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Mathematics is the Key to a STEM Major: Why Students Need to Excel in This Field

Mathematics is the Key to a STEM Major

Mathematics is the Key to a STEM Major: Why Students Need to Excel in This Field

Mathematics is the Key to a STEM Major

Mathematics is the key to a STEM degree. Without it, students will struggle in these majors and may even decide not to pursue them at all. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These are the fields growing the most in our economy right now. And for students to be successful in them, they must have a strong foundation in mathematics. 

Currently, employers are looking for STEM major graduates in the workplace. These types of careers are usually high-paying with lots of opportunities. STEM careers often come with a median wage that is more than double that of non-STEM occupations. But for a student to even have the chance to study these types of majors, they need to have a solid foundation in math. 

STEM Major: A Growing Field Of Opportunity

The STEM field is one of the most rapidly growing and in-demand industries globally. As technology advances, so does the need for qualified individuals to fill STEM positions. Following a STEM major can open up a world of opportunity for students, but they must do well in mathematics at a young age to get into a STEM program. Overall, the importance of mathematics in STEM can’t be over-emphasized. 

There are many reasons why mathematics is essential for students who want to pursue a STEM career. For one, math is the foundation of all scientific and technological advancements. Developing new technologies or advancing existing ones would be impossible without a strong understanding of mathematical concepts. Additionally, math is an essential problem-solving tool. In the STEM field, identifying and solving problems is key to success.

Lastly, employers in the STEM field highly value math skills. Many employers covet a STEM degree, but those with a strong mathematical foundation are especially sought-after. To give your child the best chance at success in STEM, they must excel in mathematics.

Mathematics is the Key to a STEM Major with Parents

How Can Parents Help?

Parents can do a few things to encourage their children to do well in math. First, it is crucial to set a good example. If you are not confident in your math skills, your child will likely pick up on that and develop a similar attitude towards math. Remember that your attitude towards math in STEM learning will profoundly influence your children’s beliefs and ultimately impact their abilities.

Second, be supportive and encouraging. STEM can be challenging, and it is important to let your child know that you are there to support them every step of the way. Teaching them that mistakes are part of learning can help a child build their confidence in mathematics. 

You will also want to make sure your child has access to quality resources. Many great books, websites, and apps can help your child learn and practice math. At Dropkick Math Academy, we offer fun and engaging programs that can help boost a child’s confidence in mathematics. Our tutors are all certified Ontario teachers who can offer guidance to both child and parent throughout the program. 

If you want your child to have a bright future in the STEM field, encourage them to excel in mathematics. With a growth mindset and perseverance, they will be well on their way to success.

When To Start Teaching Children STEM

Many parents have a dilemma raging in their minds about the right age to introduce their child to mathematics in STEM. They also may be battling between how and when to introduce the concepts in their early education process. While there is no stipulated age or time for children to start learning the basics of STEM, it is never too early to start teaching your child. 

Some early educators believe that STEM education should be introduced as early as Kindergarten to enhance a child’s interest, enthusiasm, and exposure. Waiting to motivate students to take up STEM until they reach college will not help boost their confidence levels. Those who have waited and have not been introduced to the concepts until later in life have become disinterested in the field or have not had the same success as their peers. 

However, it is never too late if your child hasn’t been properly introduced to mathematics in STEM until later. There are many STEM activities for high school mathematics that are available online. It is also a great idea to speak with your child’s teacher and request extra work or activities that will help them with an introduction to math in STEM. 

One of the best practices in teaching STEM is letting children be actively engaged in their learning for early STEM education. When they can take their own initiatives, they will reap the benefits long-term. Also, the more actively engaged they are with their environment and surroundings, the faster they will grasp and learn. 

Importance Of Mathematics In STEM

It has been well recorded that children who are introduced to STEM early on set the stage for their college curriculum later in life. Ensuring your child will excel in learning math operations may take some math tutoring. At Dropkick Math, we are more than a math tutoring service. We offer programs suited to your child’s specific needs and offer the guidance they need to build their confidence.

Mathematics can be a challenge for many students of all ages. Dropkick Math aims to break down those challenges and build confidence with a complete understanding of math and its relationship to STEM through a fun and engaging learning environment. 

All of our tutors understand the importance of mathematics in STEM, offering quality instruction and guidance for both children and parents in our programs. We encourage all parents/guardians to join their children as they learn with Dropkick Math. 

We offer programs for children in grades 4 – 9 and place them in appropriate programs according to our Early Indicators Assessment. This ensures every student is placed in the right program according to any learning gaps. 

Learn more about our programs and how they can help set your child up for a future in a STEM major!

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Operational Sense

Understanding Relationships Among Operational Sense

Understanding Relationships Among Operational Sense

Understanding Relationships Among Operational Sense

Understanding Relationships Among Operational Sense

In order for elementary school children to be successful in mathematics, they need to develop operational sense. Operational sense is the ability to understand and use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in problem-solving situations. When children can develop a strong understanding of the operations, they can recognize the relationships among them and develop systems for computing numbers. This starts for students in primary grades where they use counting strategies, combining and partitioning numbers to learn addition and subtraction. This blog post will describe operational sense in more detail and provide examples of how it can be learned at home. 

Math Education Has Changed

As a parent and teacher, I understand how parents can become frustrated when their child comes to them for help with their math homework. Chances are, you have never heard of the terms they are using to describe mathematics, and the calculations are completely different compared to when you learned math. While math itself hasn’t changed, the way it is taught to students has. 

By taking a step into the world of mathematics and learning more about the four pillars of math and how your child is being taught, you will be able to help them succeed in their studies. At Dropkick Math, our specialized programs create an environment where both parent and child can better understand the fundamentals, creating a fun and engaging learning environment. 

Operational Sense In Action

Operational sense is a critical part of early mathematics learning. It allows children to make connections between the numbers they are working with and the world around them. It also helps them develop a sense of number relationships and understand how numbers work together. When a student understands the operations and how to perform calculations, they will have an understanding of part-whole relationships. 

To better understand this concept, let’s look at an example of operational sense in action:

  • A child figures out that if they have four toy cars and two friends also have four toy cars, then they have a total of 12 toy cars between the three of them.

I understand that because I know that division can be thought of as “how many times one number fits into another” and I can see that fits into 3 wholes 9 times.

This understanding of relationships is essential for elementary school children because it lays the foundation for more complex mathematical concepts that will be learned in later grades. 

How To Develop Operational Sense At Home

Operational sense can be developed in the classroom and at home through various activities and games that help children understand how numbers work together. Here are a few examples of operational sense activities that can be easily used at home to help children develop a better understanding of operational sense:

  • Use games to provide opportunities for their children to practice their multiplication facts. 
  • Use real-life experiences to ask a child to perform some calculations and encourage them to explain how they calculated it. (e.g. asking a child if they have enough money to pay for something. 
  • Provide children with an opportunity to use measuring cups marked in fractions so they can learn how to combine fractional quantities.  
  • Give children newspaper flyers and challenge them to find various ways to spend a set amount of money, such as $30.

Through operational sense activities, children can develop a strong understanding of the operations and begin to see how they are used in the world around them. These activities will help them to be successful in mathematics as they move into more complex concepts. Operational sense is an important part of early mathematics learning, and through these activities, children can develop a strong foundation on which to build more complex understandings.

Understanding Relationships

At Dropkick Math, we teach students how to approach math concepts and understand their relationships so they can overcome problems more efficiently on their own. As one of the four pillars of math, our programs focus heavily on operational sense. We rely on problem solving and models as key instructional components to help students understand the subject.

If your child struggles with operational sense, don’t just Google “math tutor near me.” We are an alternative to conventional tutors and offer personalized programs designed to help your child conquer his or her unique math problems in a learning environment that is fun and engaging. Our trained instructors will also provide you with the tools to support your child in math moving forward. So, contact us today and learn more about our programs. 

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Math During Pandemic

How COVID Changed Your Child’s Math Education

How COVID Changed Your Child’s Math Education

How COVID Changed Your Child’s Math Education

How COVID Changed Your Child's Math Education

It’s now been two years since the pandemic started, and schools made the switch to online learning. For parents, this has meant helping their children with schoolwork from home. And for many, this has brought on new challenges – especially when it comes to math. In this blog post, we’ll explore how COVID has changed your child’s math education and what type of math tutoring you can do to help them at home.

Disrupted Education

It’s no secret that the COVID pandemic has disrupted education in unprecedented ways. According to estimates, students have fallen behind by four to five months on average, and the gap between high- and low-achieving students is widening. 

Math and reading have been the most affected areas of education through the pandemic, and COVID has even changed the way children are learning these subjects. They have been forced to take in more information virtually instead of learning in groups surrounded by their peers. 

Learning Online

With schools closed and parents working remotely, more and more students are using technology for their education. This can be a great opportunity for your child to explore new interests or delve deeper into topics that they are passionate about.

But online learning is not without its challenges. It can be difficult for students to stay focused and motivated in a virtual classroom, and there is a greater risk of distraction from friends or siblings. If your child is enrolled in an online course, be sure to establish rules and expectations for how they will complete their work. 

COVID has also changed the way children learn by social distancing. When students could no longer gather in person, schools started turning to online platforms like Google Hangouts and Zoom to allow for virtual collaboration. While this was an excellent way for your child to stay connected with their classmates, it often means that they are no longer getting one-on-one attention from their teacher. During virtual learning, educators can no longer go over to a student with a hand raised who has asked for help. And forget calling a small group to a back table for extra support. Simply put, without well-developed one-on-one teaching, young children will struggle with basic math concepts. 

Limitations Of Teachers

With the new virtual classrooms, teachers were expected to interact with students at a distance and provide feedback in a virtual world. Many teachers felt frustrated at the technology itself and the change in the learning environment. Unfortunately, it was the students who were suffering the most as the educators tried to navigate the new virtual teaching world.

After the first year of virtual classrooms, some teachers were able to move forward and use tools to help them teach their students. Some used Google Slides as a presentation platform and incorporated the use of virtual manipulatives, the zoom annotation tool, online games, and Google Docs. But, many younger students still found this way of learning exceptionally difficult.

How To Help Your Child

Learning math takes a lot of concentration and trial and error. But when students are trying to learn mathematics virtually, there may be an endless amount of distractions in their home to divert their attention. Many students have been left frustrated over the past couple of years which has caused a great educational gap in math learning.

If you are concerned about your child’s math education, there are a number of steps you can take to help them stay on track. First, be sure to talk to your child’s teacher about their progress. They may be able to provide you with specific resources or guidance on how to help your child succeed. You can also find online math tutoring and programs that are tailored to your child’s needs, such as Dropkick Math Academy. And finally, don’t forget to encourage your child to stay positive and motivated – things could be a lot worse!

If your child is exhibiting signs of falling behind in math, don’t panic, but do take it seriously. There can be any number of reasons why a child might be performing poorly. It could be pandemic related, or it could be that they are having a health issue. Whatever has cropped up, it is important to get them the help they need. 

At Dropkick Math, we understand that COVID has put students in unusual situations, which may have caused a gap in their learning. We offer math programs that focus on the four pillars of math, through fun and engaging programs that can help your child understand math fundamentals. By the end of the program, your child will be able to persevere through challenging math concepts, ask questions for clarification, and learn from valuable mistakes.

Learn more about Dropkick Math’s programs and how they can help your child advance in mathematics.  Contact us today to get started on determining your child’s needs with our free early indicators quiz.

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Learn Math

How To Prevent Passing On Your Math Anxiety To Your Child

How To Prevent Passing On Your Math Anxiety To Your Child

How To Prevent Passing On Your Math Anxiety To Your Child

How To Prevent Passing On Your Math Anxiety To Your Child

Do you remember how you felt in math class? Were you anxious every time the teacher called on you? Do you cringe when you think about math homework? If so, you aren’t alone. Millions of people feel this way about math. The trick is not to pass these feelings onto your child as they begin to learn mathematics.

Math anxiety can be passed down from generation to generation, starting in first grade. If you feel uncomfortable with math, it may increase your child’s own anxieties and lower their achievement or confidence when they complete a project that requires solving complex equations.

One of the best things that parents can do to help their children is to overcome their own math anxiety. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it! In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for preventing passing math anxiety on to your child.

Understanding Math Anxiety

Parents need to have a general understanding of math anxiety. This will help you be better equipped when it comes time to help your child with their math homework and if they experience math anxiety in the future.

Math anxiety is the feeling of excessive worry or fear that can prevent students from being successful in mathematics. It manifests differently in different students, but some common symptoms include feeling overwhelmed, avoiding math altogether, or feeling like you can’t do math.

For some people, math anxiety is so severe that it interferes with their daily lives. It can cause problems at work and make it difficult to manage finances. In extreme cases, math anxiety can lead to math-related phobias.

Positive Attitude

One of the most important things you can do to help your child is to have a positive attitude toward math yourself. If you express how much you hate math, you could be passing your mindset to your child. Instead, try to engage your child with enjoyable math activities.

Success is achieved by learning together! At Dropkick Math, we understand the importance of parental involvement. Our certified Ontario College of Teachers instructors will help build a parent’s mathematics capacity in our math programs so they can adequately support their child’s journey in elementary math. 

Be Supportive and Encouraging

Another way to prevent math anxiety from passing on to your child is to be supportive and encouraging. If your child struggles with math, offer help and encouragement instead of criticism. It is crucial to let your children know that making mistakes is normal whenever they’re learning something new, no matter how old they are.

When students understand that mistakes are part of the learning process, it can help them to understand that making a mistake is something to embrace rather than avoid. This can eventually lead them to learn that mistakes are not just OK but also expected. This will help build a child’s confidence and allow them to keep trying and help avoid math anxiety.

It can be easy for parents to shy away from their child’s math homework, but this will only frustrate your child even more. Encourage them to try and work through the problems as they were shown in class. If they hit a roadblock, and you are not sure how to figure out the problem, our instructors at Dropkick Math can help!

How You Pass On Your Mindset

Kids are always listening and watching, so you must use the correct language when conversing with your children. You may not even realize how you are showing your math anxiety, but you can be assured that your child is watching whenever you do! It may be something as simple as having a conversation with your spouse about how much tip to add on a bill during a family dinner. You may say something along the lines of “I hate adding a tip! I can never figure out the right amount to give!” This shows your child that math is frustrating even in real life situations.

It is also important to be mindful of how you pass on your mindset. Avoiding math or saying things like “I’m just not a math person” can quickly become a self-fulfilling prophecy for your child. If you don’t feel confident in math, your child will likely pick up on these cues and begin to show signs of math anxiety.

As a parent, you want to be sure that the math skills your child develops will last throughout their lifetime. That’s why it is so essential for them not just to understand but embrace all aspects of this subject from any development level- even if it might seem like an impossible task right now!

A Math Playground

At Dropkick Math, we provide a math playground for children of all ages and abilities. We want to help build your child’s confidence in math, so they can approach any challenge with excitement! Our instructors are passionate about making math fun and assisting students in understanding the importance of this subject. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child succeed in math with our math learning techniques. 

Mathematics should be a subject that children enjoy and look forward to, not one that they dread. Let us help you create a positive math environment for your family today!

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Online Math Tutor

Is Online Tutoring the Future of Personalized Learning?

Is Online Tutoring the Future of Personalized Learning

Is Online Tutoring the Future of Personalized Learning?

Is Online Tutoring the Future of Personalized Learning

With school closures and social distancing measures in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online tutoring has seen a surge in popularity. But is online tutoring here to stay? Some experts believe that it could be the future of personalized learning. Here’s what you need to know about online math tutoring and how it can benefit your child.

Change Is Imminent

In this day and age of the COVID-19 pandemic, change is imminent. And in the face of an extensive range of education technology resources, schools are trying to adapt and figure out the best ways to move forward. Technology has become an integral part of education over the past couple of years, and online math help is showing a lot of promise to help students who the pandemic has impacted.  

Previous research has pointed to clear advantages of one-on-one learning. However, this leaves many students behind who can’t attend an in-person tutor. When technology is used and students can learn virtually, more students have access to this type of education. It has also been suggested that tutored students outperform their peers in school. This becomes problematic because the majority of students have never experienced tutoring, causing an achievement gap that separates students with access to one-on-one learning from those without.

Getting Help With Educational Gaps

Historically only those students with the time, means, and proximity have been able to access one-on-one guidance. But, with Dropkick Math, we make it easy for many students to get the help they need with the educational gaps they may be experiencing.

Leveraging technology to meet new education standards is a great way to reach students who may not have previously been able to get the help in mathematics they deserve. Our programs and educators can provide critical mentorship for students who may be struggling with their learning due to the disruption caused by the pandemic. We have combined education with expert knowledge to create personalized programs designed to help your child conquer their unique math problems in a learning environment that is fun and engaging. 

At this time, when families are the busiest they’ve ever been, online tutoring has emerged as an essential educational resource. When the world closed down, online tutors were still able to help children with their studies. Our online programs help connect students with subject experts, creating personalized learning that children need to excel. The flexible nature of online tutoring also helps to allow students to book sessions that fit their own busy schedules.

Online Math Tutor

Most students have now become accustomed to learning online, and many prefer online tutoring instead of in person. Students born in 2010 and onward have had a whole life of high-speed online communication. So, the appeal of online tutoring will only increase as its primary users become tech-savvy “screenagers.” One-on-one tutoring is no longer appealing to the younger generation, which is more accustomed to online activities. At Dropkick Math, we understand the need to keep students engaged and entertained while learning mathematics. Our programs aim to break down the challenges and build up confidence with a complete understanding of math and its relationship to real-world situations through fun and engaging games and challenges. 

Online tutoring does appear to be the way of the future, but at Dropkick Math, we take it a step further. Dropkick Math isn’t just an alternative to hiring an online tutor. It is a fun way to help your child thrive in mathematics through self-learning. We work with your child and yourself to understand the underlying problems rather than just focusing on helping them through the material they are learning at school.

If you are searching for a “math tutor near me” you may be presented with a lot of helpful options. But, it is important to understand the difference between a tutor and our way of working with students, which adequately supports their journey in elementary math. Our certified Ontario College of Teachers instructors offer a fun and engaging way to learn for both parent and child to understand the building blocks of mathematics.  

To learn more about our programs and contact us today!

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The Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain Myth

The Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain Myth

The Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain Myth

The Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain Myth

When it comes to the left-brain vs. right-brain myth, there’s a lot of confusion out there. People seem to think that the left side of their brain is responsible for all logic and reasoning, while the right side is in charge of creativity and emotions. But this isn’t actually true! In reality, both sides of your brain work together to process information, even when studying mathematics! But, which one is really in charge? Keep reading to find out!

The Left and Right Brain Working Together

Many people believe that you need to be left-brained or a logical or analytical thinker to be good in mathematics. Whereas, if you are right-brained or a creative and free thinker, you are doomed to struggle with math operations. However, research has proven that success in math is best when both halves of the brain work together. 

It is easy to see why math is a logical and analytical subject with a left-brain tendency. But educators now suggest that including a little more “right-brainedness” into a math class can help many students strengthen the connection necessary to get stronger in math. 

How The Brain Communicates

The left and right hemispheres of the brain communicate through the corpus callosum, a fibre bridge that crosses between the two sides. Anytime an interaction between the hemispheres of the brain happens, this connection strengthens. So, when using both hemispheres of the brain in mathematics, a student can perform better than simply using one side of their brain.

Physical Exercises

There are some physical exercises that can help to strengthen the nerve cell pathways between the two sides of the brain. These types of physical movement can help the brain hemispheres to communicate across the corpus callosum. Anytime a child can encourage this interaction between the brain’s hemispheres, they will strengthen this connection. 

It is recommended that students get up and move every 20 minutes or so, so this makes a perfect time to try a couple of cross-lateral exercises to force the two sides of the brain to communicate. Try having your child do the following daily before engaging in math activities.

  • Touch the right elbow to the left knee, then repeat with the left elbow to the right knee. Keep alternating for 12 sets.
  • Place the left thumb and the right forefinger together while the left forefinger touches the right thumb. Pivot them back and forth, similar to the motion in the “itsy bitsy spider” nursery rhyme. Make this move for 1 minute.
  • Throw a large ball against a wall with both hands and catch as it bounces back. Play this game for 2 minutes. 

Math Can Be Creative

Contrary to what many people believe, mathematical thinking requires creativity. When working with complex mathematics, it is sometimes the creative thinking that gets a student to the logic of math and vice versa. Seeing a problem in a different way using visualization and creatively reconceiving it, including doing drawings, can help a student find the solution to the problem they’re working through.

The brain is built much like an information superhighway, with both sides supporting one another with every task performed. So, when children are taught something new, both sides of the brain work together as a whole to help them achieve their goals. While the aspects of mathematics can require a more logical approach, sometimes, some creative thinking helps them get to the answer.

It Is Ok To Be Creative!

Many children think that math is fun. However, some have problems understanding the subject and believing they can also enjoy math. The next time your child is struggling with a math problem, remember that it is ok to be creative. They can use their right brain to come up with new ideas and solutions and then use their left brain to analyze the data and put everything together. If they are still having trouble, don’t worry – there is help available. Dropkick Math can partner with you and your child to help them understand how their left and right brains work together to achieve mathematics success. Contact us today to learn more about our math learning technique and engaging game-based student programs!

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Algebraic Reasoning

Understanding Algebraic Reasoning

Understanding Algebraic Reasoning

Understanding Algebraic Reasoning

Understanding Algebraic Reasoning

Algebraic reasoning focuses on patterns, functions, and the ability to analyze situations with the help of symbols. It involves generalizing, representing, and formalizing patterns and regularity in all aspects of mathematics.

Algebraic reasoning is introduced in the early grades and can help children develop the ability to learn proficiency using equations, functions, and variables. This can be done by assisting them in exploring different concepts through fun, simple, but thought-stimulating activities. It is never too early to begin teaching the foundations of algebraic reasoning for young learners.

How Children Explore Algebra

Much of math, especially algebra, is based on patterns. Younger students can begin looking for patterns all around them as a great introduction to algebraic reasoning. Many teachers like to give students exercises that include manipulatives such as pattern blocks, buttons, keys, and coloured cubes so that students can create patterns on their desks with these materials.

Functions are also a big part of algebra. Younger students start by learning functions with input and output. An excellent way for children to learn about function is with a calculator. Teachers will show students how to turn a simple calculator into a function machine. Students are often asked to program their calculators with a function and see if classmates can guess it by viewing the outputs.

In algebra, x is often used to represent an unknown. Younger students start to work with a symbol (like a box or open square) for a variable (x), and letters representing the variable are introduced in grade 6. Algebraic reasoning becomes easier for many students to understand by making fun and interactive games. For example, students may be given three clues to help figure out the mysterious “x.” x+1=3, x+0=2, and 4-x=2. What is x? (answer: x=2)

In algebraic reasoning, students need to learn that the equal sign means “the same as”  when reading number sentences and later algebraic equations. Younger students often get confused and think that the “=” means “the answer is.” By learning the proper use of the = in algebraic reasoning, students will have a reinforced idea of balancing equations because each side has the same quantity. It can also develop their understanding of equality which is a BIG IDEA in algebraic reasoning.

Algebraic Symbols

Using algebraic symbols is a large part of becoming proficient in applying algebra to solve problems. But, understanding abstract symbolism without a foundation of the operational sense is likely to lead to frustration and failure. Children have a natural love of mathematics at an early age, and it is vital to foster this admiration. Their curiosity is a strong motivator as they try to describe and extend patterns of shapes, sounds, colours, and eventually letters and numbers. Children can begin to make generalizations about patterns that seem to be the same or different, and this kind of categorizing and generalizing is an essential developmental step on the journey towards algebraic thinking.

Recognizing Patterns

Through elementary grades, patterns are not only the subject of study but can also be used as a tool. Students can use patterns to help them recognize numbers as they develop their understanding of mathematics. As they explore and understand addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, they can look for patterns that help them learn procedures and facts. Patterns in rows and columns of objects or patterns within multiplication tables are interesting to children and can help them discover their facts and understand relationships among facts.

The Development of Algebraic Reasoning

The development of algebraic reasoning is a process, not an event. It is something that can be part of a motivating, positive, and enriching school mathematics experience if appropriately taught. At Dropkick Math, we understand that algebraic reasoning is part of exploring the structure of mathematics. The ability to reason and think proportionately is a critical factor in developing a student’s ability to understand mathematics. However, many students do not seem to grasp any real sense of algebra and often give up understanding it fully.

Due to this education gap, it has been suggested that students be given meaningful experiences in algebraic learning. But before you start thinking, “is there a math tutor near me?” it is essential to understand the way that children learn. Many students struggle with algebraic reasoning and realizing that this may be a result of the way it is being taught to them. With Dropkick Math, we use interactive tools that allow students to learn algebra easily and help them fully understand it as one of the four main pillars of mathematics.

The ability for everyone to enjoy math is why Dropkick Math doesn’t just want to tutor your child. We want to help the family better understand how math works and fill in any educational gaps in learning. Get started today by learning more about our programs and if they are the right fit for your child.

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Pillars of Math

What Are The STEM Majors?

What Are The STEM Majors

What Are The STEM Majors?

What Are The STEM Majors

When your child looks to their future, what do they see? If they see themselves in a career that requires math and science skills, they will most likely focus on a STEM major in higher education. A STEM major is a field of study in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These programs are designed to give students the skills they need to succeed in high-demand fields. In this blog post, we will discuss math concepts that are important for students who want to pursue a STEM major in university. We will also talk about how our math intervention program can help prepare your child for success!

The Buzz Around STEM

Recently in elementary education, there has been a buzz around science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is well known that our country needs to produce students skilled in the STEM fields to fill jobs and continue our country’s tradition of innovation. However, understanding that we need more children to get excited about stem majors and actually growing the number who go into that field are very different matters.

The STEM majors list includes:

  • Astronomy
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer science
  • Engineering
  • Earth sciences
  • Health Sciences
  • Information technology
  • Mathematics
  • Physics

There are numerous branches of study within these individual disciplines leading to various career paths. 

Skills Built From An Early Age

Evidence is mounting to show that STEM skills built from early learning can help students to develop the habits and knowledge that will last them a lifetime of understanding and proficiency. Children naturally learn by exploring, asking questions, and discussing their findings, so it is important to encourage STEM learning early in school.

Early childhood education teachers are currently trying innovative new models to include more STEM education in their classrooms. In elementary school, creative teachers have managed to find STEM-related activities so that children can develop their math, science and technology skills.

In early education, children have the gift for exploration and experimentation already in place. When those natural impulses are matched with math concepts, students can gain a solid foundation to help them move forward throughout school. At Dropkick Math, we offer innovative, online, engaging activities and hands-on offline games to guide students’ exploration while building a solid foundation in mathematical skills.

Math Foundation

It is never too early to get your child interested in a chosen career path. But if that career choice includes math and your child struggles with the subject, our program may be able to help. If you have been wondering, “Is there a math tutor near me?” Dropkick Math can offer a solution. Our programs differ from a traditional math tutor in many ways, including providing your child with the foundation of mathematics in a fun and engaging way. 

The Transfer Of Knowledge

Evidence suggests that basic addition and subtraction math concepts can be used to build upon later in education to accomplish more complicated skills. The “transfer of learning” can often help a child understand a different principle. Transfer of learning has been demonstrated repeatedly in early education studies. For example, early understanding of a mathematical skill can set the stage to incorporate that knowledge later as math processes expand into more complex questions. This is one reason why it is important for children to understand the basic principles of math at an early age. Dropkick Math can help students build on these skills at an early age to help with their math comprehension and overall academic performance throughout their learning years.

The Four Pillars Of Math

At Dropkick Math, we offer fun and engaging programs that involve the parent/caregiver while learning the four pillars of math. The four pillars of math include algebraic reasoning, proportional reasoning, operational sense, and number sense. The approach we use provides alternative studies that allow for conceptual understanding. We recognize common areas of difficulty in mathematics that students may have, and provide instructional practices for addressing these areas of difficulty.

Your child will need to excel in mathematics to continue to a STEM major. But we know that a weak pillar can significantly impact future math success. The gap in learning caused by the pandemic has also affected some children in math. So, we have built our programs so that your child gains a conceptual understanding of mathematics and can get caught up with any missed learning caused by COVID. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how they can help your child stay on track with their education for the future.

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Number Sense

What Is Number Sense? A Guide For Parents

What is Number Sense A Guide For Parents

What Is Number Sense? A Guide For Parents

What is Number Sense A Guide For Parents

Plain and simple, number sense is a person’s ability to understand, relate, and connect numbers. It is the sense of what numbers mean. 

What value does a number represent? Which number is bigger or smaller? Children with the ability to answer these questions have a firm grasp on number sense. They can perform mental mathematics and look at the world and make comparisons.

Number sense is a group of skills that allows people to work with numbers in math and many other tasks. Students who have a strong understanding of number sense can represent quantities using diagrams and materials explaining how they get the quantity of numbers.They should also be able to decompose and compose number fluently. These children also understand the base 10 relationships in the number system and can compare whole numbers with decimal numbers, considering the value of the numbers. They will be able to visualize and talk about numbers comfortably and solve math problems in their head without the use of a pencil and paper. 

Over the past few decades, teachers have solely concentrated on math facts and calculations, not about the number themselves. However, educators have now found that students may struggle with learning math because they don’t have the underlying foundation of what the numbers really mean. Their lack of understanding of number sense means they do not have the basic foundational skills and will struggle in the future. But, with this new information, teachers are changing the way mathematics is being taught, and focusing more time on mastering number sense and automaticity of facts.

Create A Relationship With Numbers

Number sense is essential for elementary school children because it can promote confidence and encourages flexible thinking. It can allow a child to create a relationship with numbers, so they are able to talk about math concepts as a language.

Strong number sense can help build a foundation for mathematical understanding as one of the four pillars of math. Number sense, especially in the younger grades, can help build the foundation necessary to compute and solve more complex problems as they go into older grades.

In grades 4 to 9, children extend their understanding of whole numbers to rational numbers and are introduced to irrational numbers. Without a solid foundation of this education in early years, students may struggle as math problems become more complex.

Signs At An Early Age

Children who have trouble with number sense often show signs at an early age. Students that struggle with math typically don’t have a good sense of numbers. As one of the foundational concepts that holds them back from becoming fluid in math, children may struggle with basic operations such as addition and multiplication. They can also have trouble with everyday tasks and skills such as handling money, measuring, and judging time.

As children begin to learn math, it is vital for them to improve their skills and practice number sense, so it does not last into adulthood. Unfortunately, the pandemic caused many students to have a loss in learning over the past couple of years. Students in the younger grades have suffered a gap in mathematics as they learn number sense. As one of the four pillars of math, not understanding number sense will leave a child with a weak math pillar and can significantly impact their future math success.

Fundamentals In the Four Pillars

At Dropkick Math, we understand children need to encounter math in everyday life to help develop their fundamentals in the four pillars of math. Our programs focus on number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, and proportional reasoning. Our math help services provide personalized number sense programs while pinpointing their individual math needs. These programs are beneficial to children because they offer an interactive learning service that provides clear goals and measurement tools to keep track of your child’s progress.

Our fun and engaging learning environment creates a math playground that can help your child build on their math skills and gain the confidence they need to excel in mathematics. Learn more about our programs today!

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Learn Math

5 Signs Your Child Needs Help In Math

5 Signs Your Child Needs Help In Math

5 Signs Your Child Needs Help In Math

5 Signs Your Child Needs Help In Math

Does your child need help with their math?

Believe it or not, sometimes it’s difficult to tell. Many parents often believe their child only needs math tutoring if they struggle in school. However, with the disruption in learning caused by COVID over the past couple of years, it is becoming commonplace for students of all skill levels to get math help services.

But, at-home tutors can be costly, and they often only go over immediate concepts that the student is having trouble with. They can help students get through the task at hand, but tutoring only helps in a Band-Aid style format. It doesn’t always allow the student to learn the root of the concept they were initially struggling with and won’t set them up with the skills needed for their future. This is why many students prefer Dropkick Math programs over traditional math tutoring. Our programs address the immediate issues a student may be having and sets them up for future success in learning. 

If a child needs help with their math studies, signs often signal they are struggling. The following are some of the most common warning signs that your child may need some extra help this year. 

Level Of Frustration

Even if your child is able to figure out answers to a math problem, one thing to look out for is their level of frustration when doing their homework. Did it take a long time for them to complete it? Were they vocal in saying they didn’t understand it? If your child’s homework becomes a long, frustrating task, it may be time for help.

Frustration is often a result of your child not having mastered the basic foundations in math. This can cause them to struggle with a topic or lesson as it becomes more challenging. You might find that they understand some of the concepts, but they start facing difficulty when required to perform more advanced skills on their own.

Unfortunately, your child’s math class will move on to the next topic regardless of whether all the students have mastered what is being taught. So, a sign of frustration may mean your child has not comprehended what has been taught in the classroom.

5 Signs Your Child Needs Help In Math

Your Child’s Grades Are Slipping

Your child’s grades can slip without moving to the point of extreme concern. For example, your child may have previously excelled in math, mainly earning A’s on their assignments, but you may start to realize that they have slipped into Bs. It may not seem like too big of a deal as your child may still be excelling in performing better than some of his or her peers. While this may be true, if your child’s grades are slipping, this may mean they’re losing confidence or haven’t fully grasped the concepts being taught.

If your child’s grades are starting to slip, it is essential to act on them before hitting an alarming point. Offering your child math help when they are still making decent grades is far easier than pulling up a failing grade to passing.

Lack Of Enthusiasm

Not every child will be a cheerleader for every subject in school, but if your child once loved mathematics and doesn’t anymore, it may be time to check in with them to see what’s going on. Their loss of enthusiasm for math may mean that they are struggling with the topic they are currently learning in school. It may mean it just isn’t as fun as it used to be to them.

If this is the case, reaching out for help to Dropkick Math may definitely help remedy the problem. Our programs will work with your child to understand the concepts and present the strategies in a fun and engaging way to help inspire their love of math again.

Loss Of Confidence

It may be time to take action if your former math-loving child starts saying things like, “I’m just not good at math.” This loss of confidence may mean that your child is finding the math concepts that are now being taught more confusing.

If your child is showing signs that they are lacking confidence in themselves when learning math, it may be time to look into math help services.

Your Child Asks For Help

Nothing can be more of a warning sign than if your child asks for help. While not every student is straightforward and will ask their parents for a tutor, some may recognize when they need additional help and support.

If your child reaches out to you and expresses that they may need math help, it is important to listen to their requests and open the conversation about why they feel they need the help. This can help you better understand their situation so you can assess how much help they may need and how they may be falling behind in their education.

How We Can Help

Math tutoring and support come in many forms and are no longer limited to hiring a local high school or college student to sit with your child at home or in the library. While that model may work for some, many students are eager for a more interactive and convenient approach that focuses on building relationships.

At Dropkick Math, we offer online Waterloo math services to help your child build solid foundations and improve their math skills and grades. Our programs focus on the four pillars of math and can help your child no matter how much they are struggling.

For more information on our programs or to learn if they are suitable for your child, contact us today.

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