Saturday, December 17, 2011

A Note from the Editor



Thought Thief: This week’s thought is from Joanna Noelle Levesque, “Everything I listen to is influential in some way.” Do you agree? Are all the conversations, sounds, and songs we hear on a daily basis important? Or are some sounds mere noise pollution? Feel free to comment!

Weathered Wisdom: Today’s tip actually comes from a search I did on relieving holiday stress – because, let’s face it; this time of year can be chaotic! Experts say that, overall, the best way to truly enjoy the holidays is by cutting yourself some slack. The shopping excursions, gift exchanges, and festive parties are certainly fun, but they’re not all necessary. If you place too much pressure on yourself to make each and every holiday event, you’ll end up worn out and wanting to scream ba humbug from the rooftops. This applies to online learning as well. If you set yourself unachievable goals, hoping to finish a module in a week or make a 100 on each assignment, you’ll only discourage yourself. Having one or two big goals is a great idea, but too many will quickly become a hassle. So go out and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, but don’t forget to set aside some “me time” where you relax and take a breather.

Credit to: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=52325 for their holiday help!

And lastly, a little holiday trivia –
Kwanzaa is Swahili for “fresh fruits” and was founded upon African harvest festival traditions.

The White House is presented with its Christmas tree by the National Christmas Tree Association after the First Family selects it at their annual convention.

Potato pancakes are a traditional Hanukkah food and are called latkes in Yiddish.

Hershey’s first began wrapping their Kisses in red and green colored foil in 1962, selling them all throughout the holiday season.

http://www.purpletrail.com/partytrail/holiday_parties/hanukkah/free-printable-game-hanukkah-trivia-game
http://www.babycenter.com/0_holiday-trivia_9895.bc?page=2

Happy holidays from your blog editor, Amy :)

Monday, December 5, 2011

Breaking News


In an attempt to maximize the benefits of you clicking your way to our very own NCVPS student blog, and out of a desire to further the learning of all, I welcome you to the newest feature of Tutor Talk: A Note from the Editor. Twice a month I will be sharing fun facts with you, our readers. These will range from arbitrary tidbits about current events to helpful hints for success in your NCVPS classroom.
We’re starting the week off right with the First Edition:
Thought Thief – a segment devoted to sharing the advice of history’s finest with all. This week’s thought comes from Abraham Lincoln, “Whatever you are be a good one.”
Weathered Wisdom – here we have a useful piece of information for you. This week, it’s a helpful hint for online learning…
Tip #1. Procrastination never gets anybody anywhere…really. Even when you’re tempted to check your email or check out failblog, making yourself wait and finish the day’s work will pay off. Those zero’s accumulate pretty quickly and they don’t exactly boost the average, so make yourself work first. Save the web surfing for your reward once it’s all turned in.