June 19, 2013

Posts Comments

Education For The Mind

January 18, 2011 by Leave a Comment

To fully understand the valuable quote by Coco Chanel, we must try and open our minds to education. It is important to prohibit formal education from rusting our minds. Learn to comprehend instead of following blindly. Educating the mind helps in combining your learning and actions. This also allows inevitable errors to drive you and seek better understanding. Today’s bureaucratic age has successfully wound down college degrees to a level of urgency and requirement. However, independent visionaries and leaders do not subscribe to this. Inculcating the love of learning and educating the mind is imperative for attaining success.

Churchill has once asserted, “to be young and not be liberal is to have no heart; to be older and not be conservative is to have no brain”. If this stands to be true than, why do we admit our children with institutions that only impart formal education, and do not spend any energy in shouting out ideas that children will probably need for a beautiful future.
If you are a student or have students at home, ignore those kinds of systems which impart repetitious bombasts, instead you must look for counter arguments that are convincing enough. After all this, a through synthesis is born out of contradictory views that help in making up your mind and shape new ideas. These ideas seem quite benefitting until you decide to change your thought process again. It is important to open your eyes to a new world and carefully observe even if your ears are badly assaulted.

Education for the mind will not only help in the birth on an enlightened individual but will also usher the growth of a healthy civilization. With the times soon changing, it is very essential to walk out of monotony into something different. This difference guarantees education, which is challenging and true test of an individual’s worth.

Filed Under: Education, General Tagged With: , ,

How To Entice Your Children To Read

January 15, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Reading is very significant for a child’s academic achievements. Yet several children do not take any pleasure in reading. They perceive reading to be a compulsory chore. If you wish to raise your children to enjoy reading, expose them to books on a regular basis. You must realize that you can’t force the desire to read. Show the child benefits of in reading for his or her purpose. If your school going child does not take interest reading, there are certain actions you must take to foster their desire to read.

Utilize your child’s personal interests to entice them towards books. Parents must mould children to see the joys of reading. Choose reading materials for your children based on their hobbies. If your child enjoys basketball, make sure you keep plenty of reading material on that topic that suits his age. Have several varieties of books or journals on specific teams, players, or history of the game. There are several magazines for young readers on a myriad of subjects.

Expose your children to books by getting some quality literature home. To add more intrigue and interest for your child, take out time and read certain portions to make your child curious enough to take up reading. If your children still don’t take pleasure in reading, make sure they at least glance through headlines, briefs, and pictures with headings.

Do not put undue pressure on your child to inculcate this habit. Try and make your child a “natural” reader. For this you should guide them to the pleasures of reading. Make sure to stock a good quantity of high interest literature at home, which is age appropriate for your child. Then, you must allow them to understand the usefulness and joys of those materials via self discovery. By using these helpful tips, several children will grow up and enjoy the essence of reading.

Filed Under: Books, General Tagged With: , ,

Reading- A Hobby To Cherish!

January 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Reading books is a much loved hobby across the globe as it creates a world beyond the realms of reality. Reading books bring about boundless joys. The limitless choices, which comprise of several genres and kinds, are mind boggling. Drowning into the world of words will teach you things that no classroom will offer. Books prove to be excellent companions. Even today several readers say goodbye as they turn the last page of their favorite book.

There is nothing that can beat the pleasures of reading as it educates, liberates and invigorates. Printed books were only seen in the 15th century, with the invention of the Gutenberg Press. Soon several kinds of books like academic, philosophical and scientific books were printed. Books prove to treasure houses of knowledge as the written word can be passed down to several generations.

In today’s world we see several different kinds of books. Western fiction, that uses English, is one of the most popular kinds due to its language. Reading is pleasurable as it quenches the human thirst for knowledge and the curiosity “to know more”. Several readers strongly believe that best books are the ones that challenge their convictions.

One of the biggest pleasures of reading is the availability of infinite number of books, on a variety of subjects. Reading books help us in expanding knowledge and gaining a fresh perspective on a myriad of topics. Reading the newspapers everyday can make us aware of our surroundings. A well read person always stands tall in this world.

The books that is printed, finds a reader. There are several books that trace the life of a protagonist and immerse the reader within the layers of fantasy. Readers start envisioning themselves in those conditions and float vicariously through the books. The love of reading has been one of the major motivations for having various types of books which are sure to open wide and new ovules for us!

Filed Under: General, Reading Tagged With: , ,

The Importance Of Books In Early Learning

January 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment

We all remember handling those big colorful books, with the lovely pictures, during our childhood days. Child psychologists, from all over the globe, believe the first five years of childhood to be the best phase for mental and habitual developments. Inculcating the love of reading, right from childhood will carve the perfect niche for your child.

If a child’s curiosity, imagination and hunger are fed with books, pictures, and colors, it will pave a smooth path for them to grasp things better. The transformation from picture books to three letter words books, then to comics and later to story books, should be a smooth one. The importance of this transition will be reflected later, in their communication skills. Start with simple bedtime story books and gradually develop your child’s habit to read them. Make sure that some or the other reading material is always available for your child.

Making kids realize the importance of books from a tender age helps in building confidence. You will be glad to observe their pride when they learn reading. Reading books help in quick development of phonetic skills. Incorporating 3d books will boost their inclination towards this habit. A healthy combination of excitement, challenge and fun, is beneficial in drawing them closer to books.

Children can very quickly absorb things going around them. If they are surrounded with books and reader, from their early days, they are certain to take up books instead of the TV. Books prove to be inspirational bricks, while constructing an intelligent brain. All parents must make it point and introduce the world of books to their children. This is the biggest gift they can ever give their bundles of joy. When your children grow up, they will be proud of having parents who took this wise decision for them.

Filed Under: Books, General Tagged With: , ,

Re-Readers and One-Timers: Which Are You?

December 31, 2010 by Leave a Comment

A question for book lovers everywhere: are you a re-reader or a one-timer?

As the term implies, re-readers will read the same book again, maybe even several times. One-timers will finish a book, then move along to the next one.

Re-readers enjoy peeling away layers, like an onion. Each time they read the book they gain new insights and connect with the story or information in a different way. Reading a book again may help a reader absorb the material on a deeper level. Or they may simply enjoy the characters or plot so much they want to re-enter that world and spend more time there.

Re-readers also may want to revisit a book they read years ago – the passage of time and life lived can make a book seem different the next time around. Or they skimmed through a book previously, and now want to take more time with it. Reading a favorite book again can be like putting on a soft, warm robe and remembering a different time in life than the one you’re presently in.

One-timers enjoy the accomplishment of reading a new book. Their analytical minds glean the key messages and themes, and they may reflect on how the book is similar or different than others they’ve read. They may silently rate the book and decide if they will recommend it to others. Then they’re back on the hunt for the next book to conquer. They may be continuously seeking fresh approaches and unique perspectives from new literary voices.

One-timers may be on a mission to read as many books as possible in their lifetime. They may have a list of all the books they plan to read, and add to it as they find interesting new titles. As one one-timer stated,”The world is too large, and life is too short. A book re-read steals time away from a new book I have yet to discover.”

Filed Under: Books, Education Tagged With: , , ,

The Tech-ation Dare: Take It

December 24, 2010 by Leave a Comment

The Tech-ation Dare: Take It

On a Tyra Banks daytime talk show, Tyra challenged her guests to take a “tech-ation.” You know, a short vacation or a break from technology.

One of the guests on the show was so obsessed with tracking celebrity news online that it was interfering with school, friendships and work. This young lady was preoccupied with catching all the latest activities of her favorite actors and musicians. She found it difficult to concentrate on homework, interact with “real” people or tend to customers at a retail store where she worked.

Technology has crept into most of our lives, and some of us have become addicted to it in a most unhealthy way. While our gadgets and gizmos can be enriching and helpful, they also can be distracting and soul stealing.

Taking a conscious break from technology can help you reconnect with your own dreams and plans, and the important people in your life.

When was the last time you actually took a pen in hand and wrote a note or letter to someone? Or engaged in a conversation and really listened to the other person? When was the last time you sat with an actual book and engrossed yourself in a story unrelated to current events or celebrity foibles?

If you’re up for the tech-ation challenge, see if you can make it through one day without checking the internet or sending a text, tweet or email. You’ll have to read an actual newspaper, make an actual phone call, and spend time in your own life instead of shadowing someone else’s. If you’re really brave, don’t even turn on the TV. Instead, spend time writing notes to people you care about or talking to someone in person. Or curl up and crack open a book.

It would do all of us some good to step away from our electronic devices every now and then. We should schedule regular tech-ations to keep us grounded in real life.

Filed Under: Books, Education Tagged With: , , ,

Unpack the Bags to Better Understand A Book

December 22, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Unpack the Bags to Better Understand A Book

Admit it -you usually read a book, spend a few minutes thinking about the characters and plot and how it affected you on a personal level, and that’s as far as you go. Are you ready to take it to a deeper realm?

To sharpen your critical and analytical thinking skills and gain new insights, try “unpacking”  the book you’ve just read. You’ll need a pen and paper, or open up a blank document on your computer. Doing this exercise will take some time and thought. But you’ll feel the gears turning in your mind and you’ll fire up some neurons in the process.

Think about the book and consider the following:
- In your own words, write a brief summary of the story.
- What was the purpose of the story?
- What was the writer’s point of view?
- Do you agree with the writer’s point of view? Explain why or why not.
- Were there distractions in the book you had to overcome, such as word choices, technical or complex subjects, writing style, characters, story lines or dialogue?
- Did these distractions serve a purpose?
-Did you have to reread any parts of the book so you could understand them?
- What was your personal reaction as you read the story?
- Did you make predictions as you progressed through the book? What predictions did you make, and did they turn out the way you expected?
-Do you like the way the book ended, or would you prefer a different ending?
- What question or questions would you like to ask the author?
- Would you recommend the book to others?

Reading doesn’t have to be a passive activity. By asking questions and deconstructing or “unpacking” the contents, you’ll become a more powerful reader and thinker.

Another benefit – post your critique on your favorite social media sites and on bookseller sites like Amazon. Others will appreciate your analysis and you’ll get an interesting dialogue going.

Filed Under: Books, Education Tagged With: , , ,

Literacy Times Three

December 20, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Literacy Times Three

Educators tell us there are three kinds of literacy, and all are needed to be successful in life. Some people are fluent in all three types, while others get by knowing one or two.

In today’s increasingly complex world, much more is expected in terms of literacy. Within each area there is a larger body of knowledge to master. Let’s explore the three types of literacy:
- Prose literacy – the ability to read and understand the written word, especially documents with continuous text. This type of literacy is crucial for following instructions, learning new information or being able to enjoy a story. Skilled readers have excellent vocabularies and quickly comprehend the material they are reading. They understand the many aspects of the written word, including sentence structure, tone, point of view, plot, themes, dialogue and character development. They are able to critique a piece of writing and think about it analytically. They are skeptical- they don’t just accept facts that are presented without a verifiable source for where the information was obtained.
- Document literacy- being able to comprehend documents without continuous text, such as forms, maps, charts, blueprints, tables of information and transportation schedules. People with this type of literacy can fill out a job application, be aware of the different time zones by looking at a map, understand a floor plan by looking at a blueprint and retrieve key pieces of data from a chart or table. They can visit any city and utilize its bus or subway system by looking at the times, routes and stops on a transportation schedule.
- Quantitative literacy – the ability to understand and perform computations. This comes handy for balancing your checkbook, calculating a tip at a restaurant, filling out an expense report, analyzing a business proposal or reading a credit card activity statement. People skilled in this area perform different types of mathematics, develop budgets, analyze numbers and find errors and discrepancies.

Filed Under: Books, Education Tagged With: , ,

Fancy Books Are a Handful

December 18, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Fancy Books Are a Handful

Books have been around a very long time. They serve the purpose of preserving information and history, as well as passing stories and ideas from one generation to the next. Books have two basic parts- a cover, and the pages inside. However, creativity coupled with new advances in printing and binding have enabled books to become works of art.

Go to any major bookstore and you’ll be delighted with what you’ll find in nearly every category for adults and children.

Printing companies are able to print on an astonishing array of materials (cloth, leather, metal, plastic, wood) using the most vibrant inks, including metallics and foils. You’ll notice that the pages in different books represent numerous varieties of paper: smooth coated finishes, uncoated dull surfaces, textured linen surfaces or pearlized coatings that add luster and shine. Pages can be thick, with deckled edges, or they can be extremely thin and nearly transparent, designed for a reader to look through them to words or images on the next page.

Debossing and embossing make images seem three-dimensional. Die cuts can create interesting shapes, patterns and edges. Pages can unfold, and messages can be pulled out from little envelopes and slots attached to the page. Pop-ups are more intricate than ever, with castles and cathedrals springing up in full detail with the flip of a page.

Computer-aided design and sophisticated printing presses enable publishers to create exquisitely rendered illustrations and photos. Varnishing techniques put a glossy coating over images, adding richness and dimension that practically leaps off the page.

Other innovations include sound chips embedded in a book to add music or dialogue. Some children’s books enable a caregiver to record themselves reading a story so a child can turn the pages and listen as many times as they like.

These beautiful books not only present information in a different way, they engage our senses in a manner unmatched by any other medium.

Filed Under: Books, Education Tagged With: , , ,

Books Provide an Entire World of Information

December 16, 2010 by Leave a Comment
a random compartment on the bookshelf
Image by jaffry, grace and eliza via Flickr

If you’re looking for information on just about anything, you can find it in books. A lot of people turn to the Internet, but books can still provide you with the kind of experience that being online doesn’t offer. Getting lost in a good book is a great way to pass an afternoon or evening, whether you like to read fiction or you want to read about something real that happened in the past or could happen in the future. Getting your children started on reading early in life can give them a lifelong hobby, which is great, and it can also help them do better in school.

They’ll understand concepts better, enjoy learning about new things, and take the initiative to explore more of the world through the printed word. Some books are a lot more interesting than others, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pick up a book or two that you might not normally choose. You could end up with a real treasure that you hadn’t expected. Looking for a good book is a little like looking for apartments for rent in Seattle or another big city. There are a lot of them out there, but only some of them will be right for you.

As long as you’re willing to look around and really see all that books have to offer, you’re bound to find something that catches your eye. Don’t assume that you won’t find anything interesting, because there are so many options. If you pick up a book from your local library and don’t like it, return it and select another one. No one will force you to read it if you really don’t like it, and there are plenty of other books out there that are just waiting for you to explore them.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Books, Education, Writing Tagged With: , ,
«Older Posts
Newer Posts»