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  • Regional History


    To get a complete and comparative picture of world history, it is very important to study regional history as well. Regional history is a method where you learn about the history of various countries during the same time span and then compare the common aspects. 

    Historians also lay stress on the fact that historical developments cannot be studied in isolation. It is very important to study history countrywise and at the same time analyze them globally. Many historians focus on the patterns of political leadership and the rise and fall of empires in various countries while exploring regional history.

    The empires that flourished around the Mediterranean, the Ganges and the Yellow River by the last centuries BCE are vital chapters of regional history.

    The Ganges valley in India saw the rise of the illustrious Mauryan Empire. The Pandyas ruled southern India simultaneously. At the same time, The Qin and Han dynasties were the imperial rulers of China and brought about political stability and communication development in their country. Emporer Wu also created monopoly states in China.

    Moving to the western world, the Ancient Greeks were then busy building a culture that would change modern western civilization forever.

    Around the 3rd century BCE, the Roman Empire began to rise by territorial invasions and colonization. By the end of the 1st century, Roman Emperor Augustus was the undisputed monarch of the Mediterranean.

    Egypt rose to prominence with the consolidation of Nile Valley politics around 3500 BC and is said to have come to decline in 30 BC when the early Roman Empire invaded and took over Ptolemaic Egypt.

    The great empires rose to glory based on their military might and the world saw times of agricultural prosperity, political stability and international trade. These regional civilizations also shared common problems like the cost of maintaining huge military reserves and a centralized bureaucracy. The peasants had to suffer for these expenses while the corrupt landowners fleeced them and cleverly evaded taxes.

    If the rise of the mighty empires formed a significant chapter of regional history, the picture remains incomplete without an analysis of their fall. Barbarian incursions were the reason for the civil unrest in the Han Empire in 220 CE. Their Roman counterpart also lost the centralized stability due to the same reason. At the same time Eurasia, America and North Africa saw the rise and fall of various empires.
    The disintegration of the Roman Empire brought great instability in Europe. However, the spread of Christianity westward from the Middle East brought some unity. The Western Roman Empire was taken over by various Germanic tribes in the 5th century who however owed collective allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church.

    The eastern region of the Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire continued under a centralized leadership. Western Europe again saw some stability under the Holy Roman Empire.

    Similarly, dynasties came and went in China — The Sui Dynasty Tang Dynasty, Northern Song Dynasty and the Mongol Empire, to name some. India saw the rise and fall of the Guptas and the Dravidian empires like the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas etc.

    In Central America, the Maya and the Aztecs in Mesoamerica were some of the most prominent native empires. In South America, the Incas dominated for a long time.  The rise of Islam in the 7th century also led to the growth of religious empires in India, the Middle East and North Africa.

    All these civilizations are vital to the study of history. Hence, regional history is an essential part of any history curriculum.

  • Reading Comprehension Worksheets


    Improve your child’s reading skills, by handing him/her the reading comprehension worksheets. When a child learns to read, it is not possible for him/her to comprehend the whole text. They encounter many unknown words, which have to be explained to them and it is precisely here that the reading comprehension worksheets play a role.

    Reading Comprehension Worksheets – What is it and why it is important?

    The worksheets are not meant merely for reading. Just understanding the meaning of each line is not the objective. A child must be made to comprehend the import of the text overall. For this, he/she needs to have the ability to know and use strategies before, after and also during the course of reading so as to comprehend the inherent meaning of the matter.

    The secondary, middle and high school students should possess the ability to understand the text properly, because they have to take care of extensive readings in content area classes. Students should read the text repetitively to best grasp the meaning of the content, the structure of the reading material, how the ideas are inter-related and the inner meaning they convey.

    Reading Comprehension Worksheets – Types

    • Directed Reading Worksheets – The directed reading comprehension worksheets have ‘match the following’, ‘short answer exercises’ and ‘fill in the blank’ assignments.
    • Active Reading Guide Worksheets – It emphasizes on recognizing cause and effect, reading effectively and many more.

    Reading Comprehension Worksheets – Some important guidelines for teachers/parents

    Before going through the ‘reading comprehension worksheets’, it is crucial to focus on the purpose of the reading. The student should be made to utilize his/her background knowledge to establish connection with the topic of the text. To enrich their knowledge, you (as a mentor) should introduce to your students the key vocabulary related to the text, prior to reading.

    While a student is reading the text, he/she should follow the self-questioning strategies, in order to analyze how much they have understood the text. You can even let them refer to text guides, which can facilitate in proper understanding of the text matter. Teach them strategies, which can be used to understand the text with the least difficulty.

    After they have finished reading the text, furnish a few questions related to the text. Also let them judge themselves by using the self-questioning strategies. A student should be able to narrate the gist of the content, if they understand the text properly.

    What you can you do to let them retain the inherent meaning of the text?

    The retaining ability of the students can differ. The reading comprehension worksheets cannot be customized according to any such particular rule, which can enable the student to retain. However, if a student has strong reading capabilities and a brief knowledge about the text prior to their reading, then this can enhance retaining ability. Bookmarks also help in retaining. They can jot down the questions and answers from the text on the bookmark; of course, you will need to maintain separate bookmarks for each chapter.

    You can refer to the guidebooks, leveled books, lesson plans to help your child or student understand the text thoroughly; however, to enhance the effectiveness and pleasure of reading, buy your child the reading comprehension worksheets.

  • Reading Worksheets


    Whatever is necessary in a reading curriculum, the reading worksheets have it all. Usually the worksheets have essays or stories, which the students can read. Then there are also certain questions for the child to answer; this helps you understand how much of the story or essay the child has been able to retain in his/her memory.

    The questions that are asked in these worksheets not only revolve around what happened in the story but also on the total import of the text. This is an effective manner of enhancing the child’s memory and assessing the child’s reading comprehension level.

    Reading Worksheets – Types

    There are two different types of reading worksheets – directed reading worksheets and active reading guide worksheets. The directed worksheets help the students to remain absolutely focused when reading. It also contains short answer exercises, matching and fill-in-the-blank that help measure a child’s understanding. The active reading guide worksheets are efforts to engage the reader in the process of reading and helps follow the child’s progress.

    How Can Parents Utilize These Worksheets?

    If you want your child to excel in school, give him/her the strong reading skills. The reading worksheets will be able to guide you well in this matter. For helping your child learn as well as master all the skills used in the process of reading, the child’s education must go on even after he/she is back home from school.

    You can avail of the free reading worksheets that include essays, poems, original stories and articles. These worksheets are suitable for the upper elementary through the middle school years. Besides, what you can do is read along with your children. In this way, your child enjoys your company and also strengthens his/her reading skills. Of course, you will need to choose topics/subjects nearing the child’s comprehension level.

    Choose books/stories, etc. with large letterings, especially when reading to a small kid and do not forget to point out to the letters. This will enhance the child’s vocabulary and also help the child to recognize the words. Also, tell your children to stop your reading when they do not understand a particular word. Do not refrain from explaining to your child how a word is spelt. This will give your child the skill of incorporating the correct choice of word in English. Make your child read and follow the words closely.

    You can also emulate reading worksheets to come up with exercises to examine the child’s reading properly – this will give you an idea of the child’s progress in communication as well as reading skills.

  • Pre Algebra Worksheets


    Pre Algebra worksheets happen to be a part of the core math curricula meant for Acces – the pre-Algebra module along with Algebra I and Algebra II or trigonometry make up the Acces curricula. The pre Algebra worksheets cover topics that students are trained in to before they are introduced to junior or senior high school Algebra curriculum. You can sharpen your child’s basic math skills as well as his/her command over geometry and simple equation solving with the help of these worksheets.

    With some 164 topics included in the worksheets as part of the pre Algebra module, there will be enough problems for daily instructions and assessment. The pre Algebra worksheets will not let your kid sit idle at home for he will have lots to do with daily homework assignments, review worksheets, and multiple versions of quizzes and tests. These worksheets include even those problems that you will not come across in the textbooks as they come up with supplementary materials like probability and statistics.

    Pre Algebra worksheets or modules have more than 15,000 problems and all of them are free response. Some important topics being covered in pre Algebra modules are

    • Expressions and formulas
    • Fractions and mixed numbers
    • Statistics and probability
    • Real number system
    • Geometry and measurement
    • Exponents and radicals
    • Data interpretation
    • Graphing
    • Variables
    • Ratio and proportion
    • Decimals
    • Rounding and estimation
    • Perimeter, area and volume
    • Equations and inequalities
    • Fractions, decimals and percents

    Pre Algebra worksheets are apt for students who are in need of help with basic skills, have enrolled late in the class, have been absent in the class for a long period or are in need of complete personal attention.

    You may have heard about PreAlgebra ActivityMaker. This website produces worksheets for more than 2-dozen pre Algebra topics which include working with equations, simplifying functions, graphing lines, graphing points, statistics, function tables, slopes and intercepts, reading graphed points and many more topics. This website provides your kid the opportunity to deal with unlimited resource just at the tip of your finger.

    With such varied and repeat practice options contained in pre Algebra worksheets, your child will have his math basics absolutely right and will be thoroughly prepared to take the challenges of Algebra.

  • Printable Worksheets


    Printable worksheets are a great boon for teachers/parents as well as learners. Most of these printable online worksheets are very innovative in their approaches and help children learn things easily; parents and teachers too feel gratified that they are able to offer quality guidance and learning experience to their children/wards free of cost.

    Different Types of Printable Worksheets

    These days, print ready worksheets in assorted forms are available for the different subjects. Thus, alphabet-based worksheets are available in the form of coloring pages, flash cards, mini books, color posters and activity worksheets; these worksheets present the alphabets in such a way that they create a lasting impression in the mind of the learners. These beautifully designed worksheets are apt for older toddlers, kindergarten and pre school students.

    Also available are printable worksheets dealing with different topics in each and every subject. Thus, printable math worksheets cover addition, decimal addition, multiplication, decimal multiplication, subtraction, decimal subtraction, division, decimal division, counting money, basic algebra, order of operation, fraction and other topics. Special printable reading and spelling worksheets are available as well.

    Create Your Own Printable Worksheets

    There are many websites that offer customizable printable worksheets that allow you create worksheets that cater to the your needs. You can make different types of worksheets, which befit your child’s aptitude and skill level. Emphasize those particular topics in the worksheets, in which your child is not so efficient. This will enable them to improve quickly. A workbook or a textbook may have too much or too little practice. You can frame a printable worksheet exactly the way you want, carefully omitting the monotony factor.

    Some websites host familiar pictures, which quickly steal the child’s attention. Arthur, Big Red dog, Sesame Street, Miguel are some of the exciting characters and you can insert these pictures to make the worksheets a lot more interesting.

    You can surely dispel your child’s fear from Math or spelling by making use of print ready worksheets. Just stop following the conventional procedures and use your own creativity to create printable worksheets; these will surely boost your child’s interest instantly.

  • Math Worksheets


    The math worksheets are the best option, to propel your kids and stir their interest in Mathematics. Most of the kids take a prompt disliking towards math, once they find it difficult to solve the problem. In that case, the math worksheets can really work wonders!

    What are Math Worksheets?

    Math worksheet compiles a set of related math problems. This means, that a particular problem may have multiple variations. As a result, the student will need to have the knowledge of algebra, arithmetic, geometry and statistics. Hence, the process will motivate the student to think a particular sum from different angles. For example, there can be multifarious questions on shapes like, count groups of shapes, or compare groups of shapes, or add groups of shapes. Every single worksheet is furnished with a solution page, irrespective of the type of problem.

    What the Worksheets Contain?

    Equipped with a Math worksheet, Math can be a lot more fun. Moreover, the paper is designed to boost the ability of every student, no matter how poor he/she is in Math. The worksheet is schemed, keeping in mind, the various categories of students like the beginner, intermediate and the expert. The students are rewarded with points and bonuses on being able to solve the problems. There are ample scopes to learn from the mistakes you make, which stops you from making any further mistakes.

    Newer and more processed math worksheets are coming up day by day. The worksheets assist you in improving your accuracy and brushing up your multiplication skills. You can buy the worksheets in series, which incorporates books. The books include multiplication table in the chronological order.

    Each worksheet is designed in a way to build a staunch foundation for every student. Elementary Math like, multiplication, division, subtraction and addition are common on each worksheet. There is an array of other topics from the other sections of Mathematics. The students can get the scope for instant feedback with explanation for every step, so as to aid them learn their faults and rectify them immediately.

    Online Math Worksheets

    Online math worksheets are educational websites, which enable the students to cultivate their skills and amend their drawbacks.  It’s not as compulsion to use pre-made worksheets. You as the guardian or the teacher, can customize the math worksheets by using the high quality worksheet generators offered online. But the whole process will be against a subscription. The worksheets are actually very apt for introducing difficult topics, empowering the students, encouraging their abilities, organizing the study methods, stimulating more home tasks and many more.

    These online worksheets appear with a plenty of benefits, which incorporates easy and hassle free access from any place and any time, refined speed and accuracy, saving time and energy and enables the students to learn at their own pace. In addition, the whole privilege is affordable at reasonable price.

    Hence, the math worksheets are the best approach to spice up the so-called boring subject and help your kid excel in the field.

  • Measurement Worksheets


    Measurement worksheets are meant for 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grade level. Such worksheets are presented in an organized manner with a variety of topics and not by grades. A measurement based worksheet helps a student to be more accurate and precise in matters of length, breath, volume, temperature and capacity.

    A child is introduced to a topic based upon his/her aptitude and level of intelligence. Such challenging worksheets cover measuring length, weight, capacity and temperature. There are also measuring worksheets for estimation for either customary units or metric units and even for both.

    In some measurement worksheets, the students get the opportunity to measure and make an estimation of length, weight and capacity of several real life objects so that it becomes easier for them to get familiar with the procedure. However, there are worksheets, which principally concentrate on paper and pencil problems based on conversion between variable measuring units.

    Measuring worksheets are based on different measuring variables like SI metric ruler, US customary ruler and length conversion. They categorize units of measurement and their probable use. The measurement worksheet based on the US customary ruler gives measurement in GALLONS while the Metric Ruler based Measurement worksheets give measurements in kilograms.

    Learning Measurements With Measuring Worksheets

    This is a worksheet or lesson plan designed for students of graduation standards. Through such a lesson plan, a student is introduced to the concept of length, is taught to develop a process of measuring, is made to understand concepts related to units of measure. The student is also taught to use estimation in measurement as well as make use of these processes in everyday life and living.

    In the second grade level of measurement worksheets, the students are taught how to measure by integrating literature. Literature integration highlights the importance of reading in measurement.

    In the elementary math portion of the measuring worksheets, the kids are made to learn math operations, math facts, word problems, measurement, geometry and probability. The pre-Algebra program of measurement worksheets, on the other hand, include topics such as data analysis, Geometry, probability, spatial reasoning, real and unreal numbers.

  • Natural Hazard


    Natural hazard by way of a physical occurrence namely volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and landslides together with human activities trigger natural disasters. Now, there is one thing that you should trap in the corridor of your memory that calamity transpires when hazards meet vulnerability. Living on that thought, you just cannot consider events hazardous without human involvement. Thus any episode that affects people by means of natural catastrophe can be termed as a natural hazard.

    The inevitable calamities leading to natural hazard

    Avalanche is at it’s worst in the mountains in winter. It is a geophysical danger where a buildup of snow when on the loose down a slope causes the downslide of a huge rock mass. Here, heaps of material of different types fall or slide hurriedly under the force of gravity causing massive destruction to areas downstream. Conversely, a natural catastrophe like blizzard can even assist in spreading contractible disease like plague.

    Floods are hugely disastrous in a lot of ways. Remember, the Great Flood of 1931, thanks to the Hwang Ho River in China. And think of the sorrow caused by the outbreak of an earthquake? It is an adversity, which is a result of the collision between the two tectonic plates within the earth’s crust causing ruptures in the respective area.

    A hailstorm is a result of a thunderstorm that showers myriad hailstones that destroys almost everything that comes its way. The one disaster that comes to mind is the damaging hailstorm that struck Munich, Germany on August 31, 1986 and annihilated life and property. A heat wave is a peculiar and a rare disaster, which demands specific combinations of weather events to materialize. In the recent past the European Heat Wave of 2003 was the worst of the lot.
       
    The cyclonic storm system that form over the oceans may come by way of hurricanes, tropical cyclones or even typhoons. The ruinous Atlantic hurricane, the Great Hurricane of 1780 that swallowed Martinique, St. Eustatius and Barbados and the Hurricane Katrina, which distressed the Gulf Coast of the United States in 2005 goes without mention. The impact event where an outer space piece of rock or other material bumps with the Earth is quite disastrous as well. If worse becomes worst then Lahar is a dangerous natural disaster. It is similar to a volcanic eruption that comprises a large amount of material, including mud, rock, and ash. It can engulf towns in no time, killing people in scores.

    Moreover, a tsunami is a colossal wave of water that splashes over the coastal areas with a height of over 50 feet. Another cause of tsunami may be due to the undersea earthquakes like for example the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake, where the extensive scale of devastation took the world by surprise. Landslide and Mudslide can be pretty dangerous and it usually occurs due to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or general instability in the surrounding land. If all of the above wasn’t enough then there is wildfire, drought, solar flare, tornado, ice storm and not to mention a volcano to face up to.

    Although natural hazard is inevitable, the only means to fight it out is through our resilience.

  • Kindergarten Worksheets


    Kindergarten worksheets present both theoretical and practical modes of learning. Learning from the book can be monotonous, whereas the field activities can kindle the child’s interest and ability.

    The Genres of Kindergarten Worksheets

    The kindergarten level worksheets lay equal emphasis both on English and Mathematics. Devised to ensure lot of fun, the kindergarteners’ worksheets revolve round educational activities, exercises, music, games and easy handicrafts. They incorporate telling time, counting money, learning numbers and sets, also learning weight, time and volume, writing letters or alphabets and many more. The kindergarten worksheets are truly a good start for the novice.

    Application And Effectiveness

    Things get registered in the memory once you experience it; when you confront something interesting, it sparks your curiosity and you tend to remember it long enough to ever forget it. Kindergarten level worksheets cash in on this concept and come up with methods that specially appeal to young minds.

    Following these worksheets, you too can let your child see and touch things and this will boost his/her retaining ability. For example, do you expect your child to understand what is bitter or salty without giving him/her the chance of tasting it? No. Then let your child learn numbers by seeing it. Draw a big ball and beside it write 1. Again, draw two mangoes, write 2 beside it, and so on. This is the most effective and innovative way of teaching.

    Kindergarten worksheets, built around active learning, introduce you to another aspect of effective teaching – repeatedly exposing the child to the same thing. Thus, when you are teaching ‘M’ for Mango, then let your child color a mango yellow and write the letter M. Similar methods can be followed for teaching numbers – you can have them count toys and playthings. Kids will find learning more fun and this will have a permanent impact on their minds.

    Kindergarten level worksheets give children good practice but because they perfectly blend fun and play into the process of learning, your children never tire of them. Used sensibly, kindergarten worksheets not only enhance your child’s adeptness, instead nurture a special liking for academics in children.

  • Juan Ponce de León


    Juan Ponce de León (1460 – 1521), the legendary Spanish conquistador, was born in Santervás de Campos, Valladolid, Spain. An adventurer to the heart, Ponce de León, took part in many expeditions and conquests.

    Particulars about the great explorer and conquistador suggest that his military expeditions started when he joined the war to conquer Granada (which incidentally happened to be the last Moorish state in the Iberian Peninsula). Thereafter, Juan Ponce de León joined forces with Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World.

    According to available facts, Ponce de León first set his feet on the site, where present Cockburn Town is located, in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He won over the Tainos inhabiting the eastern part of Hispaniola and was made the Governor of the Province of Higuey for his contribution to Spanish imperialism.

    When Juan Ponce de León came to know about the immense wealth of Boriken (present Puerto Rico) and he applied to the Spanish authorities for marching orders to this new land. The first Spanish colony in Puerto Rico, named Caparra was established by Ponce de León in 1508. Later on, however, he shifted his base to San Juan. He subdued every attempt at rebellion, running the governance with such proficiency that in 1509, Ponce de Leon was awarded the governorship of Puerto Rico by the Spanish Crown.

    Ponce de León was removed from power in 1512, when Diego Columbus won his ascendancy rights to the lands his father had discovered. The perfect picture of honor that he was, Ponce de León was not to be dispirited. To quench his thirst for glory, he went on to discover new areas north of Cuba in 1513. On April 2 that year, Ponce de León anchored in the Northeastern coast of the present State of Florida. He annexed the land in the name of Spain and christened it “La Florida” (the Spanish for Easter season).

    A popular story doing the rounds has it that Ponce de León undertook this voyage to Florida region in search of the Fountain of Youth. The story has its roots in the Memoir of Hernando de Escalante Fontaneda. The Historia general de los hechos de los Castellanos of Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas also presents this account of his Florida conquest. However, this has often been regarded as one of the many factoids about the great explorer. Admirers of Juan Ponce de León who picture him in respectable lights, link this voyage to his yearning for spiritual rebirth.

    Juan Ponce de León returned to Spain in 1514. He took to the waters once again in 1515, when he was commissioned to undertake an expedition to Guadalupe. This expedition failed and he returned to Puerto Rico where he stayed until 1521.

    Ponce de León embarked on his last voyage to Florida in 1521. This was a colonizing expedition and his crew consisted artisans, farmers, priests and even animals. On landing on the southwest coast of Florida, they were attacked by the Calusas. Ponce de León was injured by a poisoned arrow. The entire crew fled with the injured explorer in Cuba, where he breathed his last. Juan Ponce de León was buried in the cathedral in Old San Juan.