Articles written by S D Rios

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About me - S D Rios

I am busy mom of two with a husband and a big dog to take care of as well! My love of other countries and cultures prompted me to become a language teacher - first German, then Spanish and ESL/EFL. After completing my masters degree, I spent five years in

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Education > School Bullying & Violence Bullying in schools: 3 of 86
As a teacher and parent, I have seen my share of bullying, both subtle and overt. Here are some tips on how to keep bullies at bay:1. Don't play their game. If the bullying is nonviolent teasing and such, don't play the game. What the bully wants is a reaction/tears/anger/yelling from someone so don't give them the satisfacti... More..
Jobs & Careers > Professionalism How to survive in a dead-end job ... for now: 1 of 22
So you're in a job that has no future. It's important to take what you can from this job and move on when the time is right.So what can you get out of a deadend job?1. Contacts: Networking is probably one of the most important ways people already in the job market move on to bigger and better jobs. Not just coworkers, but cli... More..
Jobs & Careers > Professionalism The best ways to distract yourself from a job you hate: 1 of 21
There are many non-workrelated ways to distract yourself, but know that most companies monitor things such as internet use. Many even block sites that are not work-related. As such, it is important to distract yourself in ways that are not going to cost you your job! Here are some ideas:1. Listen to an MP3 player or ipod as y... More..
Jobs & Careers > Education Jobs Surviving your first year as a teacher: 1 of 20
Your first year of teaching will be fun but overwhelming. Here are some practical ways to make your year a little easier! With more experience, these practices will become routine and what once seemed like a nightmare of paperwork and procedures will seem old hat! In a few years, you'll wonder what you spent so many sleepless... More..
Education > Learning Styles & Skills Celebrating diversity in schools without making minority students feel different: 1 of 17
As a foreign language teacher, my goal is to celebrate the wonderful diversity of the world's cultures every day. There are many subtle ways to make sure your school emphasizes cultural respect and appreciation for diversity.1. In publications such as newsletters: Select photos that represent different cultures, races, and se... More..
Education > Homework & Testing Help your child get organized to ensure homework success: 1 of 16
Organization is key to academic success, but as a teacher and a mom, I know how hard it is for many kids to stayed organized and keep up with homework and other assignments. Here are some of my best teacher tips, the ones I dole out on the first day of class! Some are simple and seem obvious, but you'd be surprised at how man... More..
Relationships & Family > Blended Families Is it possible to have a happy blended family?: 3 of 45
The answer is yes, with effort.First, a great example: Growing up, I knew the most amazing step family. My friend's parents divorced and remarried new spouses. Both families moved to the same neighborhood a couple of blocks from one another. They had a huge number of kids between them - I can't remember how many but a LOT. Th... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Essential foreign language phrases you need to know before traveling to another country: 1 of 15
As a language teacher, the first piece of advice I always give to my students is simple: "Try, try, try to speak the native language!" Common sense would tell you as much, but you would be surprised at the number of English-speaking visitors to other countries who become indignant when their hosts do not speak or understand E... More..
Jobs & Careers > Office Politics Office tips: How to work with a gossip: 2 of 25
A gossip needs an outlet for their "news". Here are some ways to work without a gossip without becoming victim to one.1. When a gossip approaches you with the "news", don't react with any real emotion. The gossip wants feedback and want someone to share in the emotional high they are getting from this action. No "really?", "I... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Problems Parents Face How parents can preserve family time despite homework: 1 of 11
As a teacher and mom, I know that homework is an essential part of our children's education, but I'll be the first to admit that it can interfere with family time! As busy as our lives have become, homework just seems to add to the stress of fitting it all in. Here are some tips on how to make family time and homework work!1.... More..