MSI Press Blog

  Many language learners spend years searching for the "best" method. In reality, the most effective method is often the one that matches how you learn. For example, how do you remember vocabulary best? Do you remember a word because you saw it in print? If so, extensive reading may be your superpower. Books, newspapers, websites, blogs, and subtitles may help vocabulary stick because your brain is naturally attentive to written forms. Or do you remember words because you hear them? If that sounds like you, podcasts, conversations, films, YouTube videos, songs, and audiobooks may be more powerful than vocabulary lists. Some learners can recall the sound of a word long before they can spell it. Some people need to write new vocabulary. The physical act of taking notes, making word cards, copying examples, or keeping a journal creates another pathway into memory. Others find this tedious and gain far more from repeated exposure through reading and listening. The same principle...

  Today's tip for parents (from two talented teachers) comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly (yes, those are the two talented teachers). #19 Creating a Life Long Learner   The important thing is not so much that every child be taught , as that every child should be given the wish to learn . ~John Lubbock   As your family takes the journey toward academic success together, there is something very important to keep in mind. Try to remember that your goal is not to fill your child up with information. You want to awaken his sense of curiosity, ambition, and desire to learn on his own. It's not so important what you teach him but that you teach him to think. If you can instill in your child a sense of wonder and a love of learning, your efforts will surely be rewarded. You will create a child who is not afraid to question, to try, to take a risk, and to think for himself. These are qualities that will ...