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Algebraic Reasoning

Why Is Algebra So Scary?

Algebra can be a scary subject for some students, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little help and encouragement from an algebra tutor, students can learn to love algebra and all of the opportunities it provides for problem-solving and critical thinking. In this post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why algebra is seen as being so difficult, and we’ll offer tips for making the learning process a little less daunting. So if your child is struggling with algebra, read on for some helpful guidance.

Math Anxiety

When we ask the question, “Why is algebra so scary?” the real question should be, “Why are so many people afraid of math?” Math anxiety is a very real phenomenon that can affect both young and old, making many feel nervous about trying to do math.  

But math anxiety is more than just a feeling of nervousness when facing problems. Anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as a racing heart or sweating. With such physical reactions, many people who have math anxiety tend to avoid situations in which they have to do math. Children with math anxiety will often have poor math skills because their first instinct is to avoid the problem. Adults with math anxiety are less likely to succeed in careers relating to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Until recently, educators thought that math anxiety first appeared when children learned complicated mathematics (such as algebra). So this would mean that young children who do not yet do complex math would not experience math anxiety. However, recent research shows that some children as young as six years old say that they feel anxious about math. Therefore, it is essential to address math anxiety when it is first noticed in a child. 

The Language Used To Express Ideas

It’s common for algebra to be seen as a subject that primarily involves memorizing formulas and number crunching. However, when we look closer, algebra is all about logical thinking and problem-solving. When we approach algebra problems, instead of simply plugging numbers into pre-existing formulas, we can think about what the unknown variable represents and how it relates to the other elements in the equation. 

Many students struggle with algebra, assuming it’s just a bunch of new and confusing information. However, algebra is actually the language we use to express ideas and relationships that we already know from real-life experience. Take the concept of “variable,” for example. Variables are just values or objects that can change – like a person’s height or the number of candy bars in a bag. 

We see variables everywhere in daily life, but algebra gives us a way to quantify and communicate those changes more precisely. So the next time your child feels overwhelmed by algebra equations, try to identify the underlying concept they already understand and apply it to solve the problem. Remember, algebra isn’t about learning something new – it’s about putting language into concepts we encounter daily.

This shift in perspective can help students learn to tackle algebra problems with greater creativity and confidence. It’s important to remember that algebra is not just about obtaining the right answer but also understanding its underlying concepts and reasoning. So next time your child is facing an algebra challenge, have them focus on the logic rather than just blindly plugging in numbers.

Why Is Algebra Important?​

Algebra is a crucial foundation for higher-level math and science courses. In algebra, students learn how to solve for variables in equations, representing real-world situations mathematically. This skill is used in all sciences, as well as in engineering and finance. 

Without a basic understanding of algebra, it would be virtually impossible to progress to more advanced math and science courses in college or in certain careers. Therefore, it is important to have a solid grasp of algebraic concepts and techniques. Additionally, learning algebra can help improve critical thinking skills and overall problem-solving abilities that are applicable in many aspects of life beyond academics. Ultimately, studying algebra helps lay the groundwork for future success in various fields.

Making Algebra Fun!​

Algebra can often be challenging for students, but at Dropkick Math Academy, we believe in making learning fun. Through game-based activities and interactive lessons, algebra becomes much more engaging. Students become engaged in problem-solving and critical thinking as they work their way through the game levels, quickly improving their algebra skills without even realizing it. Our approach helps to demystify algebra and make it a less intimidating subject for students. So if algebra has been a struggle for you or your child, come check out Dropkick Math Academy and see how we can make learning enjoyable.

We recently added three new programs to our class list centred around algebra. The Darkness of Algebra Trilogy offers three separate modules that will take children on an adventure as they navigate through the darkness of algebra with the help of Dropkick Lee.

The first in the series will have children battling through the underground world of darkness, where they will explore and review concepts connected to linear and nonlinear visual patterns. The follow-up to Vision Quest builds on the concepts developed in Part 1 by providing students with opportunities to explore and review concepts connected to linear and nonlinear situations and real-life contexts. For the third module, students will battle it out in the dark world and have opportunities to explore and review concepts connected to abstract representations and linear and nonlinear relationship models.

At Dropkick Math Academy, we understand that algebra can be a scary subject, but we take those thoughts and turn them upside down to make it fun! Our programs are taught by certified Ontario teachers who can spot any gaps in learning and get to the root of any misunderstandings.

If you have been searching for algebra tutoring online, look no further. Dropkick Math Academy offers programs that will make your child want to learn! We offer a different take from online math tutors and make learning algebra fun and interactive. 

Check out our programs, and register your child today!

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How To Help Your Child With Multiplication

Math can be a stressful subject for many parents, and multiplication is one of the most feared subjects. When your child comes to you for help with their multiplication, you may feel like simply running away. If this sounds like you, chances are your fear of multiplication all comes down to two reasons. The first was that the procedures you were taught in school didn’t truly teach you the intricacies of the operation. Secondly, multiplication can be complex and has many different manifestations. It is ok to reach for help, so if you are thinking of math help services for your child, contact Dropkick Math today!

Making Math Fun!

Due to the confusion around multiplication, many parents are left wondering if there are any ways of making learning multiplication fun, enjoyable, and easier. Learning multiplication is a vital skill that children must learn before entering high school. Therefore, it is essential that parents try to find different ways to teach their children, so they do not fall behind in their studies.

One solution to helping your child with their multiplication is online math tutoring. But, if you want to engage your child with some offline learning, we can help with some highly effective tips on how to teach multiplication the easy way.

Hang Up A Multiplication Chart

This is an old technique, but it has stood the test of time. Go online and find a multiplication chart that you can download and print. Sit down with your child and go through the multiplication chart, filling in each individual box together. Hang the completed chart up in a place where your child will see it regularly (e.g. the refrigerator door, next to the family computer, or their bedroom door.) Set a regular time for you and your child to sit down and have a casual run through a particular set of multiplications a few times a week. Just keep in mind that the more they see and practice their multiplications, the more likely a child can learn them.

Take One Step At A Time

Teaching multiplication should be like building a house. You need to start with the foundation first, so teach your child the simplest multiplications first and save the harder ones for the end. The two times table is an excellent starting point as they’re pretty straightforward and just involve doubling each number. 10s are simple, too, as they just involve moving the number one place value to the left. Once your child has mastered the basics, their newfound sense of confidence can help them conquer the more complex tables.

Teach Some Multiplication Strategies

One of the great things about mathematics is that it can be full of strategies to help children learn. Some examples of strategies include:

x 0 – always equals zero (6 x 0 = 0) or (100 x 0 = 0)
x 1 – equals that number (1 x 8 = 8) or (9 x 1 = 9)
x 2 – double that number (2 x 4 = 8) or (10 x 2 = 20)
x 3 – double and one more group (3 x 2 = 6) or (3 x 11 = 33)
x 4 – double, double (4 x 2 = 8) or (4 x 20 = 80)
x 5 – count by fives (5 x 10 = 50) or (5 x 8 = 40)

These strategies can be fun, but it is important to encourage your children to understand why these techniques work and the mathematical reasoning behind them.

Check Their Fluency!

Once your child seems to be getting the hang of their multiplication, it’s time to put them to check their fluency. Choose times when there’s nothing else going on and no distractions. This can include walking them to school or while you’re waiting for a bus. Try to make the questions fun and entertaining and normalize these check-ins by allocating a specific time of the week they will happen rather than springing it on them randomly. These quizzes should not be too stressful and should be aimed at building your child’s confidence by praising what they have learned and how far they have come.

Enroll Your Child In Dropkick Math

If your child is struggling with their multiplication or other foundational math skills, Dropkick Math can help. Our custom-tailored programs are specifically created for students, helping them gain confidence in the building blocks of mathematics and develop conceptual understanding. We create a fun and dynamic educational environment through engaging games and interactive learning tools. Our Waterloo math services help children in the area and throughout Ontario. All of our programs are taught online to be accessible to any child anywhere. 

Get your child started today with our FREE assessment!

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Ways To Support Math Learning At Home

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!