Algebra One and Two Supplement - How to Keep Algebra 1 and 2 Algebra Help For GED Students Current

Algebra One and Two Supplement - How to Keep Algebra 1 and 2 Algebra Help For GED Students CurrentThe first three 'binary' algebra textbooks, used in high school, are all considered by many to be the most useful tools for working with algebra. But of course they're outdated. And they're all out of date. What's the best way to get updated?Math teachers have to spend a lot of time, money, and effort teaching students a new skill or concepts to them. The main reason behind this is that they've come to realize that the skills they teach need to be refreshed on a regular basis. When they tell students that a math topic is 'dead', they're teaching students that they have no more problems to solve. They have to provide support to students, but the real problem isn't solving the problem. It's finding new problems to solve.Algebra one and two are the most popular topics in a standard high school mathematics course. In fact, it's so popular that there are even small companies that produce prin ted materials specifically for teaching algebra. At least, that's what I hear, anyway.Unfortunately, mathematics education has become extremely centralized in today's classrooms. Teachers don't know the most effective method of teaching the topic, and they're under strict deadlines to turn out the materials on time. There aren't enough resources in the classroom to continue to improve the curriculum. That leaves only one option: to keep the materials updated. But how do you keep that content current?The first thing to realize is that math teachers and students already do this naturally, even in a standard high school course. Students pick up algebra topics when they hear them spoken by their teachers. And there are good reasons for that. Since students are speaking in front of a large group of people, the environment is highly motivating. The constant recognition, courtesy, and trust of their teacher are extremely motivating for students.By keeping materials up to date, students are getting the same motivation from their math class as they would from their biology class. So they do learn. But what happens when they're faced with a fresh new lesson, with all new information? How do they do it?Students need more information than just the information they get in their textbooks. They need a course of action, and a resource guide to help them achieve it. Algebra one and two can only be a starting point for students. It can be a great way to help them learn all that they need to know about math, but if they're going to go further, they need help.

Teach Away Telegram - January 2011

Teach Away Telegram - January 2011 2011 is here, and Teach Away would like to wish you a belated Happy New Year! We hope you’re taking advantage of the new year to take on some new and exciting challenges.This year, we dare you to try something new--read our 5 challenges below, and see just how daring you can be! You might be interested to read about one teacher who took a chance and had his film screened at a Korean Film Festival. If you're still working on the new and impoved you for 2011, you'll be happy to learn about a part of the world that celebrates their New Year a little bit late. (So get that list of resolutions back out!)Happy Year of the Rabbit!-The Teach Away TeamIn this issue:5 Things You Thought You’d Never Do - But Should - This Year!Teacher Challenge: From Inspiration to RealityHappy Chinese New Year!Announcement â€" Contest Winners5 Things You Thought You’d Never Do - But Should - This Year!When you are living overseas, anything and everything can be an adventure. From navigating the local gro cery store to adding some local fashion to your wardrobe to camping in the middle of the desert, each and every day, the opportunity to try something completely and utterly new comes up (sometimes when you least expect it).If you are going to be overseas this 2011, we dare you to try something to write home about! Depending on where you happen to be in the world, you may want to consider one (or all!) of the 5 challenges below!1. Take a dip in a Korean hot spring in the middle of winter â€" in your birthday suit.2. Hop on an elephant, and ride through the jungle in northern Thailand.3. Pack yourself a whole lot of water, and set up camp in the middle of the Abu Dhabi desert.4. Let out your inner artist, and take a stab at Chinese calligraphy.5. Plug your nose, and take a bite of some Japanese natto (fermented soy beans) â€" it’s great for your health!Tell us about something YOU never thought you would have done, but are glad you did. We may feature the topic in a future issue of t he Telegram.Teacher Challenge: From Inspiration to RealityWith every New Year comes talk of new opportunities, new experiences, and â€" if you really want it â€" the chance for a whole new you. Making the decision to teach overseas is a life-changing opportunity, filled with new experiences that will inevitably shape (or re-shape) the person that you will become.For Steven Sirski, the year he spent teaching English in Korea through Teach Away was not only about immersing himself in a new culture, but also a year during which he moved closer to realizing one of his life goals. Back in Canada, Steven had been interested in film-making for years, and had already produced two independent films prior to what some may view as his big break. Although teaching English as a second language in Asia may not seem an obvious step in the path towards getting involved in film production, Steven cleverly combined his teaching day job with one of his main interests (film-making) and ended up produci ng a film that was screened at a Korean film festival! (Steven gives credit to his co-writer/director, Murat Copcu, who made the wise decision to submit their film to the MADE IN BUSAN film festival.)Steven’s teaching job in Korea, not only helped him come up with a unique story idea, but became an invaluable part in the production of the film. His students agreed to act in his film, and even took part in drawing up ideas for the storyboard (you can see these during the film’s credits). Steven views his experience in Korea as an important part of his development as a film-maker.Steven’s Short: Coffee and MilkNOTE: As part of our 'This is Silly' series, the following short comedy, 'Coffee and Milk', is an expression of one teacher’s creativity in the classroom, and does not necessarily represent the opinions of Teach Away, Inc.Coffee and Milk finds teacher and student a little out of sorts after the two collide in the hallway â€" and not due to a concussion. This short film c omically parallels the frustration which accompanies a teacher’s shift without his morning coffee to that of a student’s first class without his morning milk.Watch Steven's cool and quirky film, Coffee and Milk.Happy Chinese New Year!If 2011 snuck up on you this year, and you missed out on all that resolution-making, not to worry! According to the Chinese, the New Year doesn’t begin until February 3rd this year - so you’ve still got time to make (and hopefully not break) your New Year’s resolutions!Unlike countries who follow the Julian calendar and celebrate the New Year on January 14th, the Chinese New Year is based on an interesting mix of the Gregorian calendar and a lunar-solar calendar (the latter, which marks many holidays in the Middle East). The Chinese New Year is not unique to mainland China, as it is also celebrated in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, among other southeast Asian countries.Traditions surrounding the Chinese New Year include cleaning one’s home in order to make room for good fortune; eating foods which represent wealth, fertility, and long life; and presenting children red envelopes of gold (well, money). The first two weeks of the New Year are celebrated with a festival, and the Lantern Festival marks the official end of the celebration on the 15th day (which coincides with the first full moon.) Tradition dictates that thousands of colourful lanterns should share the night sky with the brightly lit moon.Happy Year of the Rabbit!Announcement - Contest Winners Teach Away would like to announce the two lucky winners of November's Silly Story Contest. Due to their creativity (a la This is Silly), Shelley Suzuki and Steven Sirski will be receiving a batch of Taxali toys (one of which is pictured on the right). You might recall Shelley’s creative Teacher Story, The Art of English, in the November Telegram. And Steven deserves our congratulations for having his creativity screened at a film festival overseas.Congratulati ons, Shelley and Steven!

Taipei American School

Taipei American School Taipei American School Taipei American School (TAS) is an independent, coeducational day school founded in 1949 for students from prekindergarten through grade 12. More than thirty nationalities make up the student body. The first semester of the school year runs from early August to mid-December; the second semester runs from early January to early June. The School is located in Tien Mou, a northern suburb of Taipei, where many members of the expatriate community reside. High-rise apartment buildings, small businesses, parks, outdoor markets, temples, international restaurants, and the Yangmingshan Mountains characterize the landscape. The TAS parent body includes professionals from local businesses and international corporations, employees of foreign governments, and educators. Organization. The School is governed by an eleven-member Board of Directors composed of two Board members appointed for four-year terms and nine Board members elected for three-year terms by the Taipei American School Association. Membership in the Association is automatically conferred on the parents of children enrolled in the School. Curriculum. TAS provides an American-based education with a global perspective which results in a love of learning, academic excellence, a balanced life, and service to others. The K-12 curriculum is based on exemplary standards and benchmarks from the U.S. As the majority of TAS students will continue their education in the United States, TAS has aligned its curriculum at each grade level to facilitate a smooth transition. Each year, over 90% of the graduates attend colleges and universities in the United States; the rest enroll in four-year institutions around the world. The middle school (grades 6-8) is an innovative interdisciplinary program. The upper school (grades 9-12) offers a rigorous, college-preparatory program with multiple Honors, AP, and IB courses. Starting in kindergarten, students take Mandarin classes that help them take advantage of the local culture. TAS offers EAL support as well as support for students with mild learning differences; parents of students with learning needs should contact the School directly to be sure that TAS has the resources and programs to fit their childs needs. TAS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). TAS also produces several annual publications, including an Annual Report, the school profile, and an alumni news magazine. In addition, TAS produces a school news magazine called The Window, which is published three times each year. Facilities. The School occupies a campus of approximately 15 acres. The campus is wireless to service the IT needs as a one-to-one laptop school in grades 4-5 and the middle and upper schools. The School has approximately 200 classrooms, including many science and robotics labs. The campus also features a four-story library / IT / media complex, music and art facilities, three dance studios, and three theaters. Sports facilities include three gyms, covered and outdoor tennis courts, a track, two playing fields with artificial turf, and a 25-meter indoor swimming pool. The cafeteria, pizza bar, Village Snack Bar, and Fitness Cafe serve nearly 3,000 patrons per day. The Upper School Science and Technology Building opened in 2012, and features state-of-the-art science and robotics labs, new classrooms equipped with cutting-edge technology, and a lecture hall. The new Liu Lim Arts Center opened in August 2013, along with the new Tiger Health and Wellness Center.

The Little Genius Nursery

The Little Genius Nursery The Little Genius Nursery We believe passionately in the power and impact of excellent early years education. If you honour childrens creativity and choice and acknowledge that the role of the adult is to respond to interests of each child and nurture their independence, we would love to have you on our team . We offer a friendly and nurturing working environment in first class facilities with regular opportunities for professional development. We currently have vacancies for Nursery Teachers in Kuwait for an immediate start. The nursery is positioned to be an exemplary early years setting and we invite you to join us. We offer an attractive package including medical and annual flight allowance. Intresred applicants should submit their update full detailed CV with photograph. You should be a native English speaker and hold a degree , diploma or certificate in education ideally in Early Years. It is preffered that you have hands on classroom experience and will be able to contribute to a positive team culture.

The Art of Networking Tips for Undergrads

The Art of Networking Tips for Undergrads via Pixabay The Importance of Networking Networking is so incredibly important when starting a career. The best time to start networking is while in college. This is one of the only times you will be exposed to a number of different people who can help you land your dream job. So, why is networking so important? Networking means meeting a number of people in different industries with various titles. One day they may be able to help you when applying to a job. You never know who you will meet or who your network is connected with. Networking Events One skill you should gain while in college is networking. It can be hard to go up to someone and start a conversation, which is why networking events are great for beginners. Everyone at a networking event is there for the same reason: to meet people. Often times, colleges will host their own networking events for their students and alumni. Sometimes its even based on major or interest. If your school is located in a city, search online for networking events hosted outside of your school. This will give you the chance to meet a greater amount of people from different places. Professor Office Hours It’s hard to imagine that your professor is an accomplished academic who probably has a lot of useful connections. So, start networking with your professors. Visit them during office hours to talk about class, your goals, and possible internships. They are extremely experienced in the field you would like to work in, so they may know someone who is looking for an intern or to hire someone full time. Your professors are incredibly useful resources when it comes to networking, don’t miss out on what they have to offer. Informational Interviews Do you have a company or career that you are passionate about? Reach out to an employee and ask for an informational interview to see just what their job is like and if it is what you expect it to be. While the main reason to set up informational interviews is to learn more about a company or position, it is disguised as a networking opportunity. Once you meet that person and stay in touch with them, you have just added them to your network. Email or grab coffee with them every so often so they don’t forget about you. If you make a good impression, they may help you when it comes to applying to their company. Career Fairs Make your rounds at career fairs that your school hosts. While the atmosphere may be hectic and you can feel lost in a crowd of hungry college students, it is a great way to meet talent scouts and hiring managers at companies you are interested in. Don’t just hand them your resume, stop and actually have a conversation with them. Make a good impression on them and send a follow-up email to stay on their mind. They’ll be sure to recognize your name if you apply to their company in the future. LinkedIn LinkedIn is the social media network for working professionals. It’s like Facebook, but for people who want to advance their careers and help others. The sole purpose is to network with people and connect with people from across the country and the world. A LinkedIn message can really go a long way, especially if you have something to offer and vice versa. LinkedIn opens the gates for an infinite number of opportunities. Classmates The easiest way to network as an undergrad is making friends with your classmates. You have no idea where your classmates will be ten years after you graduate. Being friendly with a classmate can go a long way when it comes to applying for jobs in the future. They may be working for your dream company and help you get your dream job. They may also know someone who can help you. The Art of Networking You may feel like you are too young to start networking as a freshman or sophomore college student. It’s never too early to start making connections that can help you in the future and last you a lifetime. Be friendly to everyone you encounter, make an effort to meet people, and talk to your professors. You never know how far a relationship may take you.

Learning About Organic Chemistry With a Sample Organic Chemistry PDF

Learning About Organic Chemistry With a Sample Organic Chemistry PDFEver wondered what it was like to do organic chemistry, or learn a little about the basics of this exciting science? If you are starting out with this exciting topic, then I have the solution for you. David Klein's organic chemistry PDF is the perfect way to start learning this exciting subject. You will get all the information you need in an easy to read format and get through it in a very short time.If you are thinking of what to do next with your life, then you might be interested in learning more about organic chemistry. This exciting subject gives you all the information you need on a number of different chemicals and what they can do for you. It also gives you a good idea of the complexities involved in getting the best results from the chemical.Find out more about this subject on the Internet. Learn everything you can about organic chemistry. It will give you the knowledge you need to improve your quality of l ife and make your life better. It will provide you with all the information you need to prepare an organic laboratory, improve your laboratory, get an organic solvent, and much more.When you are using this method of organic chemistry, you are making chemicals that are safe for humans to use. There are different chemical forms for many different types of products. They have all the same chemicals with the exception of how they are mixed up to make the product.Download a sample organic chemistry PDF today. You can get a copy of the first edition that is available online for free. Use it in your own classroom and experience the excitement of teaching a subject that is essential to your everyday life.The benefits of learning about chemistry go beyond teaching the subject. Organic chemistry is one of the most important topics in biology. Everyone has a role to play in improving the quality of life and health in the world. The chemical and biological information provided in this wonderful book will enable you to be as knowledgeable about this subject as possible.Chemistry is a very exciting subject. You can learn about this subject while enjoying some new ideas. All the information you need is right at your fingertips. You don't have to learn on your own and you will be doing what you love.

Teach a Boy That Tutor Man Algebra 1

Teach a Boy That Tutor Man Algebra 1Are you thinking about how to teach a boy that tutor boy algebra 1? If so, then this article is for you. I am going to give you some great tips and ideas on how to make him fall in love with you.The very first thing you want to do is to ask your tutor about his love life. This is a big part of the equation that you are going to have to solve. If he has had any problems then you want to know that right away.Teach your tutor about what he likes. For example, he may enjoy playing online video games or watching online videos. For most men the action genre is a big favorite, while for girls it's generally movie stars. Tell your tutor this when you discuss the subject matter of the lesson.The second thing that you need to do is to communicate with your tutor, but not to pressure him into things. You don't want to appear to be pressuring him into taking that particular subject or quiz. Instead you want to show him that you value his time. Let him be aware that you are the one who is going to lead the subject.Finally, you should make sure that your tutor knows that you respect him. This doesn't mean that you are going to hand him all the answers. Just make sure that he knows that you are responsible for making sure that he gets an A or B grade on any quiz. That is one of the keys to getting that tutor guy to fall in love with you. Make sure that he is feeling like you are on his team.All of these lessons will go a long way toward making sure that your tutor falls in love with you. Now that you know how to teach aboy that tutor boy algebra 1, get to work!Educate your tutor and get him to understand that it is in your best interest to offer up suggestions that are more aligned with his interests. Teach him to be responsible for his grades. He'll thank you for this in the end.

Learn English Spelling Simple Rules to Follow

Learn English Spelling Simple Rules to Follow ESOL Learners: Learn English Spelling Rules Using These Tips ChaptersLearning English: Changing -y to -iesEnglish Spelling: The Doubling Up RuleSpelling in English: Drop the EEnglish Learning: Turning -f Into -vesLearn English Grammar: Words that End in the Suffix -fulTips to Master Spelling in English LessonsWhy is a star a celestial body but governments are political bodies?Why not just apply -s to body, like most other plural forms?How come, in our English classes, we were taught to write admitted, but benefitted is not correct?Benefited is spelt with only one t. In spite of the fact that more than two-thirds of the words in the English language can be spelt by how they sound, there are rules to follow when writing words in other than their root form.To improve your writing skills and overall language skills, your English learning should include principles of proper spelling.What rules are there for learning English spelling? How to learn them in order to spell words correctly, every time?Let's find out! a company becomes companies, and epi phany transforms to epiphanies.These words have a VCCV pattern. This rule is also evident in verbs like fry, try and apply. When conjugated in the present tense, third person singular, they become he tries; it fries, she applies.Another Y RuleMany words that end in -y, such as party, beauty and happy undergo a transformation when turned into adjectives, become plural or otherwise receive a suffix.Party becomes parties, beauty becomes beautiful and happy transforms into happiness.If a word ends in a consonant + y, the y becomes an i â€" unless the suffix begins with an i.Drying, defying and applying are all examples of that exception.Doubling consonants maintains vowel sounds (Source: Pixabay Credit: Ulleo)Learn about different forms of speaking English  from BBC English to the Queen's English.English Spelling: The Doubling Up RuleHave you ever wondered why there is a difference in the vowel sound between put and putt?And why does 'putting something away' not sound the same as puttin g on a golf course?To understand the difference between put and putt, a  native English speaker would look up the word origins. Putt is a Scottish word meaning to throw; put is an old English word.Doubled consonants  maintain the preceding vowel's sound, no matter if it is the same consonant twice, or a pair of mismatched consonants.To maintain the correct vowel sound in one-syllable words with a vowel-consonant ending, the consonant is doubled.Put â€" putting; tap â€" tapping; shop â€" shopping; big â€" biggest; fat â€" fattestThe rule also applies to longer words with a vowel-consonant ending, but only when the stress is on the last syllable:occur â€" occurring; begin â€" beginning; refer â€" referral.The last consonant in the word benefit is not doubled because the spoken stress is on the first syllable. JulianESOL (English) Teacher 4.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EugeneESOL (English) Teacher 4.90 (58) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HelenES OL (English) Teacher 5.00 (20) £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SuzanneESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (2) £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (8) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelESOL (English) Teacher 4.83 (41) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoanneESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (43) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsSpelling in English: Drop the EYour English teacher has most likely told you that many words in the English language end with a silent -e, there to maintain proper vowel sound in the previous syllable.This leads to confusion for native English speakers and non-native English learners alike.Should we simply add the suffix without changing the ending?In words such as writing, closing and imagination, you will note there is no -e where, in its basic form â€" write, close and imagine, there is one.The -e stays if the root word ends in -ge or -ce, in order to keep the 'soft' consonant sound. Outrageous, courageous and noticeable are examples of words that add the suffix to the -e.English Learning: Turning -f Into -vesMost words that end in -f change to -ves when they become plural:calf - calveshalf - halvesknife - knivesleaf - leavesloaf - loaveslife - liveswife - wivesshelf - shelvesyourself â€" yourselvesBecause they are so commonly misspelt, for some words it is now acceptable to simply add an -s to the singular form of the word to make it plural:scarf - scarfs/scarvesdwarf - dwarfs/dwarveswharf - wharfs/wharveshandkerchief - handkerchiefs/handkerchievesAnd now, the twist: words that end in a double f receive the standard pluralization. One simply adds an -s to:cliff - cliffstoff - toffsscuff - scuffssniff - sniffsThese words are some of the few  that are correctly  spelt with three consonants.Learning English vocabulary can be done several ways. Those who study Engl ish as a second language often start out by repeating a series of words their Esl teacher speaks. Later, the English learner memorizes entire books full of words. They learn to speak them using the International phonetic alphabet, or IPA, to achieve fluency.As you practise how to speak these words â€" either in British or American English, often there is no connexion made, by ESL teachers or those  learning English online or in person as a second language, about how spelling affects the sound of words.To improve your English, you should make note of these and other spelling rules.The ending of some words can be modified by a suffix (Source: Pixabay Credit: Michitogo)Learn English Grammar: Words that End in the Suffix -fulAre you grateful for this tutorial? Are you hopeful in becoming fluent in English?As you learn to speak English, you will become familiar with how to make adjectives from nouns. One important distinction to make is between -ful, a suffix, and full â€" the meaning of the suffix.Being hopeful means to be full of hope. At no time should the -l on the suffix be doubled! Only one -l will make you full  is an easy way to remember this rule.This particular rule will not affect pronunciation, but learning it will certainly improve your score on any spelling quizzes you take.Be careful, as you learn English as a second language, of all of these rules that, perhaps are never mentioned in any English lesson.Al- Means AllJust as there is a suffix spelt nearly the same as its meaning, the English language includes a prefix with nearly the same spelling as its meaning.You should all ways take English lessons â€" all ways becomes always.All though you know English grammar, you should take more English courses. All though becomes although.All right is the lone exception to this rule. In casual conversation, you might ask someone if they are alright. The first form is for more formal English writing.Probably the only rule you've already learned while studying English is: I Before E, Except After CThis may be the most widely known spelling rule of the English language.Whereas believe  and relieve are spelt with the i before the e, receive and conceive reverse those two letters in order to maintain the 's' sound.You can read in depth about this particular rule in an article we posted recently.Mastering English spelling will increase your ability to compete in society (Source: Pixabay Credit: Geralt)Tips to Master Spelling in English LessonsThe most beneficial way to learn English spelling is to break words down into syllables.This system will help you in speaking English, as well!No matter whether you are learning English for IELTS â€" to enrol in a higher learning institute or whether you are studying business English because of your career in a global firm, speaking clearly and distinctly can only help you.At the start of this article, we mentioned that more than two-thirds of the words in the English language can be spelt by sounding th em out.Learning how to break words into syllables will help you spell English words more quickly and fluently.To practice English spelling, you could choose a few phrases each day and spell any new words, ones that are not familiar to you, as you go about your everyday activities.Slang phrases work particularly well for this exercise, as does the idiom or any new expressions you might pick up in daily conversation.Many language learning courses make a clear distinction between writing skills and speaking skills, even though they are both considered active skills  in language learning philosophy.We contend that English pronunciation and the writing of English words are closely related.As writing reinforces vocabulary, which leads to fluency in English conversation, there should be no barrier between any of English's four main language areas.To improve your vocabulary, you should remove any distinction between spoken English and spelling.Only then will your writing skills reflect the progress you make in your language learning classes.Learn how to perfect your English accent with our guide to pronunciation. Or why not find tutors around the UK for English courses in London, Manchester, Glasgow etc.

What is Traditional Japanese Food

What is Traditional Japanese Food How to Recognise Traditional Japanese Food ChaptersJapanese Cuisine: Going Way Back in TimeHonzen-ryori: Ancient Japanese Foods Served in StyleKaiseki-ryori: Authentic Japanese CuisineWashoku versus YoshokuContrary to recent claims that multiculturalism is passé, perhaps more so than any other country’s, Japanese food is influenced by other cultures’ preferences. A perfect instance of such is the much-beloved tonkatsu, a deep-fried, panko-breaded pork cutlet that is usually served with rice and cabbage salad.This dish epitomises what the Japanese call yoshoku â€" western-influenced cuisine.Essentially, yoshoku represents European dishes with a Japanese spin; indeed, the aforementioned pork cutlet dish is reminiscent of the Germanic schnitzel... and for good reason!It was the Dutch who introduced the dish during the Meiji Restoration period, when the emperor concluded that Europeans were physically bigger than Japanese because of the food they ate.Now that that fact has been disclosed, we have no choice but to delve into the history of Japanese cuisine.Let’s find out which dishes are native to the Japanese culture, which ‘outsiders’ are so popular they’ve been adopted as an integral part of the cuisine, and which foods are still considered outsiders.Pour yourself a cup of Japanese tea â€" or sake if that’s your preference, and find out where all these yummy concoctions really came from.Spiritualism played a part in shaping the food culture of those early days, too.During the Yamato Period, from 300 to 538 CE Buddhism was introduced; another Chinese influence, albeit routed through Korea. So great was Chinese influence in every aspect of Japanese life at that time that the tail started wagging the dog â€" meaning that the Japanese started knowingly and actively imitating Chinese food and culture.Mapu tofu â€" a popular dish in Japan today originated in China’s Sichuan Province, giving ample evidence of the Japanese mirroring of China. China’s and Buddhism’s influence had lasting and, some say dire consequences on the diet of the Japanese.In 675 CE, that belief system led to meat eating banned; especially consuming the flesh of domesticated mammals, for five months out of the year. Prior to Emperor Tenmu’s declaration, it was not unusual to eat meat, even horses, dogs and chickens, year-round.After that decree, wild game remained in the stewpots as it was considered essential to the Japanese diet in remote regions. Chickens became pets and monkeys were only eaten as a part of ceremonies.Further restrictions on meat consumption: Empress Koken declared a ban on fishing in 752 CE but, to compensate the fishermen for their loss of livelihood, she promised them extra rice.The Heian Period (794-1195) saw further banning of meat from dinner bowls.Perhaps the oddest decree of that period â€" perhaps of all time was: should any government official, imperial household member or person of nobility eat meat, they would be considered unclean for three days and barred from p articipation in any religious ritual.Get some of the best cooking classes London on Superprof.From this brief history, we see that the Chinese had a massive influence on early Japanese culture, especially their food: what it contained and how it was prepared, served and eaten.The end of the Chinese Tang dynasty signalled the end of that culture’s influence over Japan, but they did make one more remarkable contribution to the Japanese food culture: chopsticks.Granted, they too came to Japan via Korea and it is true that only nobility used them at first; ‘commoners’ still ate with their hands.Nevertheless, from the 9th century on, Japan set out to find its individuality, both in cuisine and in culture. What happened next could be considered a complete denouncing of lavish Chinese foods and eating habits.No longer would there be elaborate preparations; offerings were simplistic but substantial â€" peasant fare by another name.Fish and seafood made its way back into their diet but meat was still vilified: anyone who slaughtered an animal and consumed its flesh was considered ‘burakamin’, worthy of discrimination and ostracisation.In the meantime, said peasants did get their bit of nobility: the chopstick made its way into the countryside. Soon, eating with one’s hands was considered crass, even in the poorest households.Also explore the diversity of regional Japanese cuisine...Honzen-ryori: Ancient Japanese Foods Served in StyleAs expansive as traditional dining in Japan sounds, each dish presentation is only a couple of bites! Image by Robert-Owen-Wahl from PixabayThis cuisine is what emerged from the Shogun influence of the 14th century. That is when eating became highly ritualised and stylised. Prior to that time, all of the food had been placed on the table at once, as it is still done in China today.In this updated eating etiquette, food would be served on legged trays to individual diners, arranged in a prescribed manner and following a strict li st of permissible dishes.Find the best cooking courses in the country thanks to Superprof.Those dishes included:Sakizuke: an appetizer, generally served with sakeNimono: a simmered dish involving dashi and fish, tofu and/or seasonal vegetablesMukozuke: a sashimi dishHassun: basically, whatever is in season â€" be it fruit, veg or meat ( meat is also seasonal!)Yakimono: a grilled dish of fish or meatSokuji â€" a rice dish.This feast would be preceded by an aperitif and rounded out with a sweet, perhaps mochi cakes. Invariably, a tea ceremony would follow.Unfortunately, it is no longer common to find such an extravaganza.Some elements of such a meal feature in traditional Japanese weddings and some Japanese restaurants might serve such a feast... but the entire experience will likely run into the thousands of yen!If that’s more than the cash outlay you were anticipating, you may find elements of this style of cuisine in kaiseki-ryori, a much more common presentation. Discover other Japanese food specialities... Kaiseki-ryori: Authentic Japanese CuisineThis dining experience centres on harmony between appearance, taste, texture and colour of the foods.Originally, this meal started with a bowl of miso soup complemented by three other dishes; today, that is what the Japanese people consider a ‘set meal’.In other words, it is a standard dinner in the average Japanese home or restaurant.Today, in the finer Japanese restaurants, you are more likely to be treated to much the same outlay of dishes as with the traditional Honzen meal, but with a slightly more reasonable price tag.Typically, chefs will start your dining experience with an appetizer and follow it with seasonal fare; generally a type of sushi and several side dishes.You would then linger over sashimi, ahead of a simmered dish that may consist of vegetables, meat, fish or tofu, each stewed separately so that they will keep their own flavour. You would then cleanse your palate with a soup.Now you’re o n for some grilled fare, typically fish, followed by an acidic palate cleanser such as pickled cabbage or radish.And then, you get into some serious eating: a hot pot. The reigning favourite is Sukiyaki:a pot of broth with assorted raw ingredients that you scald in the broth prior to eating.Finally, you encounter the Japanese staple dish, rice, mixed with ingredients fresh in season.  You may end the meal with a dessert: seasonal fruit, some confection or cake.This meal sounds substantial until you consider that each serving is only a few mouthfuls... but rest assured you won’t leave the restaurant hungry! What is on your top ten list of Japanese foods?Although rice is a diet staple, soba noodles are also quite popular in Japan Image by ?? ? from PixabayWashoku versus YoshokuThe two styles of cuisine covered so far are considered Washoku: traditional Japanese cuisine.The more modern style of cooking is called Yoshoku and it incorporates elements of European cooking arts, as we men tioned in this article’s introduction.At one time in Japan’s history, outsider influence was deemed harmful and the country entered a period of isolationism: nobody was allowed in or out for about 220 years.Besides limited commerce with China, the lone exception was trading with the Dutch, through which trickled medical, scientific and technical advances.Naturally, early assays into meat-based cooking were replications of Dutch foods but soon, others followed, each getting their own ‘spin’ and being served in Japanese style.What most westerners and many Japanese consider an authentic Japanese food feature, tempura, actually made its way to the islands from Portugal in the 1500s.So ingrained is tempura in the food culture there that it is considered ‘washoku’.The easiest way to tell whether you are eating traditional or ‘updated’ Japanese dishes is by how they are served.Traditional dishes will be served in individual bowls; it is considered poor taste to mix flavours together. Also, these meals will invariably be eaten with chopsticks, save for the soup.By contrast, ‘updated’ fare may be mixed; you might be served a plate of teriyaki chicken on a bed of rice, for example. For this type of dining, western-type spoons are acceptable utensils.Another dead giveaway that you’re in for some ‘real’ Japanese food: the Japanese restaurant menu will list those dishes in katakana, a syllabic means of writing foreign-sounding words... but that line is getting blurred.Some yoshoku dishes are so popular in Japan that they are now served as part of the washoku lineup, like that cutlet dish we mentioned at the start of the article.These days, it may be served with Japanese sauces like daikon or ponzu and, more tellingly, it features on menus as a native Japanese word rather than its syllable-spelling.There is no doubt what traditional Japanese food is: elegant, tasteful, appealing to the senses â€" including that mysterious fifth taste, umami.Were we to designate foods that are traditional... that would be a bit harder, seeing as that notion is in flux.But then, Japanese cuisine has long been about so much more than food for sustenance.Now learn how Japanese food is adapted to suit tastes around the world...