Tag: learn Math

Understanding Algebraic Reasoning

Post author By The Dropkick Math Team
Post date March 6, 2022
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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.

What Is Number Sense? A Guide For Parents

Post author By The Dropkick Math Team
Post date March 1, 2022
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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!

5 Signs Your Child Needs Help In Math

Post author By The Dropkick Math Team
Post date February 28, 2022
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5 Signs Your Child Needs Help In Math

Does your child need help with their math?

Believe it or not, sometimes it’s difficult to tell. Many parents often believe their child only needs math tutoring if they struggle in school. However, with the disruption in learning caused by COVID over the past couple of years, it is becoming commonplace for students of all skill levels to get math help services.

But, at-home tutors can be costly, and they often only go over immediate concepts that the student is having trouble with. They can help students get through the task at hand, but tutoring only helps in a Band-Aid style format. It doesn’t always allow the student to learn the root of the concept they were initially struggling with and won’t set them up with the skills needed for their future. This is why many students prefer Dropkick Math programs over traditional math tutoring. Our programs address the immediate issues a student may be having and sets them up for future success in learning.

If a child needs help with their math studies, signs often signal they are struggling. The following are some of the most common warning signs that your child may need some extra help this year.

Level Of Frustration

Even if your child is able to figure out answers to a math problem, one thing to look out for is their level of frustration when doing their homework. Did it take a long time for them to complete it? Were they vocal in saying they didn’t understand it? If your child’s homework becomes a long, frustrating task, it may be time for help.

Frustration is often a result of your child not having mastered the basic foundations in math. This can cause them to struggle with a topic or lesson as it becomes more challenging. You might find that they understand some of the concepts, but they start facing difficulty when required to perform more advanced skills on their own.

Unfortunately, your child’s math class will move on to the next topic regardless of whether all the students have mastered what is being taught. So, a sign of frustration may mean your child has not comprehended what has been taught in the classroom.

Your Child’s Grades Are Slipping

Your child’s grades can slip without moving to the point of extreme concern. For example, your child may have previously excelled in math, mainly earning A’s on their assignments, but you may start to realize that they have slipped into Bs. It may not seem like too big of a deal as your child may still be excelling in performing better than some of his or her peers. While this may be true, if your child’s grades are slipping, this may mean they’re losing confidence or haven’t fully grasped the concepts being taught.

If your child’s grades are starting to slip, it is essential to act on them before hitting an alarming point. Offering your child math help when they are still making decent grades is far easier than pulling up a failing grade to passing.

Lack Of Enthusiasm

Not every child will be a cheerleader for every subject in school, but if your child once loved mathematics and doesn’t anymore, it may be time to check in with them to see what’s going on. Their loss of enthusiasm for math may mean that they are struggling with the topic they are currently learning in school. It may mean it just isn’t as fun as it used to be to them.

If this is the case, reaching out for help to Dropkick Math may definitely help remedy the problem. Our programs will work with your child to understand the concepts and present the strategies in a fun and engaging way to help inspire their love of math again.

Loss Of Confidence

It may be time to take action if your former math-loving child starts saying things like, “I’m just not good at math.” This loss of confidence may mean that your child is finding the math concepts that are now being taught more confusing.

If your child is showing signs that they are lacking confidence in themselves when learning math, it may be time to look into math help services.

Your Child Asks For Help

Nothing can be more of a warning sign than if your child asks for help. While not every student is straightforward and will ask their parents for a tutor, some may recognize when they need additional help and support.

If your child reaches out to you and expresses that they may need math help, it is important to listen to their requests and open the conversation about why they feel they need the help. This can help you better understand their situation so you can assess how much help they may need and how they may be falling behind in their education.

How We Can Help

Math tutoring and support come in many forms and are no longer limited to hiring a local high school or college student to sit with your child at home or in the library. While that model may work for some, many students are eager for a more interactive and convenient approach that focuses on building relationships.

At Dropkick Math, we offer online Waterloo math services to help your child build solid foundations and improve their math skills and grades. Our programs focus on the four pillars of math and can help your child no matter how much they are struggling.

For more information on our programs or to learn if they are suitable for your child, contact us today.

How Virtual Learning Has Affected Your Child’s Education

Post author By The Dropkick Math Team
Post date February 18, 2022
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How Virtual Learning Has Affected Your Child’s Education

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

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

The Challenges Of Online Learning

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

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

A Great Loss For Students

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

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

Lack Of Motivation

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

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

Hard On Teachers

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

Make Up For Lost Learning

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

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

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

What Do The Studies Show?

Post author By The Dropkick Math Team
Post date February 15, 2022
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What Do The Studies Show?

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

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

The Gaps In Learning

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

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

What The Research Shows

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

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

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

Unfinished Learning

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

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

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

Get started today by learning more about our programs.

How Important Is It To Be Involved In Your Child’s Learning

Post author By The Dropkick Math Team
Post date February 13, 2022
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How Important Is It To Be Involved In Your Child’s Learning

Even parents who were top of the math class when they were in school may find themselves perplexed by modern math curricula. But, in this time of disrupted traditional instructions, parents and teachers need to work together to support their children’s math learning. This is why at Dropkick Math, we believe that parent involvement is vital to the success of a child’s math education. By being actively involved and setting high expectations for your child, you can help guide them towards having high values of doing well in school.

Get Involved

One of the main problems is that most parents simply don’t know how to play a more significant role in their children’s math education. This situation can be complicated because many parents struggle with math themselves. This can make it more difficult for them to help their children and often inadvertently pass on their math anxiety.

What students discover, observe, and learn outside the classroom can benefit them greatly. In real life, they can get practical education applicable to real-life situations, and in school, the instruction focuses on theoretical and the abstract. Parents can help to merge these two realms.

An easy way of interacting with your child and teaching them that math is used in everyday life is to talk aloud as you work through daily tasks. Thinking aloud and asking questions can allow your child to hear how you think which will help them develop the essential skills needed for solving problems. For example, if you were eating cookies, count how many you have, ask what happens when you break them apart and talk about their shape.

When trying to stay involved with your child’s learning, there are some steps that parents can take:

staying in touch with the child’s teacher
encouraging a child to talk through their math assignments
embracing informal math thinking, such as playing games that focus on patterns or counting

A Stressful Time

Educators say to remember that we are in a uniquely stressful time for parents, children, and educators. Many families are still struggling to make remote classes work which means many children have a varying level of support.

Both parents and teachers should be encouraged to talk with one another, not just about the subjects that may need work, but about the student’s skills. Parents should also take time to speak to their children about math. If parents don’t understand the math themselves, they can ask their child to explain it to them, adding to a child’s self-confidence.

Parent Engagement

By learning math with your child, you can become a role model for them. The Ministry of Education recently released information on “Parent Engagement,” which said, “Parent engagement matters. Study after study has shown us that student achievement improves when parents play an active role in their children’s education, and that good schools become even better schools when parents are involved…”

Practice Perseverance

If you are a parent that is struggling to be engaged in your child’s learning, it is worth the perseverance. Getting parents involved can be productive for everyone involved, and an educationally attentive home setting has been proven to impact student achievement positively.

Learn how our programs at Dropkick Math can help you learn alongside your child. Our programs focus on the four pillars of math and allow the parent and child to work together in a fun and interactive learning environment.

Part 2 – How To Talk To Your Child About Their Report Card

Post author By The Dropkick Math Team
Post date January 27, 2022
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Part 2 – How To Talk To Your Child About Their Report Card

In the second part of our series, “Report Cards: What Do They Really Mean,” we will discuss how to speak to your child about the marks they received on their report card. Students will be receiving their report cards any day now, and parents must understand what the marks mean and speak to their children about them.

Many parents struggle with how to speak to a child who may have a gap in learning. They often don’t want to make the child feel bad for falling behind, so they tend to shy away from the situation. But this won’t help the child with the problem they may be facing.

Find Some Quiet Time

If a child brings home a report card that indicates they may be struggling, a parent must address the mark. The best way to approach a child is by finding some quiet time where you can sit down with them one-on-one. You will want to give them your undivided attention, without any distractions, so try and set aside enough time to have a quiet, relaxed discussion.

Focus On Effort

It is important not to focus on the child’s marks on the report card but to focus on their effort and attitude instead. The teachers’ comments can provide a lot of insight into how the child performs and if they are limited in any way. Focusing on effort over achievement isn’t going to reduce their motivation to work hard. If a child is focused on trying their best and feels that their efforts are seen and valued, they are much more likely to be resilient learners. A child who is a resilient learner is more likely to challenge themselves and are more comfortable making mistakes.

A child needs to understand that everyone is different, and we all struggle and excel in different areas. Try to avoid any comparisons between your child’s report card and a sibling or classmate’s report card. The focus should be on where they achieved well or greatly improved from their last report card. Siblings should be reminded that comparison is pointless because they have been graded on entirely different outcomes.

Set Plans And Goals

If a child’s report card indicates an area of challenge, or a gap in learning, speak to them about using it as a way to plan a learning goal. Use their current report card as a baseline and then set an individual learning goal for the next term.

It may be helpful to compare your child’s last report card to the current one to help them see their progress. Identify any areas that the child is still struggling and discuss why they may still be falling behind in that area. Be sure to praise any improvements made and their areas of growth.

After making a comparison of the last report card, it can be helpful to set a plan to focus on the areas that may need attention. Along with your child, decide on steps they can take to progress towards their learning goal. These steps could include asking to meet with their teacher to discuss suggestions of ways to meet challenges. They could also set a weekly goal for a little extra study time or revision with your help.

Have A Conversation With Their Teacher

It may also be helpful to have a conversation with your child’s teacher if they appear to be struggling. A parent-teacher conference can help clarify your child’s academic performance and overall experience at school. In a one-on-one conversation, teachers can give more detailed information about your child and offer suggestions on how they can improve in any areas that may be falling behind. This can be an excellent way for a parent to better understand how their child is performing in the classroom.

At Dropkick Math, we believe that parent engagement is vital for a child’s success. By being actively involved and setting high expectations for your child, you can help guide them towards having high values towards their schoolwork.

If your child is showing a gap in learning in their math skills, Dropkick Math can help. Through our fun and interactive programs, students can focus on the four pillars of math and get caught up to where they should be in their curriculum. Get started today by learning more about our programs.

Part 1 – How To Read Your Child’s Report Card

Post author By The Dropkick Math Team
Post date January 20, 2022
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Part 1 – How To Read Your Child’s Report Card

It is February, and that means that the 1st term report cards are just around the corner. At Dropkick Math, we believe it is crucial for parents to fully understand how to read the report card and decipher what the marks really mean. So, we have completed a two-part series for parents to refer to during report card time. This first article will focus on the marks on the report card and what they mean for your child.

It is essential that parents understand that this year’s marks on your child’s report card may be hindered by gaps caused due to COVID and virtual learning. The pandemic reshaped Canadian society and disrupted more than a year of schooling, which has slowed progress in math for millions of Canadian students.

Younger students saw some of the most significant declines, and educators are now left trying to help students catch up to pre-pandemic levels. So, when your child brings home their report card, remember that their grades are just a snapshot in time of where they are now and the direction in which they should be working towards for the end of the year.

So, what does this mean for your child?

How do you make sense of what the mark means, and what can you get out of the comment that your child’s teacher has provided?

Let’s break it down for you:

The Mark

If your child meets the curriculum goals set by the ministry in the new math curriculum, they will receive a mark in the B range or something in the 70s. Higher marks represent the notion that your child is consistently achieving the goals set by the ministry.

But what about if the mark is below?

The grades reflected on your child’s report card are to help them understand how they are performing and where they can make improvements before getting their final mark of the year. So, if students are not doing well, it should be thought of as they haven’t got it “Yet”….as these curriculum goals are to be achieved by the end of the year.

A mark in the C (60s range) or D (50s range) means that your child has learning gaps and is experiencing difficulty meeting the goals set in the math curriculum. Now, these gaps are just that, missed learning that has created some misconceptions in your child’s education. It may be due to a variety of reasons including, an absence in an earlier grade or the result of missed learning due to COVID. Whatever the reason, your child has missed something that has and can continue to lead to problems as their education moves forward.

The good news is, with the proper identification and effective teaching instruction, these misconceptions and learning gaps can be addressed and filled, helping your child move forward with new math learning. However, if left unchecked, these gaps can continue to grow and often end up creating a variety of math anxieties in your child’s future math education.

The Comment

All too often, parents pass over the comment provided with the mark. After all, “It is just a cookie-cutter” comment…right?

Some things can be pretty general in the comment provided by your child’s teacher, but there is also some helpful information if you know what you are looking for.

Report card comments are often designed from an asset based lens, meaning the first part of the comment should list all the things that your child can do. It is essential to read this section to see if the teacher has provided some information about what your child might be able to do on a limited scale.

The last part of the comment is also valuable as it identifies the ‘next step’ in your child’s learning or what things your child struggles with and should work on to help their overall math learning for the second term. Reading this comment allows a parent to understand better what their child did, what areas they were limited in, what they could do, and the areas they struggled with during the 1st term.

A report card can provide helpful insight into a student’s learning. If a child is showing a gap in learning, the report card can help a parent understand this gap and inform them where the child may be struggling. Effective teacher-parent-student communication is fundamental to student success. So, it is also a great idea to reach out to your child’s teacher for more in-depth information on how your child is performing if they appear to be struggling.

If your child is experiencing a gap in learning, Dropkick Math has programs that can help get them back on track. Our tailored programs equip students with problem-solving skills that can help them for years to come. Get started today by learning more about our programs.

How Important is Math For A Student’s Future?

Post author By The Dropkick Math Team
Post date January 14, 2022
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How Important is Math For A Student’s Future

Learning math in school can sometimes feel like a chore for many children, especially if they don’t understand when they will ever use it. Many students often wonder, “What is the point of math if you are not interested in a career as a mathematician?” Unfortunately, many educators overlook the importance of explaining the purpose of learning mathematics and how it is needed throughout life while relating it to real-world circumstances.

There is no denying the importance of mathematics in our daily life. But some students find learning math boring, too abstract, complex, or not creative enough. These reasons all add to why they may shy away from the subject. However, since math is a significant component of education, students need to understand and do well on their assigned work to get to the next grade and eventually graduate.

But, it isn’t just about getting a student to pass a test. By simply focusing on just getting by in math and passing tests, this surface level knowledge of math may work in the short term, but they will eventually encounter barriers. Your child could be extremely limited on post-secondary program choices and career choices.

Why Is Math Important?

Many people often wonder, “Why is mathematics important to learn?,” and don’t quite know how to explain it to a child. So, let’s break it down into the many benefits of math.

Developing Areas Of The Brain

Math is more than just numbers and equations – it has been scientifically proven to help develop specific areas of the brain, leading to improved analytical and reasoning skills. When we engage in mathematical thinking, our brains are forced to form new connections between neurons, which strengthens those connections over time. This process enhances our ability to solve mathematical problems and helps us think critically and logically in other areas of our lives. Overall, learning mathematics is like giving your brain a workout!

Part Of Everyday Life

Math is an essential part of our everyday lives and can be used to solve practical problems we face. From calculating a sale discount at the grocery store to figuring out the distance between two points, math skills can positively impact our lives.

Being proficient in math allows us to analyze data, make meaningful decisions, and solve real-world problems effectively. These skills are not only useful in academic settings but can also be applied in everyday situations. With the right math knowledge, one can estimate expenses, understand financial statements, and even determine the best route to take while commuting.

Math does not have to be complicated; by knowing how to apply basic mathematical concepts to everyday life, anyone can become more practical and reap its many benefits.

Math In Education

Mathematics is an essential subject that holds a crucial place in education. It provides logical thinking, develops problem-solving skills, and lays a foundation for a career in numerous industries. However, in a scholastic sense, math holds a greater significance as it acts as one of the stepping stones into going into a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) major.

STEM careers are in high demand, and the job market for these sectors rapidly increases yearly. Math contributes significantly to these industries, providing the fundamental knowledge necessary for understanding complex systems and technologies. As such, it has become a mandatory subject in most schools and is something students should consider taking seriously if they want to pursue a career in STEM.

Learning math skills at an early age can create a basic foundation for everything a child learns in the future. Research shows that the development of math skills is a better indicator of future success in reading and math than any other skill. A study from Stanford University recently determined that the brain goes through a physical change as it creates specific connections after repeated practice with math skills.

Math can help train the mind the same way sport trains the body. Many educators believe that learning the four pillars of math can help students think critically, helping them in their chosen career path. But, if one of those pillars is weak, it could significantly impact their future.

The Importance Of Mathematics In Education

At Dropkick Math, we understand how important it is for students to have a solid foundation of learning in all four pillars of math. Our programs focus on number sense, operational sense, proportional reasoning and algebraic reasoning.

We have worked with educators to recognize common areas of difficulty in mathematics that students have and created programs to address each area. We understand the importance of mathematics for students, so we have created a range of programs that make learning fun!

If your child is asking, “How will math help us in the future?” check out our other blog post, which can help you explain it to them!

The Building Blocks Of Math

Your child is currently developing the building blocks of all math they will be exposed to in their academic career. But, if all they have is memorized rules and procedures, they will falter at some point. A conceptual understanding of mathematics is crucial for their future. At Dropkick Math, we can help your child better understand the Four Pillars of Mathematics that can build confidence and understanding in math for years to come.

To help ensure your child is on track, have them take our Early Indicators Quiz to determine any gaps in understanding. If it does seem like a child is experiencing any gaps in learning, we can recommend a program that will target the missing knowledge.

Learn more about our programs and how they can help your child stay on track with their learning for their future.

Why Are Fractions So Hard?

Post author By The Dropkick Math Team
Post date December 16, 2021
No Comments on Why Are Fractions So Hard?

Why Are Fractions So Hard?

When children start to have difficulty in math, it often begins when they are introduced to fractions. Before fractions, they may have only known counting numbers and the relationship between them and the set of objects they represent.

Once fractions are introduced, students may feel overwhelmed and unable to visualize what a fraction represents. This may lead to math anxiety and cause students to retreat and not want to continue learning.

Getting the help they need with fractions is vital for helping them stay on track with their peers. But, to understand how to help your child, you must understand why they struggle with fractions.

Rushed Through Basics

Students start learning about fractions and making sense of them visually in Grade 3, but don’t start using fractions with operations until Grade 5 or higher. They are often rushed through the basics of fractions because at this stage in education, it is believed that these concepts should be “easy to grasp.”

Students start to work with concrete shapes to better understand adding and subtracting whole numbers from the start of school until Grade 2 and even Grade 3. So, they have years to let the brain develop an understanding and connection of the visual with the abstract symbols. However, students are expected to develop a similar understanding and ability to work with fractions within a few years.

Not Taught in High School

Fractions as a topic are not taught in high school, so they are expected to have an adequate understanding of them by the time they get into Grade 9. This makes fractions one of the most important aspects for students to understand as they move through the junior and intermediate grades (Grade 4 – 8). They are also often used as an indicator of future mathematical ability.

Understanding Fractions

The problem with understanding fractions often comes once they start to learn about like and unlike denominators. Students begin to learn fractions with standard fraction addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems with like denominators (e.g., 3/5+4/5), but problems may start once unlike denominators (e.g., 3/5+2/3) arise. Research shows that 6th and 8th graders only tend to answer about 50% of items correctly when given unlike denominator questions.

This missing knowledge is especially unfortunate because fractions are foundational to many more advanced areas of mathematics and science. Fifth graders’ fraction knowledge predicts high school students’ algebra learning and overall math achievement, even after controlling for whole number knowledge, the students’ IQ, and their families’ education and income.

Often, the problem with fractions starts because students are not given the time to develop a sound understanding of what a fraction is. If they don’t fully understand what ¾ represents, they can’t be expected to work with it and learn how it relates to other numerical values.

Students need to visually see what a fraction represents to fully understand fractions. By looking at a representation of what ¾ looks like, they will begin to realize that ¾ is itself a symbol to represent the fraction. Developing brains need to see what it means in a concrete state before thinking of it using the ¾ symbol.

Once students get a solid understanding of what a fraction is, then they can start to manipulate it in their heads. Students must be able to use mental strategies that allow them to make sense of how they fit together and how to work with them in easy contexts first (eg., ¼ + 2/4 is ¾ OR 3 ¼ parts put together) to cement understanding before they can move to abstract ideas.

Develop a Thorough Understanding

Help your child develop a concrete understanding of fractions with Dropkick Math. Our courses incorporate fractions to ensure that students understand how to compare, add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. Through visuals, your child will fully understand what fractions are and how they relate to each other.

Don’t let your child fall behind with their understanding of fractions. Our courses are designed to help you and your child better understand mathematics and pave the way for their achievements in high school. Get started today with our Free Early Indicators Quiz.

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