Does Your Child Have The Illusion Of Understanding

The Dropkick Math Team on May 8, 2022

In psychology, the term “illusion of understanding” is used to describe a situation in which a person believes that they understand something better than they actually do. This often happens when people are trying to explain something to someone else. They may think they know it perfectly well, but only partially or superficially in reality. This can be a problem for parents when their children try to explain something to them. Parents need to be aware of this illusion and not interpret their children’s explanations as actual understanding. Otherwise, they may not be providing the appropriate level of support and instruction.

False Sense Of Confidence

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. 

When studying, your child needs to test recall regularly to ensure that they are actually learning the material and not just memorizing it for the time being. By making a conscious effort to recall information without any prompts, they can avoid the illusion of learning and set themself up for success in the long run.

Serious Consequences

Some modern education emphasizes memorization over true learning, which can have serious consequences for students’ development. The illusion of learning, or the confusion between recall and recognition, is a perfect example of this phenomenon in action. When students simply memorize facts or concepts without truly understanding them, they may appear to be proficient in certain subjects. However, this illusion of learning often leads to poor performance later on when more complex material is introduced. 

While many people think that simply memorizing information or performing rote repetition will lead to a true understanding of a topic, this type of behaviour does not indicate comprehension. Instead, true learning occurs when students can recall and recognize the information that they have learned effectively.

At its core, this confusion can have profound implications for children’s learning. When students rely solely on rote repetition or memorization, they fail to grasp the underlying concepts of what they are studying thoroughly. Instead of merely cramming facts into their minds, students must learn how to think critically about the topics presented in class. Only by attaining this level of critical thinking can students better understand concepts and apply them across different situations—ultimately ensuring success both inside and outside the classroom. Thus, in order to help children succeed academically, we must focus on developing their ability to recall and recognize what they are learning instead of simply relying on illusionary memories that may ultimately lead them down the wrong path.

Tricks and Tips

An analogy that I regularly use when speaking with parents about the illusion of learning is that a child can read a book over and over again, but it doesn’t mean they necessarily understand it. In education, we teach children all sorts of tricks and tips to help them learn, but some children just memorize the catchy rhyme or funny diagram instead of grasping the concept. 

There is one rhyme that students love to repeat that goes, “6 and 8 went on a date and didn’t come back till they were 48.” While this is a great way to get children interested in learning multiplication, many simply learn the rhyme, so it appears like they understand their multiplication tables. However, they may not be able to describe how multiplication actually works. 

Unfortunately, this story is all too familiar. I have seen it in far too many children who can throw together many riddles and rhymes to show me their multiplication or division skills, but they do not have any authentic understanding of what they are actually saying. When I ask them more questions about math fundamentals, they often just completely blank out. 

Quick Gratification

Many students often fall into the trap of feeling like they are learning when, in reality, they are simply memorizing information for the sake of quick gratification. This illusion of learning tricks them into believing that their endless hours of preparation will bear fruit, and this sense of confidence convinces them that their studying is effective. However, as most students know all too well, this kind of illusion is often just a mirage; despite all that hard work, study results do not come to fruition. Many students blame themselves for being “stupid” or “dumb” when these setbacks inevitably occur”. But in reality, the root cause of their failure is not a lack of intelligence or aptitude; instead, it is because they have fallen prey to the illusion of learning. 

Ultimately, students need to realize that true learning requires much more than rote memorization; it requires persistence and dedication to reap real rewards. Only then can they break free from this never-ending cycle and succeed in their studies.

We Understand The Illusion Of Learning

At Dropkick Math, we understand the illusion of learning and take steps in our programs to ensure children fully understand the material rather than simply memorize it. All of our instructors are certified Ontario teachers who understand education and the need to work with children to make sure they fully grasp the ideas being taught. 

Our math help services focus on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, proportional reasoning, algebraic reasoning). We teach children that math is fun and that learning it can also be enjoyed through engaging games. So, before you start doing a Google search for “math for grade 4” to help your child with any gaps in their learning, check out our programs and learn how we are different from a typical math tutor. 

Get started today by having your child complete our FREE assessment!

Ways To Support Math Learning At Home

The Dropkick Math Team on April 11, 2022

Math can be a challenging subject for many students, but there are ways to support math learning at home. Parents can help their children develop strong math skills by providing practice opportunities and offering encouragement. In addition, parents can use resources like online games and apps to supplement at-home learning. By supporting their children’s math education, parents can help them succeed in school and beyond.

For some students and families, math is a topic that can seem intimidating. For adults, math may have been challenging when they were in school, and as a result, some children may feel like they will also be bad at math because of their parent’s history with the subject. However, it is important to remember that everyone learns differently and can improve math skills with practice. There are many resources available to help students of all ages learn math. With a positive attitude and some perseverance, math can be a fun and rewarding subject for everyone.

Problem Solving

Although math is often considered a purely computational subject, today’s math classrooms emphasize problem-solving skills. Rather than simply memorizing formulas and procedures, students are taught to approach math from a more analytical perspective, using logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and heuristics to solve complex math problems. At the same time, however, math teachers still recognize the importance of practicing basic computation skills to prepare students for real-life situations. 

Whether dealing with money, measuring ingredients for a recipe, or working out a budget plan, math can play an essential role in helping us make sense of the world around us. As the old saying goes, “Math is everywhere!” So if you want your child to be a proficient problem solver and truly inspired by math, focus on cultivating their ability to think critically and creatively about math concepts so they can use it in practical ways throughout their lives.

Make Math Fun

Making math fun and available at home is one of the best ways to get a child excited about it. Math is a subject that can be practiced at home to help children be successful students and adults. By adopting a Growth Mindset when it comes to math, children are likely to have greater success academically. This means approaching math with the belief that they can improve with practice and effort. Children will be more likely to persevere when faced with challenging problems with this attitude. They will also be more open to feedback, which can help them learn and grow as math students. So encourage your child to approach math with confidence and watch them succeed.

Helping your child have a growth mindset can help boost their confidence and continue learning new math skills despite school closures and summer breaks. Below are some tips to help support your child’s math education at home. 

Counting – This is one of the most basic skills required to do math, and luckily it is one of the easiest to practice at home. Young children can practise math by counting items around the house. For example, get them to count how many apples are in the kitchen or how many stuffed animals they have in their room. For older children, get them to count objects that have them counting up to 100. Ask them to count the number of straws in a package or books on a bookshelf. Start off small and increase the number of items to build their confidence and skills. 

Adding and Subtracting – After the counting comes addition and subtraction. These are skills that can also be easily practiced at home. Try giving a child four eggs, then six more and ask them to count the total. Similar exercises can be done with subtraction, and once the child understands the concept, they can begin adding and subtracting larger numbers. 

Baking is an excellent way to practice math skills because the right amount of each ingredient is very important. Teach children about the different measurements (teaspoons, tablespoons, cups etc.) and have them measure out ingredients. This can help with their addition and subtraction skills as well as introducing them to fractions and ratios. 

Geometry – Luckily, shapes are everywhere, so it is easy to include learning about geometry at home. Younger children can start by learning to identify shapes in their everyday life and notice what makes these shapes unique. 

For older children, building and creating can be a great activity that requires math skills. Designing shelves to display keepsakes and photos can be a great exercise in geometry and measurements. Other projects such as asking them to imagine designing a new fence for the yard can help them practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to account for the budget needed for the supplies. More complicated projects around the home can help them with more math skills and provide an even greater challenge. 

Play Games

One of the best ways to help a child with their math skills is to make it fun and exciting. Playing games can be a great way to practice math skills while keeping it entertaining and enjoyable for a child. Various board games and online games can help children practice mathematics. 

Set time aside each week as “game time” and make it fun. You will find that your child looks forward to this time and will start to understand math operations better than they did before. 

Math helps children develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and perseverance. It also helps children learn to think abstractly and to see relationships between different concepts. By adopting a growth mindset in math, parents can help their children develop a love for learning and a drive to succeed. Math is an essential part of every child’s education, and by making it part of their daily routine, parents can set their children up for success in school and in life. 

If you notice your child is struggling with math learning, Dropkick Math can help! We offer fun and engaging programs that can help your child overcome their math anxiety or any gaps in learning they may have. Our math help services are run by qualified Ontario Certified Teachers who can offer differentiated approaches, making it accessible for all learning needs. We offer a different approach to math tutoring with fun and engaging programs to help your child succeed in math. 

Have your child take this FREE assessment to determine if there are any gaps in understanding. We will then provide you with recommended Dropkick Math programs that target the missing knowledge. This will be the key to remediating common misunderstandings that arise from students being introduced to concepts before they are ready or because the concepts are presented in a developmentally inappropriate way. Get started today on your child’s future math success!

5 Ways To Support Your Elementary School Child

The Dropkick Math Team on March 29, 2022

5 Ways To Support Your Elementary School Child

5 Ways To Support Your Elementary School Child

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

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

How To Support Your Child

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

Meet Your Child’s Teacher

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

Find The Right Kind Of Extra Help

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

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

Have A Positive Attitude Towards School

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

Pay Attention To Report Cards

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

Fun And Engaging Programs

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

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

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

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How Much Learning Have Students Really Lost During The Pandemic

The Dropkick Math Team on March 24, 2022

How Much Learning Have Students Really Lost During The Pandemic

How Much Learning Have Students Really Lost During The Pandemic

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

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

Getting Back On Track

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

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

A Long Term Plan

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

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

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

Emotional Needs

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

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

Growth Rate

As math learning has taken a bigger hit during the pandemic than other subjects, students’ growth rate in math is expected to slow during the next few years. So, getting them the help they need now could help them get caught up quicker than expected. 

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

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

Get started today by learning more about our programs.

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Understanding Relationships Among Operational Sense

The Dropkick Math Team on March 17, 2022

Understanding Relationships Among Operational Sense

Understanding Relationships Among Operational Sense

In order for elementary school children to be successful in mathematics, they need to develop operational sense. Operational sense is the ability to understand and use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in problem-solving situations. When children can develop a strong understanding of the operations, they can recognize the relationships among them and develop systems for computing numbers. This starts for students in primary grades where they use counting strategies, combining and partitioning numbers to learn addition and subtraction. This blog post will describe operational sense in more detail and provide examples of how it can be learned at home. 

Math Education Has Changed

As a parent and teacher, I understand how parents can become frustrated when their child comes to them for help with their math homework. Chances are, you have never heard of the terms they are using to describe mathematics, and the calculations are completely different compared to when you learned math. While math itself hasn’t changed, the way it is taught to students has. 

By taking a step into the world of mathematics and learning more about the four pillars of math and how your child is being taught, you will be able to help them succeed in their studies. At Dropkick Math, our specialized programs create an environment where both parent and child can better understand the fundamentals, creating a fun and engaging learning environment. 

Operational Sense In Action

Operational sense is a critical part of early mathematics learning. It allows children to make connections between the numbers they are working with and the world around them. It also helps them develop a sense of number relationships and understand how numbers work together. When a student understands the operations and how to perform calculations, they will have an understanding of part-whole relationships. 

To better understand this concept, let’s look at an example of operational sense in action:

  • A child figures out that if they have four toy cars and two friends also have four toy cars, then they have a total of 12 toy cars between the three of them.

I understand that because I know that division can be thought of as “how many times one number fits into another” and I can see that fits into 3 wholes 9 times.

This understanding of relationships is essential for elementary school children because it lays the foundation for more complex mathematical concepts that will be learned in later grades. 

How To Develop Operational Sense At Home

Operational sense can be developed in the classroom and at home through various activities and games that help children understand how numbers work together. Here are a few examples of operational sense activities that can be easily used at home to help children develop a better understanding of operational sense:

  • Use games to provide opportunities for their children to practice their multiplication facts. 
  • Use real-life experiences to ask a child to perform some calculations and encourage them to explain how they calculated it. (e.g. asking a child if they have enough money to pay for something. 
  • Provide children with an opportunity to use measuring cups marked in fractions so they can learn how to combine fractional quantities.  
  • Give children newspaper flyers and challenge them to find various ways to spend a set amount of money, such as $30.

Through operational sense activities, children can develop a strong understanding of the operations and begin to see how they are used in the world around them. These activities will help them to be successful in mathematics as they move into more complex concepts. Operational sense is an important part of early mathematics learning, and through these activities, children can develop a strong foundation on which to build more complex understandings.

Understanding Relationships

At Dropkick Math, we teach students how to approach math concepts and understand their relationships so they can overcome problems more efficiently on their own. As one of the four pillars of math, our programs focus heavily on operational sense. We rely on problem solving and models as key instructional components to help students understand the subject.

If your child struggles with operational sense, don’t just Google “math tutor near me.” We are an alternative to conventional tutors and offer personalized programs designed to help your child conquer his or her unique math problems in a learning environment that is fun and engaging. Our trained instructors will also provide you with the tools to support your child in math moving forward. So, contact us today and learn more about our programs. 

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How COVID Changed Your Child’s Math Education

The Dropkick Math Team on March 15, 2022

How COVID Changed Your Child’s Math Education

How COVID Changed Your Child's Math Education

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

Disrupted Education

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

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

Learning Online

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

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

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

Limitations Of Teachers

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

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

How To Help Your Child

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

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

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

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

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

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How To Prevent Passing On Your Math Anxiety To Your Child

The Dropkick Math Team on March 13, 2022

How To Prevent Passing On Your Math Anxiety To Your Child

How To Prevent Passing On Your Math Anxiety To Your Child

Do you remember how you felt in math class? Were you anxious every time the teacher called on you? Do you cringe when you think about math homework? If so, you aren’t alone. Millions of people feel this way about math. The trick is not to pass these feelings onto your child as they begin to learn mathematics.

Math anxiety can be passed down from generation to generation, starting in first grade. If you feel uncomfortable with math, it may increase your child’s own anxieties and lower their achievement or confidence when they complete a project that requires solving complex equations.

One of the best things that parents can do to help their children is to overcome their own math anxiety. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it! In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for preventing passing math anxiety on to your child.

Understanding Math Anxiety

Parents need to have a general understanding of math anxiety. This will help you be better equipped when it comes time to help your child with their math homework and if they experience math anxiety in the future.

Math anxiety is the feeling of excessive worry or fear that can prevent students from being successful in mathematics. It manifests differently in different students, but some common symptoms include feeling overwhelmed, avoiding math altogether, or feeling like you can’t do math.

For some people, math anxiety is so severe that it interferes with their daily lives. It can cause problems at work and make it difficult to manage finances. In extreme cases, math anxiety can lead to math-related phobias.

Positive Attitude

One of the most important things you can do to help your child is to have a positive attitude toward math yourself. If you express how much you hate math, you could be passing your mindset to your child. Instead, try to engage your child with enjoyable math activities.

Success is achieved by learning together! At Dropkick Math, we understand the importance of parental involvement. Our certified Ontario College of Teachers instructors will help build a parent’s mathematics capacity in our math programs so they can adequately support their child’s journey in elementary math. 

Be Supportive and Encouraging

Another way to prevent math anxiety from passing on to your child is to be supportive and encouraging. If your child struggles with math, offer help and encouragement instead of criticism. It is crucial to let your children know that making mistakes is normal whenever they’re learning something new, no matter how old they are.

When students understand that mistakes are part of the learning process, it can help them to understand that making a mistake is something to embrace rather than avoid. This can eventually lead them to learn that mistakes are not just OK but also expected. This will help build a child’s confidence and allow them to keep trying and help avoid math anxiety.

It can be easy for parents to shy away from their child’s math homework, but this will only frustrate your child even more. Encourage them to try and work through the problems as they were shown in class. If they hit a roadblock, and you are not sure how to figure out the problem, our instructors at Dropkick Math can help!

How You Pass On Your Mindset

Kids are always listening and watching, so you must use the correct language when conversing with your children. You may not even realize how you are showing your math anxiety, but you can be assured that your child is watching whenever you do! It may be something as simple as having a conversation with your spouse about how much tip to add on a bill during a family dinner. You may say something along the lines of “I hate adding a tip! I can never figure out the right amount to give!” This shows your child that math is frustrating even in real life situations.

It is also important to be mindful of how you pass on your mindset. Avoiding math or saying things like “I’m just not a math person” can quickly become a self-fulfilling prophecy for your child. If you don’t feel confident in math, your child will likely pick up on these cues and begin to show signs of math anxiety.

As a parent, you want to be sure that the math skills your child develops will last throughout their lifetime. That’s why it is so essential for them not just to understand but embrace all aspects of this subject from any development level- even if it might seem like an impossible task right now!

A Math Playground

At Dropkick Math, we provide a math playground for children of all ages and abilities. We want to help build your child’s confidence in math, so they can approach any challenge with excitement! Our instructors are passionate about making math fun and assisting students in understanding the importance of this subject. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child succeed in math with our math learning techniques. 

Mathematics should be a subject that children enjoy and look forward to, not one that they dread. Let us help you create a positive math environment for your family today!

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The Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain Myth

The Dropkick Math Team on March 8, 2022

The Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain Myth

The Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain Myth

When it comes to the left-brain vs. right-brain myth, there’s a lot of confusion out there. People seem to think that the left side of their brain is responsible for all logic and reasoning, while the right side is in charge of creativity and emotions. But this isn’t actually true! In reality, both sides of your brain work together to process information, even when studying mathematics! But, which one is really in charge? Keep reading to find out!

The Left and Right Brain Working Together

Many people believe that you need to be left-brained or a logical or analytical thinker to be good in mathematics. Whereas, if you are right-brained or a creative and free thinker, you are doomed to struggle with math operations. However, research has proven that success in math is best when both halves of the brain work together. 

It is easy to see why math is a logical and analytical subject with a left-brain tendency. But educators now suggest that including a little more “right-brainedness” into a math class can help many students strengthen the connection necessary to get stronger in math. 

How The Brain Communicates

The left and right hemispheres of the brain communicate through the corpus callosum, a fibre bridge that crosses between the two sides. Anytime an interaction between the hemispheres of the brain happens, this connection strengthens. So, when using both hemispheres of the brain in mathematics, a student can perform better than simply using one side of their brain.

Physical Exercises

There are some physical exercises that can help to strengthen the nerve cell pathways between the two sides of the brain. These types of physical movement can help the brain hemispheres to communicate across the corpus callosum. Anytime a child can encourage this interaction between the brain’s hemispheres, they will strengthen this connection. 

It is recommended that students get up and move every 20 minutes or so, so this makes a perfect time to try a couple of cross-lateral exercises to force the two sides of the brain to communicate. Try having your child do the following daily before engaging in math activities.

  • Touch the right elbow to the left knee, then repeat with the left elbow to the right knee. Keep alternating for 12 sets.
  • Place the left thumb and the right forefinger together while the left forefinger touches the right thumb. Pivot them back and forth, similar to the motion in the “itsy bitsy spider” nursery rhyme. Make this move for 1 minute.
  • Throw a large ball against a wall with both hands and catch as it bounces back. Play this game for 2 minutes. 

Math Can Be Creative

Contrary to what many people believe, mathematical thinking requires creativity. When working with complex mathematics, it is sometimes the creative thinking that gets a student to the logic of math and vice versa. Seeing a problem in a different way using visualization and creatively reconceiving it, including doing drawings, can help a student find the solution to the problem they’re working through.

The brain is built much like an information superhighway, with both sides supporting one another with every task performed. So, when children are taught something new, both sides of the brain work together as a whole to help them achieve their goals. While the aspects of mathematics can require a more logical approach, sometimes, some creative thinking helps them get to the answer.

It Is Ok To Be Creative!

Many children think that math is fun. However, some have problems understanding the subject and believing they can also enjoy math. The next time your child is struggling with a math problem, remember that it is ok to be creative. They can use their right brain to come up with new ideas and solutions and then use their left brain to analyze the data and put everything together. If they are still having trouble, don’t worry – there is help available. Dropkick Math can partner with you and your child to help them understand how their left and right brains work together to achieve mathematics success. Contact us today to learn more about our math learning technique and engaging game-based student programs!

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Understanding Algebraic Reasoning

The Dropkick Math Team on March 6, 2022

Understanding Algebraic Reasoning

Understanding Algebraic Reasoning

Algebraic reasoning focuses on patterns, functions, and the ability to analyze situations with the help of symbols. It involves generalizing, representing, and formalizing patterns and regularity in all aspects of mathematics.

Algebraic reasoning is introduced in the early grades and can help children develop the ability to learn proficiency using equations, functions, and variables. This can be done by assisting them in exploring different concepts through fun, simple, but thought-stimulating activities. It is never too early to begin teaching the foundations of algebraic reasoning for young learners.

How Children Explore Algebra

Much of math, especially algebra, is based on patterns. Younger students can begin looking for patterns all around them as a great introduction to algebraic reasoning. Many teachers like to give students exercises that include manipulatives such as pattern blocks, buttons, keys, and coloured cubes so that students can create patterns on their desks with these materials.

Functions are also a big part of algebra. Younger students start by learning functions with input and output. An excellent way for children to learn about function is with a calculator. Teachers will show students how to turn a simple calculator into a function machine. Students are often asked to program their calculators with a function and see if classmates can guess it by viewing the outputs.

In algebra, x is often used to represent an unknown. Younger students start to work with a symbol (like a box or open square) for a variable (x), and letters representing the variable are introduced in grade 6. Algebraic reasoning becomes easier for many students to understand by making fun and interactive games. For example, students may be given three clues to help figure out the mysterious “x.” x+1=3, x+0=2, and 4-x=2. What is x? (answer: x=2)

In algebraic reasoning, students need to learn that the equal sign means “the same as”  when reading number sentences and later algebraic equations. Younger students often get confused and think that the “=” means “the answer is.” By learning the proper use of the = in algebraic reasoning, students will have a reinforced idea of balancing equations because each side has the same quantity. It can also develop their understanding of equality which is a BIG IDEA in algebraic reasoning.

Algebraic Symbols

Using algebraic symbols is a large part of becoming proficient in applying algebra to solve problems. But, understanding abstract symbolism without a foundation of the operational sense is likely to lead to frustration and failure. Children have a natural love of mathematics at an early age, and it is vital to foster this admiration. Their curiosity is a strong motivator as they try to describe and extend patterns of shapes, sounds, colours, and eventually letters and numbers. Children can begin to make generalizations about patterns that seem to be the same or different, and this kind of categorizing and generalizing is an essential developmental step on the journey towards algebraic thinking.

Recognizing Patterns

Through elementary grades, patterns are not only the subject of study but can also be used as a tool. Students can use patterns to help them recognize numbers as they develop their understanding of mathematics. As they explore and understand addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, they can look for patterns that help them learn procedures and facts. Patterns in rows and columns of objects or patterns within multiplication tables are interesting to children and can help them discover their facts and understand relationships among facts.

The Development of Algebraic Reasoning

The development of algebraic reasoning is a process, not an event. It is something that can be part of a motivating, positive, and enriching school mathematics experience if appropriately taught. At Dropkick Math, we understand that algebraic reasoning is part of exploring the structure of mathematics. The ability to reason and think proportionately is a critical factor in developing a student’s ability to understand mathematics. However, many students do not seem to grasp any real sense of algebra and often give up understanding it fully.

Due to this education gap, it has been suggested that students be given meaningful experiences in algebraic learning. But before you start thinking, “is there a math tutor near me?” it is essential to understand the way that children learn. Many students struggle with algebraic reasoning and realizing that this may be a result of the way it is being taught to them. With Dropkick Math, we use interactive tools that allow students to learn algebra easily and help them fully understand it as one of the four main pillars of mathematics.

The ability for everyone to enjoy math is why Dropkick Math doesn’t just want to tutor your child. We want to help the family better understand how math works and fill in any educational gaps in learning. Get started today by learning more about our programs and if they are the right fit for your child.

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What Is Number Sense? A Guide For Parents

The Dropkick Math Team on March 1, 2022

What Is Number Sense? A Guide For Parents

What is Number Sense A Guide For Parents

Plain and simple, number sense is a person’s ability to understand, relate, and connect numbers. It is the sense of what numbers mean. 

What value does a number represent? Which number is bigger or smaller? Children with the ability to answer these questions have a firm grasp on number sense. They can perform mental mathematics and look at the world and make comparisons.

Number sense is a group of skills that allows people to work with numbers in math and many other tasks. Students who have a strong understanding of number sense can represent quantities using diagrams and materials explaining how they get the quantity of numbers.They should also be able to decompose and compose number fluently. These children also understand the base 10 relationships in the number system and can compare whole numbers with decimal numbers, considering the value of the numbers. They will be able to visualize and talk about numbers comfortably and solve math problems in their head without the use of a pencil and paper. 

Over the past few decades, teachers have solely concentrated on math facts and calculations, not about the number themselves. However, educators have now found that students may struggle with learning math because they don’t have the underlying foundation of what the numbers really mean. Their lack of understanding of number sense means they do not have the basic foundational skills and will struggle in the future. But, with this new information, teachers are changing the way mathematics is being taught, and focusing more time on mastering number sense and automaticity of facts.

Create A Relationship With Numbers

Number sense is essential for elementary school children because it can promote confidence and encourages flexible thinking. It can allow a child to create a relationship with numbers, so they are able to talk about math concepts as a language.

Strong number sense can help build a foundation for mathematical understanding as one of the four pillars of math. Number sense, especially in the younger grades, can help build the foundation necessary to compute and solve more complex problems as they go into older grades.

In grades 4 to 9, children extend their understanding of whole numbers to rational numbers and are introduced to irrational numbers. Without a solid foundation of this education in early years, students may struggle as math problems become more complex.

Signs At An Early Age

Children who have trouble with number sense often show signs at an early age. Students that struggle with math typically don’t have a good sense of numbers. As one of the foundational concepts that holds them back from becoming fluid in math, children may struggle with basic operations such as addition and multiplication. They can also have trouble with everyday tasks and skills such as handling money, measuring, and judging time.

As children begin to learn math, it is vital for them to improve their skills and practice number sense, so it does not last into adulthood. Unfortunately, the pandemic caused many students to have a loss in learning over the past couple of years. Students in the younger grades have suffered a gap in mathematics as they learn number sense. As one of the four pillars of math, not understanding number sense will leave a child with a weak math pillar and can significantly impact their future math success.

Fundamentals In the Four Pillars

At Dropkick Math, we understand children need to encounter math in everyday life to help develop their fundamentals in the four pillars of math. Our programs focus on number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, and proportional reasoning. Our math help services provide personalized number sense programs while pinpointing their individual math needs. These programs are beneficial to children because they offer an interactive learning service that provides clear goals and measurement tools to keep track of your child’s progress.

Our fun and engaging learning environment creates a math playground that can help your child build on their math skills and gain the confidence they need to excel in mathematics. Learn more about our programs today!

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