Q: Look for hard, grey, scaly bark with deep grooves and ridges.  The ridges and furrows often mingle with flattened gray areas on the larger branches and the main trunk. The color of the bark may fluctuate somewhat between oak species, but is is nearly always a shade of gray. Some oak bark is very dark, approaching black, and some bark is nearly white. Old-growth oaks, particularly, are distinctive for their impressive size, and in some areas (such as California's "golden hills") these behemoths dominate the landscape.  Oak trees tend to grow fairly large and round, with some reaching heights of 100 feet (30.5 m) or more. Oak trees are full and balanced, and it is not uncommon for an oak's width (including branches and foliage) to match its height. Oak trunks can be massively thick: some species commonly boast a girth of 30 feet (9.1 m) or more. Oak trees can live for more than 200 years--some have been known to live for more than 1000 years. For the most part, the thicker the trunk, the older the tree. The canopy of the oak tree tends to be relatively broad, which makes this tree a popular provider of shade and privacy during the summer months. If a tree has been felled, cut, and split, you may need to consider characteristics like the color, the smell, and the look of the grain.  Oak is one of the hardest trees, which is why its wood is a popular choice for furniture, flooring and other household amenities. Dry oak logs are prized as firewood, as they burn slowly and thoroughly. Again, there are many species of oak, so it helps to know where the tree was felled. If you don't know where the wood came from, you may only be able to tell whether you're dealing with red or white oak. This knowledge should suffice for most non-scientific purposes. Red oak wood will have a red tint and will dry to a slightly deeper red. White oak wood will be lighter in color. Oak wood is often mixed up with maple, but you can distinguish the two by their scent. Maple has a sweeter smell--hence maple sugar--and oak has a heavier, smokier smell.
A: Consider the bark. Consider the size of the tree. Identify oak wood once it's been cut.

Q: Open your feet to hip distance apart with the knees pointing side and the toes turned out. Pretend that the penny got much bigger so that to try to get your arms around it, you have to open them wide so that they are over your feet. Your arms should be at your sides, palms pointing forward, elbows slightly relaxed, and thumbs tucked in.
A: To do the second position with your feet, take the first position, and spread your feet a little apart so that your heels are not touching. Pretend your arms are holding a giant penny.

Q: Staying positive will help get your clients through tough workouts. Be uplifting in the way you talk to your clients with phrases like, "You're doing great!" or "Just keep pressing forward!" Remember to smile at your class to show them that you're happy to be there with them.  If you seem tired or gloomy, your class may perceive this as disdain for them or the workout. Don't take the workout too seriously. A good sense of humor can go a long way in lifting your class's spirits. If you shout at your class the entire time, your voice will get hoarse and your class may feel intimidated. But speaking softly for too long may cause your class to lose interest. Change the tone of your voice if you find yourself shouting or whispering too much to hold your class's engagement. Staying silent during the workout may leave your class confused about what they're doing. Give clear instructions to your class about what workout they're doing, how many reps they have to go, and what muscles that exercise is strengthening.  If you're doing squats with your class, for example, you might say, "These are great for your glutes! 3 more to go!" A working knowledge of human anatomy can inform you on what muscles are being worked during exercises so you can cue in your class. If you count up (like, "1, 2, 3..."), your class will not know when the rep will end and lose motivation. Counting down (like "10, 9, 8...") can give your class a definite end so they can pace themselves and avoid burning out too soon.  You might say, for example, "Alright, now we're going to do jumping jacks! 10, 9, 8..." Keep a clock in plain sight so your class knows how much longer they have until the class ends. A clear finish time can boost your class's energy through difficult reps.
A: Cultivate a positive teaching attitude. Vary your tone of voice. Use verbal cues to inform your class about the exercises. Count down when doing exercise reps.

Q: If you’re completely stumped about what to get the bar or bat mitzvah, consider asking their parents. That way, you can still surprise the guest of honor while ensuring that you’re giving them something they would truly like. Consider asking for gift ideas when you send or call in your RSVP. This can also be helpful to make sure that the child doesn’t get dozens of the exact same thing. Whether they’re into athletics, drama, stamp collecting, or animals, get them something that shows you’ve taken note of their passions. If they’re an avid sports fan, maybe you could get them a jersey from their favorite team. If they’re a fashionista, consider getting them a gift card to their favorite boutique. Remember, this is a religious celebration but it is still their birthday. Get them anything you think they’d enjoy! This is the first day of their adult life, and you can use your gift as a way to impart some adult wisdom. Consider giving them something that has been significant in your own life. Do you have a favorite book that had a big impact on you? Give them a copy, with a letter explaining why you chose it and what it meant to you. Maybe you have a favorite Jewish recipe, and you could provide them with the recipe and cookware. By giving the child a meaningful gift, you are also showing them that they are growing up, and you recognize that!
A:
Ask the child’s parents about their interests. Buy something related to a hobby or interest of the child. Give the bar or bat mitzvah something with a story or lesson behind it.