Author: The Dropkick Math Team

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Unlocking The Power of Mental Math

power of mental math

Are you ready to take your child’s math skills to the next level? Unlocking the power of mental math can give them a competitive edge, allowing them to solve problems quickly and accurately. Mental mathematics improves problem-solving ability and cultivates practical thinking abilities that will serve children in myriad ways throughout their lives. 

Equipping your child with this valuable skill gives them an advantage for success both now and in future years. Keep reading to learn more about how parents can empower learners through mental mathematics!

What Is Mental Math?

Mental math is a type of mental calculation which entails completing mathematical computations using cognitive processes, as opposed to the traditional approach of writing down equations and working them out with pencil and paper. It involves memorizing facts, recalling numerical relationships and understanding the principles behind calculations. In short, it is doing math in your head without using a pencil and paper or a calculator.  

Mental math encompasses simple arithmetic sums, such as addition or subtraction, all the way to problems of more advanced complexity. It includes various mental strategies for finding solutions quickly by employing a variety of mental cues and approaches. People who are proficient at mental math can often do complex mental calculations faster than those who rely on mechanical methods, even though both yield the same result.

How Is Mental Math Used In Everyday Life

While the idea of mental math may cause some to run away in a fit of anxiety, you may be surprised to learn that we use it in everyday life. Anytime math seems scary, it can be helpful to point out how we already use it without even realizing it. 

For example, if your child is anxious about mental math, help them see how they use it daily. Mental math is used in situations such as computing the sale price for an item at a store. Or for working out whether they have enough money to buy something from a store. They also use mental math to ensure they get the correct change from the cashier or even to figure out when they need to leave the house to get to school on time. 

Once children (and some parents!) understand that mental math doesn’t have to be scary, it can help them to understand math concepts better. Practicing mental math regularly can help children improve their number sense. 

To help your child practice their mental math, try giving examples of real-life situations for them to work out without using a pencil, paper, or calculator. For example:

Which is a better deal?

Purchasing a box of 10 packs of gum for $18.00 or buying individual packages for $2.25 each? Help them see that by using mental math, they can quickly estimate that the 10-pack must cost less than $2.00 per package because 10 x 2 = 20. Explain how this is a better deal because, individually, the packages cost more than $2.00.

Getting To The Answer Quickly

Some children may like to hear that mental math can actually get to the answer more quickly. Breaking down numbers into values makes it easier for some children to understand complex equations. 

For example, ask your child:

What is 48 + 66?

Explain to your child that these large numbers may seem daunting at first, but breaking them down can help. It is easier to do in their head if they start by adding 40 + 60 = 100 and then 8 + 6 = 14. They can then add those two numbers together to get the answer of 114. 

With Dropkick Math tutoring, we understand that mental math is an essential skill that needs to be practiced, as repetition is vital. Children need to repeat their multiplication tables and be able to use other data for mathematical computation. 

To learn mental math at home, flashcards can be an excellent learning aid. Brain teasers can also be a clever way to help your child understand how numbers work. Puzzles and riddles such as Sudoku and crosswords can help to improve their mental math ability while providing a fun and engaging activity. 

If all of this is enough to give you, the parent, nightmares, don’t worry. At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe in educating parents and children together. We want parents to learn alongside their children so you are better equipped to help them when they come to you for help with their homework. Working together can help instill confidence and a passion for learning in your child.

Memory Skills Required 

Mental math requires excellent memory skills as math facts and other number concepts must be retrieved from long-term memory. The brain also uses working memory during mental math, which helps keep track of the steps needed to solve a particular problem. 

At this point, you may be wondering why it is important for children to learn mental math since, in this day and age, we all have a calculator handy on our smartphones. Mental math is vital to a child’s development because it helps to stimulate the brain. Math skills exercise the left brain, while mental math can help stimulate the right side. This helps your child grow their creativity. And as an added bonus, as mentioned above, it can also help give their memory a workout. 

Many online activities can help your child practice their mental math skills. Here at Dropkick Math Academy, we teach children mental math strategies for faster calculations. Our virtual programs can engage your child and help to improve their mental math abilities, so they have the foundation needed for future mathematical success. 

If your child is struggling with mental math, it doesn’t mean they are not smart. Children all develop mental math skills at their own pace and may just need more time and practice to catch up. Our certified Ontario teachers understand how children learn and can offer personalized learning thanks to our small class sizes. Our math tutoring programs provide a unique way for students to learn math fundamentals and have fun doing it!

Learn more about our programs and how we use game-based learning to make math fun and engaging for your child. 

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Learn Math

Beyond The Classroom: How Math Is Used In The Real World

Beyond The Classroom How Math Is Used In The Real World

Most parents consider math a necessary but often unpleasant subject for their children to learn in school. However, mathematics has many applications outside the classroom and is used in everyday life all over the world. In this blog post, we’ll explore how math can be applied to real-world scenarios, helping you show your kids just how applicable (and enjoyable!) learning math can be when it translates into something they care about. 

Whether they’re interested in engineering or fashion design, understanding basic mathematical principles will help them find success both now and in the future! Read on to learn more about why giving your child a broader understanding of mathematics is so important.

Math Can Be Challenging

Mathematics is a subject that many students find challenging and intimidating. Often viewed as an abstract concept that exists only within the confines of a textbook or classroom, math is actually an essential tool used in countless real-world applications.

As parents, many of us remember how hard it was to imagine that we would ever need the algebra equations and geometry formulas drilled into our brains during our school years. We were probably asking ourselves, “when in the world am I ever going to use this?” Little did we know, math permeates our lives, even today! From balancing a budget to ensuring your children get the right amount of candy when they go trick-or-treating with their friends – parents rely on everyday math more often than they realize.

Now that we know how helpful mathematics is in the real world, it is time to teach our children. Knowing the applications of math in the real world can help children understand how crucial it is to learning and to everyday life. Instead of stressing children out over addition and subtraction, explain how many professions use mathematics – engineering, astrophysics, computer science, physics, fashion design, hair stylist, carpenters and even chefs! – in their operations. Then watch the children embrace math!

When children know that the equations of a triangle can be used to build bridges or the movement of planets can be predicted through calculations, they’ll look upon math with new appreciation. This is especially important for older children when deciding what career path to take. 

Examples Of Math Used In The Real World

We understand it can be challenging to come up with examples of math in the real world when put on the spot by your child, so let’s take a look at some common examples:

Finance

Math has significant applications in finance. Household finances are a great example to show your child. Without proper math education, balancing accounts, estimating expenses, and calculating savings can be difficult.  

Outside of the home, analysts use statistics and probability theory to analyze market trends, evaluate risk, and make investment decisions in the financial world. Actuaries use mathematical models to calculate insurance premiums based on factors such as age, health status, and driving history.

Mathematical tools like calculus are also used in financial modelling to predict future asset values such as stocks or bonds.

Engineering and Technology

Math is also integral to the field of engineering and technology. Engineers use mathematical concepts to design structures, machines, and systems. For example, civil engineers use calculus to design bridges and skyscrapers that can withstand weight and pressure. Electrical engineers use complex numbers to describe electrical circuits and signals. Computer programmers rely on algorithms and logic to create software programs.

Math is also crucial in technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These fields involve complex mathematical models that enable computers to learn from data sets and make predictions.

Medicine

Math plays an essential role in medicine, helping medical professionals and researchers take on many of their most complex tasks. In medical school, math is taught as part of the curriculum so students can understand basic concepts like frequency and probability while learning more specialized medical knowledge topics. 

For example, math can be used to understand disease progression better, help diagnose illnesses, and optimize treatment protocols. Additionally, math allows researchers to understand how different drugs interact with the body and develop equations to create lifesaving medications. With the application of math increasing across all aspects of the healthcare industry, it’s clear that math is an indispensable part of modern medicine.

Architecture

Architects use geometry extensively when designing buildings. Math helps architects determine construction project angles, lengths, and proportions. They also utilize computer-aided design (CAD) software which requires knowledge of algebraic concepts like matrices.

Sports Analytics

Sports teams have started using analytics more widely over recent years, with mathematicians playing a key role behind the scenes. By analyzing large datasets containing information about players’ performances, teams can identify strategies needed for success. This way, they can optimize player performance by identifying key metrics that lead to wins.

Significant Applications

In conclusion, mathematics has significant applications beyond textbooks or classrooms. From engineering, finance, medicine, and analytics, it plays an integral part in real-world scenarios enabling us to solve complex problems we face every day. 

It’s critical we teach our children to understand its importance beyond academic settings so they can appreciate how mathematics shapes their daily lives. It may also drive them to succeed at math class, knowing they will need it for a future career. So next time your child is faced with a challenging math problem, remind them that it could be their gateway towards understanding something new about an exhilarating career in their future!

Our Programs

At Dropkick Math Academy, we know the importance of teaching children about math in everyday life and in the workplace. Our programs focus on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, proportional reasoning, and algebraic reasoning), which ensure that all students understand the fundamentals of mathematics. Our programs also offer a view of how math is used in the real world. 

So, if your child comes to you asking, “how do we use math outside of school?” you are now equipped with some solid answers. Nothing is worse than a student deciding on their educational path after high school only to learn that they need extra math credit to begin their journey. By understanding how math is used in the real world, they will be better equipped to make decisions when continuing their math education.  

Learn more about our programs today, and start your child on their path to success! 

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Learn Math Math Programs Math Tutoring

Why Is It So Hard To Help With Your Child’s Math Homework?

Why Is It So Hard To Help With Your Child's Homework

Do you ever feel like a fish out of water when helping your child with their math homework? The pressures of parenting can make it difficult to help, especially if you have limited knowledge about what’s being asked on the assignment. No matter if it’s basic arithmetic or higher level algebra questions, supporting our kids in mastering this subject can seem daunting and overwhelming for any parent. But don’t worry–it doesn’t have to be so hard! Dropkick Math Academy offers online math help for both parent and child. 

Read on to learn why parents often struggle to assist their children with math homework. We will also provide strategies to help tackle tricky problems easier so you can become an effective facilitator who supports, rather than frustrates, your child’s learning journey.

Has Math Changed?

When your child asks for homework help, it can be an eye-opening experience. Technology has made its mark on the educational system, and math lessons are no exception. Despite many advances in technology, math has always retained its basic principles. So, in short, math hasn’t changed, but how it is being taught has. 

This may explain why it is so hard to help children with their homework. Parents have not been taught mathematics the same way that children today learn it.   

To ensure children remain competitive, math literacy is an important focus in their education. Teaching math skills is no longer just about solving equations and memorizing facts. It involves engaging them with higher-order math concepts such as problem-solving, critical thinking, data analysis, and algorithmic thinking to prepare them for the automated future of workflows and improved public services enabled by artificial intelligence. 

Math education should be seen as a gateway to drive innovation and help children understand the interplay between technology, automation and virtual collaboration so they can thrive in our interconnected digital world.

While this may sound intimidating to most parents, learning this new way of thinking about mathematics is vital to help your child along their educational journey. 

Finding Multiple Ways To A Solution

Math is no longer about memorizing formulas and crunching numbers. Today, math education focuses on teaching children the skills to be creative problem solvers. Rather than merely looking for one right answer, students must take a deep dive and think analytically to find multiple paths that lead to the same solution. 

They are encouraged and trained to recognize patterns, identify relationships between concepts, judge cause and effect, and use reason to connect math with real-world applications. By focusing on the process, math teaches students concepts and how to think more critically and effectively by using math in everyday situations.

“The highest achieving kids in the world are the ones who see math as a big web of interconnected ideas, and the lowest achieving students in the world are the kids who take a memorization approach to math,” said education author Dr. Jo Boaler. 

Unlike traditional math classes that used to rely solely on lecture-style teaching, modern math instruction focuses on encouraging hands-on activities in which students can explore math concepts and make connections between fundamental math theories. 

By combining visual aids like videos, models, and interactive software with textbooks, modern math instructors are able to provide more engaging educational experiences that help students better understand complex math concepts.  

Math manipulatives are also a great way to help children understand math concepts and for them to learn how to look at equations in various ways. By utilizing math manipulatives, children can start to understand that there are often many ways to find a solution. 

Asking Questions

When working with your child on their homework, there are some questions you can ask them that will help both of you understand the tasks at hand. By asking the right questions, children can find multiple paths that lead to the same solution, figure out the concepts behind math questions, and show they truly understand basic math foundations.  

“What if?” is an excellent question to ask your child when they are learning math. The question “What if?” is known to be at the root of innovation, experimentation, and play and allows children to contemplate questions beyond their immediate understanding. It can help to fuel curiosity, a deeper understanding, and intellectual breakthroughs. 

“What is going on here?” is another example of a question that can help children look for the underlying structure of a problem. This simple question is an excellent way to check if your child truly understands the concepts or if they have just memorized them. 

The illusion of learning can be a tempting trap for students to fall into. Recognizing information once it is presented can give the illusion that they have learned the material, but in reality, they can only recall it as long as they are given clues. This can create a false sense of confidence and lead to frustration down the road when the material must be recalled without any hints. 

By asking simple questions, parents can help their children better understand the root of mathematics and ensure they don’t just have an illusion of learning. 

An Education Grounded In STEM

Math has never been more important than it is today. We must provide our children with the math skills that will enable them to thrive in this rapidly changing world. Educators and parents must prioritize math learning and provide an education grounded in concepts of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). 

Traditional teaching methods are no longer enough to prepare students for their future roles properly- math instruction needs to reflect the changing landscape of society and its reliance on math-centric occupations. 

By shifting math instruction away from traditional learning activities, math can be presented in a way that is applicable to students’ lives, resulting in increased motivation and success in math performance. As educators and parents, it is our duty to ensure that our children receive valuable math instruction so they can realize their potential and become fully prepared for what lies ahead. This includes becoming educated ourselves so we can effectively help our children. 

How You Can Help Your Child

It’s important to take a step back and realize that homework assistance doesn’t necessarily mean knowing the answers but instead being a resource for guidance as your child learns something new. With the help of Dropkick Math Academy (and a little patience and determination), homework doesn’t have to feel like a struggle for either of you.

Dropkick online math help is elevating the way parents and their children learn math. Dropkick Math Academy’s programs aim to put parents alongside kids so they can learn together with fun, engaging activities. With Dropkick Math Academy’s approach, parents develop an understanding of the math being taught and support their children in a hands-on way. Dropkick Math Academy believes involving parents in the learning process helps foster a positive relationship between parent and child while allowing both generations to gain confidence and skills.

By learning alongside your child, we will expose you to new learning strategies your child is experiencing in their classroom. We believe that by working together, you and your child can learn math fundamentals and gain skills that will translate for years to come. 

Focusing On Relationships

Dropkick Math is a tutoring company that provides support in learning key math skills by focusing on relationships and engaging the parent/guardian. All of our programs are focused on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, proportional reasoning, and algebraic reasoning) to help parents and children understand the basic fundamentals of math. 

We believe relationships are the primary key to learning success. Our certified Ontario teachers offer a fun and engaging way to learn for both parent and child to understand the building blocks of mathematics.  

Get started today by learning more about our programs.

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Learn Math Math Programs Math Tutoring

How To Support Your Child’s Learning At Dropkick Math

How To Support Your Child’s Learning At Dropkick Math

As a parent, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching your child excel in school. It can be especially gratifying when you see them master math concepts and engage with the material at an advanced level. However, achieving those goals can often be difficult and comes with its own set of challenges. Luckily, Dropkick Math online math tutor services offer comprehensive educational programs that make learning easier for children and parents alike! Keep reading to learn how to support your family’s academic journey!

Anxiety And Frustration

When math homework assignments become too challenging for your child, it can cause anxiety and frustration. Despite their best efforts, math concepts may remain unclear, and basic math skills might be difficult to retain. Math tutoring can bring tremendous help for these issues. 

A qualified math tutor can achieve mathematical strategies, such as breaking down math problems into easy-to-understand steps and introducing visual aids to reinforce math concepts. Through personalized instruction, math tutoring can boost your child’s confidence to progress and succeed in math.

Choosing The Right Online Math Tutor

We understand that when your child is struggling, it can be overwhelming to try and find a math tutoring company that is best for your child. At Dropkick Math Academy, we make it easy to understand our process and remain transparent on pricing so you can decide if we are the right fit for your child. By selecting the math tutor that best suits your child’s needs, you are giving them the gift of learning they deserve. 

Dropkick Math Academy is a virtual tutoring company that uses fun and engaging strategies to help children overcome their fear of math. We focus all of our programs on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, and proportional reasoning). Our programs help children understand math fundamentals rather than just helping in a band-aid style when they need help with one concept. Our programs give students the underlying fundamentals to help carry them through their mathematics education. 

By selecting Dropkick Math tutoring services for your child, you are taking the first step in giving them the key to mathematic success for their future. 

Parental Involvement

Dropkick Math Academy provides a unique environment for parents to participate actively in their child’s learning experience. By registering at Dropkick Math, you get access to online classes designed to work with children and parents. As a parent, being involved in the learning process helps create a more meaningful experience for your child and encourages them to take ownership of their education. Dropkick Math Academy gives parents the resources to join in along and support their children during the classes and monitor progress throughout the program.

Education experts have found that parental involvement leads to higher grades, improved behaviour in school, and greater education aspirations for the child. Additionally, parents play a crucial role in instilling essential values like hard work, determination, and self-discipline. 

If you are unable to attend each week, it is important to remember that parental involvement can take many forms. However, the end goal remains the same – giving children the tools they need to thrive in their education and beyond. 

Create A Home Learning Environment

Giving your child a dedicated workspace for learning is a great way to aid their educational journey and help them reach their learning goals. Having this designated area at home provides a physical and psychological environment for learning; students can focus on their studies without any other distractions. This dedicated workspace could be as simple as a desk and comfortable chair, with all essential materials such as paper and pens. It can also become an empowering learning center filled with books, math manipulatives or anything else that encourages learning and productivity that they prioritize while studying.

When choosing a study area for your child, it’s crucial to consider their age. If they’re young, setting up a place that you can easily supervise regularly is important. Not only will this help ensure you can provide guidance and support as needed, but it will also help create the right environment for study success – one that motivates them and inspires learning. Put simply, the study area you select should reflect your child’s specific developmental needs and circumstances. 

Boosting Confidence

The power of verbal encouragement when it comes to mathematics can never be understated. A few well-timed words of support and appreciation can go a long way to show your child that you recognize their efforts in mathematics, whether they are having difficulty with a concept or breezing through homework. 

Showing your child encouragement while learning with Dropkick Math will help boost their confidence and develop math skills more effectively instead of feeling discouraged by how mathematics is presented in school. Our math learning techniques are focused on boosting confidence, and with parents learning alongside their children, it is easy to create a nurturing and supportive environment. 

Fun and Engaging

Dropkick Math Academy offers math programs that can revolutionize the math learning experience for your child. Say goodbye to the traditional tutoring methods – with Dropkick, math operations become fun and engaging activities that take place in a small group setting. Our experienced math professionals create strategies to focus on your child’s math skills, turning math into an enjoyable educational activity. Learning math will no longer be boring and frustrating thanks to these innovative math programs!

Learn more about our programs today!

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Encouraging Participation in Group Math Activities

Encouraging Participation in Group Math Activities

Helping your child understand and enjoy mathematics can be challenging as a parent. However, learning mathematics does not have to be boring or intimidating for children! When it comes to introducing math topics to your kids, group activities can help make the process fun and engaging, especially in a math tutoring environment.  

Involving groups of peers in collaborative math exercises encourages children to better comprehend the material by actively participating in problem-solving activities with their peers. Additionally, it allows them an opportunity to bond over shared interests while developing valuable social skills along the way. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how Dropkick Math uses group activities as an effective teaching strategy for guiding your child’s understanding of mathematical concepts. We’ll also discuss why group math activities are important, and introduce some helpful tips on helping children who may be hesitant to participate in group learning.  

Motivation 

Motivating students to be enthusiastically receptive is fundamental when it comes to giving quality instruction in mathematics and is a vital ingredient of any curriculum. Our teachers at Dropkick Math engage our students in fun and engaging activities that help demonstrate the relevance of math and how it applies to real-world situations. Doing this helps spark student interest, motivating them to increase their enthusiasm for learning. 

Classroom learning can be enhanced tremendously when students are motivated by their peers. Group learning experiences allow abilities and strengths to be shared, motivating each individual to work toward the same goal together. Consequently, the group setting encourages active student participation while building relationships and forming a network of reliable mutual support from within the same classroom. 

When we foster motivating environments, learners are more likely to engage in activities with enthusiasm rather than dread and apathy. Motivating peers is a valuable tool for creating an entertaining yet challenging bond that helps students strive for personal improvement and educational success.

Making Learning Fun!

Working in a group setting can be an effective way to learn something new, and it’s especially beneficial in more challenging classes such as math. When students collaborate, group problem-solving can commence, and the learning process becomes more interactive. As a result, everyone can have fun and enjoy finding solutions to problems by working together instead of sulking over them alone. 

Group learning eliminates any solo struggles that may arise with such complex topics, and having peers by your side can help reduce the pressure associated with each task. Ultimately, group learning creates a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among the class while providing an enjoyable way to tackle even the most difficult concepts.

Learning From Each Other

Group learning in math classes can provide an opportunity for children to learn from each other’s mistakes. Working collaboratively with peers can help them identify errors and think of solutions together. It also helps foster a sense of community among group members and strengthens problem-solving skills. Through group work, students are more likely to ask questions, clarify understanding, and have a better overall grasp of math operations than when they work independently.

Offering Rewards

Each student is different, and what motivates them to join group learning may differ. However, at Dropkick Math Academy, we have found that rewarding students helps encourage them to participate.  

Rewarding students for participating in group class is an increasingly popular practice as educators recognize the value of students engaging with the material, even if they don’t always get the answer right. Understanding that students need to be acknowledged for their efforts and that their contributions can often lead to unexpected learning opportunities, rewards for participation become valuable incentives. This kind of encouragement helps students build confidence and encourages them to keep participating and growing. In the classroom setting, rewarding students for stepping forward and developing ideas or solutions provides an opportunity for self-discovery and exploration.

At Dropkick Math Academy, we offer students rewards that include Amazon gift cards, Pokemon cards, wireless earbuds and more!

How To Help Your Child Participate

While the theory behind group learning sounds great, I often have parents asking how to get their children to start participating. We can often put children together in a group, but some are still shy and need encouragement to participate. 

Assisting your child in overcoming the apprehension of participating in a group class setting can be daunting. However, there are several things you can do as a parent to help your child become comfortable with the idea. 

Before enrolling them, make sure to explain why it is beneficial for them to participate and emphasize that the best way to learn is by engaging directly with their peers. Additionally, let them know that joining group activities will allow them to have fun and make new friends. Allow your child to observe one session before expecting them to start participating. Finally, offer words of encouragement and remind them how brave they are for trying something new and different!

Maximum Class Size

At Dropkick Math Academy, we understand how it can be helpful for students to form a collaborative environment free from any distractions. That’s why we have taken note of limiting each class size to no more than four students. It creates an intimate learning atmosphere and helps students engage in meaningful discussions without anyone getting lost in the background. Having a maximum class size of four students allows students to access more personalized instruction and maximize their potential while working together.

Parental Involvement

At Dropkick Math Academy, we extend our commitment to active learning experiences to parents by inviting them to attend classes with their child and actively participate in the group exercises provided by the school. This helps create an atmosphere of mutual support, as parents can work alongside their child in solving mathematical problems while also providing the child with recognition and confidence that their home environment provides a safe place for learning. Parents are essential in making math tutoring more effective, especially at an early age, so we value their involvement in our student’s educational journey.

Get started with our math help services today by having your child take our FREE assessment!

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3 Strategies For Teaching Number Sense To Children

3 Strategies For Teaching Number Sense To Children

Teaching young children number sense is essential when it comes to helping them develop a strong foundation in math. As an adult, you might take for granted the years of practice and repetition that enabled your current mastery of numbers – but for kids just starting out on their journey towards math literacy, a solid understanding of ‘number sense’ techniques can provide major breakthroughs. After all, knowing how to compare quantities, recognize patterns and make predictions is required before we can even begin problem-solving! In this blog post, we’ll be exploring three key strategies for getting your little ones on the fast track toward becoming confident mathematicians and offer some guidance for math tutoring choices if needed. 

Everyday Life

Children are exposed to many mathematical concepts in their everyday life from an early age without even realizing it. From picking the biggest piece of cake at a birthday party to understanding the basis of addition when they ask for one more story at bedtime, kids grasp number sense and form concrete understandings of mathematical ideas. 

To help them make those connections even deeper, parents and caregivers can provide engaging activities and incorporate creative methods such as using manipulatives or games. That way, number sense will become second nature to young kids so that they will have solid foundations upon which more complex mathematics can be built by the time they enter school.

Look For Math Around You

One of the best ways to help children learn number sense is by sharing examples of how numbers appear in everyday life and activities. Through simple activities such as counting out snacks when packing lunch or comparing prices at the store, parents and teachers encourage students to see numbers as a practical tool rather than a number being some abstract concept or boring syllabus. Through your own examples, illustrating how number sense helps them make decisions and navigate life, you can create a connection that motivates your child and helps them understand why it’s so essential to have number sense. Once kids recognize number sense’s real-world relevance, they are far more open to learning about math.

Acknowledging children when they are applying mathematical concepts to their daily lives can be a great way to get them excited about math. Whether it’s as simple as counting or comparing sizes, kids can see how applicable it is in their world. If you notice your child solving problems with numbers, articulate that to them by saying something like, “You sure know a lot about numbers!” or “You’re comparing lengths. That’s amazing math!” Show kids that math is relevant and fun, and that alone will build up their self-confidence and help them view themselves as mathematicians.

Focus On The Process

Practicing counting is a cornerstone learning activity and can help kids learn one-to-one correspondence – or matching each object to the numbers being said. For optimal learning, allow kids to work independently. Give them large groups of objects and let them practice their counting skills in a self-guided environment. This helps build confidence while they are learning this important concept.

Working with addition and subtraction can be challenging for young children, but introducing math manipulatives can make the learning process easier. Manipulatives are concrete objects such as counting cubes or linking blocks that can help solve basic addition and subtraction problems. Allowing your child to explore and experiment with these objects provides a hands-on way to learn and understand mathematical concepts. Encouraging your child to discuss how they came up with their answers ties in language development and helps them strengthen their problem-solving skills – it also gives them an opportunity to vocalize their thought process so that they have a better understanding of what they’re doing.

Improving mathematics understanding also begins with double-checking answers. Asking children to double-check their work allows them to learn from their mistakes and is a valuable teaching tool in improving number sense. Having the chance to go over and spot mistakes on their own encourages mathematics comprehension in the long run, effectively arming them with problem-solving skills they will use throughout life. Finding their own errors gives children more confidence when learning mathematics, ultimately aiding their education and understanding of numbers.

Developing Math Practice

Starting young is essential to developing mathematics skills that can be used throughout life. Number sense is crucial in building skills, as it helps with understanding problems and problem-solving. Creating practice habits is also important to reinforcing mathematics experience, such as checking one’s work. Children need to be taught to ask themselves questions when interacting with the mathematics curriculum, which can help them learn and create a deeper understanding of mathematics. 

Constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others is a vital math practice for children to develop. This requires them to explain their math thinking and analyze strategies used by their peers. Such a process helps kids recognize that math problems are not just about getting the correct answer but understanding the procedures used in getting to that solution. Utilizing multiple approaches encourages flexible math problem-solving, allowing children to dig deeper into math concepts while also gaining more number sense. Ultimately, this demonstrates the power of math communication on learning and encourages critical thinking in math situations.

A Mathematical Journey

Having number sense is an essential component for children to be able to progress along their mathematical journey throughout school. Without number sense, or number and operations fluency, kids may struggle with basic math operations and numerical relationships that are expected of them as they move from one grade to the next. Further difficulty may be encountered when a child needs to form abstract math concepts using the number facts that number sense provides. If a child does not possess number sense, interventions should be conducted in order to help rectify this disadvantage for their longer-term progress in mathematics.

Math tutoring is one of the best ways to help children struggling with number sense. At Dropkick Math Academy, we include number sense as one of the four pillars of math, which all programs are designed around. Children will learn the fundamentals of mathematics, including number sense, and practice them in a fun and engaging way. 

Our math tutoring programs are taught by certified Ontario teachers who understand the importance of children learning the root of mathematics. Number sense can be taught at home through our helpful tips above, but if your child is still struggling, it may be time to reach out to trained instructors who can identify where your child may be behind and help them catch up to their peers. 

Learn more about our programs today and how they can help your child master number sense! 

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Algebraic Reasoning Math Programs

Why Students Struggle With Algebra

Why Students Struggle With Algebra

As parents of school-aged children, it can be disheartening to watch your child struggle with a subject as fundamental as algebra. It has a reputation as one of the most challenging subjects in math, and many students face difficulty understanding and engaging with the material. Whether this is due to an inadequate curriculum or lack of interest on the part of the student, it’s important to identify why and how students are struggling—and find ways to help them understand these types of math operations. In this blog post, we’ll look at potential causes behind these struggles and offer advice on math learning techniques to help support your child with algebra today!

A Dreaded Topic

Math can be difficult for many students, with algebra being one of the most dreaded topics. Whether it be struggling to solve equations or an innate dislike for algebraic concepts, it is all too common for students to want to avoid even discussing algebra altogether due to an overwhelming sense of anxiety. Let’s face it, children are not often heard squealing with delight, “math is fun” when practicing algebra. 

Feeling anxious when dealing with math is common and is often referred to as “math anxiety.” Math anxiety is a feeling of discomfort, worry, or worry-based avoidance related to math. It can range from mild to severe, and the symptoms may vary from person to person. Often math anxiety is experienced as an intense fear of math which may cause individuals to freeze up, experience difficulty concentrating,  understanding math concepts, or recalling math facts quickly. 

With math anxiety, it can be more difficult to make connections between equations and concepts due to the lack of comfort and security around math content. In some cases, math anxiety may even lead to procrastination when doing math homework or taking tests involving math. To help students manage math anxiety, teachers and parents need to identify these feelings early on and develop strategies like deep breathing exercises, writing down thoughts in a math journal, and practicing self-talk such as “I can do this” etc.

Building An Understanding

Math is a significant subject to build a strong understanding of, as it relies heavily on correctly understanding the basics. If missed concepts go unchecked, it can lead to further difficulty in math problems that involve more complex calculations. Students must ensure they understand the fundamentals before attempting harder math equations; without them, they may not be able to find solutions correctly, leading to frustration.

When it comes to algebra, it serves as the fundamental building block for higher mathematics. Without a good understanding of algebra’s basic principles, complex algebraic formulas and equations become much more difficult to comprehend. 

When students move on from algebra without achieving mastery of its basics, their knowledge gap becomes increasingly more apparent in subsequent levels of math, making it hard to understand even the most simple concepts of higher-level mathematics. 

This is an important concept to keep in mind if your child is struggling with algebra. They may be running into trouble because of missed learning of basic fundamentals. 

Using Algebra In The Real World

Algebra can seem like a scary subject to many, but it is possible that this difficulty is not inherent in algebra itself but rather in the way it is being taught. Many educators have pointed out that algebra instruction often disregards the reality of its application outside of worksheets and exams, lacking an intuitive understanding of how algebra concepts are actually used in the real world. As such, if your child is struggling with algebra, there may be a disconnect between the knowledge they have acquired through instruction and their ability to apply it. 

If your child seems frustrated with algebra, developing new tactics to make learning easier is paramount. Such tactics may include interactive instructional videos, active learning activities and worksheets, or online questionnaires that present real-life scenarios in which algebra can be applied. Providing students with varied forms of engagement not only equips them to tackle modern-day problems but also helps foster enthusiasm for algebra by allowing them to explore its wide-reaching areas within mathematics.

Dropkick Math Academy offers various programs that take learning algebra to whole new levels. We believe that learning should be fun and engaging and show students how it can be used in real life.

The Top Three Reasons

While there can be multiple reasons for your child struggling with algebra, our list includes the top three reasons we encounter daily. If your child does appear to struggle with algebra, the best course of action is to get them help as soon as possible. As previously mentioned, math is a concept that builds upon itself, so if a child is missing the basics, it will only continue to get more frustrating for them. 

Doesn’t Have To Be Stressful

Despite algebra’s reputation, mastering it does not have to be associated with stress and difficulty. 

Engaging in activities and exercises outside of the classroom and getting support from peers and instructors are all helpful strategies when facing algebra-related challenges. One of the best ways to accomplish this is with math tutoring. 

Dropkick Math Academy offers virtual group classes that can help students form a base understanding of algebra principals. Our instructors encourage peer support and make the learning environment fun and engaging. 

Dropkick Math Academy offers a rotating schedule of classes, so you don’t have to wait long to get the help your child needs. Our trilogy program focused on algebra helps your child:

  • Recognize the difference between linear and non-linear relations 
  • use visual patterns as a springboard to dig into algebraic manipulation and solve equations
  • Strengthen their algebraic reasoning skills
  • Solve equations by connecting processes to contexts
  • explore and review concepts connected to almost completely abstract representations and models of linear and nonlinear relationships
  • Use algebra to solve authentic (or real-world problems)
  • Further develop their multiplicative thinking and proportional reasoning

Learn more about our programs today, and get your child started on their way to enjoying algebra!

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Learn Math Math Tutoring

Tips for Setting up a Home Math Learning Environment

Tips for Setting up a Home Math Learning Environment
Are you looking for the perfect math learning environment for your kiddo? While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, having an intentional plan and organized structure in place can vastly improve your child’s ability to succeed. Whether your child is attending virtual math tutoring classes or just wants a place to study at home, it is vital they have a dedicated space to work. Read on for some tried and tested tips on creating a learning space for your child in your home.  

Creating A Classroom At Home

Since the pandemic shook up the entire world and many classrooms turned virtual, many parents were suddenly faced with the challenge of using an area of their home as a makeshift classroom. Remote education certainly put home learning into a new perspective, and parents became quickly aware of just how important it is to have a designated study area for their children. However, creating a space where children can feel comfortable and have minimal distractions while studying can be difficult. Most parents didn’t perceive study areas as important as they are today. Before the pandemic, most children would study at home to practice what they had learned during school. However, since both children and parents spent numerous hours doing homework or listening to lectures from their houses during the pandemic, it suddenly became more clear that having a designated study area is vital for successful education. 

The Age Of Your Child

The first thing to take into consideration when choosing the right study area for your child is their age. If they are at an age when they need constant supervision, you will want to select a space that allows you to keep an eye on them easily. If they are old enough to study independently, you can give them privacy in a quiet area of the house or in their bedroom. 

Meeting Criteria

When creating a space for your child to work in, it is important to ensure the area meets three key criteria. First, natural light is essential for successful learning and while very dark days may require artificial lighting, take measures to ensure adequate access to as much natural light as possible. Secondly, the temperature is also a key factor in creating an inviting work environment—the room should be neither too hot nor too cold. Finally, low levels of noise are also necessary for optimum work production; background noise can be disruptive and if possible aim for silent workspaces. In addition to lighting and temperature, ensure your child has both a comfortable chair and desk at their workstation: far better conditions than trying to work while sitting on the bed or sofa!

Less Clutter

Clutter can have a substantial adverse effect on education and can be incredibly disruptive when it comes to studying at home. As clutter accumulates, it starts taking up physical space in the learning environment and becomes a distraction for children. To ensure efficient learning at home, creating an area free from clutter is vital, as this encourages the child to stay focused on their studies. Keeping clutter away does not necessarily mean having a sterile desk and room, but rather organizing items around the workspace into tidy categories that maximize efficiency. This can create a more productive home study atmosphere and make it easier for the child to concentrate as they work through their daily assignments.

Keep Supplies Nearby

The easiness and organization of a child’s study space will determine how well they can independently access the materials they need to accomplish a task. Providing easy access to the appropriate supplies necessary for their studies, such as markers and paper, will help keep them motivated while allowing them to complete tasks without getting frustrated or discouraged. Moreover, having these items easily accessible helps them maintain concentration during remote learning classes or tutoring so that any disruptions are kept to a minimum. Ultimately, parents need to ensure their child’s study space has an adequate supply of materials in order to promote effective learning experiences at home.Don’t forget supplies often go beyond just notebooks and pens. Always have a kit ready that includes things like markers, a calculator, ruler, and even a water bottle.

Think About Functionality

Creating the ideal home learning environment for a child is not easy if you don’t have the right things in place. Functionality should be at the forefront of your mind when selecting elements like school supplies and furniture, as they form an integral part of a child’s study space. The desk and chair should be chosen to provide comfort, support, and accessibility in equal measure; while paperwork and stationery should be organized together to make it easy for the child to find everything they need without getting distracted. Ultimately, successful home learning starts with creating the perfect environment that allows a child the opportunity to explore their studies most efficiently and comfortably.Learning new math operations and equations can be frustrating, so we want children to be in a place where they feel comfortable and where they can focus on their learning. At Dropkick Math Academy, all our programs are virtual, so children will work from home. Having a place where they can study without distractions is vital to their success. To learn more about our programs visit our website today!
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Math Tutoring

The Benefits Of Group Math Tutoring

The Benefits Of Group Math Tutoring

Is your child feeling lost and overwhelmed trying to understand math? Have their attempts at self-learning left them worn down and unmotivated? If so, it might be time for you to consider the benefits of group math tutoring.

With Dropkick Math Academy, a communal learning environment with experienced professionals, cultivating an understanding of complex mathematics is not only possible but enjoyable too! Group math tutoring has been seen as a powerful tool in helping students reach their educational goals – let’s explore why.

Why Your Child Will Benefit From Learning In A Small Group

Learning in small groups has repeatedly shown better results than learning in large groups. Many children also do better with small group learning over individualized tutoring, regardless of the material covered. While there is no concrete evidence as to why children do better in smaller class sizes, we can certainly take an educated guess as to why many thrive in our classes at Dropkick Math Academy!

For one thing, in small groups, the teacher-student dynamic improves drastically, with the teachers able to devote more time to each child. There is also fewer discipline problems overall, so teachers don’t need to stop classes to keep children on track. In fact, student behaviour has been recorded to improve in many ways during small classes. Those who are placed in small groups tend to be more actively engaged with the learning process when they have the opportunity to build social connections among themselves during class time. 

A Supportive Atmosphere For Learning

Small classes can provide a more collaborative and supportive atmosphere for learning. With fewer students per group, peers have more space to develop relationships and form meaningful connections. Everyone’s ideas are encouraged and valued, fostering self-confidence and an appreciation of diverse opinions. 

With more opportunities for personal interactions, classes become more participatory and interactive, which enhances knowledge retention and understanding of key concepts. Children will often feel more comfortable in a small group setting, and teachers report more engagement and willingness to learn. With small group lessons, there is less stress on the child to speak in front of a large class, and they will also get encouragement from their peers. 

Boosting Confidence

A small classroom setting allows teachers to observe each student more actively, so they can spot when confidence may be wavering. When a teacher asks for the answer to a question, having fewer students present gives them more opportunities to provide individual encouragement and reinforcement. Learning math operations can be intimidating, but being in a small group can help each child learn from one another. 

A child that learns math in a small group class will have many confidence-building experiences that can help provide a sense of accomplishment. These experiences stem from positive and close interactions with the teacher and other students. 

Not only this, but smaller classes also allow the teacher to provide customized instruction and ensure that each student is receiving the support they need to progress and build their confidence. It’s clear that small classes can be incredibly beneficial in boosting student confidence and helping them respond confidently to challenges in the classroom – an invaluable tool for any teacher.

Developing Social Skills

With group tutoring, children will not only develop confidence, but they will also develop social skills that may be crucial to the work environment of their future careers. These skills can be invaluable as they grow older and require more social skills.

Group tutoring may be the right choice if your child gets stressed easily while doing math homework. As a group supports the efforts of each individual, stress has been shown to be naturally reduced. A small group can become a safe space to try out new ideas and approaches for children, continuing the loop that can increase their confidence and love of math. 

Enjoying Math

Ultimately, what we enjoy doing depends on how competent we feel when undertaking a particular activity. If we look at something like swimming, or even math, it becomes clear that the more time and effort invested in improving skills leads to higher levels of enjoyment. 

When someone takes math lessons, trains hard and begins to understand the discipline more deeply, the sense of accomplishment is immense. Knowing that others have taken notice of the progress made is even more gratifying and adds to the pleasure to be had from engaging with math.

At Dropkick Math Academy, we encourage parents/guardians to learn alongside their child so they can join in the pleasure and gratification of progress made. We truly believe that learning together can add to your child’s success!

Dropkick Math Academy’s Group Classes

If you are looking for a small, personalized learning environment for your child, look no further than our programs. All of our classes are taught by certified Ontario teachers and have a maximum class size of four students. This allows our teachers to offer individualized attention to each student and tailor their teaching style to best suit their specific needs. Our programs cover a wide range of subjects, from fractions to algebra, and our small class sizes ensure that every student receives the personalized attention they deserve.

How It Works

With Dropkick Math Academy, you can be assured your child will thrive in their small group math tutoring sessions. We start by having your child take our FREE assessment to ensure they are placed in the appropriate program for their level of learning. 

Once the child is placed in the program, they will receive their battle pack in the mail, which includes all the tools they will need for their weekly battles with math. Each class meets virtually twice a week, and children will earn battle points which can be redeemed at the end of the program for a reward.  

Get Started Today!

At Dropkick Math Academy, our math help services can give your child the confidence they need to tackle math head-on and dropkick any frustrations to the curb. Learn more about our programs and how we offer small group tutoring, with classes starting every few weeks. Get started today with our FREE assessment!

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Learn Math Math Tutoring

Identifying Signs of Struggling with Mathematics

Identifying Signs of Struggling with Mathematics

Do you feel like your child is falling behind in the mathematical world? Mathematics can be a tricky concept for students, but identifying signs early on that they are struggling can really set them up for success in the future. 

There’s no need to worry if your child is having difficulty understanding certain concepts because there are several steps that parents can take to help their budding mathematicians get back on track, including using a tutoring company. Read on as we discuss how to spot warning signs and what actionable strategies you can use when helping your child build up their math skills!

A Disliked Topic

Math can be one of the most difficult subjects for children to master, so it is not surprising that it is one of the most commonly disliked topics among school-aged children. To ensure a child’s math success, parents and teachers should work together to foster an environment that promotes math confidence and understanding. Doing this will help them realize they can excel at math with persistence!

Three Main Reasons

While there can be a variety of reasons why children struggle with mathematics, there are often three that stand out more than others.  

Math Anxiety

One of the most significant hindrances to effective math comprehension is the belief that math is too complicated or that a child isn’t smart enough to understand it. This belief is commonly caused by math anxiety and can lead to lacklustre achievements in math, as striving for success in something that seems out of reach quickly becomes demoralizing. 

When a child feels as though they are “not good at math,” they lose the confidence needed to advance. Many children become too afraid to even take a chance at answering math questions and would rather retreat into the back of the classroom and become invisible during math class. 

Symptoms of math anxiety in children include:

  • Low achievement
  • Avoidance of math
  • Negative self-talk
  • Intense emotional reactions while trying to do math
  • Nervousness
  • Increased heart rate
  • Lack of response in math class

If your child is showing any of these signs, they may have math anxiety. This is a common occurrence, but it can continue into adulthood if not dealt with at an early age with math tutoring. 

Lacking The Building Blocks

Math is an intricate subject, one where each concept builds upon the last. This can create a type of domino effect; if one math concept isn’t fully understood or retained, the student may continually fall behind in math progressions. Math classes are often structured so that later concepts rely on the foundations of earlier material. 

Suppose a child is missing this base understanding of elements like multiplication and division. In that case, they may struggle to move forward, and their math skills may be severely impacted when tackling more complex equations. Therefore, instructors must ensure students have mastered each lesson before advancing in math coursework; it’s the only way to guarantee success for future math questions.

Learning Difficulties

If you notice your child struggling with math, they could have an undiagnosed learning disability. While there are numerous disabilities, one of the most common is dyscalculia (also known as number or math dyslexia).

Children with dyscalculia often have trouble remembering math facts. They may understand the logic behind math facts but may not know when or how to apply them to solve problems. Another sign of dyscalculia is the inability to understand quantities or concepts like biggest versus smallest. 

Currently, researchers do not yet fully understand dyscalculia, but they suspect that it’s related to how the brain processes math-related information; how specific regions of the brain would be structured differently and interact differently in those with dyscalculia compared to individuals without it. As such, more studies are needed to better understand what causes this math-learning disorder and how it can be prevented and treated.

Speak With Their Teacher

If you are unsure whether your child is struggling in mathematics, the best place to start is by speaking to their teacher. They will be able to let you know if your child has been avoiding participation in class or any other warning signs that could mean there is a problem. By catching math anxiety and learning difficulties early, it is easier to get a child the help they need to get back on track. 

At Dropkick Math Academy, our online math help is designed to help students regardless of their struggles. All of our math tutors are certified Ontario teachers who are experienced in teaching children with various learning styles and blocks. They understand why a child may be struggling and how to encourage them to overcome the hurdles they may face. 

All of our programs revolve around the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, proportional reasoning) designed to focus on a child’s needs, whether it is more visual or tactile aids or more focused explanations of concepts. We understand that learning math can be difficult for many children and their parents, and we strive to offer the best in education for future success. By involving the parents/guardians in our math tutoring, we can help ensure they are equipped with the knowledge to help their child down the line. At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe that learning together brings greater success!

Learn more about our programs today and how we can help your child if they are struggling with mathematics. 

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