Category: Math During Pandemic

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How Online Learning Has Changed Since The Pandemic

How Online Learning Has Changed Since The Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about immense changes in many aspects of our lives, including how we learn and educate ourselves. The pandemic has forced many schools and universities to make drastic changes in their teaching methods, and online learning emerged as an essential tool for keeping education going in challenging times. Even as the pandemic slowly becomes a distant memory, it’s increasingly becoming clear that online learning is here to stay. 

All parents will remember how frustrating online learning was at the pandemic’s beginning. Schools were forced to close quickly, and virtual classrooms were set up seemingly overnight. There were connectivity issues, presentation problems, security concerns, and an overall lack of understanding of virtual classrooms. But thankfully, a lot has changed since then. Online platforms have been updated, security issues have been solved, and overall, children have become more comfortable with learning from a teacher online. 

Let’s take a closer look at how online learning has changed since the pandemic.

Increased Availability and Accessibility

In the past, online learning was often only available to a niche group of students who took courses on their own time, outside of traditional classrooms. However, the pandemic shook up this model, with even traditional schools and universities offering courses online. This has led to a massive increase in the availability of online courses, both at the K-12 and college levels.

In addition, online learning has made education more accessible to students who may have previously faced barriers to attending traditional schools or universities. For instance, students with disabilities, those living in remote or rural areas, and those with work or family commitments can now access education from anywhere with an internet connection. The flexibility that online learning provides has opened up new possibilities for students who face a range of barriers.

New Technologies

Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet were being used for virtual classrooms and online tutoring during the pandemic. These platforms provided critical opportunities for students to connect with peers and teachers, even when they were not able to be in the same physical location.

The pandemic also led to the creation of many new technologies that enhance the learning experience in an online environment. Interactive tools such as virtual whiteboards, chat rooms, and video lectures are now being used to help students engage with course material and interact with their peers. These technologies are being refined and improved daily, with new features added to engage students and help them stay on track with their learning.

Greater Flexibility

Thanks to online learning, students are able to complete coursework at their own pace, on their own schedule. This can help them balance their education with work or family responsibilities, which is especially vital during difficult times. More classes are also offered at more times throughout the day since students can connect more easily. 

By allowing students to set their own pace, online learning can help reduce the stress of studying during certain days or hours. Without added stress, students may see improved academic performance. 

Collaboration

Of course, online learning has benefits and limitations, just as there are with traditional classroom learning. One of the most significant challenges with online learning is that it is harder to collaborate with peers and teachers, leading to feelings of isolation and disconnectedness. This can be especially true in larger group classes. At Dropkick Math Academy, we limit our class sizes to four students so children don’t feel “lost in the crowd.”

To help combat these feelings, many teachers and educators are developing new systems to encourage collaboration and engagement among online learners. For instance, many are implementing group projects and team-building exercises to help students work together and form meaningful connections.

Increased Engagement

Speaking of engagement, online learning has allowed for even more engagement than traditional classroom learning in many ways. With online courses, students have access to a wide variety of resources that they can explore and utilize as a part of their learning. This can create exciting and memorable experiences, inspiring them to be passionate about learning.

Our educators at Dropkick Math Academy have also noticed an increase in engagement over traditional classrooms. It is thought that children may have more confidence if they can virtually raise their hand and offer answers or ask questions through chat boxes instead of in person. This can help build their confidence to ask these questions in the future in an in-person classroom setting. 

Personalized Learning

Finally, online learning allows for a personalization of learning that is unmatched by traditional classroom learning. Students can learn at their own pace and choose which sources of instruction they want to use, creating a personalized experience that addresses their individual learning styles and needs.

In addition, online learning sometimes allows teachers and educators to gather data on how students are doing. This data allows for creating customized learning experiences that can address specific issues a student may be having. This personalization can be beneficial for students who may be struggling or need extra support.

Conclusion

Overall, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online learning, and these changes will likely continue to shape education for the foreseeable future. While the sudden shift to online learning has presented challenges for both educators and students, it has also provided new opportunities for innovation and growth in education.

Online learning has allowed students to complete coursework independently in a safe and remote environment while helping to better engage students and boost their confidence. This is an evolution in education that is likely to continue, even after the pandemic subsides. As educators continue to refine and improve the online learning experience, we can expect to see even more advantages and benefits to this new education model.

Embracing The Advancements

At Dropkick Math Academy, we have embraced the advancements in virtual learning and created a platform where children are excited to learn. Our programs are 100% virtual and offer small class sizes so children get the individualized attention they deserve. 

If you are a parent who remembers the frustration of virtual learning through the pandemic, you may be hesitant to place your child in online learning. However, virtual learning has drastically changed over the past couple of years – for the better! We have ironed out all the problems that school boards experienced and implemented our research-based learning. We are a trusted online math tutor who has proven success stories and even more happy students!

All of our online math programs are taught by certified Ontario teachers and utilize game-based learning to keep children engaged and interested. Learn more about our programs today and see how we are helping to revolutionize virtual learning!

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Learn Math Math During Pandemic

How Absence Rates Over The Past Two Years Have Affected Students

How Absence Rates Over The Past Two Years Have Affected Students

COVID has had a significant impact on our schools and education. One of the most visible effects has been the increase in school absences. Recent data shows that school absence rates have spiked in recent years, which has clearly impacted student performance. Schools are now struggling to find ways to deal with the potential influx of absences if an increase in COVID is seen again this year. Some schools are considering online learning again, while others are looking at ways to increase classroom sizes. 

With so many children missing days of learning, something needs to be done to ensure they stay on track. The Ontario government has stepped in with their Learning Action Recovery Plan, subsidizing outside help, including math tutoring services. Whatever the solution, it is clear that COVID has brought the issue of school absences into sharp focus.

Last Year’s Absence Rates

While the new school year has just started, the absence rates from last year are troubling. More than 300 Ontario schools reported student and staff absences of more than 30 percent on average. The data from the last school year did include all absences, not just those that might be related to COVID-19, so it is difficult to gauge the impact of the pandemic. Other than COVID-related absences, weather or technical errors were among the other reasons for staff and children not being recorded as being present. However, no matter the reason, student absences have been on the rise and are causing problems.

The bulk of the news coverage around student absenteeism over the past school year centred around the challenges of reaching students remotely. Students were missing classes because they lacked a digital device at home, or a reliable internet connection, while for other students, the pandemic forced them into childcare responsibilities that made attending school a lower priority than usual. Teachers also reported that taking attendance in remote learning was more difficult. 

The “New Normal”

With schools being forced to close and virtual classrooms becoming the “norm” over the past couple of years, children have had to adapt to a new way of learning. They have also gotten used to missing lessons or days on end of schooling. 

Before COVID, it would be an extreme problem if a child was absent for so many days, but now with the threat of COVID, it is all par for the course. But what does this mean for children? How is their absence or their teacher’s absence affecting their learning?

Research shows that children’s education has been greatly affected by the pandemic. While it is too early to tell exactly what aspect has led to this missed learning, we can only assume that absence rates play a large role. If a student isn’t in a classroom (virtual or real), it is impossible for them to learn. 

Home Schooling

While some parents have been able to homeschool their children, others have not had the time or resources to do so. As a result, many children have missed out on critical instruction and interaction with their peers.

One of the most important aspects of getting an education is peer interaction. Children learn social skills and how to interact with others when they are in a classroom setting. They also benefit from the instruction of a teacher. When children are not in a classroom, they miss out on these important aspects of their education, and as a result, many children have faced a gap in learning during the pandemic. While some parents have done an admirable job of homeschooling their children, it is clear that for the majority, the best way for children to receive an education is in a classroom setting. 

Learning Growth

Studies are now beginning to show that students’ learning growth over the past couple of years has not progressed as it should, meaning some children have experienced the “COVID slide.” This slide shows that students are ending the school years with lower achievements compared to a typical year, with larger declines relative to historical math trends than reading. Unfortunately, experts warn this will only get worse. Due to the lack of proper education, they expect students’ growth rate in math to slow even more in the next few years. 

Due to this gap in learning, it is vital to get them the help they need now so they can get caught up quicker than expected. With Ontario’s Learning Action Recovery Plan, students are able to get the help they may need to catch up on any missed learning. This plan is designed to help students who have been struggling in school catch up and get back on track. It invests heavily in tutoring support and includes summer learning, a focus on reading, math and other foundational skills, as well as targeted initiatives intended to address unique barriers that some students may face. This will help bridge students’ learning gaps, support academic success, and focus on overall mental health and wellness. Ontario’s plan is based on the latest scientific evidence and will provide Ontario students with the resources they need to succeed.

Filling In Learning Gaps

Dropkick Math is here to help students who may have a gap in their education due to the pandemic. As one of the leading math help services in Ontario, our trained instructors can provide support in key math skills through fun and interactive programs. As part of the Learning Action Recovery Plan, we can also offer our programs to select school boards across Ontario at a subsidized rate.

We are your local choice if you are looking for Waterloo math services! As a local business, we understand our student’s needs and can help boost their confidence in math and set them up for future success. For more information on our programs, visit our website today!

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Learn Math Math During Pandemic

How The Pandemic Caused The Worst Education Crisis In History

How The Pandemic Caused The Worst Education Crisis In History

It’s been a few years since the pandemic hit, and we are starting to see its effects on education. Schools were closed, children were out of school for extended periods of time, and virtual learning was introduced. This was all done in an effort to keep children safe from the virus. But what about the long-term effects? Are our children worse off now than they were before? In this blog post, we will talk about the worst education crisis in history.

Research is now starting to come forth concerning education and how the pandemic influenced our children. Some parents were happy to keep their children home from school, while others wanted them back in class. No matter what side of the argument you were on, all parents wanted the same thing – for their children to keep up with schooling and not fall behind. To try and keep up with their education, some parents turned to online math help or searched for a tutoring company. 

The Research 

While some educational interventions were able to help keep children on track in the interim, the overall effect of the pandemic is now being recorded as researchers conduct studies. So far, studies are showing that the coronavirus pandemic has caused alarmingly high learning losses in math and reading. This loss of education has been felt worldwide and is now reported as the worst education crisis ever recorded. 

One of the largest studies done to date on the effects of the covid pandemic on school children around the world was conducted by Unicef, UNESCO and The World Bank. The results were published in a new report and attributed school closures as one of the most significant factors in disrupting children’s education across the board from low-income to high-income countries. 

The report found that schools were forced to close quickly and adapt the curriculum to an online learning environment, often leaving teachers without the proper resources or training. Despite the best efforts by schools, the report found that “the deployment, uptake, and effectiveness of such programs has varied greatly, and in most countries, offered an inadequate substitute for in-person learning.” 

In Canadian studies, researchers have found that students who switched between remote and in-person learning had a tumultuous education experience amid COVID-19. Many education advocates are now highlighting the loss in education as a longer-term concern that will persist even after COVID-19 wanes.

Children Who Are Already Struggling

Researchers have noted that these disruptions in education have affected students who were already struggling before the pandemic hit even more than others. This means that for students who were already working through challenges at school, the pandemic made it even more difficult to have an enriching educational experience. 

Even without a pandemic, teachers look for students struggling with learning losses and find ways to work with the child toward eliminating the gap. For some students, this means summer school or after-school tutoring. However, with an added loss of education from the pandemic, the worry is that there is just not enough time or resources for these students to catch up to their peers. 

While Canada has yet to release any official information regarding education loss caused by the pandemic, other countries have the metrics to prove that children have fallen behind where they should be. It has also yet to be determined how this will affect them long-term. Although this is disturbing news, parents need to discuss the loss of education away from their children. Students have been through a lot in the past couple of years, and anxiety may already be high. If they believe they may be at risk of falling behind, it can add extra stress and cause them even more pressure. Just remember that almost every family is in the same boat, and the government is stepping in to help make a difference.  

Ontario’s Learning Action Recovery Plan

As schools scramble to find ways to support learning recovery and work on a further plan to target learning loss head-on, many provinces throughout Canada are offering additional funding to support reading and math for all students. For example, in Ontario, this comes in the form of Ontario’s Learning Recovery Action Plan for Students, which has been designed to help students who have been struggling in school catch up and get back on track. 

As research shows, the pandemic has caused the worst education crisis in history, the question becomes how we fix it and help our children catch up without overwhelming them. Many educators are calling for protecting and increasing investments into education, saying it should be the first among priorities to get the children the help they need. 

FREE Tutoring Services

At Dropkick Math Academy, we couldn’t agree more, which is why we have partnered with various school boards to offer FREE tutoring to students who may be struggling with mathematics. The funding from the provincial government provides opportunities for small group tutoring services offered outside of school hours and on weekends. 

As one of the fastest-growing programs in Ontario aimed at addressing the education gap experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dropkick Math addresses deficiencies while correcting any underlying misconceptions about mathematics. Owned and operated by Ontario teachers, Dropkick math is committed to students’ success in achieving competency in mathematics. 

Our programs allow students to learn foundational math skills and fill in any misunderstandings in mathematics while enabling them to discover new ways of learning while focusing on the four pillars of mathematics (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning and proportional reasoning). Through proven strategies and manipulatives combined with an accelerated learning approach, we help students master math operations while boosting their confidence. 

If you feel your child may have fallen behind because of the pandemic, our programs can help! Learn more about our math tutoring services and how we can help boost your child’s confidence in math.

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Math During Pandemic

How Children Are Still Being Impacted By The Pandemic

How Children Are Still Being Impacted By The Pandemic

The pandemic is starting to feel like a distant memory for many people, but for children, the effects are still being felt. Although the pandemic is waning and schools are gradually reopening, the educational landscape has been irrevocably changed. For parents, it can be hard to know how to help their children make up for lost time and ensure they don’t fall behind. 

Pandemic Fatigue

Over the last two and half years, many adults have struggled with the ever-changing world. So, imagine how our children must be feeling. Overall, children are poorly equipped to deal with the uncertainties of the pandemic. They have lacked the developmental stimulation of their peers, teachers, neighbours, and extra-curricular activities. They do not have the emotional experience to grapple with changing rules, vaccination mandates, and constraints, much less the politically charged messages that are front and center of every newspaper and program. The result of all this upheaval and uncertainty is pandemic fatigue. Pandemic fatigue can include lethargy, lack of focus, foggy-headedness, and general malaise, all of which are causing children to struggle in school. 

Working Independently

Now that children are back in classrooms and ready to learn, teachers are starting to notice some effects lingering from the pandemic. For one, the effects of at-home learning through virtual classes are becoming more apparent. Children need to learn how to work on tasks independently, but they have become too relaxed in their education since missing classes over the past couple of years. Many educators are finding it challenging to keep students’ attention for long periods of time. 

While students were learning at home, they had a lot of time to learn independently, but many of them who were not supervised didn’t use the time wisely. This means they have learned to become easily distracted and relaxed while working towards a task independently. This has become apparent in their academic performance now they are back in the classroom. It is becoming evident that this distractive behaviour is becoming a possible stumbling block on the way to getting educated. Children need to learn how to work independently but in a structured environment where they learn to stay on task.

Mental Health

As uncertainty spread across the globe with cases of COVID-19 rapidly rising, children were suddenly thrust into a scary world. They would hear parents and teachers talk about the pandemic, and they could no longer get together with friends for playtime. 

The mental health effects of the pandemic have been well reported in the adult population. However, many people forget that children were also heavily impacted by the pandemic. Not only were they trying to navigate their new world in the pandemic, but they were also suffering the downstream effect of their parents’ strain during this time. This effect on their mental health has become apparent as counsellors report more children than ever reaching out for mental health support. 

As stated in Psychology Today, “Parental and school involvement is critical in addressing the crisis of children’s mental health head-on.” This means that it is the responsibility of every school board to create an environment for children who may be struggling to get the help they need. The government has recently set up Ontario’s Learning Recovery Action Plan to help students caught in the midst of the global disruption. 

Confidence

It is well known that confidence is key in nearly every aspect of life. We see confident people succeed in their careers, make friends easily and overall, just enjoy life more. It’s no wonder that parents want their children to be confident. Unfortunately, the pandemic has affected the way children build their confidence.  

Interacting with other children is a great way for kids to learn social skills and develop confidence. Playing games, joining clubs or even just talking to other kids at school helps them build self-esteem and learn how to interact with the world around them. Through the pandemic, many children could not see their friends, which led to fewer opportunities to meet and mingle with their peers. This lack of interaction has affected many children and left them feeling less confident. 

Education is another important factor in building confidence. As children learn more about themselves and the world around them, they become more comfortable in their own skin. Again, with limited in-person classes, children had less opportunities to build their confidence through group work, praise from teachers, and peer interaction. 

The Impact on Mathematics

Through just these few examples, it is easy to see that this challenging time for students has left a mark on their well-being and education. As far as education goes, mathematics has been found to be the most affected than any other subject over the past couple of years. Many students have slipped backward, losing the skill or knowledge they once had. They have also simply learned less than they would in previous years, which has led to unfinished learning. 

Compared to reading, declines in math have been found to be more significant and seen more in younger grades. Early learning experts are sounding the alarm that the youngest learners are the most affected, and there is a need for help to fill in those learning gaps they may be experiencing. 

Addressing The Problems

With the lasting effects of the pandemic on our children, it is vital to start addressing these problems. Here at Dropkick Math, we understand the constraints that have been put on our children over the past two and half years. We are a team of Ontario-certified teachers who are committed to students’ success in achieving competency in mathematics. 

As one of the fastest-growing programs in Ontario aimed at addressing the education gap experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dropkick Math addresses deficiencies while correcting any underlying misconceptions about mathematics. We have developed math programs that use centred research-based techniques and strategies designed to complement existing lessons to facilitate students reaching their highest potential in mastering mathematics.

Our math learning techniques involve fun, engaging games that create a “math playground” that will entice any child to want to join in. We have also developed our programs to involve the parent or caregiver. This helps to foster a relationship between child and parent to help boost confidence and set a foundation for more learning at home. 

For more information about our programs or to start your child with our FREE assessment, visit our website today!

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Math During Pandemic Online Math Tutor

Closing The Learning Gap Created By The Pandemic With Online Tutoring

Closing The Learning Gap Created By The Pandemic With Online Tutoring

Closing The Learning Gap Created By The Pandemic With Online Tutoring

Closing The Learning Gap Created By The Pandemic With Online Tutoring

Chances are, during the past couple of years, your child has struggled to keep up with their studies. With the pandemic pushing students out of classrooms and into virtual learning, many students have fallen behind and are showing educational gaps. Many parents are now left scrambling and searching online for “math tutor near me.”

The good news is that many tutoring services have gone online, which makes it much easier and more convenient for many families. Research has shown that tutoring is one of the best ways for students to catch up and prevent gaps caused by the pandemic before they turn into something bigger. Online tutoring can provide fast and practical support for students and parents alike.

Learning Loss

Learning loss is commonly associated with the summer break. After being out of school for many weeks, students can lose some of their academic skills and knowledge. But over the past couple of years, it isn’t just the summer break interfering with student learning. During the pandemic, students may have experienced learning loss during this time as well.

Despite many efforts from parents and teachers, switching to online learning lead to disrupted schedules and feeling disconnected from school. This has all contributed to an unsettled learning environment.

A learning loss on a large scale like such has occurred during the pandemic can have a lifelong impact on affected students. Studies show that students already struggling in the classroom before the pandemic are most likely to be affected. If left unaddressed, this learning gap will likely get even more significant.

Why Tutoring Is The Best Solution

There are many reasons why tutoring is the best solution for filling in any gaps in a child’s education. Research has shown that tutoring can give students transformational results in a short amount of time. Therefore, it is more effective than summer school or extended school days. 

Tutors are commonly known and used worldwide. However, online tutoring services are now becoming more popular than ever. Online tutoring such as Dropkick Math can offer students an easy and convenient way to catch up on their studies. Online tutors can provide targeted teachings focusing on individual students’ needs and building from there. Our programs adapt lesson content to fit the needs of individual students in a way that simply isn’t possible in a typical classroom.

Our programs can also change the pace of learning to suit your child’s needs, making the process effective and efficient. Students who feel a sense of success in their studies will build confidence that they can take back with them into the classroom. Our fun and engaging games and quizzes have students eager to complete their work.

e-Learning

The past couple of years has pushed many students into becoming comfortable with e-learning solutions. Any child who has access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone and a good Wi-Fi connection can access our programs. 

We like to think of ourselves as “math program Toronto experts,” which means we understand how online learning improves retention as students can learn at their own pace.

The Benefits For Parents

Many remote working parents have faced challenges trying to homeschool their children and get their work done. With online tutoring, parents can rest assured that a professional will make sure they are learning what they need and getting the work done.

At Dropkick Math, we encourage parents to learn alongside their children. If they so wish, parents can actively get involved with the programs. Our trained instructors will help build a parent’s mathematics capacity so they can adequately support their child’s journey in elementary math. Success is achieved by learning together!

A More Convenient Approach

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.

An online math tutor service can help your child close in any education gaps and help to ensure they are prepared for the year ahead. At Dropkick Math, 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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Math During Pandemic

How Much Learning Have Students Really Lost During The Pandemic

How Much Learning Have Students Really Lost During The Pandemic

How Much Learning Have Students Really Lost During The Pandemic

How Much Learning Have Students Really Lost During The Pandemic

There’s never been a better time to address the COVID learning loss. As kids return to the classrooms and many restrictions are lifted, it is time to talk about education. While some studies are being released, the gap still remains in understanding just how much loss has occurred, and which student groups have been most impacted by the pandemic.

One thing we do know for sure is that math is one of the most impacted subjects during the pandemic. A recent analysis done at the beginning of the school year found that elementary students were four months behind in reading and five months behind in math. 

Getting Back On Track

Educators are noticing that students who spent more of their time learning through virtual schooling were generally behind their peers who attended more in-person classes. The good news is that kids seem to be rebounding quickly once they begin meeting regularly with their teachers and classmates. Teachers are doing everything they can to try and identify students and losses, making sure they’re working with parents to get them back on track.

There is no timeline for how long this catchup will take, but the federal government has provided funding to assist with education by expanding summer programs and offering extra support to students who may need it.

A Long Term Plan

Parents and teachers alike are concerned about the loss of learning caused by the pandemic. However, it is unrealistic to think that a few months of anything will fully close the pandemic’s gaps. Educators are likely looking at a long game, perhaps three or more years, during which teachers must do their best to help their students.

To help students overcome this loss of learning, many teachers are reaching out for help and looking for new, exciting ways to keep their students engaged and learning. To help students overcome this learning loss, many teachers are reaching out for help and looking for new, exciting ways to keep their students engaged and learning. For example, teachers are revisiting key topics or essential understandings numerous times throughout the school year instead of teaching a unit and never addressing that topic again. This gives children more chances to understand the subject instead of simply memorizing it fully. 

Many teachers are also trying to include student-centred (moving at the pace of learning) or collaborative problem-solving. Teachers are reporting that students are becoming more engaged with this style of education, which allows for better confidence in the child. 

Emotional Needs

In this time of crisis, post-pandemic schools should be focusing on trauma-informed instruction, building relationships and engaging students in rich tasks that promote critical thinking and problem-solving. Since so many children have been isolated, it is more important now than ever.

This type of approach helps to establish connections by focusing on student well-being while fostering relationships through respectful curiosity and compassion. By educators creating consistent daily routines, setting clear, achievable expectations, and modelling a growth mindset, children will learn that they are in an inclusive environment free from judgement where they can learn at their own pace. 

Growth Rate

As math learning has taken a bigger hit during the pandemic than other subjects, students’ 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. 

An online math tutor is a popular choice for many parents. However, these tutors can often be expensive, hard to fit into a busy family schedule, or not help the child with the root of their math misunderstandings. Dropkick Math is an alternative to a tutor that can offer a unique way of learning for your child. As one of the leading math tutoring services, our Ontario Certified Teachers can provide support in key math skills through fun and interactive programs. 

All students start with an assessment using our free early indicators check-in. From there, we know how the child is performing and what programs would be best suited for their needs. Once students are enrolled in our programs, they will begin building their math confidence and developing their future skills. 

Get started today by learning more about our programs.

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How COVID Changed Your Child’s Math Education

How COVID Changed Your Child’s Math Education

How COVID Changed Your Child’s Math Education

How COVID Changed Your Child's Math Education

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

Disrupted Education

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

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

Learning Online

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

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

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

Limitations Of Teachers

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

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

How To Help Your Child

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

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

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

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

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

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Math During Pandemic

Balancing Screen Time During The Pandemic

Balancing Screen Time During The Pandemic

Balancing Screen Time During The Pandemic

Balancing Screen Time During The Pandemic

The COVID pandemic has changed the way students live, learn, and visit with their friends. They have logged online to attend school, played online games, and visited with grandparents over video chat. This is the first generation of children to be so reliant on screen time and for students to show a gap in learning due to a pandemic. Dropkick Math understands the strategies that children need to overcome any educational gaps they may have missed during the time they were involved in online learning. Our programs offer math help services that can provide you with the tools to support your child in math moving forward.  

An Increase In Screen Time

Unsurprisingly, children worldwide were reported to have increased screen time during the pandemic. But these stay-at-home orders that prompted children to turn to the screens have had many educators and parents debating how much screen time is appropriate for children. These COVID-19 safety measures shifted the ideals around children and screen time so much that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) even updated its guidance on-screen use. They now suggest, “Screen usage has likely increased for children, but parents should ensure media use is positive and helps the family and community.”

How Can We Balance Screen Time Effectively?

Although screen time is being used for education and socializing, it can come with consequences. But why is balancing time on screen important?

It is more important than ever to put schedules and structure into daily life for children to ensure a healthy balanced lifestyle. If no measures are taken, screen time, video games, and social media can really creep in and take over.

Through the pandemic, many parents and educators have been reporting that the more screen time young people have, toddlers in particular, the more behaviour problems they may exhibit and the more learning problems they experience in their development. Children need to interact with the real world before venturing into the virtual world.

But these cautions are not limited to very young children. Parents of children of all ages need to be mindful of the impact that increased screen time may have. This increased screen time has been found to affect:

Sleep – Essential for mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Physical Activity – Exercise and movement can help young bodies develop and prevent obesity. 

Socializing – Interacting with others can promote communication and help to build empathy. 

Family Time – Connecting with family members can help to establish bonds, trust, and openness. 

Diet and Nutrition – Whole, healthy foods can provide essential vitamins and nutrients that are essential for good health. 

Personal Responsibilities – School assignments and housework can foster discipline, helping to form structure and responsibilities.

How many hours of screen time is healthy? While there is no definitive answer to this question, it is vital to keep a healthy balance. Screen time can affect everyone differently, so parents should be on the lookout for behavioural signs in their children are over engaging with screens. Kids that have severe tantrums need to turn off their games. Teens who stay up late at night, stop socializing, or spend time with family also need to cut screen time. Some children have stopped grooming and failed to meet their responsibilities at school, which could eventually cause school failures.

How Do You Balance Screen Time And Offline Time?

Talking with your children about their screen time can help keep parents engaged and knowledgeable about their child’s online activities. Parents should also encourage their children to share online experiences and discuss them. Starting a conversation can help normalize similar discussions about content as they get older. Simply talking to kids about their media can be incredibly powerful.

How Parents Can Manage Screen Time

As the pandemic has required children to use their computers and phones more often, it can be tricky for parents to try and limit their screen time. Therefore, balancing screen time may mean changing the way kids use electronic devices. Instead of simply playing games, use the opportunity for your child to play an educational game that can help them understand key skills focused on a specific subject. These games can also teach adults about their child’s cognitive learning development. If you notice your child likes playing games focused on mathematical equations and scores, that child may enjoy working more on complex math problems. At Dropkick Math, we use math intervention programs disguised as fun and engaging games to help foster your child’s confidence in mathematics.

Children can also use their screen time to watch interactive videos about topics that interest them, such as animals. This can help introduce them to different educational concepts. Older children may find content that can help build their skills more tactilely. For example, they can learn a new skill such as cooking or sewing.

The key is to monitor and moderate screen time. There are a few steps that can be taken to help children achieve a healthy balance of screen usage, including:

  • Creating a daily schedule with breaks to relax and unplug for mobile devices
  • Communicating with teachers to recommend online and offline educational activities for children
  • Making use of social media and video chats to help children avoid isolation
  • Being selective about content to help ensure your child is only looking at trusted sources for positive informational and useful content
  • Using media together with your child so you can monitor what they’re viewing and what they are learning

The primary key to remember when balancing your child’s screen time is to provide them with a break from screens. By stepping away from laptops or iPads, children can participate in a variety of other activities.

More To Education

At Dropkick Math we understand there is more to your child’s education than simply staring at the screen. We are not an online math tutor; we are much more. We help children understand their identified mathematical stumbling blocks through fun and engaging game-based learning. By approaching math in a fun and engaging way, we can provide you and your child with the tools to move forward in math. Contact us today for more information about our programs.

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Math During Pandemic

How Virtual Learning Has Affected Your Child’s Education

How Virtual Learning Has Affected Your Child’s Education

How Virtual Learning Has Affected Your Child’s Education

How Virtual Learning Has Affected Your Child's Education

As COVID-19 rapidly spread across the country, schools shut their doors and classes were moved online in order to slow the spread. The transition to online learning has been hard for teachers who need to change their courses and for students who are left to adapt to the new learning environment. The biggest group of students affected by virtual learning has been elementary grades, with educators and parents noticing a lack in education in this younger demographic.

While online courses do offer a chance for students to miss fewer classes during the pandemic, the learning disadvantages outweigh the positives.

The Challenges Of Online Learning

Online learning for many children can be extremely difficult. Students must be organized, self-motivated, and have a high level of time management to do well in an online program. These online learning methods can be an effective alternative educational medium for mature and self-disciplined pupils, but this type of learning environment is unsuitable for younger children.

The challenges of online learning have impacted children to a great extent. They have shown loss of motivation, self-discipline, and many have lost the will to study. In many homes in Ontario, students are left struggling when trying to understand concepts taught, and as online learning causes social isolation, pupils have not developed the necessary communication skills.

A Great Loss For Students

Let’s face it, nothing beats being in a classroom. The pandemic has resulted in a significant learning loss for students, both academically and from a social-emotional standpoint. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have suggested that virtual learning “might present more risks than in-person instruction related to child and parental health and emotional health and some health-supporting behaviors.”

More than 97% of educators have reported seeing some learning loss in their students over the past year when compared with children in previous years. 57% estimated their students are behind by more than three months in their social-emotional progress, and 1/3 of them expect more students to need individual education plans (IEPs). 

Lack Of Motivation

Being at home is a different pace for kids. Motivation to complete assignments and stay engaged in the class can be extremely challenging. Helping students with time management and creating structure can be helpful, but because the in-class accountability is missing, assignment deadlines often get overlooked.

With virtual learning, students are also lacking group success. Unless there is a collaboration tool in place for small groups to interact together, students can feel frustrated as they are not receiving the same valuable social knowledge as their in-person peers. Lack of interaction has been found to hinder children’s development and cause social withdrawal.

Hard On Teachers

Virtual learning hasn’t been easy on teachers either, as it was overwhelming if they were not adequately trained with new technology. Teachers were expected to become experts in IT, develop and implement virtual friendly assignments, and keep up with their usual workload. Many teachers were left with questions and no support throughout the pandemic, and it proved to be very frustrating for all parties involved.

Make Up For Lost Learning

Educators have hinted at several ways students can make up for lost time once the pandemic ends. Some recommend including 50 hours of targeted instruction over two weeks or high-intensity tutoring equaling 50 minutes of daily tutoring for a year. However, both of these could come at a steep financial cost.

At Dropkick Math we understand the gap in learning that has resulted from virtual learning. Our programs are aimed at students who may be struggling with mathematical concepts or those who need more personalized learning tools. Our programs focus on the four pillars of math and use child-centered, research based techniques and strategies. 

We believe in building the parent or caregiver’s capacity of mathematics to adequately support a child’s journey in math. Through building relationships, we help build a child’s confidence and help to fill in any learning gaps they may have from virtual learning. 

Contact us today for more information on our math tutor programs or to enroll your child today!

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Math During Pandemic

Why Math Is More Affected Than Reading

Why Math Is More Affected Than Reading

Why Math Is More Affected Than Reading

Why Math Is More Affected Than Reading

Over the past two years, students have had to adjust to a different kind of school life. One week they are in class, and the next, they are in front of a screen and expected to learn the same way as if they were being taught in person. Students faced multiple schedule changes, were assigned new teachers mid-year, and battled with glitchy internet connections. It has perhaps been one of the most challenging times for educators and children in our history. 

Studies show that the impact of the pandemic on K-12 student learning has been significant, leaving students months behind on their learning, especially in mathematics. The fallout from the pandemic threatens to constrict this generation’s opportunities far into adulthood. The ripple effect could affect their chances of attending college and ultimately finding a job that enables them to support a family. 

Why is the Pandemic Loss Greater in Math?

This has been a uniquely challenging time for students, and it is no surprise that it has left its mark on student learning and well-being. Mathematics has been found to be the most affected than any other subject. Many students have become disengaged from school altogether and may have slipped backward, losing the skill or knowledge they once had. They have also simply learned less than they would in a previous year, which has led to unfinished learning. 

Educators believe this gap is due to a few possible reasons, including:

  • Unlike reading, math is best when formally learned at school. Teachers are trained to teach children in person using examples. Teachers find this much more challenging with virtual learning. 
  • When a child is struggling with math at home, parents often feel less equipped to help, leading to an obstacle in student progress. 
  • Math anxiety has been worsened by stress and trauma related to the pandemic. This can lead to students giving up on math and simply walking away when faced with work they can’t handle.

Compared to declines in reading, math learning has been found to be more significant and seen more in younger grades. Early learning experts are sounding the alarm that the youngest learners are the most affected and there is a need to help fill in those learning gaps they may be experiencing. 

How To Help Your Child In Math

Your attitude about learning can directly influence your child’s educational success. Decades of research have found that students’ success is positively impacted by parent involvement. At Dropkick Math, we believe that you are setting an example and strengthening your relationship when you learn alongside your child. Part of learning math is building your confidence in number sense, and your child will see this in you, giving them a boost as well. 

Math education has evolved over the years, and it is essential that you understand the way it is taught in order to help your child learn. We have developed our programs to involve the parent or caregiver. With Dropkick Math, you will learn the type of math your child is working on rather than trying to help them with the kind of math you were taught as a child. 

As one of the leading math tutoring services in Ontario, our trained instructors at Dropkick Math support 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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