Thursday, April 2, 2020

The Organic Chemistry Tutor Mechanism

The Organic Chemistry Tutor MechanismThe organic chemistry tutor mechanism is one of the things that the most successful teachers have done to keep students focused. They were able to use their enthusiasm and the tools of success to create a positive experience for their students, and it is something that you should be doing.Now, if you want to have an organic chemistry tutor mechanism in place, you need to start by designing the meeting to teach your students. It should be organized so that the student will enjoy it. It is important that they are excited about the materials that you give them. This will make the learning experience enjoyable for everyone.Once you have a plan for the design of the organic chemistry tutor mechanism, it is important that you stick to it. You should tell your students that the tutor will be available throughout the day to provide support and guidance. You should also do your best to schedule the entire class so that it will take place at the same time e very day.To keep a good instructor happy, it is important that you make sure that your students have a great organic chemistry tutor mechanism in place. This means that you should include things like no distractions and a daily schedule. Also, make sure that your students are given tools to help them with their lessons.There are tools that your students can use in order to help them learn better. These include tests and solutions, practice solutions, and the guide for working through the homework assignments. It is important that these things are included so that students will have the materials they need for their lessons.If you want to make sure that your organic chemistry tutor mechanism is effective, then you should make sure that you communicate effectively with your students. You should explain to them the plans that you have and how they will be able to help you. You should also communicate in a way that is fun and helps students understand what they are being taught.You shou ld also make sure that your students understand the expectations you have for them. You should be honest about your expectations so that students can see what they can expect. You should also make sure that you pay attention to what your students are trying to say so that you can follow up on their needs. If you are not careful, it is possible that you could send the wrong message to your students and that this could lead to misunderstanding.To ensure that you are successful in teaching your students the organic chemistry tutor mechanism, you should put in the effort and understand what you are talking about. This is the only way that you can be successful. You should learn as much as you can about teaching the course so that you are able to improve your methods and make sure that you are successful.

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Where Can I Learn to Make Patterns

Where Can I Learn to Make Patterns Find a Pattern-Making Course Near You ChaptersPattern Making Courses at Your Local UniversityLearn Pattern Making at Your Local Sewing ShopThe Best Books for Learning Pattern MakingLearn Pattern Making OnlineDon’t Forget Superprof!These days, more people than ever are turning away from shops that offer deep discounts on clothing not meant to last more than one season; perhaps we are becoming more conscious of the rampant materialism that plagues the world today, or we just want a better value for our money.Or maybe it’s beginning to dawn on us that, slowly, we’re losing our fine motor skills â€" the capacity for precise movement of our hands as we execute detailed work.Not that we’re being alarmist or anything…We live in great times! More technology than we need in such a connected world; one where all we need to do is tap out a few letters on our phones and, presto! we’re talking with someone on the other side of the world!Or in the next room, as is more often the case.Studies show that all that texting and typing is costing us our manual dexterity. Again, no sounding of alarms going on here, but we might want to do something about keeping our fingers nimble; ready for detailed work.It’s time to face facts: technology is a central part of our lives; indeed a recent report revealed that teenagers suffer from anxiety if they are deprived of their phone.So, short of fostering an entire generation of anxious, fretting young adults, we need to find other ways to engage their fingers. Maybe something artistic and exacting…Maybe learning how to make sewing patterns would fit the bill! It’s not as far off the mark as it sounds, you know.Recently, there has been a renewed interest in sewing one’s own clothes; maybe you too have been bitten by that particular bug. And what teen doesn’t have an interest in expressing him/herself through their fashion choices?In fact, maybe you’d like to take a pattern-making class alongside your teenagers, or with some friends.Whoever goes with you, y our Superprof has made ready an entire list of places and ways you can learn how to make patterns and even how to sew.Needles ready? Here we go!continuing education courses.A great reason to check your local university to learn how to make a sewing pattern is that, most often, their instructors have extensive experience both in their subject matter and in teaching it.Another point in favour of taking classes at your local uni is that they will certainly have the resources and materials available for you to get plenty of practice.Several universities around the UK offer sewing courses in making clothes patterns. Some of the courses we found actually expand beyond making a sewing pattern for clothes; they also teach how to make bag patterns, doll patterns and patterns to make purses.In short, rather than teach a single skill â€" how to make clothing patterns, they teach pattern drafting in general.University of the Arts London offers no fewer than 63 short courses related to pattern-m aking you may choose from.You may select their Patternmaking Level I or other Level I courses on their syllabus, or get more adventurous by opting for their Experimental and Explorative Approaches to Patternmaking.Naturally, if they offer Level I courses, they also offer more advanced courses… Such a shirt dress is not as easy to design as it looks! Image by Shutterbug75 from PixabayWe really found their Draping Womenswear Design course particularly intriguing.Did you know that draping is a way to make patterns? Not like a wrap dress or a wrap skirt, and not quite like a kimono â€" which does involve draping oneself in layers of silk… we mean draping muslin on a dress form to make a pattern.You can read all about it in our article on patternmaking… Now, back to the wonderful courses at UAL.They make a distinction between pattern cutting for men’s- and womenswear; they also have courses for those who wish to learn more about the latest tools of the garment industry such as digital pattern cutters and how to use the Gerber Accumark pattern cutter.UAL is not the only college in the country offering such courses. We’ve found similar offerings at Herefordshire University, Glasgow School of Art and many other art colleges around the country.What could it hurt to ask your local school if they have such courses?Learn Pattern Making at Your Local Sewing ShopIf you were looking for places to buy dress patterns or ideas for sewing projects, you might turn to your local sewing shop. Once there, would you be surprised to find that they may also offer sewing tutorials?And, if they offer you a sewing tutorial, might they also offer lessons in pattern-making?The best part about taking lessons in pattern making at your independently-owned notions store is that they will have all of the tools you need to draw and cut out patterns. Such tools include:pens and pencilsstraightedges and French curves (to draw armholes and necklines)notcherstracing wheelsawlsmeasuring tapetailors’ chalkstraight pins and black twill tapescissorsBesides all of these necessary items, they will most likely have sewing tables to work on and, surely you could find an attractive bolt of fabric somewhere in that store!Besides making a slope â€" a template for patterns, you may learn how to incorporate darts and pleats into your pattern, include a seam allowance and learn how to grade your patterns, meaning how to size them properly.It would not be fair for us to say that every sewing shop owner is willing to give lessons but then again, maybe s/he has never thought of giving lessons in pattern making.As soon as you ask, it may become their new idea… You may learn how to create a wrap dress pattern, a shirt pattern or a skirt pattern from a book Image by PourquoiPas from Pixabay Discover the pattern and sewing techniques that allow you to revitalise your clothing! Image by JamesDeMers from PixabayLearn Pattern Making OnlineIt is true: you can learn just about anything online, from a second language to patterns sewing.We’re not just talking YouTube - even though there, too, you can find sewing channels. We mean  entire online courses â€" some free and some for a fee.Among free courses are How to Copy Garments that you Love, Pattern Grading and How to Draft and Sew your own Workout Wear.With more than 35 years in the fashion industry, Suzy Furrer is a big name in sewing circles.She now hosts several online classes in patternmaking   such as making a bodice sloper, a pants sloper (‘pants’ is used in the American sense, meaning trousers, not undergarments), a skirt sloper and how to go from a sketch to a usable pattern.She also hosts classes in pattern grading and plus-size pattern fitting.Not only can you learn to sew with Suzy, you can learn everything y ou need to know about pattern-making so that you can express your individual style through the clothes you design and make for yourself.Don’t Forget Superprof!Did we save the best for last? Maybe…After you’ve read all of the books and watched all of the video tutorials, after you’ve been to the shops to buy all of the sewing supplies you need, perhaps you need a bit more hands-on guidance; maybe a sewing tutor to come to your home.Whether you’re adjusting a Simplicity pattern or designing a tunic dress on your own, it could never hurt to have an experienced set of hands and eyes help you along.Superprof has pattern-making tutors from around the world online, waiting for you to share your vision with them so that they can help you make it a reality.The best part of having such an international community of pattern makers to choose from is that you may find yourself inspired to include elements from other cultures into your designs â€" maybe make a flared skirt for your next night out?Or they could help you design costume patterns for your next fancy dress event…your Superprof is always here for you, whether you want to design comfortable loungewear or learn how to design vintage sewing patterns.Don’t stop now! Discover the steps necessary for making your own dress pattern...

Friday, March 6, 2020

A Day in the Life at University of California, Los Angeles

A Day in the Life at University of California, Los Angeles The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Christine is a Los Angeles tutor specializing in SAT prep tutoring, French tutorinig, AP History tutoring, and more. She graduated from University of California, Los Angeles in 2013 with a Bachelors degree in Global Studies. See what she had to say about her school: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or safe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Christine: UCLA sits between Bel Air and Westwood Village, a prime spot in the urban hub of Los Angeles. Its located atop two hills, one dubbed the Hill where all the dorms are, and the hill of main campus where all the classrooms, lecture halls, and libraries are located. Its about a 10-15 minute walk between the two. The first buildings of main campus were built in 1919, and much of north campus, where the humanities/social sciences classrooms are located, are beautiful old brick buildings, grassy quads, and big shady trees. South campus, where most of the math/science buildings are located, is a bit more modern. Its the smallest UC campus by acreage, but it has the largest student body. This means that youre much more likely to run into people you know, and that by your senior year, almost everyone looks familiar just because youve seen them walking the same route to class for four years. There is a bus that goes around the perimeter of campus, but I very rarely used it. As far as bikes on campus, I brought mine, and as long as youre willing to brave the hills, it definitely makes the hilltohill commute substantially faster. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Christine: All professors and TAs are required to offer an office hour each week, and while of course it varies by professor, in my experience, UCLA professors are generally deeply concerned about student learning; questions were always more than welcome, both in person at office hours and via email. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Christine: Absolutely wonderful. Dorm life was an integral part of my first two years, and many of my closest friends, even postgraduation, are from my freshman year dorm floor. There are a few different living options at UCLA: residence halls, suites, and plazas. Residence Halls are what you might think of as traditional dorms where you share a room with one or two roommates and a bathroom with all the guys or girls on your floor (usually about 50 people). This is definitely the most social option, and I cant recommend the residence hall experience enough for first-year students. There are so many opportunities for new friendships and connections in this kind of setup. Youll be amazed how much you can bond while brushing your teeth at 2 a.m. Plazas are a bit more spacious and there is one shared bathroom for every two rooms. This style offers a bit more privacy. Suites are either two or three rooms connected by a common room and a bathroom. This style is by far the most spacious of the options, but also the most isolating, as it offers far fewer opportunities for interactions with other potential friends on your floor. On-campus food is amazing. Tons of options of fresh, delicious food mean that students who have moved off campus treasure grabbing dinner on campus with their younger friends who still have meal swipes. The Hill has undergone massive renovations and construction of new buildings in the past few years as UCLA tries to offer a four-year housing guarantee for students. Despite this push for four-year on-campus housing, most students still choose to move off campus into the adjacent apartments just off campus for their third and fourth years. Its generally less expensive to live off campus, though apartments in Westwood are quite expensive. Overall, though, I think that housing at UCLA fosters interaction, as most housing options are located in the same area, meaning that everyone has to trek the same 10-minute stretch between the dorms/apartments and classes. You basically see everyone you know on the way to class, making this big school feel a lot smaller than it actually is. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Christine: In the humanities, the English and Psychology programs are huge on campus, and there are definitely a lot of students pursuing a pre-med track through a variety of science majors. I majored in Global Studies and minored in English because I was interested in a lot of different things. Global Studies is an interdisciplinary major that allowed me to take classes in several different departments, but which all related back to the common theme of globalization in the realm of either culture, governance, or markets. It was perfect for me because I was able to explore the connections between a lot of subjects that interest me, and still pursue my interests in literature and the English language as a minor. While overall I did feel supported within the major, further developing support systems for interdisciplinary programs is definitely an area in which UCLA could improve. For example, many of my major requirements were classes in the Political Science or Economics departments, and because they were upper-division classes for those majors, they werent available to sign up for right away, and there were sometimes difficulties in making sure that registration restrictions for those classes were lifted. Despite that, Global Studies was a great experience and I encountered talented faculty, students who loved to connect the unexpected, and an incredible opportunity to pursue a diverse and personalized set of classes. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Christine: I was fortunate to land on an incredible freshman floor which was hugely helpful in terms of having a solid base of friends, but I also made a lot of friends through various study groups for different classes and through my involvement in lots of student organizations. While Greek life is definitely present (about 16% of students participate), it is definitely not necessary in order to have a healthy social life. Because UCLA is so big, it means that you dont have to tap into any one specific community in order to make friends. There are over 1,000 student groups: the perfect niche is out there, you just have to find it. VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Christine: Theres a lot of on-campus recruiting, especially in the fields of sales, accounting, consulting, engineering, and computer science. Lots of big and reputable firms recruit on campus, and the Career Center can definitely be helpful in terms of putting you in contact with relevant alumni and helping you to figure out how your personal interests can mesh with your professional goals. There is steep competition for Career Center appointments, though, so be sure to be prepared to be at your computer at 9 a.m. to book your appointment. VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Christine: Theyre great. Ive never had trouble finding space to study. There are 10 libraries, tons of study spaces in campus coffee shops and in the student union, and of course every dorm floor has a lounge as well. While prime locations do fill up during midterms and finals (the cushy corner chair in Powell Library, for example), you can always find a quiet place to focus or nap. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Christine: While its in the middle of the massive city of Los Angeles, UCLA students often describe campus, and the adjacent Westwood village, as a bubble. Its easy to walk to classes and events, and theres so much to do on campus and in the dorms (IM dodgeball games, free salsa dancing on Bruinwalk, lectures, student organization events, exhibits, live performances, etc.) that many students, especially during their first year and especially those who get involved in a lot of extracurriculars, often find themselves on campus much of the time. This is awesome because there is so much offered right on campus, but I cant stress how much I recommend getting off campus to explore. Theres so much to see and do, whether its hiking in Griffith Park, concerts in Hollywood and Silverlake, going to an improv or slam poetry performance, exploring the back canyons of Malibu, or choosing from what seems to be an infinite number of world class restaurants. Its LA: you can find pretty much everythin g. While a car is definitely very helpful for exploring LA (its a tremendously sprawling city), it is decently accessible by bus, and UCLA students do receive discounts on bus fares. Santa Monica, for example, is about 25 minutes from UCLA via the Big Blue Bus. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Christine: With 28,000 undergraduates, and an additional 13,000 grad students, UCLA is big. This was something that I was initially really concerned about, but with my major and minor combination, I was able to choose to take a lot of smaller, seminar style classes. My senior spring, all of my classes had less than 20 students. It really depends on your major and the types of classes you choose to enroll in. The GE classes are generally pretty big (the biggest are 419 students), but for all of those classes, in addition to the large lecture portion, you are also enrolled in a TAled discussion section (about 20 students), where you have a chance to get to know your classmates better, ask more detailed questions, and get additional support if you need it. In big classes, that old adage you get what you give really rings true. Its always possible to get more involved in your education, and bigger classes provide students with an opportunity to take initiative, though there are excellent support structures in place. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Christine: A class that challenged me the most: my senior Global Studies seminar, and the subsequent process of writing my final senior thesis. Working closely with a professor on the research of my choice was awesome, and while extremely difficult, I gained a lot from the experience. After 37 pages and innumerable footnotes, I feel like I can conquer any academic project that might lie in my future. My most fun class: a tie between Gospel Choir (we sang, we clapped, we conquered) and a vaudeville/standup comedy studio theater class I took with Tom Orth. First day in the comedy class: Tom comes into the room, throws a binder on the floor, and tells the class of 20 to tell him what it is and where it came from. After a brief pause, everyone started making up stories: it was a meteor, it was a magic castle for very tiny inhabitants, it was Mount Everest, it was a portkey, it was the dollar I lost yesterday in a betIt was our first exercise in stretching our imaginations. It was a class entirely about tapping into the power of childlike joy, liberating oneself from restrictions, connecting as an ensemble, and creating the most genuine storytelling possible. We danced and sang a lot, talked about everything from interviews to life on the farm, and on a lucky day, Tom might cartwheel. It was incredible, and totally unlike anything I had ever experienced. Check out Christines tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

How to Draw Anime and Manga Characters

How to Draw Anime and Manga Characters How to Draw Manga and Anime Characters ChaptersThe Different Styles of Manga and AnimeThe Different Types of CharacterTools for Drawing Manga CharactersHow to Draw Anime Anatomy and PosesHow To Draw Heads in Manga and AnimeEmotion in an Anime CartoonResources on How to Draw Anime and MangaThese days, many young artists find their way to art through comics and animated series. And the popularity of manga and anime has been steadily growing over the past twenty years.But what, you may ask, is anime/manga and what is the difference between the two?Both are different styles of drawing that come from Japan. They are to Japanese art what Franco-Belgian or American comics are to European art. Manga is the written form, similar to comic books. They are read from the right cover to the left - for us Europeans, “back to front” - and are often in greyscale, though some more elaborate albums are beautifully coloured. Anime designates an animated series drawn in the same style as manga comics. Many modern children’s animated ser ies are in the anime style - even Marvel comics!If you’re not certain what anime is, here are some well-known anime series and movies you might recognise:Pokémon, starring the yellow-and-black creature with the lightning tail, PikachuDragon Ball ZNarutoYugi-OhHowl’s Moving CastleGhost in the Shell (originally a manga and now a live-action film as well)Princess MononokeHere we will look at how to draw anime characters. This is a very basic tutorial - we won’t be touching on inking or colouring at all.here.The Different Types of CharacterAn interesting aspect of manga drawing techniques is that - at least in shojo and shonen - you can always tell the hero from the villain. Not from what they are wearing, but from the way they are drawn. When you learn how to draw manga characters, it’s important to know what side your figures are on.Male and female heroesTypically, heroes have large eyes. This is particularly exaggerated in the shojo and shonen style, where eyes can eat up al most half the face (we will be looking at eyes particularly). Even in josei and seinen, where the eyes are usually (though not always) more realistically drawn, a hero’s eyes will be rounder and more open than a villain’s.Heroes and heroines often have unusual hair. Manga hair can range from an unusual colour (pink, blue, orange…) to an extraordinary hairdo. (A standing joke is how to spot the main character in anime - it’s the one with the blue hair.) Again, this is more common in shojo, with shonen coming a close second, but more adult styles will generally find a way to make the hero or heroine’s hair more interesting than anyone else’s.An unusual aspect of manga girls are the pop-up boobs. While some are generously proportioned from the outset, other anime girls seem to have perfectly normal breasts - until they undress.In fantasy settings, elves always have overly long pointed ears that droop slightly.Bad boys, anti-heroes and villainsBad girls and villains will hav e closed eyes. Not that they keep their eyes closed, but all the lines in the eyes meet and the eyes are generally more narrow and pointed at the edges. A femme fatale will often have rounder eyes, but the eyelashes will be more emphasised and, again, the edges of the eyes will meet.This character might be an anti-hero or a villain - but he's definitely not the idealistic high.school student type of character. Photo credit: Troileh on Visual huntVillains often have interesting hair but in more elegant hairstyles. Bad boys often have long hair that falls into their eyes. If a villain has a similar hairstyle to the hero, it will be more squarely drawn, with fewer curves.Cute sidekicksNo, Disney doesn’t have the monopoly on sidekicks. From Pikachu in Pokemon to the pig Hawk in Seven Deadly Sins, cute talking animals are common in anime. However, they are mostly absent from adult mangas - or take the form of huge battle-tanks.Tools for Drawing Manga CharactersThere is no reason to pre fer paper over digital when drawing anime or manga. You can get prepared paper storyboards or templates for Photoshop or CorelDraw. If you are drawing digitally, make sure you have a good tablet - a higher-end Wacom, for example, though you don’t have to go for their professional line if you are just starting out.As a beginner, you will need:Paper.Pencil. It’s better to go for softer pencils that are easy to erase.Eraser. A kneadable eraser is best; try an electric eraser if you tend to make heavy lines.That’s it. As you advance, you will want to invest in good ink (Japan or India), brushes or ink pens, and Copic markers (Copic markers let you shade well, and give more of a Manga look than a coloured pencil). If you are digital, a good series of greyscale tools (such as Ben-Day dot brushes)  can be useful if you want to draw traditional manga comic books.Traditional manga comics are generally printed in greyscale. Photo credit: kenleewrites on Visualhuntlower arm is slightly l onger than the upper arm. The length from groin to knee is about the same as from knee to ankle.The female body in mangas has little to do with reality. Waists tend to be exaggerated, legs are endless, and we have mentioned the pop-up boob effect above.PosesThere are two ways to improve in drawing poses:Get really good at perspective, so you can draw the basic shapes in the right perspective from the outset.Use pictures. However, since manga poses are often quite unusual and exaggerated, it is hard to find just the right resource.Anime poses are often quite dramatic. There is are certain conventions for conveying certain emotions. Photo credit: wotupset_080803 on Visual huntPractice fluid movements by sketching stick figures in various poses - just lines with circles at the joints.A good way to practice the right perspective and foreshortening is copying panels from well-known mangas. As you progress, you will start using the right foreshortening on your own anime drawings automatic ally.How To Draw Heads in Manga and AnimeDrawing faces is an important part of learning how to draw anime. It is the most expressive part of the figure and in some styles also the largest.The shape of the headFor the basics of how to draw a manga face, we will only be looking at a front view. You will need to work with perspective to draw the face in other poses.First, draw a circle. Some people like to get the actual shape in right away, others prefer to set their markings first. The final shape will be slightly flattened on top and with a pointed chin for Shojo and Shonen; for a more realistic style of drawing anime see below.Then add a vertical line to divide the face into two halves. (If your character is shown looking to the side, the line will no longer be in the middle.) If you are drawing in the more adult style, extend the line a little beyond the bottom of the circle - this will be your chin line.Add a horizontal line to divide the face into equal top and bottom halves. Th is is where the top of the eyes go.About halfway between this line and the chin, draw another line: this is the bottom of the nose.The bottom of the eye will be nearer or further away from the nose line depending on the style of anime character you are drawing.Finally, the mouth line is about a third of the way between the nose line and the chin.This face is titled slightly away from the viewer. Print out the picture and draw  the proportion lines to see how they work in perspective. Photo credit: wotupset_080803 on VisualhuntAnime characters have rounded cheeks and pointed chins; more adult characters have longer faces, but rarely with a square jaw unless he’s a bad boy or a villain.How to draw manga eyesThough eyes are the most characteristic and expressive part of a manga head, they come in different types. Shojo and shonen have rounder eyes that are generally left open at the sides, or only closed on the outside.Other styles have eyes that are more oval, with a marked slope on either the inside (usually for a manga girl) or the outside (a manga boy). This said, the eyes are still generally bigger than in Western animation and comics.Villains and bad-boy secondary characters have narrow eyes that can be closed at the sides and smaller pupils.Girls have longer lashes; how many are shown depends on the type of anime girl:Innocent schoolgirl types will have a full set, drawn individually.Innocent women without the little girl vibe will have individual lashes mostly on the outside.Femmes Fatales will mostly have lashes on the outside, drawn with darker lines to appear fuller.Pupils tend to be large and are often used to express emotion, expanding to show joy and contracting to show fear.In manga the nose and mouth are very small. Manga eyes are large and usually only closed at the outer corners, if at all. Here the light reflections are further down because the eyes are shaded to express mystery. Photo credit: wotupset_080803 on Visual HuntOne thing that sets manga eyes apart is the light reflections - oval white areas within the eye. There are generally  two:One in the pupilOne in the irisThe one in the iris is almost always set along the top eyelid. The one in the pupil generally as well, but it can wander downwards slightly.Here you can see how light reflections are used in anime eyes (three of them, here). THe sparkles around the characters can also appear in the eyes themselves. Photo credit: CéROM on VisualhuntWhen learning how to draw anime eyes, it’s important to know how to work with additional light reflections to express emotion or a specific type of character:Villains might only have an iris reflection, or else a very small pupil reflection, giving their eyes a flat, cold look.Young girls in love will have up to six, not all of which need to be oval - stars are very popular for certain types of stories. More reflections make the eyes appear more innocent and “star-struck”.Adding reflections in certain patterns can hel p add emotion to anime eyes. Try and observe what your favourite manga artists do and integrate that knowledge when you practise how to draw eyes.The nose and mouthManga noses and mouths are fairly minimalistic.The nose is a single line between the eyes and a tilted oval where the bottom of the nose is. In profile, they can be rather pointed - stronger for men, while women have small button noses. Western characters in manga and anime often have bulbous noses.The mouth at rest is also a single line. Be careful not to make the mouth too wide - it should not extend further than the inside corners of the eyes.When surprised or angry, anime mouths more than triple in size. Photo credit: wotupset_080803 on Visualhunt.comThis is at rest, or showing sedate emotions, such as a small smile, a sad mouth or a grim mouth. For excessive emotions - the mouth can end up taking up most of the face if a character is yelling or crying.More and more 3D drawing technologies are used to transform 2D man ga into anime.Japanese manga and animes are also a great sources of inspiration to design cool logos.Manga hairWhen drawing manga, don’t forget to give the hair some personality. Manga and anime hair flows, bounces, fans out in the wind, stands up on end… It is an expression of the character’s personality and current emotions.Even when drawing realistic manga, when it comes to hairstyles, think big.Even when drawing short hair, try to use flowing lines; make zig-zag lines long rather than short.In short, manga hair is big even when it isn’t.When drawing shonen, shojo or chibi styles, think even bigger.This manga girl has a fairly normal hairstyle - yet it still conveys a lot of movement and character. Don't hesitate to imagine a breeze to showcase your character's brilliant hair! Photo credit: mangamissou on Visual HuntHair can simply be an exaggerated version of actual hairstyles, or it can be Yugi-Oh’s amazing lightning-bolt type hair. It can literally be any colour. Hav e fun with it!Many people use  mangas as a source of inspiration for designing cool tattoos.Emotion in an Anime CartoonThere are certain conventions for showing emotions in anime, and certain set facial expressions for a manga face. For example, fear is generally depicted by contracting the pupil, joyful expressions include closed eyes with the eyelids arched upwards and fists pressed just under the chin. Watch your favourite anime and manga to learn the conventions for specific expressions.There are certain conventions on how to express emotions in manga and anime. Closed eyes are associated with happy emotions, especially with girls. Photo credit: wotupset_080803 on Visual HuntResources on How to Draw Anime and MangaThis article cannot be more than a simple introduction on how to draw manga and anime. For some more tutorials, check out these websites:This one has the bare basics to get you started.Anime Outline has a series of tutorials on how to draw anime, some of them quite spe cific (such as how to draw anime glasses). It focuses mostly on the more youthful styles.Painter Artist has some helpful tips on how to draw manga.This iTune app called Manga University is fine for learning the basics, though you should look elsewhere if you want to progress, for example in the books by Tadashi Ozawa on “How to Draw Anime and Game Characters” or the 23 volumes of “How to Draw Manga” from the Society for the Study of Manga Techniques.Want to know more about drawing anime and manga? Why not take some manga drawing classes with one of our Superprof tutors?Find drawing lessons london.

Attractions in the Vatican

Attractions in the Vatican What Is There to Do in the Capital of the Catholic Church? The Top Sites in the Vatican ChaptersSaint Peter's SquareSaint Peter’s BasilicaThe Sistine ChapelThe Twelve Vatican MuseumsThe Vatican Gardens“I'd love to go and visit the Mosque in Mecca again, just for the sheer beauty of it, not for God - much the way a non-Catholic might go to Vatican City because of the beauty of the buildings and the artifacts.” - Ayaan Hirsi AliIf you visit Rome, you’ve got to visit the Vatican, the world’s smallest country. Whether you’re Christian or not, the Vatican is worth a visit, especially if you enjoy history or art.It’s effectively an open-air museum sitting atop 20 centuries of history and it’s hardly surprising that the Vatican is visited by between 5 and 6 million tourists every year.With a population of only 799, the Vatican City State is an enclave within Rome and covers just 44 hectares. It’s the world’s most visited sovereign state in terms of the visitors-to-inhabitants ratio.As the head of the Catholic Church, the Vatican is regularly visited for the beautiful architecture and extensive art collection dating back to the Antiquity.In this article, we’ll look at the monuments you have to visit when you’re there. DanielaItalian Teacher 5.00 (9) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuciaItalian Teacher 5.00 (4) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarilùItalian Teacher 5.00 (8) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarcoItalian Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AntonellaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GiusyItalian Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EnricoItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FedericaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsSaint Peter's SquareThis Baroque-style square is located in front of Saint Peter’s Basilica. Saint Peter's Square and Basilica are probably the first things you'll see as you approach the Vatican City. (Source: martieda)This is probably one of the most regularly visited parts of the Vatican and you’ll regularly see large crowds of pilgrims and tourists waiting to get a glimpse of the pope.The Square was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1656 at the behest of Pope Alexander VII.  It was built between 1658 and 1667. The goal was to make the most of the space in front of the basilica so that it could welcome as many people as possible to see the pope.  Bernini designed the square in a Baroque style with a colonnade reaching out like to arms in an elliptical shape as if embracing the crowd.Nowadays, visitors arrive from the Via de la Conciliazone, complete with a statue by Michaelangelo, and a view of the basilica and the Episcopal Palace.  It’s hard to miss the huge obelisk in the middle of Saint Peter's Square. This is an Egyptian obelisk that was erected in the 19th cen tury BCE and brought to Rome in 37CE at the beginning of the Roman Empire.  It was originally part of the Circus of Nero. It’s been at the centre of Saint Peter's Square since 10 September 1586.Find out more about visiting the Vatican.Saint Peter’s BasilicaYou can’t miss Saint Peter’s Basilica when you visit the Vatican. It was built between 1506 and 1626 in a Baroque and Renaissance style.  This is the largest Catholic building in the world and it overlooks Saint Peter's Square and the banks of the Tiber.The basilica is one of the most visited monuments in the world, one of the finest buildings of its time, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It welcomes 150,000 people each Sunday for the Angelus Blessing and is also the burial site of Saint Peter.  Similarly, several popes are buried here. Whether you’re Christian or not, it’s hard not to be impressed by this ornate church.  Furthermore, it’s free to visit! However, you can wait up to an hour just to get in.Before you leave the monument, you might want to visit the dome, which costs €5 to visit using the stairs and €7 using the lift. Again, you’ll need to wait in a queue for between 30 and 60 minutes, but it’ll be worth it for the view of the centre of Rome, Roman ruins, and the rest of the Vatican. DanielaItalian Teacher 5.00 (9) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuciaItalian Teacher 5.00 (4) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarilùItalian Teacher 5.00 (8) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarcoItalian Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AntonellaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GiusyItalian Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EnricoItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FedericaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Sistine ChapelVisiting the Vatican and not visiting the Sistine Chapel would be a shame. It’d be like visiting Rome and not seeing the Colosseum or Roman Forum. Of course, there’s almost always a queue, unless you get up early to visit the chapel when it opens. The Sistine Chapel is famous for its painted ceilings courtesy of the Renaissance painter Michelangelo. (Source: waldomiguez)You might want to consider getting the OMNIA Vatican and Rome Card which allows you to visit many of the sites without having to wait in the long queues.Built between 1477 and 1483, the Sistine Chapel is one of the rooms in the Apostolic Palace. Since the 15th century, this has been the place where the cardinals meet to elect the new pope. It’s the largest chapel in the Vatican and is famous for its ornate arch decorated with frescoes painted by Michaelangelo between 1508 and 1512.On the back wall, there’s Michaelangelo’s The Last Judgment, which was unveiled on 1 November 1541. There are paintings by Perugino, Sandro Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Rosselli, and Pintericchio. A victim of its success, it attracts between 10,000 and 20,000 visitors a day, making it particularly difficult to preserve the murals since the carbon dioxide produced damages the art.In addition to The Last Judgment, there’s also the north and south walls that depict the lives of Jesus and Moses, including the Punishment of the Sons of Corah (Boticelli), Temptations of Christ (Boticelli), Baptism of Christ (Perugino), and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.The Twelve Vatican MuseumsThe museum complex is another great reason to visit the Vatican. The Vatican Museum contains 12 museums that house sacred and profane art from the Antiquity, Egyptian, Etruscan, and Roman eras to the modern-day. The Vatican City is home to several museums and collections. (Source: DEZALB)The popes were among the largest collectors of art in Europe. During the time of the Papal States (752-1870), over 1,000 years of art was collected.You can get queue-jump tickets to visit the Vatican and avoid the crowds during the high season.  The museums attract up to 6 million tourists each year, making it the fourth most popular museum in the world and the most popular museum in Italy.The museum came about when Pope Julius II (1443-1513) installed the Apollo Belvedere and Laocoon in the Cortile del Belvedere.The complex includes the following museums:The PinacothecaThe collection of modern religious artThe Pio Clementino MuseumThe Ethnological MuseumThe Gregorian Egyptian MuseumThe Gregorian Etruscan MuseumThe Gregorian Profane MuseumThe Christian MuseumThe Vatican Apostolic LibraryThe Carriage PavilionThe Chiaramonti MuseumThe Philatelic and Numismatic OfficeThe Sistine ChapelThe Pauline ChapelThe Nicc oline ChapelThe museums are home to five galleries that you shouldn’t miss: the Lapidary Gallery, the Braccio Nuovo, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Vatican Gallery of Maps.  The museums are closed on Sundays.The Vatican GardensTo the west of Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, there are the Vatican Gardens, an unmissable part of any visit to the Vatican. Covering 23 hectares, the Vatican Gardens cover half of the country. (Source: Frank_P_AJJ74)The gardens were created back in the Middle Ages where there were orchards and vineyards to the north of the Apostolic Palace. In 1279, Pope Nicholas III decided to change his residence to the Vatican. He installed a meadow, a garden, and an internal vegetable garden. The gardens were filled with shrubs, pine, and cedar from Lebanon.  The 23-hectare space perched on the Vatican Hill and included a 3-hectare woods.  The gardens offered a green space to the complex of Medieval monuments and statues. You can now see:The Square GardenCasina Pio IVThe Eagle FountainThe Lourdes GrottoThe monument to the assassination attempt of John Paul IIThe Vatican Radio BuildingThe nearby Vatican Train Station allows you to take the train to the Italian coast to the Castel Gandolfo, the property of the Holy See outside of the Vatican.Visiting the Vatican Gardens is a way to see three distinct styles of gardens: Italian, English, and French.  You can either go as part of a guided tour with someone from the gardens, a private guide, or an open-top bus tour with an audio guide.It’d be a pity to miss all of this, wouldn’t it?Find out more about planning a trip to the Vatican.Before you go to the Vatican, consider learning some Italian. While Latin is also the official language of the Vatican, you'll get much farther with Italian. There are plenty of talented Italian tutors on Superprof who can help you with this.With three different types of tutorial available, face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials, each with their pros and cons, you need to carefully choose which one is right for you and your learning objectives.Face-to-face tutorials take place with just you and the tutor. Since this involves a lot of extra work for the tutor outside of the tutorials, you'll pay a premium for these types of tutorials. However, with the tutor's undivided attention, these tutorials are also the most cost-effective tuition you can get.Online tutorials come with a lot of the same benefits as face-to-face tutorials but your tutor won't be there in the room with you. While this works fine for academic subjects, these types of tutorials aren't always as effective for hands-on subjects. With fewer travel expenses, though, your tutor can charge less for the tutorials.Finally, group tutorials involve several students and one tutor. You won't get as much one-on-one time with your tutor but you won't pay as much per hour as the cost tutor's time is shared amongst all the students in the tutorial.

Bridging the Gap From Amateur to Professional Musician

Bridging the Gap From Amateur to Professional Musician Suzy S. Dreaming big? Keep it up! The road to becoming a professional musician is usually full of ups, downs, victories and frustrations and its up to you to stay focused. Whats the key? Here, Oakland teacher Arrica R. shares her strategy for success I’ve often been asked how I transitioned into being a professional musician, how I was able to license songs as well as open doors that helped me begin to make a living off of music. Being a musician is not a straight and narrow path though and Ive struggled with the answer to that question that is, until I reflected upon the best advice I was given: be prepared, as you never know from where the opportunities will be. Most opportunities I’ve had came from friends, friends of friends, or someone who came to a show after finding my music or seeing a favorable review online. You may never know when to expect it, but what you can work toward is preparing yourself for when it does. First and foremost, being a professional musician involves working on your craft. Educating yourself, bettering yourself and practicing regularly are at the top of the list. You must be as good as you can possibly be at any given moment. Youll always be learning and growing as an artist, but you must put in the time and effort for this to occur. Second, explore new avenues and spread your wings. The more you understand about music the better. If you are a great bass player and an average singer, continue working on your bass skills but you might want to work towards becoming a better singer as well. A bass player who also sings harmonies is invaluable. If you are a phenomenal singer but understand little to nothing about songwriting or you don’t play an instrument, it might be a good idea to learn. Even if you dont think you’ll ever be a great songwriter or instrumentalist, a basic understanding will allow you to contribute when working with others and also make you a better performer. Lastly, always have a product. A businessman won’t leave home without a business card and an actor can’t get by without a headshot. If you don’t have a huge budget that affords you time in a professional studio with expensive gear, find a way to record yourself even if you’re only recording demos at home. One of the most important steps I took was learning how to record quality demos of my songs and then having a product to help me get to the next level. I grew as a performer, and my songwriting improved dramatically once I learned basic pro-tools and could experiment with songs. In short, the best advice I can offer is to prepare yourself for everything you’ve ever hoped for in regards to a music career. The more prepared you are, the more opportunities will be yours for the taking. Never forget that you play music because you love it, but also don’t forget it’s a craft that you must work at diligently if you hope to turn your love of music into a career path. Join the TakeLessons community and receive exclusive updates, expert advice, tips and more!  Sign up for email updates here! Arrica R. teaches singing, music performance, music recording, and songwriting lessons to students of all ages in Oakland, CA. She joined the TakeLessons team in July 2012, with over 25 years of experience studying music.   Her music has also been featured and licensed by Starbucks, NBC, the CW Network, NikeWomen.com and MTV. Sign up for lessons with Arrica, or search for a teacher near you today! Photo by rocketjim45.

What is it Like to Attend Loyola University Chicago

What is it Like to Attend Loyola University Chicago The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Julie is a Chicago tutor and 2010 graduate of Loyola University Chicago. She holds degrees in both History and Secondary Education. Julie specializes ingeneral History tutoring, European History tutoring, Government tutoring, and World History tutoring. See what she had to say about Loyola: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Julie: Loyola is located on two campuses. The main campus is in Rogers Park and the downtown campus is located near Michigan Avenue. The main campus gives students the feel for what it is like to be on a college campus in an urban setting and the downtown campus gives students the chance to be in the heart of one of the largest cities in the United States. Loyola offers shuttle transportation between the two campuses on weekdays and since it is located in an urban environment, there are many ways to get around the city. The el or buses are only walks away from each of the campuses. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Julie: Loyola has the advantage of being a relatively large university, but still has classes and professors who understand the importance of individualized attention. The class sizes are smaller and professors are readily available during office hours, before and after class, as well as through email. Academic advisors are highly regarded at Loyola because they truly understand each of the programs. Students are not left wondering what classes need to be taken each semester because the advisors create individual plans for each student. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Julie: Loyola dorm life is one that centers on community. Freshman dorms encourage socialization and the RAs help plan activities. For upperclassmen, the dorms are converted apartment buildings, which give students the chance to still have campus housing, but explore what it is like to be in an apartment setting. Dining options are always available to all students and are easily accessible at both campuses. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Julie: Loyola offers a variety of majors and programs for all interests. Many students study biology and pre-med because of the opportunities for the medical school after graduation. I studied History and Secondary Education. The History Department is ranked 6th in the nation and the professors encourage students to explore topics that interest them in history. The School of Education provided me valuable experience in an urban setting that I still use in my teaching today. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Julie: It is very easy to meet people and make friends at Loyola. All freshmen attend an orientation the summer going into their freshman year. This gives students an opportunity to meet their classmates and explore the campus. There are many organizations on campus that help students become involved and living on campus helps create that sense of community. Greek life does not play a significant role in campus life, but there are organizations to join if students are interested. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Julie: The Career Center offers many services to students throughout the year. There are rsum building sessions and opportunities to attend job fairs. Each college has their own job fairs throughout the year as well. There are also a variety of student support services, such as tutoring, to help students academically. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Julie: Loyola has a variety of study areas throughout campus. Besides the lounges in the dorms, there is an Information Commons, which is part of the library, and there are study rooms for groups, as well as individual areas for quiet studying. The library at the downtown campus also has ample study space that students can use in-between classes and on the weekends. There is always a space at one of these for students to use and they are open late. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Julie: Since Loyola is located in the city of Chicago, there are constantly things to do both on and off the campus. Loyola encourages students to become involved with local organizations, but also provides on-campus events too. Loyola has a strong dedication to service so many organizations, such as local soup kitchens, schools, and libraries that like to have students volunteer with them. The chance to be in a city setting is a wonderful opportunity to explore the culture of Chicago. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Julie: There are roughly 15,000 students at Loyola. It is a nice size because it is in the middle. You still have the chance to get to know your classmates, but it is not an overwhelming size where you can become lost. The classes are average size where the professors know who you are and you can still receive attention. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Julie: One of my most memorable classes at Loyola was a history class I took for the Honors in History program. The entire class was dedicated to writing a research paper that you presented to the history department. This was an amazing opportunity for me because the paper was my own work and then I was able to prove my thesis to the faculty. This encouraged me to be confident and proud of my work. Check out Julies tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Why Are English Plurals So Crazy Videos and Exercises

Why Are English Plurals So Crazy Videos and Exercises Have you ever wondered why English plurals are so crazy? Why we say foot and feet, but not book and beek? Why we say goose and geese, but not moose and meese? Why does child turn to children, and not childs?Most English speakers wont be able to tell you why, we just know that some words are different. Thanks to a wonderful new video from TED, we can learn about how the Vikings changed English plurals, and made them easier than they were. Before that, weve got a quick video lesson about how plurals work in English, with an exercise.English Plurals VideoCorrect the plural words in red. Write your answer in comments and we will respond.How many persons study English as a second language?Five womans opened a computer services company.Even childrens enjoy learning on the Internet.Most basketball players are 6 foots tall or more.Which breed of sheeps produces the finest wool?My tooths are sensitive to the cold.At daylight savings time, we have to change our watchs .The boys went fishing an d caught 10 fishs .There are 10 mans in the Maintenance Department.The wifes keep their knifes on the shelfs.So where did these crazy plurals come from? Watch the video below, then try the exercise.Interesting, right? Now try these listening questions. If you answer them in comments, we will respond.1. There are ______of ways that English doesn’t make sense.2. How many years ago was the plural of books ‘beek’?3. How many years ago was English and German the same language?4. _________it was like sheep is today where you don’t do anything to make a plural.5. Why did the English language change?6. At what age does it become very difficult to learn a language without an accent?7. Why did some irregular plurals remain? Justyna How many people study English as a second language? Five women opened a computer services company. Even children enjoy learning on the Internet. Most basketball players are 6 feet tall or more. Which breed of sheep produces the finest wool? My teeth are se nsitive to the cold. At daylight savings time, we have to change our watches . The boys went fishing and caught 10 fish . There are 10 men in the Maintenance Department. Five womans opened a computer services company. Even childrens enjoy learning on the Internet. Most basketball players are 6 foots tall or more. Which breed of sheeps produces the finest wool? My tooths are sensitive to the cold. At daylight savings time, we have to change our watchs . The boys went fishing and caught 10 fishs . There are 10 mans in the Maintenance Department. The wifes keep their knifes on the shelf. LOIEnglish Justyna, Your corrections look correct. It seems that you also may have copied the incorrect versions but I am assuming that was a mistake. Thanks for answering! Did you have a try with the listening exercise? Justyna 1. There are a lot of ways that English doesn’t make sense.2. How many years ago was the plural of books ‘beek’?-The plural of book was beek 1 thousand years ago3. How many years ago was English and German the same language?-English ang German was the same language 25 houndred years ago3.4. Sheep it was like sheep is today where you don’t do anything to make a plural.5. Why did the English language change?-English language change because Vikings got married English women and forgot real kind.6. At what age does it become very difficult to learn a language without an accent?-Learning a language without an accent was difficult at about 15 years old.6.7. Why did some irregular plurals remain?Some irregular plurals remain because they added s. LOIEnglish Good work. Im glad you did the listening part of the lesson. The answer to number 7 is because they were common words. Also, number 5 you have a grammar mistake. Get married TO someone. I hope this helps. Renan How many people study English as a second language? Five women opened a computer services company. Even children enjoy learning on the Internet. Most basketball players are 6 feet tall or m ore. Which breed of sheep produces the finest wool? My teeth are sensitive to the cold. At daylight savings time, we have to change our watches . The boys went fishing and caught 10 fish . There are 10 men in the Maintenance Department. The wives keep their knives on the shelves. LOIEnglish Good work Renan. Have you tried the listening exercise?

Teens Resistant to ADHD Therapy

Teens Resistant to ADHD Therapy When your teenager is struggling, you naturally want to do everything that you can to help them. For many teens with ADHD, that means working with a therapist as part of their treatment plan. But what can do you do as a parent if you know that your teen needs therapy, but they refuse to attend sessions? How can you get them the help they need if you cant even get them into the therapists office in the first place? Its very common for teenagers with ADHD (and teenagers without ADHD for that matter) to be resistant to the idea of working with a therapist. There isnt usually one single factor driving the resistance, and the underlying reasons vary from teen to teen, but there are usually some similar themes. For starters, some teens are generally opposed to anything that they perceive as being their parents idea. They want to be in control of their own decisions, and they certainly dont want to do something just because their parents tell them its in their best interest. For teens with ADHD who have a history of Oppositional Defiant Disorder, this reason alone may be why they are refusing treatment. Other teens dont want to meet with a therapist because they have misconceptions about what therapy is, or they view therapy as a sign that there is something wrong with them. While this line of reasoning may not be accurate, it can be hard for parents to convince their teen to change their point of vi ew. Lastly, there are some teens who worry that the therapist wont be able to help them and sessions will be a waste of time, and others who fear feeling uncomfortable in sessions if they are asked to discuss things they would rather avoid. So, as a parent, what should you do? With any one of the scenarios above, how do you convince your teen to go to therapy? And if you succeed in getting them to see a therapist, how do you make sure that your teen will cooperate once they are in the session? There is no easy one-size-fits-all solution here, but there are a few strategies that may help. Approach the situation from the teens point of view. When it comes to getting your teen to go to therapy sessions, talking to them about the reasons why you think they need treatment is not going to work. Instead, look at the situation from the teenagers point of view. Think about the things that are most important to them, and which of those things may not be going very well right now. Maybe they cant participate in extracurricular activities because of poor grades, are struggling with friendships, are worried that they wont get into college, or are tired of arguing with their parents all the time. Whatever it is, talk to them about how therapy can help improve these aspects of their lives. Engage a respected peer or adult. Often teenagers are simply not in a mental space where they are able or willing to hear what their parents are saying to them. No matter what their parents say, they refuse to listen. To really get through to your teen, they may need to hear about the benefits of therapy from a respected peer or adult in their life. Ideally, this person will have had experience with therapy themselves and can talk about their experience. Sometimes it just takes the right messenger to get a teenager to listen. Provide incentives. If all else fails, consider providing incentives or rewards for your teen if they attend therapy sessions. Remember that the primary goal at this stage is to get your teen into treatment. If incentives, either in the form of privileges (e.g. a later curfew on the weekends) or tangible rewards (e.g. gift cards or money toward a big-ticket item that they would like to buy), do the trick, then it may be a short-term solution that ultimately gets them one step closer to accepting the help that they need. When you succeed in getting your child to attend therapy sessions, try not to worry too much about how they behave once they are actually in the room. It can be frustrating to think that your teen may be wasting valuable time and money by not giving 100%, but as a parent, there really isnt much you can do to control what your teen does during therapy sessions. Fortunately, good therapists who have experience with adolescents can form close bonds with even the most resistant teens. The best thing you can do as a parent is research therapists ahead of time and find one who seems like they will be a good fit for your teen. If, after a couple of months, the therapist and teen tell you that your teen isnt participating in sessions, then it may be time to look for a new therapist. In the meantime, do what you can to get your teenager into the therapists office, and then let the therapist take the lead from there. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center 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 of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.