Wednesday, March 25, 2020

A Spanish Tutor In Cardiff Will Benefit You

A Spanish Tutor In Cardiff Will Benefit YouIt is said that there are few things more rewarding in life than to spend your time with a Spanish tutor. With a Spanish tutor in the Cardiff area, you can learn a new language quickly and easily.A Spanish tutor in Cardiff is a valuable addition to the many universities, professional schools, and small businesses located around Cardiff. There are plenty of resources available to help people learn the Spanish language. Finding a Spanish tutor in Cardiff will give people the opportunity to learn in the comfort of their own home or office.A Spanish tutor in Cardiff will be able to help you through a lot of the obstacles you may encounter as you begin to learn the language. You may need to improve your pronunciation, familiarize yourself with grammar, and make some great friendships while learning a new language. A Spanish tutor in Cardiff will take all of these on board so that you can easily remember what is being taught and which phrases work best. You can feel free to use your Spanish speaking friends for motivation and examples.Spanish tutors in Cardiff will understand why you are wanting to learn the language. They will be able to guide you in specific areas and point out the appropriate techniques. It is best to find a teacher that specializes in teaching people how to speak the language, as he or she will be better at encouraging your interest and learning. If you do not have the resources to speak to native speakers, it is probably best to choose a person who can speak to you in the language.If you are interested in taking a course or joining a local school, you should consider Welsh teachers that teach Spanish in Cardiff. This type of teaching is very popular as it allows you to learn at your own pace. If you enjoy taking care of children, you may want to consider a community teaching program that would fit into your schedule. Even if you only plan to take a Spanish class once or twice a week, there are plenty of opportunities to meet Spanish speaking people.A good way to keep you motivated is to read books and magazines about learning Spanish. While the lessons will not be specific to you, this will allow you to see yourself improving and see your abilities developing. For someone who has recently returned from the US, it is easy to feel lost and confused when first learning the language. Taking Spanish lessons from a Welsh teacher can help you feel more comfortable with the language and get you prepared for whatever challenges you might face in the future.When you get a Spanish tutor in Cardiff, you can learn and speak the language in your own time. You will be more motivated and enthusiastic when speaking the language than if you were to just rely on television or newspapers.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Metaphors and Similes in English Langston Hughes teaches us the difference

Metaphors and Similes in English Langston Hughes teaches us the difference Langston Hughes was an American poet, novelist and playwright who wrote in the first part of the 20th century. He was part of the Harlem Renaissance, an artistic movement of the time in which black writers, musicians and artists were to the forefront of the cultural movement.In order to fully understand Langston’s poetry it is important to be aware that he used a lot of metaphors and similes in his writing to convey his thoughts.MetaphorsA metaphor is a figure of speech. It makes a comparison between two or more nouns that are not obviously similar but are alike in an important way.Here are some examples:Life is a rollercoaster = the ups and downs of life are compared to the ups and downs of a rollercoaster. He has a heart of stone = the coldness of someone’s heart is compared to that of a stone. Don’t worry, there are plenty more fish in the sea = this is a commonly heard statement made to someone after the breakdown of a relationship. It compares the millions of fish in the s ea to the multitude of possible other mates available.Below is the poem Dreams by Langston Hughes. Can you spot the two metaphors he uses to communicate that our dreams are important and they should not be forgotten?Dreams By Langston HughesHold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly.Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow.How did you get on? Did you spot the metaphors? They are:Life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly andLife is a barren field frozen with snowSimilesHughes also used many similes in his writing.A simile, like a metaphor, is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two nouns. However, it differs from the metaphor in that it uses like or as to communicate the comparison.Here are some examples:Her skin was as white as snow.In her new dress, she looked as pretty as a picture.He was as slow as a snail in that race.She was very ill and looked like death.Dad smokes 100 cigarettes a day. He smokes like a chimney.Mary eats very fast. She eats like a pig.Here is another poem by Langston Hughes. This one is also about dreams but instead of metaphors, it has many similes to communicate its meaning.See how many similes you can count in the poem?Dream Deferred By Langston HughesWhat happens to a dream deferred?Does it dry up?Like a raisin in the sun?Or fester like a sore?And then run?Does it stink like rotten meat?Or crust and sugar over?like a syrupy sweet?Maybe it just sagslike a heavy load.Or does it explode?How did you do? Did you get 5?1. Like a raisin in the sun 2. Or fester like a sore 3. Does it stink like rotten meat? 4. like a syrupy sweet?5. like a heavy load. Metaphors and similes are frequently used for artistic expression because they help to turn ordinary happenings and events into extraordinary occurrences. This is the case not only with literature but also with music.Got questions? Email us or ask them in comments below. Sign up for our online Englis h classes.If you found this lesson helpful, feel free to share it on Facebook and Twitter. nazia its a nice site

College Application Timeline

College Application Timeline ACT SAT Prep and College Admissions Blog SUMMER BEFORE SENIOR YEAR JUNE Take the ACT/SAT Take time this summer to volunteer or shadow a professional JULY Go on campus visits to start narrowing down your college list AUGUST Get started on Common App Essay* (brainstorm, outline, drafts) Create a college list taking into consideration: academics, graduation rate, majors, size, location, school resources, campus life. Be sure to apply to at least 4 schools. Your college list should include at least: 1 Safety school (a college you’re confident that you can get into) 2 Good Fits (colleges that you’re pretty sure you can get into) 1 Reach (a college you have a chance of getting into, but it’s a stretch) SENIOR YEAR SEPTEMBER Ask teachers/coaches/mentors to write you letters of recommendation Talk to your counselor to see if you’re eligible for application fee waivers Retake the ACT/SAT if you were unhappy with your original scores Register for/take SAT subject tests if a college you are applying to requires themResearch Early Action/Decision deadlines* OCTOBER Create a master list listing all school’s application fees, requirements deadlines Create log-ins for all applications and financial aid forms Acquaint yourself with the Common App, over 475 schools participate Complete any Early Action decision applications NOVEMBER Some of your application are due this month Use an application checklist for each school to track what is complete/needed Your Recommenders should give you or submit any Letters of recommendation Finalize your essays (have your English teacher or a strong writer review it) Send test scores to universities Request an off transcript from your high school to be sent to universities DECEMBER Complete FAFSA- apply for federal grant and loans* Search for scholarships Keep your grades up Complete and submit all applications JANUARY Apply for scholarships FEBRUARY Review your FAFSA report/ EFC* Keep applying to scholarships MARCH Study for AP Exams APRIL Evaluate Admissions letters and make a decision Review financial aid award, from universities admitted to MAY Take AP exams Accept Admission Send in deposit to hold your spot in the incoming class Select Housing Select Meal Plan SUMMER BEFORE COLLEGE JUNE Send final high school final transcript to university you will attend Complete student loan applications Thank those who helped you JULY Attend Freshman Orientation Take placement exams* Get a physical AUGUST Begin College! College Admission Glossary: * Common App - A standard application form accepted by all colleges that are members of the Common Application association. You can fill out this application once and submit it to any one â€" or several â€" of the 475-plus colleges that accept it. Early Action (EA) An option to submit your applications before the regular deadlines. When you apply early action, you get admission decisions from colleges earlier than usual. Early Decision (ED) An option to submit an application to your first-choice college before the regular deadline. When you apply early decision, you get an admission decision earlier than usual. Early decision plans are binding. You agree to enroll in the college immediately if admitted and offered a financial aid package that meets your needs FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) You fill out this application to receive financial aid from the federal government to help you pay for education expenses at an eligible college. This can include; grants, loans and work-study. EFC (Expected Family Contribution) - This is the number that’s used to determine your eligibility for federal student financial aid. This number results from the financial information you provide in your FAFSA ®, the application for federal student aid. Your EFC is reported to you on your Student Aid Report (SAR). Placement exams - Tests that measure the academic skills needed for college-level work. They cover reading, writing, math and sometimes other subjects. Placement test results help determine what courses you are ready for and whether you would benefit from remedial classes.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

From Struggling Student to Kumon Dual Program Completer

From Struggling Student to Kumon Dual Program Completer From Struggling Student to Kumon Dual Program Completer For a young man with autism, the Kumon Program was an incredible challenge for Dylan. His parents enrolled him at the age of 10 when a teacher informed them he was several grade levels behind in public school. Six years later, Dylan has become the first dual-subject completer at his Kumon Center, is excelling in the classroom and even taking dual credit classes at his local community college while attending high school. Dylan has two big passions outside of the classroom â€" a love for wildlife and art. Already an active volunteer at the Albuquerque BioPark, he hopes to become a marine biologist, artist and wildlife photographer when he grows up. In fact, Dylan is already an award winning artist, having been recognized with many regional and national awards. An inspiration to so many, Dylan shared with us some insight into his journey of completing the Kumon Math and Reading Programs. What did it mean to you to finish the Kumon Math and Reading Program? Completing the Kumon Program has helped me approach any challenge I come across with a positive attitude. I learned that with hard work and concentration, I could accomplish anything! I feel more confident both in and out of the classroom. It meant so much to me to see how proud my parents were of my achievements. What obstacles did you have to overcome? And how did you stay motivated? The Kumon Program really increased my confidence, but there were still times when I found the work to be very challenging. The higher math levels became very difficult and I had trouble staying focused, but I never once thought about quitting or giving up. I stayed motivated by working at my own pace. My parents and my Instructor supported me in every possible way and helped me feel comfortable. What is your favorite book on the Kumon Recommended Reading List? I really enjoyed reading “The Three Musketeers” by Alexandre Dumas. It was about a small group of men who fought for good and what’s right in the world, eventually winning in the end. I really enjoy stories with happy endings. What advice do you have for other Kumon students trying to become program completers? The biggest piece of advice I have is to never give up and to do a little each day. It’s not going to be easy and you may hit a few bumps in the road, but as long as you keep a positive attitude and work at your own pace, you will feel so proud when you cross the finish line. You might also be interested in: Dual Program Completer’s Love of Music Leads to Giving Back Meet Elina, a Dual Program Completer Who Has Developed Independence in Kumon Kumon Dual Program Completer Aims to Become an Assistant at her Local Center Finding the motivation to continue learning during the summer can be a challenge. 13-year-old Kumon dual program completer shares advice on perseverance. From Struggling Student to Kumon Dual Program Completer From Struggling Student to Kumon Dual Program Completer For a young man with autism, the Kumon Program was an incredible challenge for Dylan. His parents enrolled him at the age of 10 when a teacher informed them he was several grade levels behind in public school. Six years later, Dylan has become the first dual-subject completer at his Kumon Center, is excelling in the classroom and even taking dual credit classes at his local community college while attending high school. Dylan has two big passions outside of the classroom â€" a love for wildlife and art. Already an active volunteer at the Albuquerque BioPark, he hopes to become a marine biologist, artist and wildlife photographer when he grows up. In fact, Dylan is already an award winning artist, having been recognized with many regional and national awards. An inspiration to so many, Dylan shared with us some insight into his journey of completing the Kumon Math and Reading Programs. What did it mean to you to finish the Kumon Math and Reading Program? Completing the Kumon Program has helped me approach any challenge I come across with a positive attitude. I learned that with hard work and concentration, I could accomplish anything! I feel more confident both in and out of the classroom. It meant so much to me to see how proud my parents were of my achievements. What obstacles did you have to overcome? And how did you stay motivated? The Kumon Program really increased my confidence, but there were still times when I found the work to be very challenging. The higher math levels became very difficult and I had trouble staying focused, but I never once thought about quitting or giving up. I stayed motivated by working at my own pace. My parents and my Instructor supported me in every possible way and helped me feel comfortable. What is your favorite book on the Kumon Recommended Reading List? I really enjoyed reading “The Three Musketeers” by Alexandre Dumas. It was about a small group of men who fought for good and what’s right in the world, eventually winning in the end. I really enjoy stories with happy endings. What advice do you have for other Kumon students trying to become program completers? The biggest piece of advice I have is to never give up and to do a little each day. It’s not going to be easy and you may hit a few bumps in the road, but as long as you keep a positive attitude and work at your own pace, you will feel so proud when you cross the finish line. You might also be interested in: Dual Program Completer’s Love of Music Leads to Giving Back Meet Elina, a Dual Program Completer Who Has Developed Independence in Kumon Kumon Dual Program Completer Aims to Become an Assistant at her Local Center Finding the motivation to continue learning during the summer can be a challenge. 13-year-old Kumon dual program completer shares advice on perseverance.

Ways to help your child tackle Peer Pressure - ALOHA Mind Math

Ways to help your child tackle Peer Pressure As your child grows older, you begin to worry about the influence that peer groups have on his or her approach to life situations. It is true that friends and classmates play a big role in the child’s life, especially teenagers. Peer pressure could be either positive or negative. It is up to us to have a channel of communication with our children so as to know better on what might be happening in their lives. A good example of positive peer pressure is when a group of children get together to study. Apart from sharing study material, it imbibes a sense of healthy competition, and this can help the child develop a positive outlook towards studying for an exam. The other benefits of peer pressure can be seen in helping children, especially teens, fit in and communicate better with peers. Unfortunately, there is a different side to the picture, and many of the facts on peer pressure are not encouraging. According to the American Lung Association, 3.1 million teenagers smoke. Many more such peer pressure facts and statistics convey that the pressure on teenagers is a big concern, and parents need to have a plan on how to help a child deal with peer pressure. A strong sense of family support is important when dealing with negative peer pressure. It lets the child know that it is alright to refuse to take part in an activity he or she do not want to do. Having a candid talk with the child about our thoughts on usually taboo subjects like sex, smoking and drugs also helps to clarify the subject in the child’s mind, and may at least reduce the need to try something just “for the sake of it”. Know your child’s friends and try to limit anyone you think is a bad influence. Rather than forbidding your child to see someone, explain why you think the relationship is a bad idea. It is important that our children understand how to draw out the positive aspects of peer pressure while knowing to combat the negative ones. We as parents can help them achieve this by being supportive and encouraging them to always keep the channels of communication open. To improve your child’s confidence in school, one of the approaches could be our Abacus and English classes at Aloha USA. Please see our website for details: http://www.aloha-usa.com

Intensive + Extensive Listening The Recipe for Language Success

Intensive + Extensive Listening The Recipe for Language Success Intensive + Extensive Listening: The Recipe for Language Success Delivery!  Heres that large slice of  listening practice you ordered.I dont need any more listening practice. My listening skills are perfect.Said no language student ever.And theres a good reason for that.Listening skills  are incredibly important, and youll need to  build a foreign language audio library  if you want to reach full fluency.But did you know that there are also  different types of listening practice that focus on different skills?These types of listening are called intensive listening and extensive listening. To get the maximum benefit, language students need to do both types of listening. Think of these two strategies like the crust of a pizza plus all the other ingredients that go on top of it. Without one or the other, you dont have a pizza.So what are these types of listening? How can you put them in your language learning pizza? How can you pair intensive and extensive listening? Whats the meaning of life?Most of these questions will soon be answered. Except for that last one, but heres a hint: Its also pizza. Intensive + Extensive Listening: The Recipe for Language SuccessWhats Intensive Listening?Intensive listening focuses primarily on brief listening exercises. While they usually only take a few minutes, they offer focused, intense practice.This is because intensive listening focuses mostly on form. When you do intensive listening practice, youre paying most attention to pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary, rather than overall meaning.By focusing on these aspects, intensive listening practice helps students build a groundwork for language acquisition. Since youre understanding basic component parts of the language, you can build on these skills over time.Because it serves to help listeners understand key foundational aspects of language, intensive listening is particularly important for beginning and intermediate students.Suggestions for Intensive Listening PracticeUse learning websites with audio components.  There are many useful websites  you can use to do intensive listening practice since so many feature brief audio activities.  Duolingo  is one such website that uses a mix of audio and written activities. The audio is helpful intensive listening practice because the activities force you to focus on grammar and vocabulary that youve just learned.Use FluentU  to enhance the experience with video.  FluentU is a fun, flexible and complete option that you can use for intensive (and extensive, as well see later) listening practice. FluentU uses authentic, real-world videos like music videos, movie trailers, news and more. Each video is captioned and the captions are annotated, giving you easy access to any words definition, example sentences and an associated image. If you want to see how a word is used in other videos, you can simply click that word. Since FluentU provides you with information on vocabulary and form, its excellent for intensive listening practice.Plus, FluentU also offers an innovative learn mode that provides additional intensive listening practice. Learn mode combines videos, example sentences and pictures into exercises and flashcards that help you focus on a words meaning and usage.Use  FluentU online  or  download the FluentU app for iOS or Android devices.Use a good translation app with audio, like Google Translate (available for iOS or Android). Google Translate allows you to type in whatever phrase you want translated. However, it doesnt just translate the textâ€"it can also pronounce that translation. This makes it easy to use Google Translate for intensive listening practice with any phrase or block of text you like. You might even try pasting a chunk of text from a website youre reading.Translate a text from your native language to your target language to hear how the word order changes and what individual vocabulary words are used. Since this is an automated translation, just be aware that there may be errors or inaccuracies in overall meaning, so youll want to make verifying its correct part of your exercise. Or try translating text from your target language into English (or your native language). While listening to it in your target language, you can see what it means in your native language, making it easier to focus on individual words and to see how they correspond to your native language.  This focus on structure and vocabulary is perfect for intensive listening practice.Do guided activities that force you to focus on the basic parts of the language. Guided listening practice with questions to test your skills will help you pay more attention to the activity itself. For instance, LyricsTraining offers brief music videos with exercises. You choose a difficulty level and are asked to fill in words. This forces you to focus on structure and vocabulary.Whats Extensive Listening?Extensive listening focuses on longer activities. These may vary from something thats a few minutes long to several hours long.Rather than focusing on individ ual parts, extensive listening focuses on overall understanding. With extensive listening, you dont have to translate each word or focus on grammar rules. Instead, you simply have to try to understand the audio as a whole.Because extensive listening focuses on overall understanding, extensive listening helps students understand spoken language in real-world contexts.This is particularly important for intermediate and advanced students who are looking to transition from academic understanding of the language towards full fluency.Suggestions for Extensive Listening PracticeListen to audiobooks.  Audiobooks are excellent for extensive listening practice because youll undoubtedly need to focus on overall meaning rather than individual words. Audible provides a wide array of options in a number of different languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian and Portuguese. Theres also something for all levels of language student.Beginners might try childrens books, which will use a more limited vocabulary. Intermediate students might try short stories, which are less overwhelming than full-length books. Advanced students can dive in with whatever audiobook appeals most. For instance, a beginning German student might try the childrens book Der zweiköpfige Drache  (The Two-headed Dragon). An advanced Spanish student might try a gripping novel like La Chica del Tren  (The Girl on the Train).Watch authentic media. Watching movies, TV and other entertainment is useful for extensive listening.  If you have trouble finding authentic media in your target language, YouTube is a treasure trove of material for virtually any language you might want to learn. Youre only limited by your search terms. You can find Russian movies for kids, romantic Italian movies or virtually anything else you can think of. Like with audiobooks, its important to select media thats at an appropriate level for you, which is something that FluentU can also help with, as all videos are so rted by level and accessible to all subscribers.Media thats intended for children works well for beginners, but you might also try action-packed entertainment that leans less heavily on dialogue. Intermediate students can try comedies, which usually offer more dialogue but dont have overly intense or complex plots. Advanced students can try serious, vocabulary-intensive dramas to hone their extensive listening skills.Why You Need Both Intensive and Extensive Listening PracticeIntensive and extensive listening focus on very different skills.  While intensive listening builds general, foundational skills, extensive listening focuses on training you to apply these skills to a real-world context.Both sets of skills are essential, so its important to do both types of listening practice. You need to know grammar, vocabulary and structure, but you also need to be able to actually apply your skills.How Can You Get Both Intensive and Extensive Listening Practice?Use at least one resource app ropriate for each type of listening.  You can use both intensive listening and extensive listening resources in your regular study routine. Each type of resource will provide you with a different variety of practice, so using a resource from each category will provide well-rounded listening practice. For instance, you might use a website with audio components (terrific for intensive listening practice) and audiobooks (helpful for extensive listening practice) in order to ensure you practice both intensive and extensive listening.Listen to music. Listening to music  in your target language is fun. Its easy. And you can use it for either intensive or extensive listening, which will probably be music to your ears! If you want to use music for intensive listening, pay careful attention to the lyrics and how they work together. Note the structure of each phrase. However, you can easily switch to using music for extensive listeningâ€"simply redirect your attention to understanding the ove rall meaning of the song.Pairing intensive and extensive listening will make your language skills as round and meaningful as a perfect pizza. And One More ThingIf youre digging the concepts in this post, youll love learning with FluentU.Its a great all-in-one source for intensive listening practice that gives you material thats sure to help you with your extensive listening practice as well.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that natives  speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos, including movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse Screen.FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover over or tap on the subtitles to instantly view definitions.FluentU Interactive Transcripts You can learn all the voc abulary in any video with FluentUs Quiz Mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.Access the full FluentU library on your web browser or, better yet, learn on the go when you download the app at the iTunes or Google Play store!

The Magical Guide to Finding and Reading Bilingual E-books

The Magical Guide to Finding and Reading Bilingual E-books The Magical Guide to Finding and Reading Bilingual E-books Books turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.They transform and transport us.And sure, sometimes they tell magical stories about frog princes and enchanted worlds, but theres something magical about all stories when you think about it.They allow entry to places we wouldnt otherwise have access to.They shout open sesame to doors that seem locked.Language learning does all of this, too. Thats why reading is not just a practical and fun way to learn a language, but a magical one, too.With dual language or bilingual books, you can actively learn your target language and enjoy a good story at the same time.And more recently, you can get that enjoyment not just among the dusty shelves of your local library, but by literally just hitting a button.Yep, were talking about bilingual e-books. They may be  the most magical items around.The magic of e-readers is that they turn heavy books into mobile, weightless takealongs, that are available for near-instantaneous download on a whim.Lets see w hy bilingual e-books work, how to add them to a language program andâ€"this is where the magic really comes inâ€"where to find them! The Magical Guide to Finding and Reading Bilingual E-booksWhy Bilingual E-books Make Target Language Reading Practice a SnapBilingual books are typically formatted so one page or passage  of foreign language reading is  paired up with  the corresponding English language translation of that material, and e-books can make bilingual formatting even more practical. For example, sometimes the translation is accessible on a paragraph-by-paragraph or even line-by-line  format and  appears when  the reader  clicks or taps on what needs to be translated. Other times,  pages are divided into columns  with both languages represented. And some books present translations following the foreign text, so you can swipe or click back and forth between the two languages.It’s definitely less frustrating to read without having to use a translation app or dictionary, an d bilingual e-books (as opposed to just bilingual books) also have the added advantage of separate dictionary look-ups if youre using an e-reader like a Kindle. For example, if youre reading a bilingual e-book that switches between original text and translation every page, you can choose to just look up a single word with your default dictionary rather than flipping to the next page and spoiling your initial try at interpreting the general meaning of the text.For the above reasons, many learners feel that bilingual e-books are less intimidating than regular foreign language books. Remember,  foreign language books that arent  bilingual present the entire text in the target language.  Thats fine if the book is  basic level for beginners or if a learner is fluent and  possesses a  sizeable vocabulary. But unless thats the case,  endless pages of foreign text can be off-putting, especially if you can physically measure exactly how long the book is. The fact that bilingual e-books trans late  a text and place it within eyeshot  of readers through the convenience of weightless technology makes this a doubly friendly and accessible method of reading.Plus, just like with any e-book, once a bilingual e-book is downloaded onto a Kindle, phone or tablet, it’s completely mobile. Since reading enables language acquisition,  anything that makes it easy to take target language reading along wherever you go is definitely worth adding to your program.Tips for Adding Bilingual E-books to Your Language ProgramFirst, while looking at whats out there, consider all types of books. Dont limit yourself to just one scholarly source or even a language learning text. With bilingual e-books, all reading genres are represented. Choose something that piques your interest.Theres no shame in starting smallâ€"what I mean is, keep it basic to begin with. You don’t need to grab War and Peace for your first e-bookâ€"or even your twenty-first. Childrens books or comic books are solid reading materials and both are available for bilingual e-reading.Consider reading a book youve already read or a story that youre familiar with, but in electronic bilingual format. Doing that eliminates some potential vocabulary or storyline questions. You already have an idea of who the characters are and how the plot progresses, so its not a stretch to figure a few things out without having to look at the translated page. But when all else failsâ€"thats why the books are presented in two languages. Use the translations.As you learn new words and phrases while reading your e-book, compile a vocabulary list or add to the one youre already curating. Vocabulary lists are a language learners best friend. They can go anywhere and are perfect for filling up empty minutes spent waiting in line or on your lunch break. I carry vocabulary lists everywhere!Then, take that vocabulary list and plug it into a customized flashcard set on FluentU. The program will pull clips using that vocab from videos a cross the site, transforming the vocab from your reading practice and re-contextualizing it into real-world interactive reading and listening practice. FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like news, music videos, vlogs and moreâ€"and turns them into personalized lessons that maximize the language learning experience.Try to choose at least some books that have more idiomatic language to increase your ability to know and use lingo appropriately. One way to do this is to choose contemporary titles rather than classics. Its more likely that a current bestseller set in the present will contain  more current idioms than a book written in the last century! Classics are still a great way to go with bilingual texts, especially since they tend to be so widely translated and easier to find in bilingual formatâ€"just make sure to mix it up a bit.6 Sources for Finding Fabulous Bilingual E-books in Multiple LanguagesThere are some outstanding sources for bilingual e-books! Here are some of the best .Bilinguis.  Bilinguis is a great spot to check out if youre interested in reading the classics. There are five classic titles available in an assortment of language pairs. You can read them right on the site, and theyre available absolutely free!Unite for Literacy.  Unite for Literacy offers bilingual childrens e-books in Spanish and English. Navigating the site is simple. Use  the tool bar at the top to  check out  the various book  categories  (nature, technology, health and others) or search for specific titles. Its also the place to select the text language (either English or Spanish) and audio translation. Audio translation is available in over 30 languages!VitalSource. VitalSource is a site that allows you to rent or buy e-textbooks, which in the Foreign Language Study category includes readers and dual-text books in a variety of languages. The cool thing about using VitalSource is that you can rent or buy multiple language learning books and access them through the sites own reading appâ€"its a great way to save money and keep your language study library clutter-free.Doppeltext.  Doppeltext is an excellent resource for bilingual e-booksâ€"particularly if you enjoy works by famous authors or well-known pieces of literature. Books are available in French, German, Russian and Spanish, and translated text fragments appear in English.With these books, the entire page of foreign language text doesnt have a corresponding full-page translation in English. Rather, the text is translated in small bites to encourage authentic reading. Following along is easy because the translations are generally sentence-long bits. If youre struggling, just click and the translation appears above the passage. This works on a tablet, smartphone, e-reader or PC.Alba Learning.  Alba Learning carries parallel text books in various combinations of English, French and Spanish as well as foreign language audio books. Their titles cover many genres, including short stories and biographi es.Amazon.  Amazon is undoubtedly a leader in providing bilingual e-books. Just search for bilingual e-books with your target language pair within the Kindle store to see what’s available. Some Kindle titles are free, so that’s a big plus. Download and begin readingâ€"the whole process is so streamlined it makes this a very simple way to add relevant material to your reading program.Looking for a Particular Language? Here Are a Few Suggestions!Japanese learners will be impressed with the stunning drawings in Yuko-chan and the Daruma Doll: The Adventures of a Blind Japanese Girl Who Saves Her Village because they beautifully portray the sweet story. The tale is told in English with the Japanese kanji directly below the corresponding text.French readers will appreciate Victor Hugoss “Les Misérables.”  The translation from the French version keeps true to the original version, so the vocabulary and idioms are authentically presented.Fyodor Dostoevskys Crime and Punishment in t his Russian-English bilingual volume is a snap to read. The individual paragraphs are translated, so going between languages requires minimal work. Reference the corresponding paragraph if theres a question, and then continue reading!Italian language learners will fall into the rabbit hole with Alice in “Alice nel Paese delle Meraviglie” (“Alice in Wonderland”)â€"and have no problem at all understanding every bit of the adventure! I doubt Lewis Carroll could have imagined that this beloved tale would ever be available in a format that provides both English and Italian text side-by-side.This e-book also allows readers to highlight passages, take notes and search the book. I actually have this book on my Kindleâ€"and I love it. Its impossible to dog-ear e-books, but believe me, this one has been read and enjoyed more than once.Spanish Stories: A Dual-Language Book is a collection of thirteen classic Spanish short stories. Theyre arranged in chronological order (oldest to most recently written) with accompanying text that gives readers insight into the authors who wrote them as well as the period in which they were written. Its a book thats not only entertainingâ€"with sound Spanish language learning valueâ€"but educational in a historical and cultural sense as well. This Kindle edition allows readers to highlight passages, take notes and search the book, so it really has a lot to add to a Spanish reading program!A Whale Who Dreamt of a Snail is the ideal beginning dual-text Portuguese story. The illustrations are charming, the story is encouraging for both children and adults and the text appears in both English and Portuguese.Chinese learners are in for a truly magical experience with The Mystery of Dragon Bridge: A Peach Blossom Village Story because its as beautiful as the title suggests. Its a childrens book suggested for intermediate level readers, but its gorgeous watercolor illustrations and uplifting tale are suitable for all ages. English and Si mplified Chinese text is presented on each page.Alice Hoffman was right that books may well be the only true magic. They transport and transfixâ€"and they teach.For language learners, anything that increases the potential for trouble-free reading is a resource that needs to be explored. E-books are portable and hit every mark. Theyre truly an ideal tool for language learners.So, what are you waiting for?Power up your Kindle, phone or tablet. Download a selection or two.Make your own magicâ€"and see how your language skills benefit from bilingual e-books! And One More ThingIf you love the idea of learning languages with bilingual ebooks, you may love learning with FluentU even more.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that natives  speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos, including movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse Screen.FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, de finition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover over or tap on the subtitles to instantly view definitions.FluentU Interactive Transcripts You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs quiz mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.