daughter? Do you want to train in order to better yourself? Either way, we have put together a list of some of the places you might like to train at.Find boxing classes near me.If you're looking for a sporting hobby for your kids then remember that children's classes are available at most boxing gyms. Photo credit: The Bearmaiden on Visual hunt / CC BY-ND AndreyBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KostiaBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesso n free!Discover all our tutors LeeBoxing Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SajBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KaranBoxing Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ThomasBoxing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HaileyBoxing Teacher 4.50 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidBoxing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsFrench Boxing Clubs In LeedsFrench boxing is a body combat sport that has often been likened to a percussion instrument. The two opponents repeatedly punch and kick one another with their hands in gloves. If you have ever watched a boxing match in the flesh, you will know what we mean by the beating sounds!This type of boxing has been so named because it is makes up a part of French heritage.It isn't always easy to find clubs near to you that offer exactly what you want though, and unless you are lucky enough to have the perfect boxing centre righ t on your doorstep, it can be tricky finding the information you need with only short descriptions of classes and what they entail found on gym websites.As such, you may find it useful to consult the Great Britain Savate Federation - www.savate.org.uk - which lists member clubs of the federation across the country.Learn about the various combat sports you can learn in Edinburgh...British Boxing Clubs In LeedsBoxing was already being played in the 6th century before Jesus Christ, when it was described as a 'noble art'. They saw the principles of boxing for what they really are: precise, respectful and technical.Let’s face it, who hasn’t had a punch bag in their room and pretended to be Muhammed Ali competing for the title, or joked about being able to take the invincible Anthony Joshua in a punch up?British boxing, of course, was born in the UK but has evolved into the sport we know and love today over the last 200 years. With respect always at its core, boxing is governed by str ict rules and demands mutual respect from its two competitors.Since it is the most common type of boxing in the country, it is not hard to find boxing classes in the larger cities like Leeds. Here are just some:Alliance Boxing ClubBethlehem Boxing ClubRaging Bull Boxing ClubGipton Amateur Boxing Cluband more.Among the above, Alliance Boxing Club is highly recommended by its customers. The relatively new centre is based in Cross Gates and offers boxing fitness classes designed for all levels. Sessions run every evening (fitness circuits at 5.30pm and boxing at 6.30pm). Female only and juniors sessions run on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings (10.30am for women and 11.30am for juniors).Their instructors have many years of experience under their belts and are welcoming to all participants, regardless of age or gender.  Advanced one-to-one training is also available, so feel free to get in touch with them to find out more.Cardiff has some fantastic boxing lessons for women and ch ildren!Thai Boxing Clubs In LeedsThai boxing or kickboxing is perhaps one of the most violent but elegant extremes of combat sports, sharing many similarities with mixed martial arts. The pace of this type of boxing means that, if you aren’t already blessed with lightning speed or precise reactions, then you will be in no time!Here are some of the Leeds-based clubs specialising in Thai boxing:Bad Company Thai Boxing GymGolden Team Thai Boxing Gym LtdElemental Kickboxing LeedsMonty's School of KickboxingThe first on this list features regular classes for beginners, intermediates and more running each day of the week. They offer daytime classes too but most of the sessions start at around 6.15pm, to cater for those working in the inner city.In addition to offering a full timetable of group classes, Bad Company also has the ability to give private lessons with one of their trained instructors. You can contact the team by calling, emailing or dropping in to find out more about prices and what to expect from a one-to-one training session.Explore the types of Boxing Classes on offer in Liverpool.Boxercise And Boxfit Classes In LeedsIt's that time of year again where everyone seems to be on a health kick. So if you want a class that will help you shed the pounds or at least keep them off until next December, then Boxercise or BoxFit classes are a fun and effective way of doing this.Boxing is indeed an excellent way to stay fit, as boxers in Belfast would attest to.Group Boxercise classes or similar are way more fun than training in the gym alone. Photo credit: MilitaryHealth on Visual hunt / CC BYOBoxercise classes are held at Leeds' Training Cave, where introductory classes offer a safe and effective way of learning about the world of boxing. Based on HIT circuit training, the class (dubbed 'the Rocky Workout'!) gives you a full body workout.Sessions cost £5.00 each and can be attended on Tuesdays at 6.00pm, or Saturdays at 10.00am. Classes last one hour and are welcome to anyone over the age of 16.BoxFit classes, meanwhile, are offered by The Hunslet Club whereby you can join in a toning, conditioning, strengthening and fat-busting exercise workout. Perfect for releasing tension from the day, or mentally preparing for the week ahead, this class is great if you want to push yourself a little bit harder without paying for daunting boxing lessons.There really is nothing like 'punching the lights out' of a punchbag after a particularly bad day!If fitness classes like the above are what are seeking, then Leeds Council have done a heap of preparation work for you so that you don't have to. Their Active Leeds page on the council's website offers a list of all sorts of classes activities taking place across the city, including timetables for swimming, keep fit and sports classes.Visit active.leeds.gov.uk to find out more about how you can stay fit and healthy in 2018!Living around the UK? Here are some of the best Boxing Classes in London. Alterna tively, check out these Birmingham-based Boxing Classes  or discover where you can learn to box in Manchester.

Bring your Children to English (or Spanish) Class

Bring your Children to English (or Spanish) Class English students of mine and my wifes will know that we recently had a baby girl. Of course, were both interested in language learning, and take Spanish classes online.We both really want our daughter to begin learning a second language as young as possible. Besides the advantage of knowing two languages, several studies have proven that growing up bilingual offers a host of benefits for children. From an article in Newsweek:Bilingualism, of course, can be a leg up for college admission and a résumé burnisher. But a growing body of research now offers a further rationale: the regular, high-level use of more than one language may actually improve early brain development.According to several different studies, command of two or more languages bolsters the ability to focus in the face of distraction, decide between competing alternatives, and disregard irrelevant information. These essential skills are grouped together, known in brain terms as “executive function.” The research su ggests they develop ahead of time in bilingual children, and are already evident in kids as young as 3 or 4.So when should you start teaching a second language to your children? After watching the TED video posted below of researcher Patrica Kuhl talking about The linguistic genius of babies we realized that, even though our daughter is less than 2 months old, its a great time to begin.Being the believers in Skype language learning that we are, Teauna and I have started bringing our daughter to our Spanish classes. Honestly, its hard to tell if shes absorbing anything at this point. Mostly she just sleeps through the classes. But we hope that as she grows, shell grow up with both Spanish and English.We configure the classes with our audio playing through our computers speakers, so that our daughter will hear our Spanish and our teachers Spanish, so that they get to hear a native speaker along with our non-native accents (and mistakes).We have a few students who have also started bri nging their babies to English classes, with the same purpose in mind. Theres no extra charge for bringing babies (or anyone!) to your class with you, so if you have a child, feel free to bring him or her to class. Also, we offer classes for children, and have had great success teaching English to children over Skype at as young as 7. Contact us if youre interested in English classes for you or your children (or babies).

Police Glossary

Police Glossary So you want to become a cop, eh? Not all victims of crime or criminals speak your language. As a first responder, it would be a good idea to learn the most common second language in the world, or at least the words related to your field of study. Policing word cloud Glossary accelerantA substance used to aid the spread of fire. accusedA person or persons charged with a crime. active shooterAn individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. alibiA form of defense used in criminal procedure wherein the accused attempts to prove that he or she was in some other place at the time the alleged offense was committed. arrestTo seize and hold under the authority of law. autopsyDissection of a body to determine the causes of death. badgeA distinctive emblem worn as a mark of office, membership, achievement, or licensed employment. bailiffA legal officer to whom some degree of authority or jurisdiction is given. batonA club of less than arm’s length made of wood, rubber, plastic or metal carried for forced compliance and self-defense by law-enforcement officers, correctional staff, security-industry employees and (less often) military personnel. bulletproof vestA vest capable of resisting the impact of a bullet. Canadian Criminal CodeA law that codifies most criminal offences and procedures in Canada. cause of deathThe action that caused the death, for example a blow to the head. chargeAccuse someone of an offense under law. clueA sign showing the probable existence of something that is found on a crime scene and is related to crime. community policingThe system of allocating police officers to particular areas so that they become familiar with the local inhabitants. coronerAn official who investigates violent, sudden, or suspicious deaths. corruptionDishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery. courtA tribunal presided over by a judge, judges, or a magistrate in civil and criminal cases. crime sceneThe location where a crime took place, and comprises the area from which most of the physical evidence is retrieved by law enforcement personnel, crime scene investigators or in rare circumstances, forensic scientists. criminalA person charged with and convicted of a crime. criminal codeA document which compiles all of a particular jurisdiction’s criminal law. criminal recordA list of a person’s previous criminal convictions. crowd controlA public security practise where large crowds are managed to prevent riots. Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)Canada’s primary national intelligence service responsible for collecting, analyzing, reporting and disseminating intelligence on threats to Canada’s national security. declarationAn explicit, formal announcement, either oral or written. delinquencyMinor crime committed by young people. detectiveA detective is an investigator, either a member of a law enforcement agency or a private person. discretionary powerA power that police office have that allows them to remain silence. domestic violence Violence toward or physical abuse of one’s spouse or domestic partner. drugAn illegal chemical substance that changes the state of a normal person. emergency vehicle lightingVisual warning lights fitted to a vehicle to convey the urgency of a journey when moving, to provide additional warning of a hazard when stationary, or to signal another driver to stop. evidenceThe available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief about a crime is true or valid exhibitA document or other object produced in a court as evidence. fineA sum of money exacted as a penalty by a court of law or other authority. firearmA rifle, pistol, or other portable gun. gunA weapon incorporating a metal tube from which bullets, shells, or other missiles are propelled by explosive force. gunshot woundA form of physical trauma sustained from the discharge of arms or munitions. handcuffsA pair of lockable linked metal rings for securing a prisoner’s wrists. hideoutA hiding place, especially one used by someone who has broken the law. hit-and-runA motor accident in which the vehicle involved does not stop. hooliganismWillful wanton and malicious destruction of the property of others hostageA person seized or held as security for the fulfillment of a condition. in camera hearingA closed-door hearing in judge’s chambers, usually concerning sensitive child-related issues. indictFormally accuse of or charge with a serious crime. inmateA person confined to an institution such as a prison or hospital. innocent bystanderA guiltless witness of a crime. investigationThe work of inquiring into something complex and systematically. investigatorA person who carries out a formal inquiry or investigation. jailA place for the confinement of people accused or convicted of a crime. judgeAn official person who presides over court proceedings. kettleConfine a group of demonstrators to a small area, as a method of crowd control during a demonstration. killerA person who kills. knifeA cutting instrument consisting of a sharp blade attached to a handle. lawThe system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members and may enforce by the imposition of penalties. lawyerSomeone who makes practical application of abstract legal theories and knowledge to solve specific individualized problems, or to advance the interests of those who retain them to perform legal services. Miranda warningA warning given by police to criminal suspects in police custody, informing them of their right to silence. motiveA reason which urges somebody to commit this crime. moving violationAny violation of the law committed by the driver of a vehicle while it is in motion. murderThe unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another nightstickA police officer’s club or billy oathA solemn promise, often invoking a divine witness, regarding one’s future action or behavior. offenceA violation or breach of a law, custom, rule offenderA person who has committed one or more offenses. offenseA violation of a law. pepper sprayA chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and temporary blindness. plea of guiltyA statement by an alleged offender that they have committed the offence with which they are charged. policeThe civil force of a national or local government, responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order. police officerA person who has the function of enforcing the law, maintain order and ensure public safety. police raidA visit by the police, immigration officers or other officials, hoping to use the element of surprise to arrest targets. police recordA file listing convictions of an individual, and made available to the public authority. police reportthe physical record of an incident deemed to be illegal or potentially illegal. police uniformA set of clothing that police officers must wear while on duty. policemanA member of a police force. prisonA building in which people are legally held as a punishment for crimes they have committed or while awaiting trial. prosecutionThe institution and conducting of legal proceedings against someone in respect of a criminal charge. radarA system for detecting the speed of vehicles, by sending out pulses of high-frequency electromagnetic waves that are reflected back to the source. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)The Canadian national police service and an agency of the Ministry of Public Safety Canada, unique in the world since it is a national, federal, provincial and municipal policing body. releaseAllow or enable to escape from confinement; set free. remandTo place a defendant on bail or in custody, especially when a trial is adjourned. robberyThe action of robbing a person or place. search warrantA court order issued by a judge that authorizes law enforcement officers to conduct a search of a person, location, or vehicle for evidence of a crime and to confiscate evidence if it is found. shadowingAction to follow and to observe secretly the movements, the actions of one or several individuals. snitchAn informer or informant. Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM)The second largest municipal police force in Canada. Sûreté du Québec (SQ)The only Québec police organization to have jurisdiction over all of Québec, and performs police activities in the municipalities it serves, road safety interventions and local and international criminal investigations. suspectA person thought to be guilty of a crime or offense. terroristOne or more persons using terror for political purposes. theftThe dishonest taking of property belonging to another person with the intention of keeping it. trialA formal examination of evidence before a judge, and typically before a jury, in order to decide guilt in a case of criminal or civil proceedings. tribunalAny person or institution with the authority to judge, adjudicate on, or determine claims or disputes, whether or not it is called a tribunal in its title. uniformThe distinctive clothing worn by members of the same organization or body or by children attending certain schools. use of force continuumA standard that provides police officers, probation officers, or corrections officers with guidelines as to how much force may be used against a resisting subject in a given situation. bulletproof vestEquipment primarily intended to protect the thorax, abdomen and back against the firing of firearms by absorbing impact. victimA person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event or action. warrantA document issued by a legal or government official authorizing the police or some other body to make an arrest, search premises, or carry out some other action relating to the administration of justice. weaponAn instrument of attack or defense in combat, such as a gun, missile, or sword. witness A person who sees a crime or accident take place. 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18 Unusual Idioms from Around the World

18 Unusual Idioms from Around the World 18 Unusual Idioms from Around the World Idioms are pretty much the best thing since sliced bread.But you should only use them once in a blue moon, or people might think youre not playing with a full deck.The idioms we use to express ourselves can sometimes seem out of left field. Sometimes the only reason we understand idioms in English is becausewell, we just know them!Maybe youve wondered where these phrases come from, but then you remember that curiosity killed the cat.Thats nothing compared to what you might feel the first time you encounter an idiom in a foreign language. These bizarre phrases native speakers drop like the most normal thing in the world can leave you questioning your listening comprehension or wondering whether you missed something important when  designing your language learning study plan.Every language has them. Even languages closely related to your native language might have idioms that leave you feeling like you didnt get the memo the first time you hear them.  That said, some idioms really take the cakeâ€"and guessing what they mean isnt  easy as pie. Here are 18 unusual idioms from around the world.18 Unusual Idioms from Around the World 1. Stop ironing my head!Next time someone is annoying you, just tell them to stop ironing your head!The Armenian ?????? ??? ???????? (glukhs mi? ardukeer), or Stop ironing my head, means Stop annoying me!This idiom is so useful that it actually appears in other languages as wellâ€"for example, the Turkish Kafa ütüleme means Dont iron my head!2. Are you still riding the goat?Cheyenne is a fascinating language thats now highly endangered, with only a couple thousand living speakers, mostly on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation.Its also the source of a rather catchy way of asking someone whether theyre separated from their spouse, Mónésótáhoenôtse kosa?â€"literally, Are you still riding the goat?3. Walk around in hot porridgeI wont walk around in hot porridge, Ill tell you right away: Chodit kolem horké kaÅ¡e is the Czech equ ivalent of “beat around the bush.”As if the phrase walk around in hot porridge wasnt already perplexing enough, the Finnish and Norwegians have also brought cats into the picture, using pace around hot porridge like a cat to mean the same thing (kiertää kuin kissa kuumaa puuroa in Finnish, Ã¥ gÃ¥ som katta rundt den varme grauten in Norwegian).4. Emit smoke from seven orificesThe Chinese  ????  (qiqiàoshengyan) to emit smoke from seven orifices means to be extremely angry. You might be wondering exactly what the orifices in question are, so just to clear things up: eyes, ears, nostrils and mouth.If you prefer your fiery anger-related idioms in Hindi, you can also go for ?????? ????? (angaare ugalana)â€"to excrete embers.5. Have other cats to whipThe French Jai dautres chats à fouetter! is analogous to Englishs I have other fish to fry! but literally talks about whipping cats instead.Between this idiom and pace around hot porridge like a cat, you might be sensing that a dispr oportionate number of idioms include cats.This feline fixation holds for English tooâ€"let the cat out of the bag, curiosity killed the cat, etc. Apparently people figured out long before the Internet that cats just make everything better.6. God bless you and may your mustache grow like brushwoodYou might think bless you is a perfectly adequate response to a sneeze, but Mongolians would beg to differâ€"they prefer the more comprehensive ?????? ????? ????? ????? ????? ????  (burkhan orshoo butyn chinee sakhal urga)  which wishes a fine blessing upon your mustache as well.7. Have the cockroachIn English, we sometimes say that to be feeling down is to have the blues. The expression in French is pretty much the same except, well, you replace blues with cockroachâ€"avoir le cafard.8. Live like a maggot in baconYou might think it doesnt sound very appealing to live like a maggot in bacon, but youll think again when I tell you the German Leben wie die Made im Speck refers to living luxurio usly.Just think how happy and well-fed that little maggot must be surrounded by delicious bacon!9. Inflate a cowYou mean, just when science has finally proven that cow-tipping is mathematically impossible, now we have to deal with cow inflation?!No, not so fast! To describe someone as inflating a cow in Chinese, ??  (chuiniú) is simply a way of saying theyre bragging or talking something up to be bigger than it actually is.10. Hang noodles on someones earsInstinctively, you probably understand that you dont want anyone hanging noodles on your ears. Indeed, to hang noodles on someones ears in Russian,  ?????? ????? ?? ??? (veshat lapshu na ushi),  is to fool them or BS them.11. Dumplings instead of flowersThe Japanese  ?????  (hana yori dango), translating literally as dumplings instead of flowers, refers to choosing something useful over something pretty and decorative.Its equivalent to Englishs comparatively unimaginative function over form and substance over style.12. You cant pl uck feathers off a bald chickenNo, you certainly cant. It just aint gonna happen. As the Dutch say, van een kale kip kan je geen veren plukken.13. Ride an elephant to catch a grasshopperIf youve been reading the FluentU blog for a while, you might know a thing or two about an elephant named Butterfly. But you probably havent heard about riding an elephant to catch a grasshopper.The Thai ?????????????????(K ¯hi`changc?bt? ´ktæn)  refers to putting in a lot of work and getting little in return.14. As clear as dumpling brothIt turns out something is klar wie Kloßbrühe in German if its absolutely clearâ€"that is, easy to understand. Now, you might argue that dumpling broth isnt actually clear, and youd be correct.Somewhere along the way, this idiom switched from meaning not at all clear to totally clear, sort of like if clear as mud had come to be synonymous with crystal clear in English.15. Pedal in sauerkrautYou might not be surprised to hear that a plate of sauerkraut isnt the ide al locale for riding a bicycle. Accordingly, the French pédaler dans la choucroute means to get absolutely nowhere.And if youre thinking man, thats such a cool idiom, I wish there were more idioms like that, youre in luck!If you find yourself overusing this expression, you can also choose from pédaler dans le yaourt (pedal in yogurt), pédaler dans la semoule (pedal in semolina), pédaler dans la cancoillotte (pedal in cancoillotte cheese) and pédaler dans le couscous (self-explanatory!).16. A germ across the sea can be seen, an elephant on the eyelid cantThe key to understanding this Indonesian idiom kuman di seberang lautan tampak, gajah di pelupuk mata tak tampak  is not taking it too literally.Essentially, it means that its easy to see other peoples mistakes no matter how small they are, but its hard to see your own even when theyre very large.17. Get stuffed with hayThe Polish wypchac sie sianem is, in literal terms, an instruction to get stuffed with hay. Needless to say, t his isnt an expression youd direct at someone towards whom you feel fondly.18. A dog in churchThe dog  may be mans best friend, but at least in Italy, that friendship does not extend to places of worship. The Italian un cane in chiesa refers to an unwanted guest.For more colorful idioms, you can purchase Adam Jacot De Boinods I  Never Knew There Was a Word for It  (which also covers interesting words from different languages) or check out FluentUs collection of real-world videos. FluentU makes it possible to learn languages  from music videos, commercials, news, inspiring talks and more.With FluentU, you hear languages in real-world contextsâ€"the way that native speakers actually use them.Just a quick look will give you an idea of the variety of FluentU videos on offer:FluentU really takes the grunt work out of learning languages, leaving you with nothing but engaging, effective and efficient learning. It’s already hand-picked the best videos for you and organized them by level a nd topic. All you have to do is choose any video that strikes your fancy to get started!Each word in the interactive captions comes with a definition, audio, image, example sentences and more.Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and easily review words and phrases from the video under Vocab.You can use FluentU’s unique adaptive quizzes to learn the vocabulary and phrases from the video through fun questions and exercises. Just swipe left or right to see more examples of the word youre studying.The program even keeps track of what you’re learning and tells you exactly when it’s time for review, giving you a 100% personalized experience.Start using FluentU on the website  with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the  iTunes store  or  Google Play store.Youll be glad you didâ€"in fact, youll be like a kid in a candy store, or as they say in Norway, youll be in the middle of the butter melting in the p orridge!

Chinese New Year Celebration

Chinese New Year Celebration How much do you actually know about Chinese New Year? It is the most significant holiday in China and now is celebrated almost all over the world. The festival lasts 15 days and all people have days off, which they spend with their nearest. Before the New Year starts, all members of the families clean their houses, sweeping all the bad luck from the previous year. After that they decorate doors and windows  with couplets, where are good wishes written for relatives . Chinese New Year reminds us the legend about a big scary  dragon  Nian. According to the legend, this monster sneaked into the village and scared everyone inside.  People were frightened and fled away, hiding in mountains. It repeated many years, until one wise man told about three things that would scare away the beast. They  were red color, fire and loud noise. Thus, one night Chinese people used all prescribed weapon against Nian and the dragon ran away and never came back. Now all these essential elements retain in traditional celebration of Chinese New Year: people wear red costumes and prepare red decorations, light up lanterns  and let off firecrackers to scare monster Nian. Family reunion for Chinese people  on New Years Eve is the most important. Entire family gathers together, cook a lot of dishes and have a dinner. They usually cook dumplings that have unusual shape, which resembles money in ancient times,  and  noodles, which signify a long life. Besides, one more  meaningful  dish on the table is New Year Cake made from rice. The pronunciation of this cake (niangao) means better life in new year.  It also symbolizes wealth and success. Children like the festival because of the red envelopes full of money.  They should bring good luck and ward off wicked spirits. The holiday is also associated with especial Calendar. Chinese Lunar Calendar is based on combination of lunar and solar movements. Therefore, the dates of Chinese New Year are adjusted every year. The Calendar also helps to identify which day is better for crucial changes in the life. Each Chinese New Year is characterized by one of 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac. 2016 is the Year of the Monkey, the ninth animal in the cycle. The next Year of the Monkey will be in 2028. As we know monkey is a quick, shrewd and  mischievous animal. Thats why act thoughtfully and try to outsmart monkey, if you really want to be successful in all your beginnings in this year! If you like the the way of celebration of Chinese New Year in its native country you should definitely learn Chinese language and  travel to China to dive in its beautiful traditions!  Our tutors would be happy to help you with this! Chinese New Year Celebration How much do you actually know about Chinese New Year? It is the most significant holiday in China and now is celebrated almost all over the world. The festival lasts 15 days and all people have days off, which they spend with their nearest. Before the New Year starts, all members of the families clean their houses, sweeping all the bad luck from the previous year. After that they decorate doors and windows  with couplets, where are good wishes written for relatives . Chinese New Year reminds us the legend about a big scary  dragon  Nian. According to the legend, this monster sneaked into the village and scared everyone inside.  People were frightened and fled away, hiding in mountains. It repeated many years, until one wise man told about three things that would scare away the beast. They  were red color, fire and loud noise. Thus, one night Chinese people used all prescribed weapon against Nian and the dragon ran away and never came back. Now all these essential elements retain in traditional celebration of Chinese New Year: people wear red costumes and prepare red decorations, light up lanterns  and let off firecrackers to scare monster Nian. Family reunion for Chinese people  on New Years Eve is the most important. Entire family gathers together, cook a lot of dishes and have a dinner. They usually cook dumplings that have unusual shape, which resembles money in ancient times,  and  noodles, which signify a long life. Besides, one more  meaningful  dish on the table is New Year Cake made from rice. The pronunciation of this cake (niangao) means better life in new year.  It also symbolizes wealth and success. Children like the festival because of the red envelopes full of money.  They should bring good luck and ward off wicked spirits. The holiday is also associated with especial Calendar. Chinese Lunar Calendar is based on combination of lunar and solar movements. Therefore, the dates of Chinese New Year are adjusted every year. The Calendar also helps to identify which day is better for crucial changes in the life. Each Chinese New Year is characterized by one of 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac. 2016 is the Year of the Monkey, the ninth animal in the cycle. The next Year of the Monkey will be in 2028. As we know monkey is a quick, shrewd and  mischievous animal. Thats why act thoughtfully and try to outsmart monkey, if you really want to be successful in all your beginnings in this year! If you like the the way of celebration of Chinese New Year in its native country you should definitely learn Chinese language and  travel to China to dive in its beautiful traditions!  Our tutors would be happy to help you with this!