Month: June 2016

[ad_1]

Kids are easily distracted from the schoolwork, which is why classroom chairs need to be as comfortable as possible to make sure they do not lose concentration anymore than they already do. These chairs can be put around any kind of table, even a small folding table, but the most important piece of furniture is the chair. When someone is comfortable in the chair they are sitting in, they are more likely to be able to stay focused on the work at hand. They do not have to think about how the legs of the chair are not even or how the seat is as hard as a rock. Primary teaching resources can only go so far when a teacher is teaching a bunch of students who are squirming around in their chair and trying to get comfortable.

When someone in comfortable in their seat, they will be able to listen to the teacher much more easily because they will not have other thoughts in their head. Some students would rather sit on the floor than be tied down to an uncomfortable seating arrangement. For example, when children are gathered around someone reading a book in a semi-circle, they are often more comfortable in this situation than any other. This is because their seats are generally stiff and uncomfortable. When sitting on the ground, they have more flexibility in what they can do with their legs.

Maintaining good posture during class is actually most important during the early years of schooling. Bones are still developing inside the body during this period, so it is important to not let the body develop into having poor bone structure. There are many different types of chairs available on the market today, and there are many factors to consider before making the purchase. The most demanding factor at any school is usually the budget. This is why so many schools tend to have uncomfortable seating arrangements for the students. The more comfortable chairs are obviously going to be more expensive, but many schools can not afford the high class seating often needed during school hours.

Even though the comfortable chairs are more expensive, these are the ones that should be chosen at all costs. The value of an education and the development of proper posture can not be thought of as secondary issues to spending too much on chairs. You get what you pay for when it comes to chairs, so if a school decides not to pay very much for chairs, they will be left with many unhappy students. The multi-coloured stackable chairs seem to be the most popular choice in schools today, so this should be the bare minimum in selections for chairs; however, any school would be much better off going the extra mile and making sure to create a comfortable environment for their students.

Deciding to go with cheap chairs can also turn out to be a problem when the students see what kind of chair the teacher is sitting in. It would be hard to justify the teacher getting to sit on a huge thrown while the students are left to sit on hard pieces of plastic. Of course, the teacher should have a more comfortable chair, but the comfort difference can not get to be too outrageous. Any student would begin to dislike a teacher who sat in a comfortable leather chair while they were forced to deal with a hard surface.

Chairs Classroom are On simply a key to the success of a classroom environment. A small folding table is fine, but hard surfaced chairs should not be tolerated in schools. A teacher could have the best primary teaching resources in the world, but they will not do any good if all of the students are not paying attention because they are trying to get comfortable in their chairs. The benefits of quality seating can only be seen by those who decide to pay the extra few dollars to make sure all the students are comfortable and can concentrate on their work. Without the ability to do that, there is really no reason to go to school at all.

[ad_2]

Source by Kath Dawson

[ad_1]

As wrestling season draws near, wrestlers begin to contemplate the weight class in which they may wrestle. Wrestlers often believe that they will be more competitive at the lowest weight they can reach without sacrificing their strength and endurance. This is not always the case. Too often, wrestlers end up dehydrated. They end up starving themselves and their performance suffers greatly.

If you're looking for an article on cutting weight, this is not it. If you're the kind of wrestler who can lose ten pounds in wrestling practice, this article may not interest you either. I could never sweat off a lot of weight, so I was always more interested in manipulating my diet to lose weight. There are, of course, a myriad of diets to choose from. I simply want to discuss ten diets of which I am familiar. Maybe one of them will interest you and you can research it further. Let's explore.

1. Low Carb / High Protein Diet

The Atkins Diet is probably the most famous low carb diet. So, what exactly is a low carb diet? A low carb diet limits carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, cereals, grains, potatoes and other starchy vegetables, fruit, and sometimes even milk.

The theory is that carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels which in turn raise insulin levels. Spiking insulin levels is considered bad because the idea is that insulin tells the body to store carbohydrates as body fat and prevents the body from accessing body fat as a fuel source. Supposedly, if you follow a low carb diet plan you can lose excess body fat without having to drastically limit your food intake.

Some low carb diets focus on limiting carbohydrates while increasing one's intake of fat and protein.

Some low carb diets focus more on the glycemic index. The glycemic index essentially measures how much a given food raises one's blood sugar levels. For instance, white rice may have a glycemic index of 58 while broccoli may only have a glycemic index of 15. White bread may have a glycemic index as high as 71. The idea is that a diet composed of low glycemic foods will lead to lower insulin levels which in turn may help one lose weight.

Patrick Holford takes the glycemic index one step further and uses a concept called the glycemic load. The glycemic load takes into account the glycemic index as well as the total carbs in a given amount of food. For instance, a bowl of steel-cut oats (1 oz.) Has 2 GL while a bowl of corn flakes has 21 GL. In addition, half an apple has 3 GL while a banana has 12 GL. That is quite a difference. Holford is a big fan of oats. He claims in his book The Holford Low GL Diet, "There are specific foods and food combinations that cause rapid weight loss." He claims that you will never feel hungry on his diet. You limit the number of GLs you eat in a day and you combine carbs and protein at each meal.

Tim Ferriss champions a diet he refers to as the Slow-Carb Diet. On this regimen one avoids carbohydrates like bread, pasta, cereals, grains, potatoes, etc. Then simply choose one protein, one legume, and one vegetable for each meal. For example, breakfast might be scrambled eggs, black beans, and mixed vegetables. Lunch might be beef, pinto beans, and mixed vegetables. And, dinner might be chicken breast, lentils, and asparagus. Eat as much as you want at each meal and eat up to six times a day. But, always avoid carbs and dairy products and always include a protein, legume, and vegetable.

Some low carb diet books include Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, Protein Power , The Zone Diet, The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet, The South Beach Diet, The Greenwich Diet, The No-Grain Diet, and Sugar Busters.

I suppose the main attraction of low carb diets is that one can burn fat and spare muscle while not having to restrict the amount one eats drastically. On the other hand, low carb diets can make one fatigued and irritable until one gets used to the low carb regimen. Keep in mind that there are several different versions of low carb diets.

2. Paleolithic Diet (Paleo Diet)

The Paleolithic (Paleo) diet seeks to replicate what humans ate during the Paleolithic Era. This diet may also be referred to as the Stone Age Diet, Cave Man Diet, or Hunter-Gatherer Diet. The Paleo diet is purported to promote weight loss as well as provide high fiber, protein, and omega-3 fats.

Foods You Can Eat:

• Lean Meat (skinless chicken breast, turkey, cuts of lean beef like sirloin and extra-lean hamburger, cuts of lean pork, seafood)
• Eggs
• Fruits including berries
• Vegetables including root vegetables like carrots
• Nuts such as walnuts, macadamia, almonds, pecans, and pistachios
• Seeds such as pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds
• Olive oil, flaxseed oil, nut oils, fish oil, canola oil, and avocado

Foods To Avoid:

• Grains
• Pasta
• Bread
• Cereals
• Potatoes
• Sugar
• Beans
• Dairy Products

The Paleo diet may seem similar to the low carb diet and it is in some ways. For instance, it does not allow grain products. However, the Paleo Diet does allow fruits. In addition, it makes a distinction between lean meat and fatty meat which I think is beneficial. Moreover, cheese can be eaten on a low carb diet but dairy is not allowed on the Paleo Diet because it would not have been a food consumed during the Paleolithic era.

I like the Paleo Diet because it provides fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

3. Anabolic Diet

The Anabolic Diet was developed by Dr. Mauro Di Pasquale. He developed this diet primarily for bodybuilders looking for an alternative to steroids and other drugs. He states, "The Anabolic Diet maximizes the production and utilization of the Big 3 growth producers – testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin – and does it naturally. It also shifts the body's metabolism from that of a sugar burning, fat producing machine to that of a fat burning machine. " The Anabolic Diet is a high fat / high protein / low carb diet with a twist. The Anabolic Diet employs a method called carb cycling. For example, you eat a high fat / high protein / low carb diet for five days followed by a high carb diet for two days.

A more generic term for this diet would be cyclic ketogenic diet or simply carb cycling. The idea is that you must eat fat to burn fat. You can find specific guidelines about what to eat on low carb versus high carb days online.

So, it's not as strict as a low carb diet because you can carb up for a day or two. You still need to watch the total amount of calories that you consume because you're not a bodybuilder trying to gain weight, you're a wrestler trying to stay lean or even lose weight.

I've never tried this diet before and have no idea how it would work for a wrestler. I suppose, in theory, that one could eat low carb during the week and carb up on Saturday when tournaments are usually held. On the other hand, eating a lot of fat seems like a strange idea to most of us. If this diet interests you, I would suggest doing an internet search for anabolic diet or cyclic ketogenic diet to learn more.

4. Intermittent Fasting (IF)

This is a way of eating of that involves cycling periods of fasting (ie not eating) and eating. You can fast for 24 hours once or twice a week. The idea is that fasting twice a week reduces the total number of calories one takes in during any given week. For instance, you may have dinner at 6:00 pm one evening and not eat again until 6:00 pm the following evening. If you normally consume three meals a day, then you would simply skip breakfast and lunch two days a week but still have dinner on those days. Sure you might get a bit hungry, but it's only 24 hours and you'll only do it about twice a week. You never technically have to go a day without eating. If you eat at 6:00 pm on Monday, you can still eat on Tuesday; you just have to wait until 6:00 pm again. A good book on the subject of IF is Eat Stop Eat by Brad Pilon.

A somewhat similar fasting routine is called The Warrior Diet created by Ori Hofmekler. On this regimen, you eat one main meal at night and you have the option of eating a small amount of food during the day. You follow this routine every day. You can eat some fruits and vegetables during the day. You can also eat small amounts of lean meats and eggs or a low-carb protein shake. You eat no grains or starches during the day. At your main evening meal, you can consume essentially anything you want but in a certain order. You eat vegetables first, then protein, and then if you're still hungry you can eat some carbohydrates.

While using the intermittent fasting method, you still want to eat healthy. While you can basically eat what you want when not fasting, you still want to eat fruits and vegetables and healthy sources of protein and carbohydrates. You can eat other foods too (eg a dessert) but do not use your non-fasting period as an excuse to binge on junk food.

5. Body for Life

Bodybuilder and entrepreneur Bill Phillips was the founder of Muscle Media 2000 magazine and later acquired the ESA supplement company. He is perhaps most known for authoring the book Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength. In this book he outlines a workout strategy and dietary strategy to transform one's body.

The dietary strategy involves eating six small meals a day which is believed to promote stable blood sugar and insulin levels. Small meals are also believed to be easier to digest and assimilate than three larger meals.

What can you eat for each small meal? You can eat a portion of protein and a portion of carbohydrate. You are also encouraged to eat a serving of vegetables with some meals. A portion is about the size of the palm of your hand or your clenched fist. A potato the size of your clenched fist is a portion as is an apple. Two slices of whole wheat bread is a portion. A skinless chicken breast the size of your palm is a portion. You can also use MRP (meal replacement products) shakes and nutrition bars like Myoplex, Met-Rx, Meso-Tech, Muscle Meals, etc. that provide protein, carbs, and other nutrients all in one bar or shake.

Possible Meal Ideas:

• One omelet and two slices of whole-wheat toast
• Egg whites and oatmeal
• Pancakes made with egg whites, oatmeal, protein powder, and fat-free yogurt
• Combine one portion of low-fat cottage cheese and one portion of fat-free, sugar-free yogurt
• One serving of chocolate MRP shake
• Turkey burger on a whole-wheat bun
• Chicken breast, steamed brown rice, and broccoli
• Grilled sirloin steak, potato, mixed vegetables
• One MRP nutrition bar

You are also encouraged to drink 10 glasses of water a day. You can consume one tablespoon of healthy fat a day such as olive, safflower, canola, sunflower, or flax seed oil. You can also consume small amounts of natural peanut butter and avocado.

You are encouraged to take one day off a week and eat whatever you want.

This plan is nice because you do not have to count calories and you probably will not get hungry eating six small meals a day. It may be hard to follow if you have a busy schedule.

6. Fit for Life

When Harvey Diamond co-authored Fit for Life, he helped bring the concept of natural hygiene into the mainstream. This way of eating is not just about how much you eat but also when and how you eat it. This regimen is based on the principle of proper food combining. The idea is that different foods are broken down differently by the body and therefore should be eaten separately. Harvey Diamond makes a distinction between live foods (high-water-content food like fresh fruits and vegetables) and dead food (eg processed foods).

The Guidelines:

• Fruit is always eaten alone at least two to three hours away from any other food.
• Never eat more than one concentrated food (ie protein or starch) per meal.
• Never combine starches and proteins (eg cereal and milk, bread and cheese, pasta and ground beef, fish and rice).
• You can combine protein with vegetables or starches and vegetables.
• Fat (eg butter, olive oil) is considered neutral. However, do not combine fat with protein.
• Eggs and dairy products are discouraged.
• Meat is discouraged but should be eaten alone or with vegetables if consumed.

Meal Ideas:

• Breakfast – Fruit is encouraged because it is the food with the highest water content and is considered to be the best food to consume. So, you could eat two or more oranges or two apples or two bananas or other fruits and fruit combinations. However, if you do not like fruit you could have scrambled eggs with tomato and broccoli (ie protein and vegetables) or toast with butter (ie starch and fat). But, do not have eggs and toast or cereal and milk.
• Lunch – You could have a large vegetable salad with some olive oil and lemon. You could skip the olive oil on your salad and put some pieces of grilled chicken on it. You could have a vegetable salad and some bread sticks. You could have vegetable soup and some bread sticks. Alternatively, you could have avocado slices and other vegetables (eg tomatoes) between two slices of whole-grain bread. You could have a large baked potato with butter and vegetables (just be sure to steer clear of bacon bits, cheese, and chili).
• Dinner – You could have fish (or chicken or beef), vegetables, and a vegetable salad. Or, you could have rice (or couscous or pasta) with vegetables, and a vegetable salad. Or, if you like potatoes, then you could have a big baked potato with butter and vegetables.
• If you want milk, yogurt, or ice cream then eat it alone at least two or three hours away from other food.
• If you want fruit for a bedtime snack, then eat it alone at least two or three hours after dinner.

The motivational speaker and self-help guru Tony Robbins is an advocate of food combining. I've never tried it before. The good thing is that it focuses a lot on fruit and vegetables. In addition, your calories may be limited (helping with weight loss) when you can not combine starches and proteins, but at least you can still consume them if you choose.

7. High Carb / Low Fat Diet

Some doctors and nutritionists recommend a high card / low fat diet to lose weight and stay healthy – the exact opposite of the low carb advocates. Some names associated with low fat diets include Walter Kempner, Nathan Pritikin, Dean Ornish, and John McDougall. According to Dr. McDougall, his diet is "a diet of plant foods, including whole grains and whole grain products (such as pasta, tortillas, and whole-grain bread), a wide assortment of vegetables, and fruit."

The advocates of these diets claim that a person can enjoy unlimited quantities of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains without feeling hungry. These diets contain less fat and more fiber than other diets.

According to Dr. McDougall, "Carbohydrate is the body's preferred fuel for daily activities and high-intensity exercise performance. Following a low-carbohydrate regime will impair performance."

A baked potato is only about 160 calories and essentially fat free. An apple is only about 100 calories and also essentially fat free. A slice of whole wheat bread is only about 75 calories and essentially fat free. A bowl of oatmeal is about 165 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 4 grams of fiber.

In contrast, a 3 oz. patty of 85% lean ground beef (broiled) is about 213 calories and 13 grams of fat. And, a McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese is about 510 calories and 26 grams of fat. Moreover, a Snicker's Bar is about 270 calories and 14 grams of fat.

I'm not sure why everyone is so worried about cereals, potatoes, fruits, and breads. You can eat a lot of those foods for few calories if you do not add condiments.

Martin Katahn, author of The T- Factor Diet, believes that it is mainly fat in your diet that determines your body fat. He contends that protein and carbohydrate calories do not really matter that much. So, his approach is to count the fat grams in the food one eats and to keep the number low. He does, however, warn people to steer clear of highly processed fat-free desserts and snacks. Get your carbohydrates from fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. In addition, eat lean meat, chicken, and fish.

8. Satiety Index

The Satiety Index (developed by Susanna Holt, PhD.) Measures the extent to which certain foods provide satiety (ie fill you up and satisfy your hunger). Certain foods are simply better at filling you up than others.

For the most part, foods that are high in protein, water, and fiber provide the most satiety.

Carbohydrates are also better at producing satiety than fatty foods.

All foods on the index are compared with white bread which is given the rank of 100.

Some Satiety Food Rankings:

• Croissant – 47%
• Doughnuts – 68%
• Yogurt – 88%
• Corn Flakes – 118%
• White Rice – 138%
• Cheese – 146%
• Eggs – 150%
• Whole Meal Bread – 157%
• Beef – 176%
• Popcorn – 154%
• Apples – 197%
• Oranges – 202%
• Oatmeal – 209%
• Potatoes, Boiled – 323%

As you can see, potatoes provide a much higher level of satiety than a croissant. Similarly, oatmeal is more satisfying than a doughnut. In addition, eggs are more satisfying than yogurt. Seemingly, a sandwich made with whole meal bread with some lean beef or tuna along with an apple could make a satisfying and filling lunch.

A concept related to satiety is caloric density or energy density. Caloric density is the number of calories in a specific amount of food. Foods high in fat have the highest energy density while foods high in water content have the lowest energy density.

For instance, cucumbers, celery, lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, grapefruit, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, carrots, oranges, and apples are very low in caloric density. Some other low caloric density foods include oatmeal, grapes, low-fat cottage cheese, peas, corn on the cob, potatoes, rice, and pasta.

In contrast, foods such as French fries, chocolate cake, pretzels, croissants, doughnuts, onion rings, chocolate chip cookies, bacon, milk chocolate bars, potato chips, and peanuts are much higher in caloric density. Even though pretzels are essentially fat free, they are high in energy density because they lack water and fiber.

Fresh corn (eg steamed corn or corn on the cob) has a caloric density of 0.92. However, a corn muffin has a caloric density of 4.14 and corn bread has a caloric density of 4.27. So, choose a big bowl of steamed corn if you're hungry.

Some low-fat cottage cheese and grapes could make a satisfying and filling meal.

9. Food Exchange System

The food exchange system is a dietary regimen most commonly associated with diabetic individuals. However, the food exchange system can be used by any individual as a guide to help them lose weight. Following this regimen can help one to plan balanced and nutritious meals.

The foods in this system are divided up into categories: starches (eg bread, cereals and grains, starchy vegetables, beans and peas), fruits, milk and yogurt, meat and meat substitutes, vegetables, and fats.

You need to know what constitutes a serving size. For instance, a serving of starch could be ¾ cup of ready-to-eat unsweetened cereal, 1 slice of bread, or ½ a bagel. A serving of fruit may be one small apple, banana, or orange. A serving of milk may be 1 cup of fat-free skim milk. A serving of meat may be 1 ounce of meat, poultry, fish, or cheese. A serving of vegetables may be ½ cup of cooked vegetables or 1 cup of raw vegetables. A serving of fats may be 1 tsp. of butter or 1 tsp. of olive oil. These are just a few of the examples. There are also free foods like 1 tbsp. of fat-free mayonnaise or ¼ cup of salsa. In addition, there are ways of determining exchanges for sweets and combination foods (eg casseroles, pizza, and soups).

For a 1,200 Calorie Meal Plan You May Eat:

• 5 Starches
• 2 Fruits
• 2 Milks
• 5 Meats
• 3 Vegetables
• 4 Fats

So, you might have a breakfast that contains 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1 milk, and 1 fat. Then you would divide the remainder of your exchanges amongst lunch, dinner, and possibly snacks. Some people find this easier than counting calories.

A somewhat similar regimen may involve using the original USDA Food Pyramid as a guide for eating. According to Jane Kirby (a registered dietitian) and the American Dietetic Association, one can use the food pyramid to plan a weight-loss diet.

A Possible 1,200 Calorie Meal Plan:

• 5 Bread group servings
• 3 Vegetable group servings
• 2 Fruit group servings
• 2 Milk group servings
• 5 ounces total for a day for Meat group (divide up into 2 or 3 servings if you want from lean meats or eggs)

10. Counting Calories

Calorie counting is nothing new.

A Los Angeles physician named Dr. Lulu Hunt Peters published a book entitled Diet and Health, With a Key to the Calories in 1918. She recommended consuming no more than 1,200 calories per day, with somewhat more allowed after one's goal weight was reached.

Calories in Carbohydrate, Protein, and Fat :

• Carbohydrate = 4 calories per gram
• Protein = 4 calories per gram
• Fat = 9 calories per gram

Keep in mind that 3,500 calories = 1 pound of fat. Therefore if you cut 500 calories a day from your diet, you'll lose approximately one pound a week (7 days x 500 calories = 3,500 calories).

A simple formula for losing weight is to take your current bodyweight times 10 and eat that number of calories daily to lose weight. For example, a wrestler who weighs 150 pounds would eat 1,500 calories daily (150 x 10 = 1,500). To maintain your weight, take your bodyweight times 15. A 125 pound wrestler wishing to maintain his weight would eat 1,875 calories daily (125 x 15 = 1,875).

Calorie counting is becoming popular again. For example, you may have noticed packages of 100-calorie snacks in the supermarket.

You can still find books listing calorie counts for common foods as well as restaurant foods. And, almost every food at the supermarket contains nutrition information including calories.

Calorie counting can be inconvenient. Individuals sometimes get hungry on a calorie-controlled diet. Nonetheless, calorie counting works for many people.

Final Words

The best advice I have to give is to simply wrestle at your natural weight. But, I know that many of will choose not to because you think you'll be more competitive at a lower weight. Some of you may have to cut weight to reach a certain body weight in order to make the team.

I used to eat a lot of oatmeal and other cereals, whole wheat bread, rice cakes, potatoes, apples, oranges, bananas, carrots, green beans, milk, yogurt, cheese, and lean meat during my high school wrestling career. I counted every calorie and limited my fat intake because that's what worked for me.

It's interesting to look back at what I ate. I ate a lot of oatmeal which is low on the glycemic load, low in caloric density (when cooked with water), relatively low in fat, and high on the satiety index. I did not know all of that back when I was wrestling. I just knew that oatmeal was low in calories and provided a filling breakfast.

I also ate a lot of apples and green beans. These foods are low in calories and fat, but are high in water content and fiber. In addition, I ate a lot of potatoes which are very high on the satiety index.

You may be different.

Perhaps you're one of those guys that can lose 5 to 10 pounds of water weight in a practice. Or, perhaps you like meat and, therefore, a low carb diet would suit you better.

Even some of the greatest wrestlers can become disheartened with dieting and cutting weight. Three- time NCAA wrestling champion and Olympic silver medalist Barry Davis cracked once when faced with the strain of cutting weight. He almost missed the Big Ten Tournament in 1982 because of the pressure of cutting weight. Many other great wrestlers have had tough experiences cutting weight as well.

On the other hand, John Smith (two-time Olympic gold medalist and winner of multiple world championships) took a different approach to weight control. He disciplined himself to maintain year-round weight control (according to Wrestling Tough by Mike Chapman). Smith kept near his competition weight throughout the year.

Other wrestlers have had success by working hard and wrestling near their natural body weight and sometimes cutting no weight whatsoever.

If you decide to cut weight for wrestling, please do not starve and dehydrate yourself. It's unhealthy, dangerous, and will most likely hurt your performance. Try always to eat balanced and nutritious meals. If you decide to lose weight, figure out what works best for you.

[ad_2]

Source by Tharin Schwinefus

[ad_1]

The nutritional plan that a wrestler follows can be a factor in his performance. Different foods supply different nutrients to our bodies. Although food is the most important element in your nutritional plan, supplements can also be a beneficial addition. Some wrestlers desire to lose weight. Some wrestlers do not need to lose weight. Regardless of whether or not a wrestler needs to lose weight, all wrestlers want to be strong and have sufficient energy.

Protein (4 calories per gram)

The body uses protein to perform many functions. I believe most of you know that one of protein's main functions is building and repairing body tissues (eg muscle tissue). Proteins are composed of amino acids. Essential amino acids are amino acids that the body can not make and must be provided by one's diet. A complete protein supplies all of the essential amino acids. Most complete proteins come from animal sources. We are talking about meat, fish, fowl, milk, cheese, and eggs. Why is protein important for a wrestler? Wrestling is strenuous and can be catabolic (ie break down muscle tissue).

How much protein do you need? Some studies have suggested that athletes require more protein than a sedentary person does. Your diet should get about 25% of its calories from protein.

Good Sources of Protein:

• lean beef
• boneless, skinless chicken breast
• lean pork
• fish without breading
• turkey
• milk
• yogurt
• cheese
• cottage cheese
• eggs

An Interesting Fact about Cottage Cheese:

Cottage cheese contains a large amount of the milk protein called casein. In fact, cottage cheese is almost 100% unadulterated casein. Casein digests slowly in the body. Casein supplies a slow trickle of amino acids after being ingested. Therefore, if you eat some cottage cheese before bed you can receive a slow trickle of amino acids (ie protein) into your body throughout the night that could be anti-catabolic (ie prevent the breakdown of muscle tissue) while muscle tissue is being repaired during sleep.

Regarding Eggs:

Eggs have a Biological Value (BV) of 100. Our bodies utilize the protein contained in eggs very well. Even egg whites have a BV of 88. I do not recommend eating only egg whites even if they are lower in fat and calories. I think nature made eggs to be eaten with the yolk and white as a package. A large whole egg contains about six grams of protein. Eggs are nutrient dense. If you're concerned about calories, you can poach eggs or fry them in a non-stick pan. There are liquid egg white products if you prefer. Remember that it's probably not a good idea to eat raw eggs like Rocky Balboa.

Regarding Beans:

Beans are interesting because they can be a good source of protein and carbohydrates. Beans also supply fiber that can help you feel full if you are trying to diet. Beans and rice are a popular combination for supplying a meal that includes all or close to all of the essential amino acids. Some experts consider the combination of beans and rice to be a complete protein.

A guy named Tim Ferriss advocates something he calls a "slow-carb" diet for weight loss. Beans and legumes are an important part of this diet plan. For example, one meal might consist of beef, pinto beans, and mixed vegetables. Another meal might consist of eggs, black beans, and mixed vegetables. The diet does not include carbohydrates like breads, cereals, and fruits so it's not really a good diet for a wrestler. I just thought it was interesting as a weight loss option and because of its reliance on beans and legumes.

Carbohydrates (4 calories per gram)

Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of fuel. In other words, carbohydrates provide you with energy. Wrestling practice and competition obviously require a lot of energy. Therefore, make sure to include plenty of carbohydrates in your diet. Carbohydrates get broken down into glucose and other sugars. Glucose is your brain's preferred fuel source. Much of this glucose gets stored in your muscles in the form of glycogen. Glycogen is then used as a source of energy. Your diet should derive about 60% of its calories from carbohydrates. There are complex carbohydrates like breads and cereals and simple carbohydrates like fruit. Educate yourself.

Good Sources of Carbohydrates:

• breads
• bagels
• muffins
• pancakes
• cereals
• rice
• pasta
• potatoes
• sweet potatoes
• fruits
• vegetables

When I wrestled in high school, I ate a lot of carbohydrates. For instance, I actually ate a lot of rice cakes. I figured I could eat five rice cakes for about the same number of calories in one can of soda. I know you probably think they taste like Styrofoam but I became used to them. I also ate many potatoes without butter, salt, or any other condiments. I ate many bowls of plain oatmeal. I became accustomed to eating a simple diet. Of course, I still had a Pop-Tart or candy bar occasionally.

In Regards to Fruits and Vegetables:

Why eat a candy bar when you could eat two large apples for about the same number of calories? That was my thinking back in high school when I was dieting for wrestling. Fruits and vegetables are often fat free, low in calories, high in water content, high in fiber, and rich in nutrients like antioxidants. I ate many servings of green beans back then. I had an apple or two almost every day. I could eat a large amount of food for a small amount of calories.

Fat (9 calories per gram)

Fats provide twice the number of calories per gram as proteins and carbohydrates. Therefore, you do not want to consume too much fat. However, you should not eliminate fat entirely from your diet. Your diet should derive about 15% of it's calories from fats. Fats do many important things in our bodies. Fats build healthy cell membranes. Fats help to make hormones like testosterone. Your brain is approximately sixty percent fat. Some fats can help make your skin smooth and healthy. Moreover, fat cushions your body organs.

You've probably heard about the many types of fats such as saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, hydrogenated, and trans fats. Dr. Eric Serrano believes that saturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated fats are all important. However, he recommends avoiding hydrogenated fats altogether. You may want to research fats and essential fatty acids. You may also want to perform an online search for Dr. Eric Serrano, Udo Erasmus, Dr. Bill Sears, and Dr. Joseph Mercola in regards to healthy fats.

Some Good Sources of Fat to Consider:

• extra virgin olive oil
• flax oil
• fish oil
• cod liver oil
• peanut butter
• nuts
• virgin coconut oil
• avocados

Do not be afraid to eat whole eggs, lean red meat, salmon, tuna, and even a bit of butter occasionally. Coconut oil is a saturated fat. However, if you do some research regarding virgin coconut oil you will find out it that it has many potential health benefits. In addition, remember to limit or avoid hydrogenated fats and trans fats.

I was advised at a wrestling camp to try to eat a diet of about 80% healthy food and 20% unhealthy food during wrestling season. I guess they figured nobody could eat healthy 100% of the time. That may be sound advice.

In the book Blood in the Cage, author L. Jon Wertheim writes about Pat Miletich, a former wrestler and former UFC champion. Pat and most of his fighters follow something called Miletich's "fighter's diet" when a competition is drawing near. This diet consists mainly of oatmeal, eggs, and skinless, boneless chicken.

Fast Food Tips:

• Have water or milk instead of pop
• Have grilled chicken in sandwiches and soft shell tacos
• Have grilled chicken breast, lean roast beef, and lean ham on sub sandwiches
• Have a garden salad with minimal dressing
• Have a baked potato without butter, sour cream, or cheese
• Have a small hamburger without cheese, bacon, or mayonnaise
• Avoid deep-fried, breaded, and batter-dipped foods

Keep in mind:

• One pound equals approximately 3,500 calories
• If you cut 500 calories a day from your diet you will lose approximately one pound per week
• A simple way to determine the number of calories you need to eat per day to lose weight is to take your current bodyweight times 10 (eg 150 X 10 = 1,500 calories)
• A simple way to determine the number of calories you need to eat per day to maintain weight is to take your current bodyweight times 15 (eg 130 X 15 = 1,950 calories)
• A calorie-counting book and a food scale may be helpful; read nutrition labels
• Try to avoid empty calories like you find in soda pop and candy
• Keep your pre-competition meal light and carbohydrate based

I do not recommend cutting weight or starving. You need food to fuel your body. In addition, drink plenty of fluids so that do not become dehydrated. If you choose to lose weight, do it slowly and carefully. You do not want to lose muscle tissue and strength. In addition, you need energy for hard practices.

If you are Vegetarian or Vegan:

Strength coach Mike Mahler is a vegan (ie eats no animal products whatsoever) and yet he is big and strong. Some staples in his diet include nuts, seeds, peanut butter, almond butter, beans, lentils, vegetables, coconut milk, healthy fats like olive oil, and rice protein powder.

Pre-Competition Meal:

As far as your pre-competition meal goes, keep it familiar. That is not a time to try new foods. Keep it light and carbohydrate based so you have energy. A heavier meal with more fat will be slower to digest. On the other hand, your pre-competition meal should be something that you enjoy. I think I read somewhere that boxer Sugar Ray Leonard liked to have a cheeseburger before a big fight. I would not recommend that, but it seemed to work fine for him. Olympic champion speed skater Bonnie Blair's pre-race meal was always a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I had a friend in high school that had one of his highest scoring basketball games after a meal of several bowls of chili. Personally, I always liked to have pancakes before a competition. For some people that would probably sit too heavy in their stomach. I liked to have jelly sandwiches and Pop-Tarts at wrestling tournaments if I needed something between matches. Find what works for you.

Supplements to Consider:

• Multivitamin – to cover anything you might miss in your diet
• Meal Replacement Products (MRPs) – shakes like Myoplex and Met-Rx provide protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals if you do not have time to eat a meal
• Whey protein – whey protein is absorbed quickly by the body and is ideal for a post workout shake
• Glutamine – may help you maintain muscle if dieting; improves immune function
• Creatine monohydrate – supplies energy to your muscles; make sure you stay hydrated if you use this supplement
• Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) – may help with recovery and repair
• Inosine – may give you greater endurance by supporting the regeneration of ATP
• HMB – may help slow the breakdown of muscle tissue (ie anti-catabolic)
• Beta-alanine – may help improve your work capacity via it's ability to buffer lactic acid
• Caffeine – can increase energy and alertness

You probably do not need to supplement at all. Eat a healthy diet with a variety of foods and stay hydrated. That will do more for you than any supplement ever can. In addition, supplements can be costly. Moreover, some supplements work for one wrestler and not for another. Therefore, if you choose to use supplements be cautious and be careful. Do some research about the potential benefits and dangers of any supplement before using it.

I am not a nutritionist or dietitian. I am not an expert on dietary supplements. Read articles and books pertaining to nutrition and supplements. I have simply provided a rough guide to help you get started. Remember that you need fuel for your body to function well. That fuel is food. Therefore, make sure that make smart dietary choices on your path to wrestling success.

[ad_2]

Source by Tharin Schwinefus

[ad_1]

Wrestling, like every sport, has certain rules. However, in this article I want to discuss some "unwritten" rules that may help you in your quest to become a champion.

If wrestling is your sport, these are the rules.

1. You will receive a certain amount of innate, God-given talent.

Some wrestlers have tremendous amount of natural talent. Some have less. I had a fair amount of wrestling talent in my competitive days. Wrestling came naturally to me. I understood the rules, the moves, the timing, the leverage needed in different situations, and other aspects of wrestling. However, I can not play the piano. I do not have the talent like Mozart. I can not play basketball. I do not have the talent like Michael Jordan. But, wrestling always seemed right. Guess what, though? I could get better at playing piano and at playing basketball. I would never be great, but I could definitely improve. A person can always improve their skills. That is why practicing and drilling is so important in wrestling. Even if you do not have a lot of natural talent, you can always improve your skills. In addition, I have seen wrestlers with less talent beat more "talented" wrestlers on several occasions. Practice your skills a lot, make sure that you are in excellent physical condition, practice mental toughness, and do not worry too much about how much so-called talent you possess.

2. You will learn moves.

Wrestling is considered to have seven basic skills. Theses skills are stance, motion, level change, penetration, lifting, back step, and back arch. However, wrestling has thousands of moves and techniques. You should learn as many moves as possible. You will learn a lot in practice. You can also learn a lot from books and videos. By watching videos you can access the knowledge of phenomenal wrestlers like Dan gable and John Smith. The Granby School of Wrestling has many great videos available. There's no reason not to learn several moves, counter moves, and techniques. Technique is number one in a wrestling match. No matter how strong physically and mentally you may be, if you do not have good technical skills then you will get beaten. Learn each move and then practice your moves religiously. You will not use all of them, but you should learn several moves and counters to those moves if you expect to be a great wrestler.

3. You will receive feedback.

Your coach will, of course, give you feedback. Your teammates will give you feedback. Your family and community members may even give you feedback. Make sure you listen to them. They may be wrong, but have an open mind and at least hear them out. You will also receive feedback by simply observing how well you do in practice and in matches. Whether you win or lose, you are receiving feedback. Tony Robbins likes to say, "There is no such thing as failure. There is only feedback." In other words, you can learn from every experience, including losing a wrestling match. The inventor Thomas Edison once said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that will not work." He also said, "Results! Why, man, I have gotten a lot of results. I know several thousand things that will not work." Eventually, Edison would find ways that did work. You will too. Make use of the feedback you receive while engaged in the sport of wrestling and in life in general.

4. Drilling is important.

Drilling involves performing a skill repeatedly so you learn it thoroughly. You want to perfect your skills. You need to immerse yourself in drilling moves and techniques, so that they become second nature. A wrestler's goal should be to have his skills become deeply engrained through hard drilling. Drill intensely. If your coach gives you two minutes to drill a double leg takedown with your partner, how many repetitions can you do in that time? Drilling is common in sports, the military, and many other areas of life. General George Patton had this to say during a speech to his troops in 1944, "All through your Army careers, you men have (expletive) about what you call" chicken sh * t drilling. That, like everything else in this Army, has a definite purpose. That purpose is alertness. Alertness must be bred into every soldier. I do not give a (expletive) for a man who's not always on his toes. You men are veterans or you would not be here. You are ready for what's to come. "You also need to be ready for what is to come in every match. Make sure you drill.

5. You can always improve and learn more .

As I mentioned earlier, you can always improve your skills. You can often improve your conditioning level as well. There must be hundreds of ways to set up a single leg takedown. You can always learn new moves and new ways to set up moves. In addition to your coach, you can learn from camps, clinics, books, and videos. Champion golfer Seve Ballesteros said, "To give yourself the best possible chance of playing to your potential, you must prepare for every eventuality. That means practice." Practice is incredibly important. Always be striving to improve and to learn more.

6. You must be mentally tough.

Being physically tough is only part of the equation for producing success. You need to be mentally tough as well. You need to be focused on winning your match and on nothing else. Do you get nervous, intimidated, or distracted? You can train your mind just as you train your body. Practice visualization and positive self-talk before a match. Have a plan before you step onto the mat. What moves are you planning to use? What is your strategy? If your opponent is good in the top position then you do not want to get caught in the down position. Make sure you can stand up and escape. If your opponent likes to cradle wrestlers then you need to prepare for that. Believe in yourself and your abilities and you will do well.

7. Show respect and be respected.

Display honor, dignity, integrity, and good sportsmanship. Confidence is good, but cockiness is not. Overconfidence can be a danger as well. I had a teammate who was in a match and just stood there. He was not aggressive. He did not respect his opponent and he thought he could just stand there and see what his opponent did. I'll tell you what his opponent did. His opponent took him down repeatedly and soundly defeated him. Respect your coaches, your teammates, opponents, and rival schools. If you give respect, you will often receive respect. Some great wrestlers have lost matches and yet maintained their dignity by shaking hands with their opponent and then working hard to improve for the next match. Respect is important in sports and in life.

8. Success is your responsibility.

Be a self-starter and a role model. No one can make you work hard. No one can instill within you the desire to win. You have to push yourself in practice. You have to want success. Do you need to be constantly prodded by your coach? If your coach did not show up for practice, would you take the initiative to get practice started on your own? Or, would you just leave and forget practice? Do whine or complain in practice? Do not. You need to be a good role model for your teammates. Nobody will simply hand you a gold medal. Nobody can practice, drill, and work out for you. Success is your responsibility.

9. Learn from others.

As I stated earlier, you can learn from coaches, camps, clinics, books, and videos. Perhaps you have a teammate who is exceptional at a certain move. Watch him closely. Ask him to show you how he does it. You can also learn much from non-wrestlers. I've learned new conditioning ideas from powerlifters, boxers, and mixed martial artists. I've learned about mental toughness from different kinds of athletes as well as from sports psychology books. I have learned from psychology, philosophy, literature, and other areas of study. I have learned things from military personnel and motivational experts. There is a wide range of people and places that can teach you much.

10. Spirit and heart are crucial to success .

Having "heart" involves displaying perseverance even when faced with difficulties or challenges. Wrestling matches are intense. Wrestling matches can be demanding physically and mentally. Do you have courage, determination, and desire? When your legs are tired and your lungs are burning in an overtime match, can you dig deep and push yourself to win? Have you ever simply given up in a match? Does fatigue crush your motivation and keep from going hard in practice? Do you want to win no matter what the obstacles you may face? Do you love wrestling or is it just an activity to pass some time? Are you motivated? Are you enthusiastic? Are you ready to put in the hard work it takes to become a champion? Boxing great Evander Holyfield said, "It is not the size of a man but the size of his heart that matters."

I hope that these ten "rules" can help you in your quest for success.

[ad_2]

Source by Tharin Schwinefus

[ad_1]

Each year teachers asks themselves how they can make school more fun. There is a reason teachers desperately want their students to have fun in school. Laughing and having a good time means that the brain is actively engaged. When the brain is working, sparking, and functioning, learning occurs. It does not take a circus to create a fun atmosphere in school. Here are some simple ways to incorporate fun into the elementary school day.

Active Get

Children love to run and play. They like to move their bodies and put tons of energy into everything they do. When elementary students mention their favorite parts of the school day are recess and physical education, there is a reason. Typically, this is the only time of day in which they are allowed to move around and get active. Teachers can change this. You could incorporate movement into your lessons. Choose a CD with music from a studied time period and have the students dance. Play games that allow children to stand and answer questions. Movement does not always have to be crazy. Simply standing can get the blood flowing.

Involve all Senses

Involving all 5 senses into your elementary school days can create a lot of fun. School can be made fun by fully immersing your students into the material. For example, if your students are learning about a certain country, let them taste the food and smell the unique aromas. Play music and let them dance. Let them feel material used in each culture. Not only will this improve the fun meter in your class, but it will also increase learning. Some students learn better by listening. Others learn better by watching. Yet some students learn by touching, feeling, and actively participating in lessons.

Change Routine

Some teachers begin to get into an instructing rut after they have been teaching for a certain number of years. The day begins with the previous day's assignment, is followed by a lecture, and ends with a worksheet. This becomes extremely monotonous and not at all fun. Changing the school day routine can help greatly. Play learning games, watch videos, do group projects, or have guest speakers. A change in pace makes classes much more fun.

Clear Expectations

Fun is inhibited by many factors. A lack of fun might come from the lack of stimulating activity. It also comes, however, from an abundance of anxiety. Creating clear classroom and performance expectations can minimize school anxiety. If your students know what you will be doing the next day, they know what to expect. Let your class know what will happen if homework is incomplete, or if they are tardy. Simply being able to relax will improve the fun factor in school.

If children viewed school as a fun place to learn, there would not be quite so many drop-outs or bad grades. You do not have to act like a fool to make school fun. Simply incorporate a few fun changes in the school day to improve elementary learning capacity.

[ad_2]

Source by Jennifer Berry

[ad_1]

When evaluating the success of a school, one of the most important characteristics of the school is what kind of leader is responsible for the school. Whoever the leader, their leadership style can plan an important role in determining the effectiveness the school. It is important that parents be aware of the various leadership styles when making an intelligent decision about which school to enroll their children. The two leadership styles that are most prevalent in our schools are authoritarian and participative.

Authoritarian

This leadership style is very dominating, and this person makes every decision in the building. This kind of leadership is concerned with doing everything in the building their way, regardless of the outcome. He / she will be on every committee, and will be in command of all meetings. Generally, the school is very orderly because of the fear of the leader.

When you work under this kind of leadership everyone will know their role. The leader will make sure everyone knows what is expected of them, and they will have little or no input on their role. This is because the leader will dictate all roles in the building.

Procedures in the building will have to be followed by students and staff. Students who violate rules will be punished according to the policies of the school. Staff member have to be very obedient to the leader or risk losing their job. Most procedures and rules were crafted by the leader, and he / she do not deviate from them.

Both staff and parents may not feel they are a part of the school, because the leader dictates the operation of everything. The many talents and skills of the staff may not be utilized because of the dominate style of the leader. Staff members normally do not have a buy-in attitude. Sometimes this has led to tension in the building, and staff members leaving the school.

Participative

The participative leadership style is completely opposite of the authoritarian style. This leader encourages input from staff and parents. This style normally has led to "buy-in" from all parties. This style allows decision to be made based on what the majority decides.

These leaders generally have an open-door policy for students, staff, and parents. He / she will not serve on all committees in the building, but will have a representative on all committees. Because of the respect that exists, committees will still solicit the leaders' opinion.

This kind of leader will know how to utilize his or her staff and get the most productivity from them. This style generally involves the school working as a team, which empowers the staff to make decisions. Everyone in the building generally is supportive of this kind of leadership style.

These schools are generally very positive because everyone is working on the same page. The staff believes they are doing a good job of educating the children, and they feel comfortable enough to enroll their own children in the school. The staff has first hand knowledge of what is happening in the school because they help develop policies and procedures.

Most importantly, the participative leadership style has a positive effect on the students in the building. Generally, students' discipline problems are fewer, because students respect an administration that seems concerned about them. The positive atmosphere motivates the students to perform to the best of their ability, which eliminates much of the negative behavior. Students will be encouraged to participate in clubs, organization and the overall school functions.

These two leadership styles are the most prevalent in our schools. Parents need to investigate the leadership style of the schools their children are enrolled, and ask themselves, will my children learn in this kind of environment?

[ad_2]

Source by Ronnie Phillips

[ad_1]

Becoming a private investigator is an appealing profession for many people today; whether they are currently in the work force and looking for a career change or just starting out in working life. A private investigation school is an option more and more are leaning towards as a way to fast track their learning curve.

Are All Private Investigation Schools Created Equal?

One of the biggest givens in life is to learn from successful people: those who have already blazed a path in their chosen field and private investigators are no different.

When looking for a private investigation school, it's a good idea to concentrate on those run by current or former PI's. Post why? Makes sense. Those with years of experience plying their investigative knowledge in the trade are generally best qualified to teach you the skills required to get established and survive in this tough arena.

Just as important is to learn the art of private investigation quickly and not be stuck in a program which runs over a long period of time.

Private Investigation Schools Online

Nowadays, going online for just about anything is the norm rather than the exception. There are some excellent schools and courses online such as The Global School Of Investigation run by "street wise" PI's who have spent a lifetime learning the ins and outs of this business. These courses are generally intense and straight to the point and can give a student an excellent grounding for what's required.

Let's take a look at some of the benefits you need to look for before joining a private investigation school.

1. A course which gets through the "fluff" quickly and teaches you techniques from the word go.

2. A course which offers hands-on training. Less theory and more practical. Techniques you can practice while training.

3. You'll want to cover a variety of topics such as surveillance to interviewing techniques; criminal investigation to computer investigation; background investigation to self-defence along with setting up in business and running a business.

4. A good private investigation school will also show you where and how to find the best jobs. How to aplly for jobs and the right way to prepare.

5. When looking for a school or course online make sure you can communicate with a customer service representative. Having an avenue of communication should be part of the course curriculum for those times you need vital questions answered.

A private investigation school is a step in the right direction however, go in with "eyes wide open" and do some investigative work yourself before deciding on the right option. You should also do a check with the governing business bodies in your state or area for confirmation of legitimacy.

[ad_2]

Source by Dean Caporella

[ad_1]

Human relations in a democratic society must be shaped by free and independent individuals. Schools must therefore work to promote the equality of men and women. Schools must endeavor to lay the foundations of solidarity with disadvantaged groups in this country and abroad. They must actively promote the inclusion of immigrants in this country in the community. They must also lay the foundations of a determination to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts. This means that schools must aim to develop in pupils a capacity for empathy and for understanding other people's conditions, and also a will to act in the best interests of other people as well as oneself.

Schools supplement the influence and upbringing provided in the home. The main burden of responsibility always rests with the home. Schools are jointly responsible with homes for the pupils' development into democratic and responsible individuals. The adult members of the school community must support parents in their task of bringing up their children. Conversely, schools are entitled to expect parental support for their work. lt is very important that parents should also accept and endeavor to promote the principles and rules of democracy. In this way children and young person's can see that homes and schools belong to the same community.

The upbringing and personal development of children are indissolubly connected with their work in acquiring and developing knowledge and skills. The circumstances in which children and young person's acquire knowledge and skills therefore have an important bearing on their upbringing. We are concerned here with the whole of the spirit characterizing a school. The expectations and demands of adults and the part which they play through their words and actions as examples to children and young person's influence the self-image acquired by the younger generation and also their attitudes towards knowledge work and ethical questions.

Activities in schools, as in the community at large, are founded on policy decisions democratically made. These decisions are manifested in laws and regulations. Pupils, like adults, have to comply with these rules. At the same time as schools are quite firm on this point, they must make it clear that legislation must never be used as a means of suppressing human rights and liberties.

The common democratic way of life which schools, is to act in close co-operation with homes, are to transmit to children, and implies that adults should endeavor to bring up their children with the least possible element of coercion. They must endeavor to root ethical norms in the children's own personalities and in their practical surroundings. Human ethical development is never stimulated by blind obedience, but nor is it stimulated by indifference on the part of adults. A child's morals are shaped by contact and community with people whom it trusts and wants to resemble.

Children must be enabled to ponder moral problems and conflicts of norms and also to assume responsibility for solving such problems in practical everyday situations. Our common basic values ​​accommodate many problems and conflicts. Collisions between goals and reality should not be glossed over. Questions concerning conflicts, their causes and solutions, must be brought out in conversations and discussions in many connections. Schools must actively induce children to adopt standpoints concerning these matters.

Starting on the basis of common values, every class and school must draw up the rules which children, school staff and parents together agree are necessary in order for the work and social life of the class and the school to run smoothly. These rules of everyday life must be felt to be important iu the actual prevailing situation, and they must be consistently adhered to. It must also be jointly decided what are to be the consequences of various infringements of the rules.

Rules must be continuously evaluated by pupils, teachers and parents together. Every child and adult must assume personal responsibility for agreements being kept. At the same time, each individual needs the support of the others. The responsibility and concern of the stronger for the weaker must be clearly emphasized.

Being useful, being acknowledged for one's sake, being allowed to assume responsibility -these are palpable and fundamental needs among alI children. The adults and children in each individual school must accept the practical consequences of this fact in relation to the conditions applying at their particular schools. Respect for human dignity and respect for others must also provide the ethical foundation of school work concerning matters where people in this country embrace different values.

Hardly a day passes without school work touching on matters involving different opinions. This applies to questions of belief, to politics, to social values ​​or morals, and it can apply to attitudes towards humanity, interpretations of history and style and taste. Schools admit children from all walks of society and all opinion groupings. All parents must be able to send their children to school with the same conviction and assurance that schools will not condition them in favor of one or the other of mutually conflicting views and opinions. The instruction provided by schools in matters where opinions vary must therefore be empirical and objective.

Schools must be amenable to the manifestation of differing values ​​and opinions, and they must assert the importance of personal commitment. At the same time, schools must assert the essential values ​​of our democracy and must clearly dissociate themselves from everything which conflicts with those values. Thus schools must not adopt a posture of neutrality or passivity concerning the fundamental values ​​of democratic society. Instead they must deliberately promote these values ​​and educate pupils to respect them.

[ad_2]

Source by Artur Victoria

[ad_1]

With today's technological advances making cell phones pervasive into nearly every aspect of people's lives, it comes as no surprise that cell phones in schools have become a hotly debated topic. There are advocates on both sides: some claim that cell phones are an inappropriate distraction during school hours, others embrace students' familiarity with them and utilize them in class. While the jury is still out, both sides do have some intriguing points.

Mobile phone advocates claim many benefits to using the devices in educational settings; some of these advantages include:

• Parental Involvement. Students can use cellular phones equipped with cameras to take pictures of projects they complete in class, such as group projects that utilize only class time. Generally, in these situations, students do not conduct any research or assembly of such projects at home, so parents do not get to see the result of their child's efforts in the classroom. Allowing students to use cell phones in this capacity encourages parental involvement in their child's life, as well as supporting their educational development.
• Missing Assignments. Teachers can enact a buddy system in which students email or text each other with the details of assignments their buddy missed due to an absence. This will save teachers valuable time they would have otherwise spent assembling makeup packets, and will instill a sense of responsibility among students for themselves and each other.
• Note-Taking. Students that have problems keeping up in class when taking notes can utilize the camera feature of their mobile phone to snap photos of the notes and save them for later studying and showing parents or tutors, as well as classmates who may have missed part of them. Teachers can also incorporate taking photos of notes into their buddy system for missing assignments, and allow students to forward missed information during class time to absent classmates, and likewise allow them to receive such information if they are absent.
• Real-World Tools. Cell phones usually have features such as calculators, which most high school math classes require. Using the calculator function of their cell phone can teach students the real-world skill of utilizing what they have on hand to calculate mathematical problems in their everyday lives.
• Improving Focus. Students with cell phones that feature music capabilities and ear buds can use them during homework periods or times of otherwise independent study. Many students find listening to music a relaxing study habit and studies of learning styles indicate that some students learn best while listening to music while working problems or reading. Students who are comfortable while studying are more likely to study longer, more often, and produce more positive results than those who do not listen to music.

On the other hand, many believe that cell phones will only contribute to already existing problems in schools, such as cheating, disrespecting teachers and staff, and instigating trouble amongst other students; some even cite the possibility of utilizing cell phones for illegal activities during school.

• Cheating. Using a cell phone, regardless of the age of the user or the location from which they use the phone, comes with responsibility. Advocates of banning Some cell phones Internet in schools state That Utilizing the camera function of a cell phone enables students to cheat on tests by vBulletin® snapping people like photos of answer keys, test contents, or the answers on a neighbor's paper.
• Disrespect. Students could use their phones for all sorts of mischief in class, including using the audio recording function of them to record teachers or other staff during lectures or other conversations without them being aware of the recording. Students could then use those recordings to take the speaker's words out of context and present them in a manipulative light.
• Instigating Trouble. Students can use their cell phones during school to cause problems amongst students and bully others. School-related violence and cases of bullying are on the rise, and officials already have their hands full dealing with problematic students and keeping order in their institutions; allowing students to use devices such as cell phones during school hours will make such problems easier to perpetrate and harder to control.
• Illegal Activities. Students can use cell phones during school to carry out illicit activities such as placing or taking orders for drug deals, provoking students to fight each other, take and place bets on sporting events or other forms of gambling, or planning events such as bomb threats and other security breaches.
• Distraction. Almost all of those in favor of banning cell phones from schools say that allowing their use in class will distract students from their studies. Features such as internet access and video gaming capabilities are the most frequently cited as the biggest distractions. While the internet can provide legitimate researching capabilities, playing video games provides no educational benefit at all.

Today there are schools making use of both policies. Pasco County's Wiregrass Ranch High School utilizes mobile phones in many of its classes, including English, math, and social studies. Teachers allow students to use their phones to research literature and authors, calculate math problems, and take pictures for class projects, among other tactics. Students in this district say that they feel more respected and trust than students in districts who do not have such a privilege, and acknowledge that the devices can help them learn more about their world, both past and present. Regarding the area of ​​behavior management, teachers in the school no longer must battle students on a daily basis to put their phones away or to pay attention during class. Instead, they are integrating cell phone usage into their lesson plans and students are participating during class more and benefiting. Students can take care of their personal business on their cell phones before and after school as well as during lunch and passing periods, so personal distractions really are a non-issue. Administrators acknowledge that some students will and do abuse the privilege. Rules, such as use restrictions and removal of other non-cell phone related privileges, are in place to discourage would-be goof-offers.

Most schools throughout the country instate some type of cell phone ban in their districts, mostly due to their connections to illegal activity and their disruptions during class. Some cite security issues, stating that ready student access to cell phones while on campus does not make them safer in the event of a violent event, even going so far as to state that they can complicate the jobs of emergency responders in such an instance. These schools also say that ready access to cell phones during the school day only inflames rumors and worsens bullying situations among students. As such, many of them enforce a "we see it, we take it" policy, and notify students as well as parents of the strict nature of such policies.

Some schools have begun to relax their mobile phone policies while others continue to uphold their bans, even tightening up their rules prohibiting the presence and usage of cell phones while on campus. Both sides have their own clear reasons for keeping their courses of action, and only time will tell as to which theory is more successful in educating students.

[ad_2]

Source by Anthony Victorio

[ad_1]

By the Fall of 1999, more than half a million elementary schools in New York had introduced uniforms. Although more than a decade has passed, the necessity of school uniforms remains a highly debated topic.

Former President Bill Clinton said in a speech in 1996, "If it means that the school … will be more orderly and … disciplined, and that our young people will learn to evaluate themselves by what they are on the inside, instead of what they're wearing on the outside … public schools should … require their students to wear uniforms. " However, this is not the only reason for the introduction of a dress code in schools.

Need for School Uniforms
Debates over school uniforms are quite complicated. However, there are some points that those who support the issue have highlighted in the past:

Promotes equality: This is the most obvious result of a dress code. The competition of wearing the best clothes has abated due to the introduction of a dress code in schools and all students are perceived irrespective of the their economic status. Reginald Wilson, a senior scholar of the American Council on Education, Washington, DC, had mentioned that it took pressure off students to wear expensive clothes, thus lowering the cost of clothing.

Professional appearance: Many believe that children in a proper dress code take school more seriously than when they are in their 'play clothes'. Uniforms create an ambiance where a child would like to study. Schools have reported that students dressed in 'work clothes' take a comparatively serious approach to studies.

Promotes discipline and values: School uniforms instill a sense of unity, build on the school spirit and enhance school pride. It also upholds the fact that individuality and self-expression do not lie in designer clothes but within each individual. Discipline is automatically created when a professional ambiance is introduced to the study environment.

Low cost: School uniforms are far less expensive than other clothing and most parents converge on the point that they are very durable. Uniforms are made of materials that can withstand repeated wash and wear. Some schools have capitalized on this factor and have started used uniform supplies or swap meets.

Put , Simply, school uniforms help avoid unwanted Distractions, color : such color : as the latest fashion or accessories and Encourage focus on studies and career. MarcusUniforms.com hosts a wide array of uniforms for children and teenagers.

[ad_2]

Source by Winston Jenkins