Category: Math 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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Algebraic Reasoning Math Programs

Why Students Struggle With Algebra

Why Students Struggle With Algebra

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

A Dreaded Topic

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

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

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

Building An Understanding

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

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

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

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

Using Algebra In The Real World

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

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

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

The Top Three Reasons

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

Doesn’t Have To Be Stressful

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Learn Math Math Programs Math Tutoring

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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Learn Math Math Programs Online Math Tutor

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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Learn Math Math Programs

The Difference Between Help And Interference When It Comes To Homework

The Difference Between Help And Interference When It Comes To Homework

It can be tough to know when to step in and help with homework and when to just stay out of it. On the one hand, you want to ensure your kids are doing their best and getting the help they need. But on the other hand, you don’t want to do too much, or else they’ll never learn how to do things independently. So what’s the right balance? Here’s a look at some key differences between help and interference regarding homework.

For students, homework can be a dreaded part of the school day. It is often seen as a time-consuming and tedious task that requires hours of focus and concentration. For parents, homework can be a source of stress and frustration. They want to help their child succeed, but they may not know how to provide support best. Parents need to remember that there is a difference between help and interference when it comes to homework. Helping your child with homework shows that you are interested in their education and want to see them succeed. However, too much interference can be detrimental. Finding a balance between providing assistance and allowing your child to work independently is essential. 

Interference

As a teacher, I often see parents doing their child’s homework or turning homework time into painful hour-long sessions where they struggle to explain mathematics to their child. This would be considered interfering with their homework.  

While you may think you don’t interfere with your child’s studies, it is more common than you know. For example, your child comes home from school and sits down to do their homework. After only a few minutes, you hear “I don’t get it,” and you feel the urge to step in. You hate to see your child struggle, and you also don’t want to spend your entire evening working on it with them. 

Many parents play “teacher” in the evening, ensuring their child goes to school the next day with a paper full of correct answers. While this may seem like you are helping your child, you may be hindering their progress.. 

Solving Problems With Resources

It will benefit your child much more if they try and solve the problems using resources like a notebook, the internet or even by calling a peer and working it through with them. Believe it or not, many teachers would prefer if a child came to class with an empty homework sheet rather than a perfect paper done by a parent. When a child struggles, it is important that the teacher knows about it so they can offer additional help. 

If your child is in grades K-2 and comes to you with homework they have tried to work through but still don’t understand, try attaching a small note onto the homework for the teacher explaining what was causing the challenge. If the child is in grades 3 – 5, have them write a note to their teacher explaining their struggle. This can help a teacher see where they are running into problems, helping to ensure they don’t fall under the radar. 

Learning From Mistakes

One of the most important things that students need to learn in order to be successful is how to deal with challenges and learn from their mistakes. Homework, for example, can be an excellent opportunity for students to learn how to persevere and problem-solve. But it can also be frustrating, especially if a student doesn’t understand the material. That’s where parents come in. 

By stepping back and allowing your child to make mistakes, you’re helping them become more independent and resourceful. Encourage them to look at their mistakes and try to work through where they went wrong. By learning how to work through their mistakes you are giving them an essential skill they will need to succeed.

Create A Learning Environment

While some educators do not believe in giving students homework, others expect their students to spend a couple of hours every evening studying. If your child is expected to accomplish homework, you can help by making sure you don’t interfere. 

Creating an environment that is best for learning can also be helpful for students who struggle with homework. Remind your child to take short breaks and encourage them to move around. Remove all distractions, including electronics, and have a dedicated area where they can make their own. 

By creating a space for your child to do their homework and helping them get the resources they need to understand the task, you are setting them up for a more independent learning style. If your child asks for help, remember to help rather than interfere and don’t be afraid to send them back to school with unfinished work. As long as the teacher can see they made an effort to understand the material, they can give them the help needed to advance. 

If you are unsure of how to help your child with homework, talk to their teacher. They will be able to give you guidance on what type of support is appropriate.

Parental Relationships

At Dropkick Math, we believe relationships are the primary key to learning success. 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! 

As part of our math help services, we bring parents/caregivers into the learning process to ensure helpful guidance. We understand that math has changed since they were in school, so we include them in the classes to help children with their studies. 

Dropkick Math is more than just an online math tutor. We have dedicated our math intervention program to help your child reach their potential in math. By providing support in learning the building blocks of mathematics and engaging through fun and exciting games, your child will begin to thrive. 

For more information on our programs and to learn if they are the right fit for your child, visit our website today!

Categories
Math Programs Online Math Tutor

Top 5 Trends In Technology Used In Education

Top 5 Trends In Technology Used In Education

As technology becomes more and more a part of our everyday lives, it’s no surprise that its use is becoming more prevalent in education as well. Many different types of technology can be used in the classroom, and new ones are being developed all the time. 

An Evolving Classroom

The classroom is evolving. Technology is changing what, where, and how students learn. Classrooms are no longer limited to physical spaces – with remote learning, students can learn from anywhere in the world. And with online learning, anyone can access education, regardless of location or circumstances. Technology is making education more accessible than ever before. From virtual reality to artificial intelligence, the future classroom will be more immersive and interactive than ever before. With the rise of technology, the possibilities for education are endless.

Staying Up To Date

Classrooms are now filled with computers, tablets and other devices that provide new learning opportunities. For parents, it is essential to understand technology’s role in education. By staying up to date on the latest trends and developments, parents can help their children make the most of classroom technology. Additionally, parents should be aware of the potential risks associated with technology use, such as cyberbullying or online predators. By understanding the role of technology in education, parents can ensure that their children have a safe and productive learning experience.

The following are the top 5 popular trends in technology that are now being used in education. 

Remote Learning

The most common trend in technology in the classroom today is remote learning. With the global pandemic, all students were suddenly thrust into the unknown of distant learning. Although it was unknown at the time, remote learning became a great tool in education. It gave students who could not attend classes in person the opportunity to stay up to date on work and stay in touch with their teachers and peers. 

Now that most classes have returned to normal, remote learning is still being utilized in various ways. Educators found that some remote elements can give students structured independence and new ways of learning. Students can pause and rewind lessons as needed and revisit concepts they might not have fully understood the first time. This type of flexible learning is ideal for students who want to be more independent in their studies. 

Interactive quizzes, games, videos, and multifunctional online boards can also be integrated into lessons in remote learning to keep students engaged, giving teachers more tools to get the best out of their lessons. Ultimately, remote learning provides a broadened field of education that is highly beneficial for both students and teachers.

Nano Learning

Nano learning is a popular educational technique that provides students with information in short, easily digestible bursts. This method of learning is especially well-suited to today’s digital world, where most students have access to a smartphone or other device that they can use to review nano learning content anytime, anywhere. 

Nano learning is an ideal way to fill an existing knowledge gap or get an introduction to a whole new subject matter. Plus, because the content is concise, students can review it as often as needed to ensure they fully understand the material. 

Nano learning is available to students through apps such as WhatsApp and TikTok, which convey the information through videos, text, and audio clips. This convenient and accessible way of learning means students can learn anytime, anywhere. 

Immersive Learning Technology

Immersive learning technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are emerging as powerful educational tools. These technologies offer students unprecedented access to learning environments they otherwise would not be able to experience. For example, students could experience periods of history through virtual field trips rather than just reading about them in books. 

Similarly, virtual reality could bring other subjects to life, off the page and into the 3D world in an unforgettable way. Imagine your child being able to experience a scientific experiment in 3D while learning. This would not just provide memorable experiences but also a chance to gain experience in a safe environment. Immersive learning technologies have the potential to transform education and provide students with valuable experiences that they will remember for a lifetime.

AI And Automation

As classrooms become increasingly more technology-rich, artificial intelligence is starting to play a more significant role in education. AI helpers like chatbots and virtual assistants can provide immediate responses to simple questions from students, freeing up teachers to focus on more complex tasks. In addition, AI can be used to automate routine tasks like clarifying instructions and answering questions about schedules and time. And with the help of voice notes, teachers can even provide information on demand for more complex queries. As AI continues to develop, it is likely that its role in education will only become more important.

By automating time-consuming tasks such as grading and attendance, AI could also free up teachers to focus on more important responsibilities. In addition, AI could provide accurate and up-to-date data on student performance, helping educators identify improvement areas. AI could even be used at the most advanced level to suggest personalized learning pathways for each student based on their individual needs. In short, AI has the potential to significantly improve the education system by making it more efficient and effective.

Remote Tutoring Services

The days of the neighbourhood tutor coming to your home are gone as more students log online to get tutoring help. Online tutoring is becoming increasingly popular as technology advances, and more parents realize the benefits. Unlike traditional tutors, online tutors are available 24/7 and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. This means that students can get help when they need it, rather than waiting for a weekly session. In addition, online tutors can offer a more personalized service, as they can tailor their teaching to the individual needs of each student. Online tutors are also able to utilize technology to keep students engaged and excited about their studies. As a result, online tutoring is an effective way for children to get the extra help they need to succeed in school.

Online Math Tutor

Here at Dropkick Math, we fall under an online math tutor category. However, we differ from traditional tutors. We offer fun and engaging programs that have children excited to learn while helping to boost their confidence. 

Our math learning techniques focus on the four pillars, and our programs are designed specifically around closing skill gaps. All programs are taught by certified Ontario teachers who use modern innovative teaching techniques to address deficiencies while correcting any underlying misunderstood formulas. 

Categories
Math Programs

How To Relate To Your Child When Helping With Their Math Studies

How To Relate To Your Child When Helping With Their Math Studies

Math is one of the subjects that can be difficult for students to understand and master. For parents, it can be hard to know how to help their children with these challenges. However, there are some things you can do to make the process a little bit easier. In this post, we will discuss some tips on how to relate to your child when helping them with their math studies and how a math intervention program may be able to help. Keep reading for more information!

Has Math Changed?

It can be challenging to relate to your child when it comes to their math studies. After all, you may have been out of school for many years and may not remember all the concepts you learned. Or, the math concepts your child is learning may have changed drastically from when you were a student. 

The main thing to keep in mind is that math hasn’t changed. The way it is taught has. The technological world around us today is forcing students into new ways of thinking, which is being reflected in mathematics instruction. The problem is that you may not understand this new way of thinking. But that is ok. Dropkick Math can help with that. 

Learn Alongside Your Child

If your child comes to you for math help, but you feel lost when trying to help them, we are here for you. Dropkick Math is an online math tutor that helps parents understand the math their child is learning in school. We provide math education for parents who want to be able to help their children with their math homework but don’t understand how it is being taught. By learning alongside your child, we expose you to new learning strategies your child is experiencing in their classroom. This way, you can help your child with their math homework and also be able to understand what they are doing. Dropkick Math is a great resource for parents who want to be involved in their child’s education.

By taking the time to learn math alongside your child, you will be able to relate to them better than you could have ever expected. By learning and making mistakes you can learn from, your child will see you going through the same emotions they are dealing with and will want to engage in more learning together. 

Be Patient

Learning together is the best way to relate to your child if they struggle with math. However, there are steps that can be taken to help make the math homework process easier for you and your child. First, try to be patient. If you feel stressed about the situation, it can be frustrating for both of you. Instead, take a deep breath and remember that everyone learns at different speeds. If your child is having trouble understanding a concept, take a step back and try to explain it in another way. Sometimes it helps to use visual aids or manipulative objects to illustrate the concept. You can also ask your child’s teacher for extra help or guidance. The important thing is to keep working on it until your child grasps the concept. With patience and persistence, your child will eventually get it!

Relate Concepts To Real-World

Part of why your child may struggle with math concepts can seem abstract and impersonal. However, there are ways to help your child overcome this obstacle. One approach is to try to find ways to relate math concepts to real-world situations. 

Think about what your child knows already and make math relatable to it. By relating math to something familiar to them, they will be able to connect the concepts, leading to a deeper understanding of what they are learning. For example, if your child is having trouble with fractions, you can help them understand how these concepts are used in everyday life. You could explain how fractions are used when measuring ingredients for cooking or how they are used to divide up a pizza among friends. 

Ask For Help

If you are struggling to relate to your child with their schoolwork, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Teachers are always happy to meet with parents and offer guidance. Here at Dropkick Math, all our instructors are certified Ontario teachers and will work with you, the parent or caregiver to ensure you fully understand the mathematics your child is learning.

When a child struggles, parents will often turn to a mathematics tutor. However, tutors will only help with the problem at hand. At Dropkick Math, we are an alternative to tutoring and offer a fun and engaging way for children to learn while getting to the root of any misunderstanding of math they may have. 

We Want Students To Succeed!

Reliable, professional math help online is hard to find. But, here at Dropkick Math, we have a team of teachers who care about our students and want them to succeed. Learn more about our programs and how we involve the parent/caregiver. 

By taking the time to relate to your child, you can help them succeed in their math studies. Get started with Dropkick Math today!

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