Reading and writing are essential to learning. In fact, a new study now shows that writing by hand may help kids learn and understand letters faster. It also may help kids learn to read more quickly. Published in Psychological Science, the study found that handwriting allowed participants to take in several components of new letters they learned, helping them to potentially process the information more effectively.

During the research, the participants, who were all adults, were divided into three different learning groups: a handwriting group, a group that watched videos, and a group that typed responses. Each group was then introduced to Arabic letters and then had to reproduce them in different ways. Those in the handwriting group wrote the letters with a pen and paper. The video group saw the letters on the screen and had to identify them. And the group with typed responses had to locate the letters on a keyboard. The individuals in the handwriting group learned the information more quickly.

While the test was performed on adults, researchers believe the results can apply to children’s ability to learn letters, identify them, and perhaps read earlier. Children learn by using different learning styles: seeing, hearing, moving or touching. The benefit of using handwriting with these learning methods is that it brings the methods of learning information to get her in a way that strengthens understanding. Dr Wiley notes that writing is not necessary to learn to read. But the ability to connect everything being learned about the letters can be beneficial as children become readers. And handwriting can play a part.

In fact, many experts agree that computers and digital learning can be used to improve the educational experience and not to replace handwriting and that writing should be a part of the curriculum. “We should stick with some form of written practice. That’s what the evidence really shows,” Dr Rapp concludes.

Spanish language schools in Puerto Rico

Fittingly known as the “Island of Enchantment”, Puerto Rico is straight out of a Caribbean daydream. Among endless beaches, travelers are offered an unmatched chance to learn Spanish while bathed in the beautiful sunshine!

Course types

University courses

University-based language courses offer travelers the most structured linguistics (语言学) program, combining classroom instruction and group tours with homestay experiences. Though an intermediate (中等的) level of Spanish is often required, travelers are afforded the opportunity to gain academic credit and work alongside their peers.

Group programs

Independent language schools, though often more expensive than university-based courses, afford students across all linguistic levels the opportunity to take part in a study abroad program. From long-stay programs to certification (认证) courses, travelers may undertake specialized classes based on their individual language needs.

Private instruction

Private instruction offers the most flexibility to travelers looking to combine education with fun, with classes offered alongside additional studies. Private instruction in Puerto Rico won’t break the bank, costing as little as $15 per hour!

Planning your trip

Requirements

There are no passports or visas necessary for United States citizens. However, for citizens of other countries, requirements are the same as those for entering the U. S. A 90-day “visitor” visa is available, although students traveling for cultural exchange purposes, such as university study or temporary work, must apply for specialized visas.

Costs of living in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is good place for travelers who are worried about spending too much. Generally, you can find a meal for $12, take public transportation for $1.50 one-way, and pay $650 is rent each month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center.

When you are reading something in English，you may often meet with a new word.What's the best way to know it?

You may look it up in the English­Chinese dictionary.It will tell you a lot about the word：the pronunciation，the Chinese meaning and how to use the word.But how can you know where the word is in thousands of English words? How to find it in the dictionary both quickly and correctly?

First，all the English words are arranged(安排) in the letter order.In the dictionary you can first see the words beginning with letter A，then B，C，D....That means，if there are two words “desert” and “pull”，“desert” will be certainly before “pull”．Then if there are two words both beginning with the same letter，you may look at the second letter.Then the third，the fourth...For example，“pardon” is before “plough”，“judge” before “just”，etc.

Do you understand how to look up in the dictionary？The dictionary will be your good friend.I hope you'll use it as often as possible in your English study.