INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Try out the popular Skype service to make video or audio calls to anyone in the world who has Skype on their phone or computer. You can also make calls to any regular phone number, whether or not there is an associated Skype account, for a small fee. Download Skype for free on a smartphone, tablet, or computer to immediately begin calling other Skype accounts for free. If you want to use Skype to call a regular U.S. phone number, add Skype Credit to your account to pay as you go, or select a monthly subscription to save on frequent calls. Make sure you are connected to a computer or phone with high-speed internet when you make calls from Skype, as the audio and video quality will be better and more reliable with a good connection. Note that if you use a mobile app for Skype on a phone or tablet that is not connected to WiFi, you will incur data charges. Check with your phone or SIM card provider on these charges, or purchase a plan with unlimited or a large amount of data if you plan to use phone apps frequently without an internet connection. Use another service with audio and/or video calls available, such as Google Hangouts, Viber, or WhatsApp. Like Skype, calls through these services are free to any other members of the service and have a small fee for calling regular landlines and cell phones. Use these services on a computer or through free apps for your mobile phone or tablet. Remember that if your phone is not connected to the internet, you will incur data charges for the calls you make on the network. Try out different services to see which one you like the best, as they all have slightly different features. Or, you might choose an app based on whether your U.S. contacts also have it or can get it, because then your calls to them are free. Load contacts, phone numbers, or credit (if applicable) for calls on an internet phone service or app before you use it to call the U.S. from the UK. Familiarize yourself with the process of making a call, the quality of the audio or video, and any other features so that you are ready to use it without any problems. If you can, test out the app before you are abroad in the UK to get familiar with it. Make sure you have a good internet connection and, if possible, use the same device you'll use to connect while abroad. You might want to be prepared with a reliable microphone and pair of headphones for making your calls from the UK, particularly if you are using an older computer that doesn't have a microphone or speakers built in, or you want to be able to make hands-free mobile calls.

SUMMARY: Use Skype for voice or video calls. Try other calling apps. Test out a service before you use it.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Leave it for a few minutes. If you don't fancy holding it in place, tie it to a piece of string which ties onto a pencil. Place two piles of books either side of the bowl and rest the pencil across the books, with the crayon string dangling into the bowl just far enough that the tip only is in the hot water.

SUMMARY: Dip the blunt crayon end into a bowl of hot water. Remove after a few minutes. Shape the tip back again with your fingers.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you own a squeegee, it is a great tool for cleaning your mirrors. After each wipe of your squeegie, you should use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any drips.

SUMMARY: Use a squeegee to wipe down your mirror.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you know algebra really well, but are not as strong in calculus, only tutor algebra. Your students are learning from you and they can't do that if you don't know the material inside and out. You also want to make sure you know the math standards that your student is expected to be proficient in. If you can't solve all of the problems your student presents you, you shouldn't be tutoring the subject. Review the material you will be teaching before you meet with your student. If you're unsure about something, don't give your student the wrong information. Look up the right answer later and discuss that concept at the next session. Many students struggle with math because they don't understand the practical applications of it. If you can put the material in the context of their lives, they are more likely to understand and learn it. Ask your student about some of their favorite hobbies and try to incorporate those in your lessons. If you're tutoring statistics and they like baseball, use baseball stats to help them learn. Making mistakes is a part of learning, and even the best mathematicians still make mistakes sometimes. Making mistakes does not mean that the student is stupid or that they "suck at math". For younger students, it can be especially important to keep up their confidence. Highlight the parts of the problem the student got right while correcting the errors to understand why it was wrong. Use phrases that emphasize the content they got right, such as "You did this part of the problem really well" and "The way you're thinking about this is really smart." Asking questions is essential to success in math. Guide your student's learning by asking them pointed questions that will help them get to the right answer instead of just telling them. Questions also help engage the student in the learning process. Make your tutor sessions a safe space where there are no stupid questions. If the student is confused about anything, they need to clarify that before they can move on to other concepts. Some good questions to ask your students, "Does the solution make sense?", "What exactly is the problem asking for?", and "What techniques do you know that could help you solve the problem?" Some of your students may have actual anxiety when trying to deal with math. Talk to your student about this and refer them to a counselor if you think the math anxiety is particularly serious. If you think your tutee is in a course that is too advanced for them, discuss the possibility of moving to a course on their level. Avoid using phrases like "this problem is easy" as this can intimidate a student who doesn't think it's easy at all. Ask your student some of these questions to determine if they have math anxiety: Do you feel helpless when working on math or taking a quiz/test? Do you think you're the only one that doesn't understand math and everyone else is smarter than you are? Do you second guess everything you do, hoping others will do the work for you? When they solve a problem all on their own, note that they now understand the material and congratulate them on this accomplishment. This encouragement will strengthen their confidence in solving future problems. Frequent feedback helps the student know what they understand and what concepts they need to work on. Encouragement is particularly helpful for students who have math anxiety.

SUMMARY:
Know the material. Relate math skills to everyday life. Remind the student that they are intelligent. Encourage questions. Talk about math anxiety. Provide positive feedback.