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Everything You Need To Know About Combined Grade Classrooms

Everything You Need To Know About Combined Grade Classrooms

When it comes to learning environments, one size may not fit all. Parents need to have an understanding of the various learning settings available for their children so they can choose the best option for each child. For some families, a combined grade classroom may be the perfect fit. This blog post will discuss a combined grade classroom’s benefits and how it could help your child thrive. We’ll also provide advice on how parents can decide if combining two grades into one classroom is right for their child given his or her unique personality and needs.

A Unique And Diverse Learning Environment

Combined grades classrooms in Ontario are not something new. In fact, they have been around since at least the early 1950s when they were thought to echo the origins of the one room schoolhouse where all students from grades 1 to 8 were taught in a single class. 

Combined grades classrooms offer a unique and diverse learning environment for students, merging two different grades, such as second and third graders, into one classroom. Often referred to as ‘split grades’ or ‘multi-age classes,’ combined grades allow students of different ages, abilities and levels of knowledge to learn alongside each other while benefitting from the diversity of experience they bring. It also helps to reduce class sizes, thereby freeing up resources which can be beneficial within smaller school budgets where staff numbers may be limited.

Benefits Of Combined Grade Classrooms

Several benefits are associated with this type of learning environment; the most obvious is that it encourages collaboration between younger children who might learn best from hands-on experiences and older students who have established study habits that can help guide their peers. Furthermore, combined grades classrooms provide opportunities for teachers to implement flexible and personalized teaching strategies, adapting the curriculum to cater to all students’ diverse needs and abilities. As a result, combined grades have the potential to create a more inclusive, engaging, and dynamic educational experience for both students and educators.

While this may seem like a great idea for the younger students, many parents are often left wondering if it is a good idea if their child is in the older grade. The thought is that they may not be challenged enough. However, years of combined grade classrooms have shown that each child will be challenged at their own academic level. 

While some of the topics in the classroom may vary from other children in the school, all students will receive the full and complete grade program. Additionally, older children in the split class will learn to work with younger children, reinforcing their confidence, leadership skills, and independence. 

What Does The Research Say?

There have been various studies to track the effects of combined grade classrooms throughout the past few decades, but one by Dr. Joel Gajadharsingh (Professor Emeritus, University of Saskatchewan), a leader in North American research in combined grades, stands out among them. In 1991, the Canadian Education Association summarized his extensive findings and concluded the following:

  1. Children in combined classes get an education that is just as good or better as in single grade classes. 
  2. Children in classes where there is more than one level learn to become more independent, responsible learners and develop a greater degree of social responsibility. They also develop better study habits and a more positive attitude towards school. 
  3. 85% of teachers considered the achievements of students in multi-grades equal or superior to those in single grades in language arts, mathematics, sciences and social studies.

Tips For Ensuring Success With Combined Grade Classrooms

For parents who are considering enrolling their child in a combined grade classroom setting here are some tips you should consider:

  1. Establish clear expectations: Ensure your child understands what behaviour is acceptable and what isn’t so there is no confusion about expectations within the classroom setting.
  2. Find out how the program has been tailored to meet your child’s needs in a class as a whole and for their individual needs.
  3. Talk to your child regularly about their school experience, and any schoolwork brought home. 
  4. Communicate regularly with teachers: Keep in touch with your child’s teachers frequently, so you are both working towards similar goals for your child’s success.
  5. Be a part of the school! Attend parent information nights, volunteer for programs, field trips, or join school councils or associations. 

Following these steps will help ensure that your child has a successful experience in a combined grade classroom setting!

Dropkick Math Academy And Split Classes

You may wonder why we are so interested in combined grade classrooms here at Dropkick Math Academy. As all of our tutors are certified Ontario teachers, we understand the complexities of split classes and the benefits they can offer. But it isn’t just out of interest that we keep our eye on the results of combined grades classrooms. 

We know that not all online math tutors are equal, and we like to think our programs are superior to many others! Our programs at Dropkick Math Academy are similar to a split class as they are not assigned to just one single grade. So, you may find grade 4’s and 5’s in the same program, just like in a split class. 

With our Early Indicators Assessment, we place children in our programs based on their learning abilities, not their grade level. We don’t want children to be overwhelmed or lose interest in our math tutoring because the content is too easy for them. By taking our assessment, we can understand where your child is with their education and how much help they may need to get caught up. 

So, similar to a split grade, our students learn from each other, develop better study habits and have an overall more positive attitude toward their education!

For more information about our math tutoring programs or to get started with our FREE assessment, visit our website today!

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How To Incorporate Math Learning Over March Break

There are still a few days left of March break, which means there is still some time to fit in some math learning! We get that March break often means time off from a regular learning routine, but there are some easy, fun ways to keep your child practicing their math skills while on vacation. While online math help such as Dropkick Math Academy is always a good idea, there are many other ways to get your child interested and engaged in math over the holidays. 

Math skills are important to help our kids gain confidence in problem-solving as they grow up, so coming up with creative ways to encourage math exploration doesn’t just have to happen inside the classroom – it can manifest over March break too! Read on to find out how easy and fun incorporating math over break can be.

A Perfect Opportunity

March break is a perfect opportunity for students to explore the world of math and expand their knowledge beyond what is taught in the classroom. It can also be a great time for bonding with friends and family as you explore together. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate math learning over March break.

Get The Games Going!

Board games have long been recognized as a fantastic means of entertainment, but did you know they also serve as an excellent tool for children to practice and develop their math skills? Engaging in such games fosters a fun and interactive environment and enables children to apply their mathematical thinking in real-world contexts. These games have the remarkable ability to challenge and enhance children’s numeracy, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities without even realizing that they are learning through play. 

Many board games such as Monopoly, Chess, Checkers, Yahtzee, and Risk require basic arithmetic. Another option is to create or purchase math-based card games like “24” which requires players to find combinations that add up to 24 using available cards.

This invaluable practice can aid in strengthening the foundation of math concepts and boosting children’s confidence in their mathematical capabilities. Thus, incorporating board games into a child’s recreational activities can provide a delightful and informative experience with long-lasting benefits.

Turning Trips and Experiences Into Mathematical Intrigue

There’s no doubt that immersing oneself in real-world applications offers a far more stimulating and engaging approach to learning mathematics. Stepping outside the confines of traditional textbooks and exercises, students can turn to an array of unique interactive experiences. Museums, art galleries, aquariums, zoos, and science centers become arenas of exploration where mathematical concepts spring to life unexpectedly. 

Whether observing geometric shapes within the design of a masterpiece at an art gallery or breaking down fractions to better understand an animal’s proportion at the zoo, our world becomes an infinite source of mathematical intrigue. Encountering math in these varied environments deepens the learner’s understanding and fosters an appreciation for the incredible applications of mathematics in the world around us.

Apps & Programs

There are many apps available today which focus solely on teaching mathematical concepts through exciting game experiences. Most of these apps are specifically geared towards certain age groups, so it helps to find one that matches your child’s level of skill/ability before downloading it. 

Additionally, some programs offer video lessons from certified math teachers, which can help boost understanding of more difficult concepts quickly and effectively. These lessons range from short tutorials all the way up to full courses, depending on how much time you want your child to spend on this activity during March Break.

Dropkick Math Academy offers virtual programs taught by certified Ontario teachers that cover a wide range of subjects. Whether your child needs help with fractions, decimals or algebra, we have classes that can help! 

Making Math Activities Fun

For hands-on activities related to mathematics, try folding paper projects like origami or building paper models – this allows for experimenting with shapes (geometry) and patterns (algebra) as well as measuring space (coordinate geometry). For sports enthusiasts who also love numbers, there is fantasy football/basketball/baseball – by making predictions about player performance these leagues provide an excellent opportunity for student engagement. Last but not least, outdoor scavenger hunts make great use of coordinates so that students can learn how distances relate in terms of x & y axes while performing tasks outdoors!

Making Math Enjoyable

Making a “math playground” during March Break will give students something positive they can look back on once school resumes after the break is over. With all the above suggestions, hopefully, parents will find something suitable for their children – whatever they choose should be both educational as well as enjoyable!

Choosing The Right Math Tutor For Your Child

The prospect of hiring a tutor for your child over the holidays can be incredibly beneficial in maintaining academic progress, but it may also present a challenging decision in selecting the perfect fit. It’s essential to consider several factors when embarking on this journey, such as the math tutor’s experience, communication skills, and teaching style that would best complement your child’s learning needs. Understanding your child’s specific academic goals and areas requiring improvement is crucial in guiding the search for the right tutor. 

By actively seeking recommendations from trusted sources, vetting potential candidates, and engaging in open communication with your child, finding the ideal tutor becomes a less daunting task, thus facilitating an enriching learning experience outside the traditional classroom environment.

At Dropkick Math Academy, we wholeheartedly believe in transforming the way children approach and appreciate mathematics by making it a joyful and exciting experience. By encouraging parents to actively participate in their child’s learning journey, we aim to create a nurturing environment where both children and parents can uncover the underlying principles of mathematics hand-in-hand. It is our mission to spark curiosity and foster a genuine love for math, making it a delightful adventure that captivates young minds and empowers them to realize their full potential in this invaluable subject. Together, we can build a strong foundation and lay the groundwork for future success in math and beyond at the Dropkick Math Academy.

For more information about Dropkick Math Academy online math help and to learn if our programs would be a good fit for your child, visit our website today! 

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

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

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

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

Has Math Changed?

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

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

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

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

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

Finding Multiple Ways To A Solution

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

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

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

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

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

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

Asking Questions

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

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

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

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

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

An Education Grounded In STEM

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

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

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

How You Can Help Your Child

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

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

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

Focusing On Relationships

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

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

Get started today by learning more about our programs.

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How To Support Your Child’s Learning At Dropkick Math

How To Support Your Child’s Learning At Dropkick Math

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

Anxiety And Frustration

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

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

Choosing The Right Online Math Tutor

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

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

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

Parental Involvement

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

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

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

Create A Home Learning Environment

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

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

Boosting Confidence

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

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

Fun and Engaging

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

Learn more about our programs today!

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Why Students Struggle With Algebra

Why Students Struggle With Algebra

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

A Dreaded Topic

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

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

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

Building An Understanding

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

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

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

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

Using Algebra In The Real World

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

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

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

The Top Three Reasons

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

Doesn’t Have To Be Stressful

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How To Make Math Fun For Your Child

How To Make Math Fun For Your Child

Do math and fun often seem like polar opposites to you? You’re not alone – a lot of parents find it hard to make math an enjoyable experience for their kiddos. Fear not, though; with the right strategies, you can get your child engaged in mathematics and have some laughs along the way! In this blog post, we’ll be talking about how to make math more entertaining for your child – from using simple games to introducing helpful tools. If you are still struggling, there are many math help services that can be utilized to get your child excited about mathematics. So read on if you want to help your son or daughter take a shine to their arithmetic lessons.

Make It A Game

First and foremost, anything can be fun when made into a game. Game-based learning has been touted repeatedly as one of the best ways to get children engaged and interested in learning. 

For young students, games and friendly competition provide an ideal way to speed up the learning process. Hands-on activities like playing cards or board games, and completing puzzles, can help kids access and understand new information quickly and more effectively than through direct teaching. 

By competing with a friend or family member, players are also encouraged to expand their knowledge in order to win the game. Furthermore, games heighten the excitement of learning something new and give kids a valuable break from the traditional school curriculum.

At Dropkick Math Academy, game-based learning is at the center of our student’s educational experience. We understand that children typically learn best when they can actively engage with their subject material in a fun and creative way. 

With game-based study models, our students actively explore complex ideas through play. Our game-based curriculum exposes students to the core concepts of math and encourages them to use problem-solving techniques to find solutions and advance further in gameplay.

Make Use Of Screens

Kids today can no longer imagine life without their devices and screens, so why not make the most of it? Using apps and games to reinforce kids’ understanding of math concepts effectively keeps kids engaged while they learn. With a wide range of interactive activities, kids have fun while being exposed to Math concepts and developing their problem-solving skills. From games designed for kids as young as three all the way up to linking theoretical math skills with video games, these apps and games can be an enjoyable and rewarding way for kids to build confidence in their Math abilities.

Dropkick Math provides virtual math tutoring programs that are an invaluable resource for children and parents alike. Our virtual environment allows children to learn and grow while staying safe in the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for physical classrooms and face-to-face instruction. 

With our range of math help services, students can access exciting virtual activities and other resources all at the click of a mouse. With Dropkick Math, there’s no stopping your child’s learning journey!

Make It Relevant

It’s important to engage kids in math by teaching them how relevant math is to their own lives. Showing kids how math is used for practical purposes in the real world helps them understand why it is necessary and worthwhile. 

By connecting math topics like multiplication, fractions, and equations to experiences from everyday life, such as shopping and telling time, kids learn in a more meaningful way that allows math skills to become part of who they are. When kids form this connection between math and real-life situations, it can shift their mindset from feeling frustrated with math to appreciating its utility and valuing what it can do for them.

Watch Your Words

As parents, it’s all too easy to accidentally introduce math anxiety in our children without even realizing it. A simple statement such as “I am not good at math” can negatively impact our kids because it alters how math is perceived and internalized by them. It creates a harmful perception of math and could lead to math anxiety, which can affect how children perform and how they view themselves in math-related fields in the future. 

We should take care to avoid slipping up with our words when speaking with our kids about math and never allow our own math anxieties to interfere with their math learning experience.

If you do feel anxious about math and don’t know where to start when trying to help your child learn, Dropkick Math Academy may be able to help! We encourage parents to be involved and learn alongside their children. 

As any parent knows, children thrive when they feel loved and supported. This is especially true when it comes to education. When parents are involved in their child’s education, it sends a message of acceptance, inclusion, and respect. This can increase a child’s confidence and motivation, leading to better grades and improved social skills, resulting in them having fun while learning! 

Connect Reading With Math

Connecting math and reading can be a great complement for children who enjoy reading! There are many books available that can help young learners understand math concepts more easily by introducing them through stories. 

Reading about math and its application in a fiction story is an enjoyable way to engage children with mathematical ideas, build comprehension skills and support understanding of the sometimes complicated principles of mathematics. It might even pique their interest to pursue more advanced problem-solving! So if your child loves to read, consider engaging them with a read-aloud book about math for an entertaining and educational experience.

A Love Of Learning

Learning math can often be intimidating for children, especially if they struggle to understand a difficult concept. However, making learning math fun and engaging can be hugely beneficial when it comes to their future success. When children experience learning positively, they are more likely to become eager and confident learners – profiting both academically and personally. 

Whether through games or innovative applications of problem-solving questions, learning math should not have to come at the cost of joy and anticipation. By introducing elements of creativity into learning, children will soon find mathematics an enjoyable part of learning.

Committed To Making Learning Fun

Dropkick Math Academy is committed to making learning math an enjoyable and rewarding experience for your child. With certified Ontario teachers providing personalized instruction tailored to each student, Dropkick’s program helps boost confidence levels and ensures your child has the skills they need to thrive in the future. 

Not only can Dropkick Math help sharpen math fundamentals, but it can also provide fun activities and games that will keep your child engaged and excited about learning more. Our Toronto math services are the perfect way to give your child a head start into success!

Learn more about our programs and get your child started today!

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Math Programs

Does Dropkick Math Academy Reward Its Students?

Does Dropkick Math Academy Reward Its Students

Dropkick Math Academy is revolutionizing the way kids learn math. Through a fun-filled, captivating virtual environment, students can sharpen their math skills and develop a stronger aptitude in the subject. Instead of memorizing algorithms and equations, they receive comprehensive lessons on essential math concepts and use those newfound skills to solve challenging problems. We create a “math playground” where students can learn math while having fun and earning rewards!

Not only do children increase their understanding of mathematics, but Dropkick Math Academy also prepares them with the mental agility necessary to excel in other subjects as well. We offer online math help taught by certified Ontario teachers, which uses centred research-based techniques and strategies designed to complement classroom instruction. This helps to facilitate students reaching their highest potential in mastering mathematics. 

Our Programs

Our custom-tailored programs are specifically created for students, helping them gain confidence in the building blocks of mathematics and develop conceptual understanding. We use game-based learning to help students boost their confidence and fight back against their fear of math.

One of our most popular programs includes Operations and the Gangs of Matica, where your child will find themselves battling the underworld against the gangs of Matica to help deepen their understanding of the connections between decimals, fractions, and percents. 

Another program, Operation Integer: Enter the Darkness, has children travelling to the city of Intermatica, where the queen of frustration, Francine, is making her last attempt to bring her brand of uncertainty and mathematical anxiety into their everyday math experience. Here, they will need to gain true confidence in math as the computer activates the defence shield that protects not only the great city of Intermathica, but also the future of their learning in mathematics.

These two programs make it easy to see why so many children enjoy our classes and become engaged with their learning. 

Game-Based Learning

Game-based learning is a highly effective and engaging method of instruction, combining two elements that students love – games and education. It uses game activities to teach academic skills in an enjoyable way, often featuring elements of collaboration and competition. This approach can be especially useful for students who struggle with traditional teaching methods or those who do not feel motivated by conventional approaches to learning. It can also help students develop essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, resilience and more. Studies have even indicated that game-based learning can successfully boost student engagement in the classroom.

The Rewards

For students who don’t do well with learning from a textbook, game-based learning may be exactly what they need. Many students need to be engaged and work with others to help them learn. While we don’t have anything against textbooks, it just isn’t how we do things around here. Dropkick Math exclusively uses game-based learning to keep children entertained and eager to learn more. 

But that isn’t the only trick we have up our sleeve! Although the games we play are fun and engaging and often have students practicing independently, we also offer rewards. Yes, you heard us right! We reward our students who show initiative and eagerness to learn. 

Each week, teachers will add to your child’s battle pack challenges to be completed for battle points. Once they meet again for their next class, they should be ready for more battle training to become a math dropkicker. The battle points that children earn add up to a reward at the end of the program, so students will most likely be eager to earn as many as possible. 

Our rewards may change over time, but they currently include Amazon Gift Cards, Pokemon Cards, Bluetooth Earbuds, LOL Surprise Dolls and more!

Many children, even at an early age, understand the concept of rewards associated with accomplishing a task. When this reward is applied to studies and school work, many children will respond by studying more diligently. 

In fact, a Stanford University study found that providing a reward for study time resulted in overall higher learning outcomes for those involved. Therefore, utilizing the promise of a reward can be an effective motivator when encouraging children to study and learn.

A Math Playground

With fun games and exciting rewards, you can easily see why Dropkick Math has been described as a “math playground!” While traditional tutors sit with your child and help them with the task at hand, we offer an alternative way. With engaging games, a reward system and lessons focusing on the four pillars of math, we are one of Ontario’s top-rated math help services. 

The traditional math tutor will review the current topic concept that the student is having trouble with. They will help the students answer some questions dealing with that topic so they can get through the task at hand. But math tutoring only helps in a bandaid-style format. It may fix the immediate issue but doesn’t address the root cause of the learning gap. Tutoring also doesn’t help to set the student up with skills needed for the future, so when they hit a new roadblock in math, they may require another session with the tutor. This is how Dropkick Math differs from traditional tutoring.

By focusing on the four pillars of math, our fun and engaging programs 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. We work with your child and yourself to understand the underlying problems rather than just focusing on helping them through the material they are learning at school.

With Dropkick Math, students can eliminate homework struggles and build a foundation of knowledge and confidence in math that will last a lifetime. By advancing their math skills, students can become better students. When armed with the right skill set to tackle problems, students will gain the confidence and independence that will carry them throughout life.

For parents who may be looking for an alternative to traditional math tutors, Dropkick Math may be your answer. We offer classes taught by certified teachers who can offer differentiated approaches, making it accessible for all learning needs. So, why not use Dropkick Math to make math fun for kids and to support their learning? Get started by learning more about our programs, and register your child today!

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Math Programs

Are Boys Better At Math Than Girls

Are Boys Better At Math Than Girls

When it comes to math, there has long been a stereotype that boys are “better” or more adept at the subject than girls. This idea can be traced back to traditional gender roles, where women and men are expected to possess certain skill sets – with mathematics seen as falling within male educational strengths. But is this assumption true? 

Studies show that while female students may struggle in some areas of mathematics, they tend to excel in others – providing an interesting counterpoint to the notion that boys simply have an edge over girls when it comes to numbers. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how performance between genders stacks up – and whether stereotypes about math still hold any weight today. We will also discuss how math intervention programs may be advantageous for boys or girls. 

Girls Are Underrepresented

According to the most recent data compiled by the U.S. Department of Education, a trend of women outstripping men in college enrollment and degree attainment persists, with a single exception: mathematics. Women have gained ground in mathematics education and achieved success as mathematics professionals; however, mathematics is still largely a male-dominated field, both at the university level and professionally. 

Despite their progress in mathematics over the past several decades, women remain underrepresented in mathematics research and occupation positions compared to men, perhaps due to entrenched gender roles or unbalanced access to mathematics resources during childhood. It is essential that all genders are able to pursue mathematics with equal access and opportunity if we wish to achieve parity in mathematics fields.

Results In Different Countries

In 2012, international tests were given to fifteen-year-olds worldwide. They showed that boys achieved higher levels than girls in mathematics in thirty-eight countries. However, in the United States and Canada, the achievement of boys and girls was found to be equal. 

When the research team released further details, their report showed that when anxiety was factored into the analysis, the gap in achievement was only a difference in mathematics confidence levels. It was noted that girls became more anxious when taking individual math tests. This phenomenon is commonly known as math anxiety, and it makes a case for educators to take a closer look before passing decisions regarding test performance. 

Are Boys Better?

A recent groundbreaking study from the University of Chicago, the University of Rochester, and Carnegie Mellon, also set out to find the truth about a gender gap in mathematics. While investigating the early biology of math and gender, researchers were able to conclude that learning math is similar in boys and girls. In the brain, math concepts engage the same neural networks of the brain during the critical years of cognitive development, regardless of gender. 

If boys were better at learning math than girls, their brains would show a biological origin for this strength. This study shows without a doubt that neural activity did not change from boys to girls. 

Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess brain activity in 3 – 10-year-old children to compare the neural processes involved in learning math. As both girls and boys interacted with math videos, both drew on the same areas of the brain known for their association with math ability. There was no higher aptitude found in boys for learning math or for processing numbers compared to their female counterparts. 

Girls In STEM

Even though these studies show that girls and boys learn math equally, according to the National Science Foundation, there is still gender inequality in the STEM fields. Although jobs in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, and computer sciences have the smallest gender pay gaps and have some of the highest areas of job growth in the global economy, the lack of women in these fields could lead to future gender income inequality. 

When females are underrepresented in traditionally male-dominated careers like STEM, entrepreneurship, and politics, their perspective is lost from the conversation. Research has proven that having females in leadership roles yields innovative solutions, yet when females aren’t included, their ideas aren’t heard, and innovation suffers as a result. It’s necessary for females to have an equal seat at the table so that their unique contributions can shape future solutions. Without female voices, needs and desires are left unheard, hindering progress and taking away from potential creative solutions. This ultimately slows the pace of development, leaving females behind in terms of representation and opportunities.

Getting Girls Interested In Math

So, how do we get both girls and boys as equally excited about mathematics and STEM majors throughout their education?

Many people believe that it will take parents and teachers to address the math gender gap and debunk the myth that boys are better at learning math than girls. By taking action to help girls believe they can achieve in math, more will be willing and want to go into the math and science fields. 

When girls are reminded of boys’ dominance in learning math, they tend to perform lower on academic tests. This stereotype can act as a stressor to performance. This is where parents and teachers can step in and help with math anxiety that could be hindering girls from performing at their best during mathematics tests. 

Research shows that girls who have a growth vs. fixed mindset about learning math are likely to believe in their abilities more. So, working on a math mindset may help girls perform better on math tests. 

Now is the time to get girls into a better mindset so they can thrive in mathematics. If your child is struggling with math, you may find that a math intervention program can help. But, before you start searching for “math tutor near me,” learn more about Dropkick Math Academy. We are an alternative to math tutoring that could help your child overcome their math anxiety. 

Our programs are designed to help children who may be experiencing math anxiety and help boost their confidence through fun and engaging game-based learning. Learn more today and get your child on the road to learning!

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Math Programs

Why Game Based Learning?

Why Game Based Learning

If you’re a parent, you know that finding ways to keep your kids occupied and learning is a full-time job. There are so many options out there that it can be hard to know which is the right fit for your child. One option that has been gaining popularity in recent years is game-based learning. But what is it? And why should you consider it for your child? Keep reading to find out more!

What Is Game-Based Learning?

Game-based learning is a method of instruction that uses games and game-like activities to teach academic skills and knowledge. It can effectively engage students who may not be interested in traditional learning methods or who struggle with traditional instruction.

Game-based learning has been shown to improve student achievement, problem-solving skills, and teamwork skills. Many popular video games, such as Minecraft, are built around game-based learning principles. So next time your child begs you to buy them the latest gaming console, consider checking out some of the educational games available as well. You may be surprised at how much they learn!

Dropkick Math’s Games

At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe that learning should be fun and engaging, which is why we incorporate game-based learning into our curriculum. With our programs, your child may find themselves battling the underworld against the gangs of Matica to help deepen their understanding of the connections between fractions, decimals and percents. 

Or, they may find themselves travelling to the city of Intermatica, where the queen of frustration, Francine, is making her last attempt to bring her brand of uncertainty and mathematical anxiety into their everyday math experience. Here, they will need to gain true confidence in math as the computer activates the defence shield that protects not only the great city of Intermathica, but also the future of you’re their learning in mathematics. Both parent and child will quickly notice how success is achieved by focusing on relationships and learning together!

That’s right! At Dropkick Math Academy, we want the parents to get involved with game-based learning! So, next time you log on for a lesson at Dropkick Math Academy, don’t be surprised if you find yourself playing a game with your child instead of completing traditional worksheets! We promise that you and your child will have a blast while enhancing both of your math skills.

How Does Game-Based Learning Work?

Games have been used as a learning tool throughout history. For example, chess was used to teach strategic thinking as far back as the Middle Ages. Although it has been found throughout history, the core concepts of game-based learning haven’t changed. Game-based learning is teaching through repetition, failure and the accomplishment of goals. 

The easiest way to think of this is by looking at video games. The player starts off slow and becomes more skilled over time, eventually building up to navigate the most difficult levels. Educational games that are planned and designed well will offer enough difficulty to challenge a child without being easy enough for the play to win constantly. 

Children should be able to actively learn and practice the right way to perform math equations. The result is active learning instead of passive learning. At Dropkick Math, we aim to show students that while math can be fun, they must work at it to enhance their skills. 

Game-Based or Textbook Learning?

Unfortunately, the educational system is slow to change. And although COVID helped speed up the virtual learning process, it is still lacking in ways to keep kids engaged. So, once schools opened back up and classes were once again in person,  a lot of the technology got left behind. 

But for students who don’t do well with learning from a textbook, it may greatly affect them. Many students need to be engaged and work with others to help them learn. While we don’t have anything against textbooks, it just isn’t how we do things around here. Dropkick Math exclusively uses game-based learning and virtual classes to keep children entertained and eager to learn more. 

Textbooks work for children, but even in those cases, they can become quickly outdated. When a textbook is released, it contains all of the current information, theories, and educational methods from when the book was printed. But since textbooks are meant to be used for many years, there is a substantial delay before the curriculum can be updated if needed. 

On the other hand, game-based learning is built to be adaptive from the beginning. Our games are tested and adjusted during production to ensure they are the most effective learning tools. As new information becomes available, or if the educational approaches need to be adjusted, our games can be easily changed to suit the needs of students. We even consistently ask for feedback from parents so that our games can be adjusted for future use. 

What Makes Dropkick Math Different?

While there are many math tutoring options available, Dropkick Math offers a different approach to learning. Our game-based learning creates a “math playground” where children can build their confidence and understanding of mathematics. We make learning math fun and our certified Ontario math teachers help children with the root of their misunderstandings. 

When students learn with our game-based education, they gain ownership of the material which can help to improve retention. Using different approaches and using goal-based learning can help to address all styles of learning at the same time. This means no matter what a student’s learning style is, a game can address them. 

Our game-based learning also provides a safe environment for failure. Many children will shy away from answering questions in a classroom setting because they do not have the confidence to make a mistake. However, our games give them a chance to try out new things, and if they fail in a game environment, they can simply try again and learn from their mistake. Our small class sizes also help children feel more comfortable. Regular education is based on memorization, whereas at Dropkick Math Academy, our math learning techniques allow children to learn through experimentation and trial and error. 

We are confident that your child will thrive with Dropkick Math Academy. We have helped hundreds of students close a gap in their learning while having fun. To learn more about our math programs that offer game-based learning, visit our website today! 

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How Dropkick Math Makes Learning Fun!

How Dropkick Math Makes Learning Fun!

As a parent, you want what is best for your child. You want them to grow up to be happy and prosperous in whatever they choose to do. And you know that a big part of that success is getting a good education. But sometimes, getting your child to do their homework can be a real struggle. They might not be interested in the subject or find it too hard. That’s where Dropkick Math tutoring comes in!

Making Math Fun

As a parent and a teacher, I understand both sides of the struggle. We want the best for our children, but sometimes learning can be dry and unengaging. Let’s face it; we have all struggled with a subject in our life that would have been much better if it was made into something fun. 

When Chad and I were starting Dropkick Math Academy, we were thinking about how math can be so frustrating that you just want to “dropkick” it away and be done. That is how we came up with the concept of a math program that lets children learn mathematics in a fun and engaging way where they can feel like they took on math and won! This is why Dropkick Math focuses on making learning fun through engaging games that encourage children to take risks and earn rewards. 

What is Dropkick Math?

Dropkick Math Academy is an alternative to traditional tutoring. We stand out amongst our competitors for our unique approach to math education. We believe learning math should be fun and engaging, so we focus on building relationships and offer personalized modules matching the student’s understanding level. 

With Dropkick Math, your child can play and learn simultaneously. They’ll never even realize that they’re doing their homework! And because the games are specifically designed to teach math concepts, you can be sure that your child is getting a quality education.

How Dropkick Math Works

Dropkick Math offers a wide variety of modules for kids of all ages, from addition and subtraction for younger kids all the way up to algebra and geometry for older kids. There are even games specifically designed for different learning styles, so whether your child is a visual learner or needs more of a hands-on approach, we’ve got them covered. And because all of the games are played online, you can access them from anywhere with an internet connection. So whether you’re at home or on the go, your child can always be learning.

For each module, children will be assigned battles which contain 6 questions and must meet virtually with their teacher and other students in their battle training for one hour per week. This game-based instructional strategy allows students to level up and earn points toward a reward at the end of the program.

During your child’s journey, they will require tools and strategies to battle the villains they encounter. Each child will receive their math battle kit in the mail before classes begin. They will also have a virtual battle pack which teachers will add to after each battle training session.

At the end of each hour’s timeslot, parents will have the opportunity to meet with the teacher to discuss their child’s progress and to get feedback on how they can help them continue to learn. We believe this is an invaluable part of our programs and encourage parents to become involved in their child’s learning.

We are proud to have a team of passionate, certified Ontario teachers making math education fun for their students. Our programs offer small group virtual programming with a maximum of four students in each module, allowing children to learn in a comfortable and familiar setting while receiving the individualized attention they need to succeed. Our teachers take the time to interact with each student and make their classes exciting so children will want to get involved. 

Why Games?

We believe that games are the best way to learn. Games are fun and engaging, which keeps kids coming back for more. And because they’re competitive, kids are motivated to keep playing until they get it right. With Dropkick Math, learning is no longer a chore – it’s a game! 

As we enter a digital world filled with distractions, math curriculum needs to include solutions for students to be more engaged. Research has shown that brains can be changed entirely and be rewired in as little as eight weeks through participation in effective intervention programs that offer engaging learning experiences. Using games helps to ensure students learn how to be critical, confident and creative—abilities they’ll need for success in the work-a-day world of the future.

However, make no mistake, our games are not purely for entertainment. When a child works on game-based learning, they will just think that they are having fun with the game, but a lot goes into crafting the game as a learning tool. While we want children to have fun, the end goal of our game-based learning is to have children truly understand math operations. When we build our curriculum, we start with core standards and focus on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning and proportional reasoning). 

Games For Everyone!

Dropkick Math Academy is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a way to get your child interested in math or if you just want to give them a leg up on their education. We offer fun and engaging programs that can help your child overcome their math anxiety or any gaps in learning they may have. With our wide variety of games, there’s something for everyone.

Our math help services are run by qualified Ontario Certified Teachers who can offer differentiated approaches, making it accessible for all learning needs. Our different approach to traditional math tutoring includes fun and engaging programs to help your child succeed.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up today and let your child start playing their way to a better education!

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