Category: Education

Who in the world is learning new languages? How many different languages are there that you can learn faster with the right online course? Safe Search Kids has partnered with Rocket Languages to help you learn a second language more easily.  Most of the world knows one or more languages.  Learn how everyone can learn more quickly when you know your learning style.

We are all wired differently.  Online courses that offer a way to learn according to the what works best for you can help you speak the new language of your choice more efficiently.  It’s all explained in this infographic below. If you already know the language you want to learn, begin today for FREE!

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Spanish | Portuguese | Korean | Japanese | Italian | German
French | Russian | Hindi | Chinese | Arabic | Learn Sign Language

Non-English speakers, learn English | Empieces a hablar inglés ahora.

Are you a self learner?  Schools, colleges and universities offer a wealth of knowledge through traditional education.  Yet, there is so much we each can do on our own to expand our minds and experiences.  Learning a new language is an incredible way to achieve both of these things.

Today you can test out the best thing in online language learning.  Try the courses out ABSOLUTELY FREE. You pay nothing and you won’t have to enter your credit card info.  Simply enter your name and email address to receive a trial version of the course. This trial is a small of the types of lessons Rocket Languages offers.

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Tips for Learning a New Language

Learning a new language from scratch is a complex process, but certain strategies can significantly enhance its efficiency.  Here are ways you can get progress your learning.

Effective Learning Strategies

Spaced Repetition

• Review words or concepts at increasing intervals to solidify them in memory.

Active Engagement

• If you don’t know someone who already speaks the language, learn alongside someone else.  Participate in simple conversations.

• Practice writing. This forces you to think about the mechanics of your target language.

Optimal Study Routine:

Establish a consist and tailored study routine is the key to accelerating language learning.

• Create a designated study space.

• Set achievable short-term goals.

• Break down larger language concepts into manageable parts.

By incorporating daily practice sessions and allocating specific time slots for language learning, individuals can build a sustainable routine that aligns with their personal preferences.

Utilizing Technology and Language Apps

Language apps, online courses, and interactive platforms offer accessible and engaging ways to acquire new skills. These tools often utilize gamification, multimedia resources, and adaptive learning algorithms to cater to diverse learning styles.

Incorporating language apps into daily routines allows learners to practice on the go, reinforcing vocabulary and grammar. By leveraging the power of technology, language enthusiasts can access a wealth of resources to supplement traditional learning methods.

Cultural Immersion and Practical Application

Immersing oneself into the culture of a new language is not always possible, but here are a few options to explore.

• Travel to another culture where the language is prevalently spoken, even if it’s only annually on holiday.

• Search for language exchange programs.

• Look for language tutors in your area or online. Even semi-regular sessions can authentic pronunciations, colloquial expressions, and cultural nuances.

• Watch a movie or TV show in another language. Begin with sub-titles and eventually watch the same program repeatedly without subtitles.

Don’t Delay, Getting Started

Time goes by quickly.  Don’t let apprehension stop you from beginning your journey into a new language.  Even if it’s only for a few minutes, you’d be surprised how much you will learn when you embark on a daily routine.  If you have kids, get them started early and learn with them.

Utilizing the tips and resources we’ve explored all work together to challenge your brain while learning. Implementing multiple strategies will help keep you engaged and fast-track your progress.  Don’t get discouraged. Focus on learning something new everyday and practice it.

Teachers:  Discover how to teach English abroad in France.

Digital distractions have influenced homework productivity even before the COVID-19 pandemic. This caused more schooling to be digitized and only increased awareness about the effects of technology and study habits. Parents and educators can create nourishing environments and enforce positive practices for engaged learning.

Digital Accessibility Interrupts Workflows

There are pros and cons to every technology. Access to phones, social media, or the internet offers instant gratification, making them enticing alternatives compared to a literature essay.

The digital world also encourages multitasking, making students feel capable of juggling activities instead of focusing. Instantly connecting to social media can disrupt lessons in other ways, such as inciting stress due to FOMO (“fear of missing out”).

Studies also highlight how the ability to concentrate has diminished due to readily available technologies. When observing students studying for 15 minutes, researchers noted that their subjects lost interest after the three-minute mark. Only around 65% of the dedicated study time was used for learning.

So, how can we mitigate digital distractions without students feeling punished or cut off from the world?

1.  Put Away Phones, With Notifications and Sound Off

This is one of the most classic distraction-free studying methods. The visual reminder to check Facebook or play a game disappears if the phone is hidden. This can be as simple as putting it in a drawer or a parent hiding it somewhere the student can’t find it.

Notifications and sounds must be turned off for this method to be effective. Even the slightest reminder of the phone’s existence could create a desire to scroll. Putting the phone away could also mean putting away other distracting tech like tablets, or selectively allowing some access so the student doesn’t feel overly disciplined.

2.  Ask If There’s an App for That

It sounds counterintuitive, but some apps help curb digital usage. Sometimes relying on pure willpower is not enough.

There are plenty of productivity apps that tackle different facets of the mind. Any of these could immediately benefit focus at study time, including:

• Apps like Forest. These gamify studying sessions by setting Pomodoro-style timers and giving rewards. Avoiding distractions helps your trees grow. This app’s specific bonus is that they contribute to planting more trees in real life, adding an incentive.
• Plugins like Stay Focused. Suppose your student spends a lot of time on distracting websites. In that case, they can be added to a directory that temporarily blocks them.
• Tools like Evernote. Introducing students to note-taking apps could help them organize while scratching a phone-usage itch. This requires self-restraint, but acknowledging the usefulness of apps creates a more accepting tone around digital tools. Suggest making to-do lists and action plans in these apps.
• Programs like Focus Writer. Developers create these programs to create minimalist interfaces, only showing what’s needed to accomplish your task.

Be open to learning as technology develops. Just because social media is a hindrance now doesn’t mean it will be in 10 years. Curriculums may even integrate these “distractions” with how they learn, due to the benefits of providing interactive educational resources. Ultimately, if you notice online distractions affecting students, be curious about digital solutions.

3.  Test Different Study Area Setups

Students need to determine the best environment to flourish. A parent may set more formal restrictions like social media agreements. If this is too restrictive, less-severe measures may be more persuasive. Periodic check-ins simulating a teacher walking around the classroom may instill a productive working environment, especially if they are intermittent and casual.

There are other ways to manipulate the environment to see how it helps minimize the desire for digital distractions:

• Play music depending on how much it distracts from work. Instrumental or upbeat music may foster a relaxing atmosphere.
• Create a clean, organized, and well-decorated desk so students don’t feel too overwhelmed to work.
• Make study spaces as separated or as integrated into other rooms as you deem necessary.
• Ensure your child’s bedroom is a calm and relaxing space for reading and homework.

4.  Satisfy Other Needs First

Sometimes wishing to rely on phones or social media is actually a different need manifesting itself. The student may be hungry, tired, or feeling down. If these needs are fulfilled, then the student may focus more easily. Play with adjusting the environment or creating new habits to allocate time for everything.

Implementing routines with breaks will give opportunities to cover all your bases. Habits will remind students when to snack or nap. Breaks will make students happy by engaging in play or going online. That way, no need is depleted during a studying session, preoccupying them.

You may choose to remind students to vary their homework schedule. Many teachers use online elements now, and encouraging the use of different study mediums can fulfill the need to be online. Encourage reading and hand-written note-taking for a time. Then, have them go online to watch videos, ask questions via classroom chats, or create team collaboration opportunities through discussion boards. These digital features can feel like breaks, providing technological engagement for learners.

5.  Keep Students Inspired by Creating a “Why”

It’s useful for adults to promote an inspirational mindset so students develop an innate drive to focus. Leaning on digital distractions is a habit humans have built as reliance on tech grows. Breaking this habit will be difficult to achieve, so exercising patience is crucial when trying to motivate students.

Point out how studying leads to less homework time in the long run if habits improve. It can lead to well-paying jobs if the student stays on top of their work. Rewards for completing tasks also suffice as goalposts. It can be a reminder they can have their phone when they finish work or something tangible, like a dessert.

Remind your students of their goals and why they’re achieving them. Holding this intention close can motivate students without much conscious thinking.

6.  Have an Accountability Coach or Buddy

Involving others will force students to prepare for accountability meetings. Accountability supplies competitive energy that is very motivating for certain types of learners. It can also allow students to connect, reinforcing their skills and ensuring they are on par with peers.

Accountability can take different forms as well. Parents can inspire children by leading by example. They can lock their own phones away while they work, as they complete chores, or just to participate alongside their student. This extra accountability makes the student feel less penalized for having digital distractions removed.

Unplugging for Success

As technology advanced, digital accessibility increased. This helps people stay in touch, access infinite knowledge, and engage with the world. However, this comes at a potential cost to our focus and productivity. Implementing whatever strategies work best for your students will take trial and error, but it’s required for healthy learning habits to develop in the digital age.

About the Author
Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find her in a yoga class, advocating for her children or whipping up something delicious in the kitchen!

Do you want to work as an emergency dispatcher? Do you think you have what it takes to handle the pressures of the job? There’s only one way to find out – take the 911 dispatcher test! This quiz will measure your knowledge of emergency dispatch procedures and protocols. It will also test your ability to think quickly and effectively under pressure.

So if you think you’re up for the challenge, let’s get started!

The written exam will test your knowledge of dispatch procedures, radio communications, and emergency medical terminology.

You will be given a scenario and asked to respond to it using the proper protocols. The practical exam will test your ability to use the dispatch system and equipment. You will be given a call and asked to route it appropriately.

What is the 911 Dispatcher Test?

If you wish to work as a public safety dispatcher, you will first need to successfully pass a 911 operator exam. The 911 Dispatcher Test is an important part of the 911 dispatcher hiring process. It is designed to assess your knowledge and skills in dispatch communications. The test may be taken by anyone who wishes to become a 911 dispatcher.

This is not an easy exam, but if you study and prepare properly, you can increase your chances of passing. So, here are some tips on how to prepare for the 911 dispatcher test

1. Familiarize yourself with the test format

The 911 dispatcher test is typically multiple choice. Therefore, you will need to know how to answer questions quickly and accurately under pressure. Make sure to take tests from various websites and applications for example – Wondeslic Wonscore Practice Test.

2. Study up on emergency procedures

A big part of being a 911 dispatcher is knowing what to do in various emergencies. Make sure you know the proper procedures inside and out.

3. Practice your communication skills

As a 911 dispatcher, you will need to communicate clearly and concisely. Practice talking to people calmly and professionally.

4. Stay calm under pressure

When taking the 911 dispatcher test, you will be under a lot of stress. Therefore, you must stay calm and focus on the task at hand.

5. Get plenty of rest before the test

You must be at your best when taking the 911 dispatcher test. Ensure you get a good night’s sleep before the exam to be sharp and focused.
Follow these tips, and you will be well on your way to passing the 911 dispatcher test.

911 Dispatcher Exam Pattern

The test consists of two parts: written and practical exams.

The written exam will test your knowledge of dispatch procedures, radio communications, and emergency medical terminology. You will be given a scenario and asked to respond to it using the proper protocols. The practical exam will test your ability to use the dispatch system and equipment. You will be given a call and asked to route it appropriately.

Types of 911 Dispatcher Tests

1. CritiCall Test
2. Post Dispatcher Test
3. NYPD 911 Operator Exam

1. CritiCall Test

The CritiCall test is a computer-based skills test that measures a candidate’s ability to perform the essential functions of a 911 dispatcher.
The test consists of five components: data entry, multitasking, memory, prioritization, and map reading.

Data Entry

The data entry portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s speed and accuracy in entering information into a computer system. Candidates are given a list of items to enter and must do so as quickly and accurately as possible.

Multitasking

The multitasking portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Candidates are presented with a list of tasks to complete, and they must do so while also monitoring a simulated 911 call.

Prioritization

The prioritization portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to prioritize tasks. Candidates are given a list of tasks to complete, and they must prioritize them based on importance.

Map Reading

The map reading portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to read and understand maps. Candidates are given a map and a list of locations and must find the quickest way to get from one place to another.

Memory Recall

The memory recall portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to remember information. Candidates are given a list of items to remember and must recall as much information as possible.

Probability

The probability portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to understand and apply basic concepts of probability. Candidates are given a list of items and must determine the probability of each item occurring.

Reading Comprehension

The reading comprehension portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to read and understand written material. Candidates are given a passage to read, and they must answer questions about the passage.

Mathematical Reasoning

The mathematical reasoning portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to understand and apply basic mathematics concepts. Candidates are given a list of problems to solve, and they must do so using basic mathematical principles.

Sentence Clarity

The sentence clarity portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to write clear and concise sentences. Candidates are given a prompt and must write a response.

Cross Referencing

The cross-referencing portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to find information in multiple sources. Candidates are given a list of items to find, and they must do so by looking at various sources.

Research

The research portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to find information. Candidates are given a list of items to find, and they must do so by researching various sources.

Source Evaluation

The source evaluation portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to evaluate sources of information. Candidates are given a list of sources and must evaluate them based on specific criteria.

2. POST Dispatcher Test

This test is a multiple choice test that usually takes between 2.5 – 3 hours to finish. The total score is the sum of your correct answers and the scores from each test component, which are then compared to the statewide average of all test-takers in California to compute your final assessment.

The following are the subtests included in the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher exam:

Checking and Listening Skills

This subtest measures your ability to use basic skills required for a dispatcher’s job. You will be asked questions about the information you hear, read, or see in short conversations, messages, and other materials.

Setting Priorities

This subtest measures your ability to set priorities in a dispatcher’s job. You will be asked questions about the information you hear, read, or see in short conversations, messages, and other materials.

Reading Comprehension

This subtest measures your ability to understand what you read in a dispatcher’s job.

Sentence Clarity

This subtest measures your ability to use clear and concise sentence structure in a dispatcher’s job.

Call Taking

This subtest measures your ability to understand and follow oral and written directions in a dispatcher’s job.

Checking Coded Information

This subtest measures your ability to use basic skills required for a dispatcher’s job.

3. NYPD 911 Operator Exam

The NYPD 911 operator exam tests your knowledge, skills, and abilities. The examination is designed to assess your ability to perform the duties of a police dispatcher. The test consists of two parts: written and oral examinations.

You must pass both parts of the examination to be eligible for an appointment to the position of police dispatcher.

The written examination consists of multiple-choice questions that measure your knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and vocabulary and your ability to read and comprehend written materials.

The oral examination is conducted in English and measures your ability to communicate effectively in speaking and writing.

You must achieve a passing score on both the written and oral examinations to be eligible for an appointment as a police dispatcher.

The GRE is offered at the New York City Computer-based Testing and Application Center. To be considered for the position, you must score at least a 70%. The following areas are covered in this exam:

• Written Comprehension:  This section includes questions about testing your ability to understand written materials such as police reports, memos, and instructions.
• Written Expression: This section tests your ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing.
• Memorization: This section tests your ability to remember information such as names, numbers, and codes.
• Problem Sensitivity: This section covers the questions related to identifying problems and taking appropriate action.
• Oral Comprehension: It includes understanding spoken materials, such as instructions, directions, and questions.
• Deductive Reasoning: It covers questions about testing your ability to draw logical conclusions from given information.
• Inductive Reasoning: It includes the questions to test your ability to see relationships between given information and to generalize from that information.
• Information Ordering: This section tests your ability to put information in an order that makes sense.

Required Key Skills for 911 Dispatcher Practice Test

To become a 911 dispatcher, you must have excellent communication skills. You will also need to be able to think quickly and make decisions under pressure. The following are some key skills you will need to practice before taking the 911 dispatcher practice test.

Decision Making

You will need to be able to make decisions quickly and under pressure. The 911 dispatcher practice test will help you learn how to do this.

Communication

You will need to have excellent communication skills. You must communicate clearly and effectively with the caller and the other emergency personnel. The 911 dispatcher practice test will help you learn how to do this.

Critical Thinking

You will need to be able to think quickly and critically to assess the situation and decide what needs to be done. Again, the 911 dispatcher practice test will help you learn how to do this.

Caller Management

You will need to be able to manage the callers efficiently and effectively. The 911 dispatcher practice test will help you learn how to do this.

Emergency Management

You will need to be able to manage the emergency effectively. The 911 dispatcher practice test will help you learn how to do this.

Prioritization

You will need to be able to prioritize the callers and the emergency. The 911 dispatcher practice test will help you learn how to do this.

Time Management

You will need to manage the time efficiently to ensure that all the callers are helped on time. The 911 dispatcher practice test will help you learn how to do this.

Map Reading

You must read maps to understand the caller’s location and direct the emergency personnel to the scene. The 911 dispatcher practice test will help you learn how to do this. In this question, you’ll need to pick the quickest path while staying within the bounds of the law for the emergency vehicle’s arrival.

You will need to practice these skills before taking the 911 dispatcher practice test. There are many other important skills that you will need to learn to become a successful 911 dispatcher.

At the End

Hope this guide explains everything you need to know about the 911 dispatcher test, from what’s on the test to how best to prepare. Gain a better understanding of what skills are being tested and learn how to hone your abilities so that you can apply for the test confidently.  Good luck!

Learn more about career options:

Read when to start teaching kids about career building skills.

Halloween is the first big holiday kids get to celebrate at school. It gives them an excuse to dress up, eat candy, stay outside late, and have fun in ways they normally can’t, like making glow-in-the-dark crafts. If you’re hoping to bring all these fun ideas to your classroom, you should throw a Halloween party.

Crazy Crafts

Kids tend to bounce off the walls around the holidays, especially candy-centric ones like Halloween. Give them a way to creatively express themselves and get some of that energy out with Halloween glow-in-the-dark art projects. You can tailor these art projects so that they’re perfect for kids at any age level. That way, if your classroom involves children of different ages or stages of development, they can all feel included.

Glow-in-the-dark rock eyeballs or fun gooey stretchy slime are one of the best options for kids of all ages. This project is also a great way to encourage natural play environments for children. You can have your students collect the rocks or bring a bucket yourself and let them paint the eyes and draw the veins.  Younger children will find it easier to paint large rocks that can lay flat on a table, while older children may prefer small rocks that they can easily take home in their backpacks and show off.

Cauldron Toss

For a more physical way to help kids expel their energy, try a cauldron toss. You’re the witch or wizard leading the classroom and can set up your big black cauldron wherever you want. Place a piece of tape on the floor to make a fair starting line, and then pass out whatever elements you need to add to your brew.

Plastic pumpkins are a fun, light option that younger children can easily toss, while rubber spiders are a better option for older children. You can give points or prizes to kids who make their shot or just have fun. Depending on the size of your cauldron, this game can go for multiple rounds with multiple ingredients, or each child can have one turn.

Sour Candy Contest

Most kids like eating sour candy. But this contest is not about how many sour candies a child can eat. That would be a bit much as parents would not appreciate their kids coming home after school jacked up on sugar and potentially with an upset stomach. No, this contest is all about your classroom participant’s ability to eat sour candy and keep a straight face. Get a taste of the kind of candies we’re referring to by checking out sour gummy worms at Eat Rotten or other tangy treats from your favorite confectionery stores.

Kids who want to play the contest can line up and one-by-one and eat a sour candy. They must chew it for 15 seconds and keep a straight face. The last child standing is the winner. You can limit the number of candies to three per child and have multiple winners.

Costume Parade

For many young kids, Halloween is the ultimate time of self-expression. They get to choose a costume that displays their interests, like their favorite character from a book, and show off that interest when they go trick-or-treating. But since the kids in your classroom probably live in different areas, they may not get to show off their costumes to their school friends. This means you have the perfect excuse to host a costume parade at your Halloween party.

Tell kids to wear their costumes to school if they meet the dress code or bring them to change into right before the parade. Split the class into sections so that most of the class can watch while one of the sections makes their way around the classroom, showing off their costume. If possible, you can also invite family members who will love getting to see their little ones strut around with pride in their costumes.

Some of our favorite ideas for your classroom’s Halloween party are crazy crafts, games, and a costume parade. These suggestions give your students the opportunity to safely enjoy this fall holiday and make fun memories in your classroom.

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