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How To Save The School Year After A Slow Start

One-On-One Tutoring

There’s no doubt that struggling with some concepts at the start of the school year can be discouraging. Your child may feel like they are falling behind and that it’s impossible to catch up. But they need to remember that it’s not how they start that matters, it’s how they finish. With a little bit of hard work and dedication, they can turn things around and better understand the learning concepts that can help with their future studies.

There are many steps that can be taken to help children with any educational gaps they may be experiencing. Tutoring is a great way to help a child who may be falling behind in learning, especially in mathematics. Tutoring comes in many forms, including one-on-one instruction, virtual tutoring, and group classes. Each type of tutoring can be helpful in different ways, but each interaction can help a child develop ideas and fully understand complex concepts. 

One-On-One Tutoring

Asking questions is an essential part of the learning process, but it can be challenging to do in a large class setting. This can sometimes be the cause of a slow start to a school year. When a child is one of many students competing for a teacher’s attention, it can be easy for them to feel lost in the shuffle. This is why personalized learning opportunities with a one-on-one tutor can be so valuable. Being able to ask questions in a one-on-one environment can make a big difference in academic performance. Many children feel more comfortable asking questions in a personalized setting, and they can also get more out of the conversation. As a result, they can better understand the material and apply it to their coursework.

However, this tactic for performing better in school may be effective, but it isn’t always available or convenient. Many families are busy and may not have time to book a tutor for scheduled lessons. Tutors are also in high demand, so it may be challenging to get a time slot that works for your child. This makes it frustrating for the child and parent as they cannot schedule regular lessons. One-on-one tutors may also not be tailored to individual learning styles or needs. 

Dropkick Math

At Dropkick Math, we are different than traditional math tutoring. Our unique programs focus on the fundamental misunderstandings your child may have in math and can provide them with the skills they need to keep advancing. We offer a fun alternative to one-on-one tutors that can help your child build their confidence and thrive in mathematics through self-learning. 

Our programs focus on the four pillars of math, using engaging, innovative programs. Each module helps students fully understand critical concepts that are the base fundamentals of mathematics. 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.

Take Action

No one wants to hear that their child struggles in school, but it happens. And when it does, it’s important to take action. Saving a school year, whether it is one class or multiple classes that need a boost, is entirely doable as long as your child has a positive attitude, desire, and a strategy to perform better. Creating a growth mindset is essential for your child’s success in learning. Children with a growth mindset see learning as a great challenge. They also believe that they can improve if they put in enough effort.

Enrolling them in Dropkick Math Academy is the first place to start when needing to save the school year. Our qualified Ontario Certified Teachers can offer differentiated approaches, making it accessible for all learning needs. In addition, our curriculum is designed to make sure your child grasps concepts quickly and thoroughly. With our help, your child will be able to save their school year after a slow start. 

Is Your Child Struggling With Learning?

It is not uncommon for children to struggle with learning during the start of the school year. Your child may receive a lower-than-expected grade on their progress report card or feel like they don’t understand what their teacher is talking about in class. Regardless of the situation, it’s important to remember that with some help, it is not too late for your child to catch up on their learning. With a little bit of commitment, they can get back on track and make the most of the year. 

Not sure if an online math tutor is for your child? Check out our program descriptions today and learn about each module that can help boost your child’s confidence and set them up with the skills needed for their future. So, don’t waste your time searching for “math tutor near me,” contact Dropkick Math today and get your child the help they need to get back on track. 

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Math is Math! Why Would They Change It?

Math is Math

If your child comes to you for help with their homework, you may be confused when you see how it is being taught. The mathematics that students learn today is most likely highly different from what you learned at school. 

The main thing to keep in mind is that math hasn’t changed. The way it is taught has. Unfortunately, when Ontario shifted mathematics teaching, parents were not informed. This left many frustrated as they realized they did not understand how to help their children in mathematics. 

The shift in the way mathematics is taught was not an overnight decision, although it may seem that way to some parents. Math education had been researched for decades by experts in both the education and mathematics fields, and it was found to be lagging in many areas. 

As society becomes more interconnected and globalized, information and technology are rapidly evolving. Since most information is now readily available through our smartphones or tablets, children need to be better versed in complex decision-making and problem-solving as these are skills that computers are not yet able to help with. 

Major Transformation

We live in a time of significant transformation, which means that children growing up through this period need to receive an education that prepares them for a world of automation and artificial intelligence. According to the 2016 Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum, 65% of children entering primary school today will work end up working in job types and functions that don’t even exist yet. In the 2018 Future of Jobs Report, it was predicted that human skills such as “creativity, originality, initiative, persuasion, negotiation, and critical thinking will be in high demand along with “attention to detail, resilience, flexibility, and complex problem-solving.” This means the education needs to be designed with platforms that mirror what students will meet when they are ready for college or a career. 

The traditional ways of learning are no longer enough to prepare children for the future. There is an urgent need to improve education, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). So, our job as educators and parents is to prepare children for their future by teaching them mathematics that will be useful and applicable in the years to come. 

New Ways Of Thinking

The technological world around us today is forcing students into new ways of thinking, which should be reflected in mathematics instruction. Students need to be both effective and efficient thinkers. Effective thinkers are taught to think long term, which means using longer or more complicated methods for solving problems. This may not always provide an answer at first, but it allows students to develop a foundational understanding of math concepts that will eventually give them the skills to question, critique, and reason to get their answers. 

Efficient thinkers believe that math should be done in steps and procedures that produce an answer as quickly as possible with the least amount of time involved. Parents may remember this type of thinking from the traditional way math was taught by “borrowing,” “carrying,” or “putting a zero.” Many didn’t fully understand the algorithm but did know that it was fast and got them the correct answer. In the past, those who could get an answer quickly were considered good at mathematics.  

Multiple Paths To A Solution

The way that math is taught today prepares children to be creative problem solvers who can find multiple paths to a solution. Students are no longer expected just to get the correct answer; they need to focus on the process. 

Over the past few decades, research has shown that children learn math better when taught through guided discovery. This teaching method provides students with support, but they ultimately develop the math rules themselves, a stark difference from learning them through memorization, as many of us parents experienced. 

Helping Your Child

Dropkick Math is here for you if your child is coming to you for help with their math homework and you don’t understand how it is being taught. We are a type of online math tutor that can help your child understand the fundamentals of mathematics while also educating the parent. By learning alongside your child, we will expose you to new learning strategies your child is experiencing in their classroom. 

It is a common misconception that it is difficult for parents to contribute to their child’s math education. At Dropkick Math, we believe that by working together, both you and your child can learn the fundamentals of math and gain skills that will translate for years to come. 

Many people simply go online and search “math tutor near me,” but this will only get you traditional tutors who may not give you and your child the support you need. As one of the leading math programs in Toronto, Dropkick Math provides support in learning key math skills by focusing on relationships and engaging the parent/guardian. Get started today by learning more about our programs.

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The Meaning Of Fractions

The Meaning Of Fractions

Fractions can often be a source of frustration starting in elementary school. Many times this is because children have not previously been taught algorithms and procedures correctly. They may often confuse methods with others they have learned for whole numbers or have simply not practiced fractions enough to understand them fully. This is precisely why building and understanding the foundation of number sense has been shown to increase student achievement later on.

Parent Involvement

Parents looking to help their children with a better understanding of mathematics also need to develop a more sound understanding of the foundations. This is why we involve parents in our programs at Dropkick Math. Our trained instructors will help build a parent’s mathematics capacity so they can adequately support their child’s journey in elementary math. We believe that success is achieved by learning together.

Understanding Fractions

For students to really understand fractions, it is essential that they learn to view them as numbers. Specifically, numbers that represent different constructs based on the context. In the past, fractions education focused on the outcomes, memorizing procedures so that students could successfully operate with fractions. However, being a good mathematical thinker is no longer based on how quickly a child can produce an answer. It is more important that mathematical thinkers understand the process and have multiple pathways to a solution.

To become a good mathematical thinker, it is essential to understand the meaning of fractions. Fractions represent equal parts of a whole or of a collection.

Fraction of a whole: When a whole is divided into equal parts, each part is a fraction of the whole.

Fraction of a collection: Fractions can also represent parts of a set or a collection.

Fractions have two parts. The number on the top of the line is called the numerator and tells how many equal parts of the whole or collection are taken. The number below the line is called the denominator and shows the total divisible number of equal parts in a whole, or in a collection.

When explaining fractions to a child, some of the most common examples in real life are equal slices of pizza, fruit, cake, or a bar of chocolate. Children may also learn through these foods that when the parts of the whole are unevenly divided, they don’t form fractions.

Using examples of fractions in everyday life can help children understand and visualize the math concept. Some examples you can use for older children include: 

  • splitting a bill at a restaurant into halves, thirds, or quarters
  • working out price comparisons in the grocery store when something is half price
  • looking at a clock and teaching them about half an hour and a quarter past

When it comes to helping a child with their math homework, fractions are probably what you will struggle with the most. The best place to start when explaining fractions to a child is to offer a description such as, “a fraction is any part of a group, number, or whole.” Then, using real-life experiences, fractions can become a little less scary.

Math Anxiety

For children, the world of math can be filled with despair and anxiety if they struggle to understand the concept of fractions truly. Fractions are known to be one of the main contributors to math anxiety and can be one of the most significant barriers to your child’s success in math. However, this can be avoided with the help of Dropkick Math Academy. Our programs are designed specifically to work with children to overcome any learning gaps they may have. Our programs include working with adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators. Children will also work with multiplying and dividing fractions with whole numbers and gain the ability to add and subtract fractions using mental math.

As children advance through our program, they will connect fractions, percents, and decimals and use each form flexibly. They will strengthen their proportional reasoning skills and develop proficiency with fractions. By the end of our program, children will have developed a solid foundation for secondary mathematics involving linear relationships, radian measures, and trigonometry.

Get Back On Track

If your child is struggling with fractions or other math operations, Dropkick Math can help get them back on track! We focus on the critical gaps in learning where children often show difficulty and provide an exciting way for students to thrive in mathematics by applying newly discovered techniques. By focusing on the foundational concepts (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, and proportional reasoning), our engaging, innovative programs help students fully understand critical concepts that are the base fundamentals of mathematics.

We also address deficiencies through our innovative, research-based math learning techniques while correcting any underlying misconceptions about mathematics. All instructors are qualified Ontario Certified Teachers who can offer differentiated approaches, making it accessible for all learning needs.  

Show your child that math is fun by enrolling them in Dropkick Math Academy. Start with our FREE assessment today!

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5 Ways To Support Your Elementary School Child

5 Ways To Support Your Elementary School Child

5 Ways To Support Your Elementary School Child

5 Ways To Support Your Elementary School Child

When a child struggles in mathematics, parents need to become involved and help support their education. However, many parents aren’t sure where to start or how to properly support their child without being overbearing restricting or interfering. If you feel this way, you are not alone. It can be challenging to find the right balance when trying to support them when struggling.

As a co-founder of Dropkick Math, I spend many days giving back to my community by teaching parents how to become part of the equation in their child’s learning. I firmly believe that the key to a child getting the most out of their education is when a parent gets involved and supports them every step of the way.

How To Support Your Child

At Dropkick Math, we believe relationships are a big part of learning success. The following are the top 5 ways to support your elementary school child if they struggle with their education. 

Meet Your Child’s Teacher

Every parent should meet their child’s teacher, and there are many formal and informal opportunities to do so throughout the year. Attending parent/teacher conferences is a great way to show that you are an active and involved part of your child’s education. If you can’t make it during the scheduled time or date, make sure you reschedule and make it happen. Meeting a teacher is an excellent opportunity to create a positive relationship while understanding the teacher’s goals and learning about your child’s education.

Find The Right Kind Of Extra Help

Many children are experiencing an education gap caused by the pandemic. If your child is experiencing difficulty in the classroom, it may mean that their learning style could benefit from additional or different types of teaching. Dropkick Math help services fill in a child’s education gap and teaches them that math is fun.

Through exciting and educational games and quizzes, our programs offer students the opportunity to get help with their studies while enjoying learning.

Have A Positive Attitude Towards School

Parents often overlook the importance of their attitude towards mathematics. A child can easily pick up on math anxiety from a parent or mirror their lack of enthusiasm for studying math. It is important for parents to always keep a positive attitude towards education even if you believe there are flaws in the system or your own experience with school could have been better. By giving a child a role model, they will follow your lead and reach greater success.

Pay Attention To Report Cards

Currently, too many parents don’t pay attention to report cards the way they should. It is vital to understand how to read a report card so that you can better help your child succeed. Look beyond the letter grades and pay attention to report card comments and key areas your child may need to focus on. It is equally important to note the positive traits that your child is demonstrating in the classroom. Open a discussion with your child and offer praise where it is due and help where it may be needed.

Fun And Engaging Programs

Over the past couple of years, many parents and children have struggled with education. Dropkick Math offers programs that can help a child improve their math skills and get the parent/caregiver involved. With our fun and engaging programs, children will learn to become more at ease with math problems and build their confidence. 

Whether you are looking for help in math for grade 4,5 or 3, we have got you covered! Our team of qualified Ontario Certified Teachers understand the pandemic’s impact on children and can work towards building their confidence, allowing them to thrive in mathematics. 

By understanding the fundamentals of the four pillars of math, students can overcome any misunderstandings they are having and acquire new skills that will set them up for a future of success. To support your child, learn more about our programs today!

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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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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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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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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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How A Positive Attitude Towards Mathematics Can Improve Skills

How A Positive Attitude Towards Mathematics Can Improve Skills

How A Positive Attitude Towards Mathematics Can Improve Skills

How A Positive Attitude Towards Mathematics Can Improve Skills

For the first time, scientists have identified a pathway in the brain that links a positive attitude towards math and achievement in the subject. The study of elementary school students performed by the Stanford University School of Medicine found that having a positive attitude about math was connected to better function of the hippocampus. This part of the brain is an important memory center during the performance of arithmetic problems.

Children’s higher math scores have long been observed in those who show more interest in math and perceive themselves as being better at it. And this study shows that even once IQ and other confounding factors are accounted for, a positive attitude towards math can still predict stronger students’ performance.

Researchers had previously hypothesized that the brain’s reward centers might drive the link between achievement and attitude. The belief was that children with better attitudes were better at math because they found it more motivating or rewarding. But, this new study helps to show precisely how a positive attitude can open the door for children to do well.

From brain imaging results, researchers found that when a child was solving a math problem, their positive attitude scores correlated with activation in the hippocampus. The brain’s activity in the reward center, including the amygdala and the ventral striatum, was not linked to a positive attitude towards math. The brain imaging results suggest that the hippocampus mediates the link between positive attitude and the retrieval effects from memory, which is associated with better problem-solving skills. In short, having a positive attitude can act directly on your memory and learning system.

Foster A Positive Attitude

Fostering a positive attitude towards math can prepare children for academic success from a very young age. Every child can succeed in math with good practice, teaching, encouragement, and motivation.

Parents are children’s first teachers, and their attitude and behaviour towards math can influence their child’s perspective. Parents need to motivate and encourage a positive attitude towards math outside of school starting at a very young age. 

Children need to realize that math is connected to everyday life. Parents can help children by including them in daily activities that require math, such as cooking, keeping track of time, finding symmetry in nature, in comparing prices at the grocery store.

In fostering a positive attitude, it is also essential to teach a child that it is OK to be confused by a problem and all part of learning. Practicing is the first step to building problem-solving resilience in students. Try to encourage your child to experiment with different approaches when solving problems. There is often more than one way to solve a math problem, and teaching them different strategies can help them tackle different types of issues.

Make Learning Fun

At Dropkick Math, we believe that learning should be fun. Repeated math practice can often become tedious and tiring, so give children assignments in chunks and keep them short. Try different ways of practicing, such as digital games, board games, worksheets, and even physically active games. Our programs offer a fun and interactive way of learning the four pillars of math.

Try to make time for games that can enhance mathematical skills such as algebraic reasoning, number sense, proportional reasoning, and operational sense. 

Praise and Rewards

Giving children constructive and honest feedback should be paired with praise and reward for putting in all the effort despite their results. Let the child know how proud you are of them for working hard and show them that you believe in them. Always start with simple problems and move slowly to the more complicated ones while encouraging them to retry challenging problems they failed to solve. This way, their confidence in math increases and any math anxiety may disappear.

Fostering a positive attitude towards math means making every mathematical experience positive. Whether it is homework, practice, or a test, it means supporting and encouraging children, so they stay motivated and feel confident about their mathematical skills. For more information on our programs, contact us today.

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What Do The Studies Show?

What Do The Studies Show

What Do The Studies Show?

What Do The Studies Show

After two years of disruptions, it is safe to say that the pandemic has impacted children’s education. With an estimated 90% of all children worldwide who have had their education disrupted, change is needed. Students cannot continue to be pulled in and out of school and be expected to learn the same way in front of a screen as if they were in a classroom. 

As of May 2021, schools in 26 countries were closed country-wide, and in 55 countries, schools were only partially open. Even though many are starting to open again slowly, evidence suggests that students will continue to feel the consequences of lost learning during the pandemic. 

The Gaps In Learning

With millions of children deprived of regular education during the pandemic, it is vital to get help for those who may have any gaps in learning. At Dropkick Math, we offer programs to help students build their confidence by developing their understanding of the fundamentals of mathematics. 

According to recent research, math learning seems to have taken a bigger hit during the pandemic compared to other subjects. Due to this lack of proper education, student’s growth rate in math is expected to slow during the next few years. So, getting them the help they need now could help them get caught up quicker than expected. 

What The Research Shows

Although it is still early days and the pandemic is not over yet, some studies are starting to be released on the effects of missed education on children. Research shows that the impact of the pandemic on K-12 student learning was significant, leaving students on average five months behind in mathematics and four months behind in reading by the end of the school year.

Here in Ontario, initial findings show that impacts of the pandemic are concentrated in math. Reading achievement in the fall of 2020 was consistent with the prior year, but average math achievement was 5 to 10 percentile points lower than the previous fall. It was also noted that, on average, students made gains during the early phase of the pandemic; however, math gains were smaller than pre-pandemic trends. 

Studies are also beginning to show that high schoolers have become more likely to drop out of school, and high school seniors are less likely to go on to postsecondary education. But the crisis didn’t just impact academics. It also took a toll on students’ broader health and well-being, with more than 35 percent of parents being extremely concerned about their mental health. 

Unfinished Learning

As more research becomes available and the true cost of the pandemic is shown, many educators are using the term “unfinished learning” to capture the reality that students were not given the opportunity to complete all the typical learning they would have typically completed. 

As policymakers and education leaders work together toward recovery, Dropkick Math is here to fill in any gaps in learning that may arise. As one of the leading math tutoring services in Ontario, our trained instructors can provide support in key math skills through fun and interactive programs. 

We start by assessing the student with our free early indicators check-in. From there, we can help place your child in the program best suited for their needs to start building their math confidence and develop their skills for the future. 

Get started today by learning more about our programs.

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