Categories
Learn Math

Why We Start With An Assessment

It is absolutely understandable as a parent that you might wonder why our math help services start with a comprehensive, detailed assessment. Your child’s journey towards better comprehension in mathematics should always start with a clear understanding of where they are at present and where they want to go. At Dropkick Math Academy, this mandatory first step is to make sure we’re on the right path together. 

We know that not all children learn at the same pace, and this is why it is imperative that we understand where your child may be experiencing gaps in their learning. Our Ontario-certified teachers are trained to not only teach but also to understand each child’s learning patterns, strengths, and areas that need improvement. All this essential information is mined from the initial assessment, painting a comprehensive picture of your child’s academic situation. 

The primary goal of an assessment is not to measure but to understand. It is the intersection where teaching meets learning. And that is why we start with an assessment – it’s not about testing your child but understanding them. Let’s delve into why the initial assessment at Dropkick Math Academy is so crucial: 

  • It helps us assign the appropriate tutor: The assessment helps us match your child with a teacher who’s best suited to their learning style and needs.
  • It helps us place children in the appropriate program: The results of the assessment allow us to understand which program is the right fit. 
  • It provides a starting point: By knowing where your child is, we can set realistic goals, plan the way forward, and measure progress.

So, while an initial assessment might seem daunting, it is, in fact, a stepping stone to a journey of exploration, understanding, and mastery in mathematics. We encourage every child to embrace it with an open mind, seeing it not as a challenge, but as a starting line from which they can sprint forward into a world of numbers, equations, and solutions. Let’s get started together.

The Importance Of Starting With An Assessment

At Dropkick Math Academy, we firmly believe that every child comes with a unique set of learning abilities, skills, and knowledge levels. Nothing exemplifies this more clearly than in the subject of math—it’s a universe that each child navigates differently. Therefore, to help them traverse this complex cosmos and excel, we start them with our FREE assessment. 

But, you might wonder, why do we emphasize on starting with an assessment? Here’s why. 

Identifying Individual Learning Needs with an Assessment 

The key to effective tutoring lies in the ability to customize the learning plan to fill specific gaps in a child’s understanding and extend their knowledge. But no need to worry, at Dropkick Math Academy, we do not throw your child in the deep end of mathematical equations and theorems. Instead, we use a thorough assessment to identify these gaps and understand their current level of proficiency. 

A good teacher never makes assumptions but instead builds on evidence-based knowledge

As such, beginning with an assessment equips our tutors with the right insights to develop the best-suited tutoring plan for your child. 

A Curriculum Tailored to Your Child’s Needs 

Once we have a clear snapshot of a child’s academic situation from the assessment, we then have the ability to place them in a program specifically for their needs. By creating a personalized roadmap for progress, our certified Ontario teachers are better positioned to help your child master fundamental skills, grasp new concepts and become comfortable with solving complex problems.  We currently offer 8 different programs and are consistently adding new curriculum. 

Building Confidence and Comfort from the Ground Up 

Learning starts with comfort and confidence. We understand that math can sometimes appear like an intimidating subject for some. Our detailed assessment goes a long way in alleviating any initial anxieties. It helps us understand not just the math skills, but also the child’s approach towards problem-solving, learning style, and emotional reactions to math problems. By addressing these aspects from the get-go, we foster a positive and comfortable learning environment which further enhances learning efficiency. This process can help alleviate any math anxiety your child may be experiencing. 

Understanding Your Child’s Academic Needs

Our aim isn’t just to be another tutoring program. We believe that the first step to helping your child succeed in math, or any subject for that matter, is to understand their academic needs thoroughly. That’s why we have put a hefty emphasis on initial assessments. 

An initial assessment provides us with a detailed perspective of your child’s current academic competence. Instead of jumping into tutoring, we first aim to comprehend where your child currently stands academically. This thorough understanding informs us about areas that need more emphasis, topics that your child might already excel in, and how we can best build a customized learning plan to cater to their specific needs. 

For instance, it is because of these assessments that we can recognise if your child is grappling with a particular concept, say fractions, but is extraordinary when dealing with equations. Having this knowledge at our fingertips will allow us to develop a plan that reinforces abilities in fractions, maintaining their strengths in equations and instigating a positive growth effort on their overall mathematics relationship. 

Our certified Ontario teachers are skilled at not only conducting these assessments but also interpreting the results in a way that provides true insight into your child’s academic situation. Besides, they ensure the comfort of your child throughout the process, creating an environment conducive to open communication and true reflection of their abilities. 

We want to make sure that we are not just addressing your child’s academic needs for now but setting them up for success in the long run. So, let us help you understand your child’s needs and actualize their academic potential. Together, let’s make learning an empowering journey for your child, starting with knowing where they are right now and where they want to be. At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe in paving the way for a brighter, more knowledgeable tomorrow for your child.

Certified Ontario Teachers: The Difference They Make

In our commitment to providing personalized, high-quality education, we are more than just an online math tutor using an assessment to place children in programs. Dropkick Math Academy exclusively employs certified Ontario teachers. This discerning choice substantially impacts the quality of education your child receives, coupled with the familiarity it affords our educators with the provincial curriculum. 

What difference do certified Ontario teachers make? 

  1. Curriculum Expertise: Certified Ontario teachers have undergone rigorous training and examination in the Ontario school curriculum. This intimate knowledge allows them to identify where a student’s understanding diverges from curriculum expectations, thus making a targeted intervention possible. The teachers know the curriculum standards and can teach towards your child meeting and exceeding those standards.
  2. Proven Pedagogical Skills: A certified Ontario teacher has a toolbox of effective teaching strategies, honed through years of training and in-class experience. They can translate complex mathematical concepts into understandable terms, adjust teaching methods based on a child’s learning style, and effectively manage time to ensure comprehensive coverage of topics. This versatility enhances your child’s ability to grasp mathematical concepts in a way that makes sense.
  3. Continuous Professional Development: Ontario teachers are required to partake in ongoing professional learning. This means they are always on the cutting edge of educational practices, strengthening their teaching abilities and staying updated on changes in curriculum or teaching methods.

This high standard of quality in our educators provides parents with peace of mind that Dropkick Math Academy students are being taught by professionals in tune with Ontario’s education system. Our certified teachers give your child the added benefit of experience and expertise to ensure they excel not just at the academy, but also in their regular school environment. 

Beyond their knowledge and experience, our tutors offer your child an empathetic, encouraging environment. They continually build and nurture a learning space where questions are welcomed, difficult topics are tackled with tenacity, and successes are celebrated. In this caring environment, children grow in skill and confidence, overcoming mathematical challenges with ease and enjoyment. 

In conclusion, our quest at Dropkick Math Academy is to understand the distinctive academic needs of each child and tailor our tutoring programs to meet those requirements. Using methods that adhere to Ontario’s high educational standards, our team of certified teachers aim to transform children’s perception of math from intimidating to intriguing. 

A Beneficial Tool

Assessments are not about judging your child. Instead, they are a beneficial tool that enables us to identify and navigate through any challenges your child may be facing. But how does our FREE assessment work? Simply click this link to and sign up. You will receive an email with your exclusive invitation to start the assessment when it is convenient for your child. 

The assessment is game-based and takes your child on a fun and engaging adventure where they answer specific questions to test their level of understanding. There are no calculators allowed and we ask that there is no help from parents or guardians. We need to understand where children may be missing some gaps in their education. 

Once your child has completed the assessment, a member from the Dropkick Math Academy team will look over the scores and email you with the appropriate program for your child. 

We believe in the potential of every child that crosses our threshold. That is why we take initial assessments seriously, to ensure that we are commencing their educational journey on a note of comprehension and awareness. Our commitment extends beyond just academic prosperity, to nurturing a climate of growth, curiosity and ambition. 

Get started with our FREE assessment today and start your child on their academic journey that will set them up for a bright future.

Categories
Learn Math Math Programs Math Tutoring

How To Have Deeper Conversations With Children About Math

Do you struggle to have meaningful conversations with your children about math? Of course, we want our kids to understand and remember their math lessons, but that’s not the only goal. Communicating honestly and openly during conversations about complex topics like mathematics can help create deeper connections between parents and children while building self-confidence and problem-solving skills. 

Today, we’ll explore some simple tips for cultivating a dialogue around mathematical learning that both adults and children can benefit from. We want children to think “math is fun” and want to be eager to learn. With proper conversations, you can help your child become more interested in mathematics and willing to engage more at school. 

Listen

When talking to your child about math, giving them a chance to be heard is important. Listening to what they have to say shows that you value their ideas and can lead to fruitful conversations that promote interest in the subject. Taking the time to actively listen to your child during these conversations can also help strengthen your relationship with them, creating a safe space where they feel comfortable discussing any topic. 

Remember, math can be tricky and potentially intimidating for some children, but by actively engaging with them and showing that you are listening attentively, you can help ease any anxieties they may have and develop a shared interest in the subject.

Don’t Interrupt

When it comes to having conversations with our children about math, it’s important to remember not to interrupt them if they pause. As parents, we tend to assume that any moments of silence during a conversation mean our child is struggling to express themselves. However, it’s important to remember that pauses are a natural part of communication and that children often need extra time to gather their thoughts. 

We can help our children feel more comfortable expressing themselves and building their confidence in math by waiting patiently. So, the next time your child needs a moment to think during a math conversation, try to resist the urge to interrupt and wait patiently for them to continue speaking when they are ready.

Ask For Their Reasoning

As parents and educators, our goal is to support our children’s learning in any way we can. When it comes to math, it may be tempting to simply give an answer or explain a formula to a child who is struggling with a question. However, taking the time to truly understand our child’s point of view can make all the difference. 

By asking questions such as, “Can you tell me more?” or “How would you explain it to someone else?”, we can encourage our children to articulate their thought process and gain a deeper understanding of the math concept at hand. Focusing on our child’s perspective helps them improve their math skills and fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in the long run.

Fostering A Math Relationship

By engaging in deeper conversations with your child about math, you are proving to them that you care about their ideas and helping to boost their confidence. Math can often be seen as a dry and technical subject, lacking the excitement and creativity that many children seek in their studies. However, by initiating meaningful conversations about math with your child, you can help show them that math is filled with opportunities for exploration, experimentation, and problem-solving. 

By breaking down complex concepts into understandable language, you can develop a shared understanding of the subject and enable your child to develop the skills they need to succeed in this challenging field.

Positive Math Talk

When speaking with your child, it is essential to keep the conversation positive to counteract any negative feelings children may hold towards mathematics. Positive math talk is a teaching approach that aims to change students’ attitudes toward mathematics and problem-solving through the use of positive language. It encourages students to develop a growth mindset and have a willingness to try new things. 

When teachers use positive math talk in the classroom, it creates a comfortable and encouraging learning environment that students feel comfortable to engage in. Rather than focusing on the negativity and pressure associated with math, this teaching approach motivates children to approach problem-solving with enthusiasm and optimism. This method has been shown to increase student’s confidence in math and improve their overall performance.

Talking About Math

At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe that talking about math can help children better understand complex concepts. By engaging in conversation about math, our tutors can help build a child’s confidence and spark curiosity to help them thrive in future studies. 

In our programs, we don’t simply show children how to solve problems, we discuss the ways the answer could be achieved. We also try to use examples of how math is used in everyday life and even include financial literacy in some programs. By conversing with children about math and teaching them how it is part of everyday life, we can help them become more engaged in their studies. 

If your child is struggling with math, speaking with them about it is an excellent place to start. A deep conversation can help them understand that you are there to listen and help them. It can also give you a good idea of where their misunderstandings of math may be. 

If your child appears to have a gap in learning, a math tutor may be the answer. At Dropkick Math Academy, we focus on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, proportional reasoning, and algebraic reasoning). This can help children better understand the root of math instead of simply teaching them how to get through the math question they may be stuck on at that moment in time. Our unique curriculum will equip children to handle future math concepts. 

So, if you are looking for a math tutor that goes the extra mile, don’t just hit Google and search for ‘grade 4 math help.’ Contact Dropkick Math Academy. Our group of certified Ontario teachers can help your child overcome their fear of math and set them up for continued success!

Get started by learning more about our programs today. 

Categories
Learn Math Math Programs Math Tutoring

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

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

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

Has Math Changed?

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

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

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

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

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

Finding Multiple Ways To A Solution

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

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

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

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

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

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

Asking Questions

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

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

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

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

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

An Education Grounded In STEM

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

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

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

How You Can Help Your Child

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

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

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

Focusing On Relationships

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

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

Get started today by learning more about our programs.

Categories
Operational Sense

How Dropkick Math Helps Children With Operational Sense

Are you a parent whose child is struggling with developing the basic mental math skills needed to solve everyday problems? Does your child struggle with simple addition and subtraction questions? If so, Dropkick Math tutoring company could be the answer to your prayers. 

Our cleverly designed online math help offers an innovative approach to helping children build operational sense – leading them on a rewarding journey from hating math homework to actually enjoying it! Keep reading to learn how Dropkick Math can help your little ones become amazing mathematicians.

The Importance of Mathematical Operations

As adults, we all know the importance of mathematical operations and how mastering them can open up a world of possibilities for learning more complex concepts. But if you’ve ever watched a child learn math, then you also know that having operational sense is key to understanding the workings behind basic algebraic equations and formulae. 

The challenge is helping kids grasp this key concept without getting too frustrated or bored in the process – but don’t worry, Dropkick Math has your back! Keep reading to find out how this innovative program makes teaching operational sense easier and fun for both students and parents alike.

What Is Operational Sense?

Operational sense is when children can make sense of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division and use them in problem-solving situations. Children need operational sense to help them understand more complex math expressions later on. As they enter the primary grades, operational sense is one of the most important tools they can have in their mathematical toolbelt. 

With operational sense, children can use various counting strategies, combining and partitioning numbers both mentally and on paper to understand the basics of addition and subtraction. Mathematical fluency becomes almost second nature as this operational sense deepens with practice. Parents should try teaching these concepts through play-based learning early on at home as it can help their child easily acquire such skills.

Programs Focusing On Operational Sense

At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe in using fun and engaging games to teach children operational sense. By understanding part-whole relationships, children can begin to use operations and perform calculations. So, we use carefully designed games to help children understand these relationships. 

One of our most popular programs that can help children improve their operational sense is Operations, Decimals and Space. This module takes place on the distant planet of Eldamore in a galaxy far far away. 

About Operations, Decimals and Space:

Earth has become overpopulated, and humans have looked to distant neighbouring planets to help create more space. In order to safely colonize the planet, we need your child’s help to regulate the gravitational field by gaining satellite control of the moons of Eldamore.

The alien Cipher (also the name for decimal) wants control of Eldamore so it can use the planet to make a doomsday device and destroy not only our new found planet, but possibly most of the galaxy.

Students must work on learning and improving their understanding of decimals and use teamwork to defend Eldamore and gain control of the six moons. By working with decimals, students can help battle Cipher and the alien horde so that the people of our earth have a safe place to go.

Students will practice their math operations throughout this battle, including adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. By providing support in learning the building blocks of mathematics and engaging in a fun and interactive learning environment, your child will begin to thrive. 

How To Know If Your Child Has Operational Sense

When children can fluently and flexibly work with computational strategies, they are demonstrating operational sense. Other characteristics that may indicate a grasp on operational sense include:

  • Using algorithms and strategies that make sense to them
  • Understanding the relationships between the operations
  • Developing a range of strategies and algorithms, including those of their own making
  • Determining an appropriate method of computation for the context and numbers involved in the problem

Math skills and confidence often go hand-in-hand. For many students, mastering math concepts can boost their confidence level. Likewise, students who are confident in their math skills often find that they excel in the subject. This is why many parents choose to enroll their children in Dropkick Math. The goal is to give kids a strong foundation in math so they can confidently approach the subject. 

How Dropkick Math Tutoring Company Can Help

If your child has shown signs of struggling with math, they may be missing part of the vital foundation of mathematics. At Dropkick Math Academy, we include the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, and proportional reasoning) in our online math help. This helps to ensure students have the understanding they need to progress through higher grades in math. By having the basic fundamentals of math, students will continue to thrive throughout their education. 

A Gap In Learning

We understand that the pandemic caused a gap in learning for many children, which has caused them to fall behind. Our programs were developed with this gap in education in mind which is why we use research-based techniques and strategies designed to complement classroom instruction to facilitate students reaching their highest potential in mastering mathematics. 

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 for both parents and children, through engaging games and interactive learning tools.  

We are a tutoring company that addresses deficiencies while correcting any underlying misconceptions about mathematics. This will give a child the best foundation possible to ensure their success in mathematics for years to come! Check out our programs today and learn how your child can thrive in math. 

Categories
Number Sense

How To Know If Your Child Has Number Sense

Knowing if your child has number sense is something every parent/guardian should be concerned about. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs that indicate good number sense. We will also look at how math tutoring can help those with a gap in learning. 

A Daunting Concept

We all want our children to grow up well-rounded and equipped with knowledge, but some skills seem more elusive than others. This can be especially true when it comes to math; while you may know the basics of teaching addition and subtraction, do you really understand how your child is grasping the concepts of number sense? 

As daunting as the concept might be, understanding number sense is an essential part of setting your child up for academic success – so let’s take a look at what it means to have number sense and how we can help our kids develop it!

What Is Number Sense?

Have you ever encountered situations where your children are solving math problems in their heads, and the answer just seems to pop right out? If so, then it’s likely that they have what is known as number sense – a concept which has become increasingly important for parents to recognize.

Plain and simple, number sense is a person’s ability to understand, relate, and connect numbers. It is the sense of what numbers mean. It is an important skill for mathematical learning and competent number problem-solving. It includes the ability to understand number relationships, magnitude, and number representation. Number sense is a building block for later number skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

How To Tell?

At this point, you may be asking yourself, how do I know if my child has number sense? First, children with trouble with number sense often show signs at an early age. These children will typically tend to struggle with basic operations such as addition and subtraction. They may also exhibit trouble with everyday tasks such as handling money, judging time and measuring quantities. 

As children get older and start learning more complex mathematical concepts and principles, they will be likely to say they “don’t get it,” or that it “doesn’t make sense.” If this sounds familiar, then your child may be missing number sense. 

If this problem continues, a child can increasingly feel lost as they move up through the school grades. Year after year, the gap in learning will grow between what they are being taught and what they truly understand. When older children lack number sense, they need to work harder and longer than they should have to solve math problems. This is a significant reason why so many children may need math tutoring.  

How Can I Teach My Child Number Sense?

If your child has a learning gap and is missing number sense, you are most likely wondering how you can help. There are many things that parents/guardians can do to help their children

According to research, number sense can be developed by providing meaningful activities that allow children to explore number concepts in different engaging ways. At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe that the development of number sense depends on fostering active engagement in number experiences from an early age that promotes the ability to think flexibly about numbers in various contexts.

Teaching number sense to a child involves presenting numbers in a way the child can understand, providing opportunities for number exploration, and guiding their discovery of number relationships. With guided instruction, children can connect number symbols with quantity, associate numbers with specific patterns, recognize numerical sequences and work on basic number problems. 

Fun activities like counting objects out loud or matching numerals to daily activities help children learn number sense quickly. Math manipulatives can be a great tool to help children learn about number sense. 

Engaging with stories about counting or singing number songs can also be inexpensive and entertaining ways to teach number sense to a child. With patience, dedication and encouragement from parents or teachers, any child can develop their number sense faster.

Getting Help From A Professional

In addition to learning at home, many children will need extra help from a professional. At Dropkick Math Academy, we use certified Ontario teachers to ensure our students receive the best quality of math tutoring available. Our certified teachers understand how to teach children at every level and can provide customized strategies tailored to every student’s needs. 

Our tutors are dedicated employees with a proven track record of success in the education field and strive for excellence in all aspects of tutoring – from advising students on the techniques needed to understand complex math problems to helping them understand and reshape their approach to problem-solving. Our certified Ontario teachers are the glue that binds our program together!

Getting The Help They Need

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, so it is imperative that children get the help they need before it becomes a bigger problem. 

At Dropkick Math Academy, our programs focus on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, proportional reasoning, algebraic reasoning), which help to ensure a child’s knowledge of mathematics starts at the root. 

Click to learn more about our programs and how we can help get your child back on track while boosting their confidence in math!

Categories
Action Plan For Students

New Funding Available From The Ontario Government

Are you a resident in Ontario? If so, did you know that you can apply for direct Catch Up payments to help pay for student learning support? These payments can range from $200 to $250 and are meant to fill gaps that may have emerged from the disruption of education due to COVID‑19. 

This is an important program that Ontario has specially developed for its residents, and it can provide invaluable support to those struggling with their educational needs. Altogether, this is a great opportunity to take advantage of if you’re an Ontario resident. The Ontario government wants its citizens to succeed and is providing these Catch Up payments as a way to do just that! And the best part – it can be used towards math help services such as Dropkick Math Academy!

Using The Ontario Catch-Up Payments

Ontario Catch Up payments are a great way to get the tutoring your child needs without breaking the bank. If you have been worried that your budget won’t cover costs, these Ontario-regulated payments can help lower fees and make tutoring more achievable. 

It’s an ideal solution for families needing assistance in math but who don’t want to spend too much money. With Ontario Catch Up payments, you can put worries about budget aside and focus on finding the right tutor, so your child gets the help they need at school.

Who Is Eligible?

Ontario families with students aged 18 and under enrolled in school are encouraged to take advantage of the recently announced catch-up payment. This payment provides financial support to Ontario households affected by COVID-19, allowing them to get back on their feet. Additionally, Ontario residents with children between 18 and 21 with special needs may also be eligible for this payment program. If you think you qualify for the Catch Up payments, please visit Ontario’s website for more details and eligibility criteria.

But don’t wait! The deadline to apply is March 31, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

How To Apply?

The Ontario government has made applying for the Catch Up payments easy. Simply visit their website and sign up through their secure website. You will need to create a profile to check the status of your application. Only one parent/guardian is eligible to apply and receive payment, and you must submit a separate application for each student 

For more information about applying for the Catch Up payments, visit the Ontario government FAQ page

Why Use Payment Towards Dropkick Math Academy?

We understand that you can hire any math tutor for your child. However, Dropkick Math Academy provides more than simple math tutoring—we provide an in-depth educational resource with professional and certified Ontario teachers who are passionate about helping your child understand the core concepts of mathematics. 

Dropkick Math is more than just an online math tutor. We are dedicated to making sure that each student has a custom-tailored approach that celebrates their unique talents and builds upon them so they can gain valuable knowledge for years to come. Academic success isn’t just about getting the right answers, it’s understanding why those answers are correct. Dropkick Math Academy ensures that your child understands how to get the answer and why it is correct every step of the way.

Game-Based Learning

Dropkick Math Academy has taken the educational approach to learning one step further. Instead of traditional instruction, Dropkick Math Academy incorporates game-based learning into its curriculum. Research shows that this hands-on approach is beneficial for children as they are more engaged and learn more when playing games. 

Dropkick Math Academy makes use of this research and enables children to have fun while they learn. This has translated into better performance in math and greater engagement during classes, making Dropkick Math Academy an ideal choice for any student wanting to improve their skills and learn math operations in a more enjoyable way.

At Dropkick Math, we prioritize that our games be tested and adjusted during creation to guarantee their effectiveness as learning tools. The courses are carefully designed with the most up-to-date educational approaches, thereby providing students with an optimal learning experience. Moreover, game elements can be quickly changed whenever new information becomes available or if the educational approaches need to be adjusted. This allows us to stay up to date and provide our students with the best resources for their success.

Recovering From The Pandemic

As the pandemic shifts to our rear mirror, research into the pandemic’s effect on our children’s education is just beginning to roll in. Of all the subjects that children have been impacted by, math has taken one of the hardest hits. With public school districts across the globe having little to no time to prepare for the massive shift in learning and teaching styles, many students fell behind in their math studies. 

Now our focus needs to be shifted towards bridging that gap of learning and bringing our students back up to speed. The pandemic has had a major effect on our children’s education, but its effects do not have to be lasting if we take action now.

As one of the fastest-growing programs in Ontario aimed at addressing the education gap experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dropkick Math addresses deficiencies while correcting any underlying misconceptions about mathematics. Owned and operated by Ontario teachers, Dropkick math is committed to students’ success in achieving competency in mathematics. 

Our programs allow students to learn foundational math skills and fill in any misunderstandings in mathematics while enabling them to discover new ways of learning while focusing on the four pillars of mathematics (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning and proportional reasoning). Through proven strategies and manipulatives combined with an accelerated learning approach, we help students master math operations while boosting their confidence. 

Free Programs

At Dropkick Math, we proudly offer our math tutoring services as part of the Learning Action Recovery Plan. We have partnered with school boards throughout the province and are able to offer some students FREE programs. These programs are funded by the Ontario government and offer students math help services by certified Ontario teachers. 

Visit our page today to see if your child is eligible for funded programs. If your child is not registered in one of the school boards we currently partner with, the Ontario Catch Up funding is another great way to get started with our programs. 

Learn more about our programs and register your child for math tutoring today!

Categories
Math Programs

Does Dropkick Math Academy Reward Its Students?

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

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

Our Programs

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

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

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

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

Game-Based Learning

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

The Rewards

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Math Playground

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

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

By focusing on the four pillars of math, our fun and engaging programs can help your child understand math fundamentals. By the end of the program, your child will be able to persevere through challenging math concepts, ask questions for clarification, and learn from valuable mistakes. We work with your child and yourself to understand the underlying problems rather than just focusing on helping them through the material they are learning at school.

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

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

Categories
Learn Math

How To Reflect And Grow Into The Next Year

As the new school year begins, many parents are considering how their child can reflect on the past year and grow into the next one. It can be helpful for students to take some time to reflect on their previous year of schooling before diving into a new one. This reflection can take many forms, from writing in a journal to discussing with classmates and teachers. By taking time to reflect on the past year, students can identify their strengths and areas for improvement. 

Students can start the new year with a clear purpose and direction by thinking about what they want to achieve. This self-awareness is essential for growth and development. Additionally, reflecting on the past year can help students set goals for the new school year. For example, a student may wish to take more time to focus on math in the upcoming months, setting their goals on some new math learning techniques

Creating A Plan

Ultimately, reflecting on the past year is an excellent way for students to prepare for the new one. While some of this reflection should be done at the end of the school year, doing some self-evaluations at the beginning of the school year can help your child get clarity and reveal opportunities they may not have thought of during the summer months. By understanding their goals for the upcoming year, students can capitalize on their strengths and create a plan for filling any gaps. It can also give insight into how much they have grown during the last school year, giving them confidence once they realize how they have thrived in their educational journey

Summer Brain

As a parent, this time of year, it can become frustrating when you ask your child to reflect on the previous year. They are most likely to still have “summer brain,” making it difficult to place and plan effectively. But by helping them stay focused and building on what they learned last year, they may start to open up and discuss how they want to grow into the coming year. 

Start by asking your child simple questions about their favourite subjects and activities that they experienced last year. Remind them of any field trips they took to get them thinking about the fun they had over the past year. You can also ask them about their favourite teachers and what made them stand out among the others. These types of questions can help to start the conversation and enable a child to remember back to the past year. 

Work Through Disappointment

As your child reflects on their past year, they may encounter some disappointments, such as missing out on a field trip or getting a lower grade than expected. Try to reassure them that having an unfinished list is not a failure but an opportunity to work through their feelings of disappointment. Teaching your child how to work through these disappointments can be an essential life skill. 

Children must understand that plans change, everyone processes information differently, and things don’t always go smoothly. Reflecting on these instances over the past year can offer a great life lesson for the years ahead. 

Celebrate Thriving

Just as your child needs to work through their disappointments, they also need to celebrate when they thrived over the past year. They can boost their confidence by marking their achievements and look forward to learning more this coming year. Children often need to be reminded when they have taken that extra step and grown in their learning. Showing them how far they have come can give them the boost they need to look forward to everything new they will be learning next year. 

Encourage your child to keep records of their learning experience. Keeping a journal is a great way to track their progress and help them reflect on all their accomplishments when it comes time. 

Helping Your Child Grow

If your child has expressed an area of struggle from the previous year, it is vital to take steps to help them grow this year. Due to the pandemic, many students are falling behind in mathematics, so your child may express disappointment in their grades, or they may give up on their learning. If you have noticed a change in your child’s attitude towards math, they may suffer from math anxiety caused by a loss of learning from classroom disruptions. 

To help ensure your child is on track, we offer an assessment upon registration to determine any gaps in understanding. If it seems like a child is experiencing gaps in learning, we can recommend a program that will target the missing knowledge. 

Our programs offer engaging games focusing on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, proportional reasoning, and algebraic reasoning). We want your child to leave our programs saying, “math is fun!” and want to continue learning more advanced math operations. 

Learn more about Dropkick Math and how our programs can help your child excel in mathematics today!

Categories
Learn Math Math During Pandemic

How The Pandemic Caused The Worst Education Crisis In History

It’s been a few years since the pandemic hit, and we are starting to see its effects on education. Schools were closed, children were out of school for extended periods of time, and virtual learning was introduced. This was all done in an effort to keep children safe from the virus. But what about the long-term effects? Are our children worse off now than they were before? In this blog post, we will talk about the worst education crisis in history.

Research is now starting to come forth concerning education and how the pandemic influenced our children. Some parents were happy to keep their children home from school, while others wanted them back in class. No matter what side of the argument you were on, all parents wanted the same thing – for their children to keep up with schooling and not fall behind. To try and keep up with their education, some parents turned to online math help or searched for a tutoring company. 

The Research 

While some educational interventions were able to help keep children on track in the interim, the overall effect of the pandemic is now being recorded as researchers conduct studies. So far, studies are showing that the coronavirus pandemic has caused alarmingly high learning losses in math and reading. This loss of education has been felt worldwide and is now reported as the worst education crisis ever recorded. 

One of the largest studies done to date on the effects of the covid pandemic on school children around the world was conducted by Unicef, UNESCO and The World Bank. The results were published in a new report and attributed school closures as one of the most significant factors in disrupting children’s education across the board from low-income to high-income countries. 

The report found that schools were forced to close quickly and adapt the curriculum to an online learning environment, often leaving teachers without the proper resources or training. Despite the best efforts by schools, the report found that “the deployment, uptake, and effectiveness of such programs has varied greatly, and in most countries, offered an inadequate substitute for in-person learning.” 

In Canadian studies, researchers have found that students who switched between remote and in-person learning had a tumultuous education experience amid COVID-19. Many education advocates are now highlighting the loss in education as a longer-term concern that will persist even after COVID-19 wanes.

Children Who Are Already Struggling

Researchers have noted that these disruptions in education have affected students who were already struggling before the pandemic hit even more than others. This means that for students who were already working through challenges at school, the pandemic made it even more difficult to have an enriching educational experience. 

Even without a pandemic, teachers look for students struggling with learning losses and find ways to work with the child toward eliminating the gap. For some students, this means summer school or after-school tutoring. However, with an added loss of education from the pandemic, the worry is that there is just not enough time or resources for these students to catch up to their peers. 

While Canada has yet to release any official information regarding education loss caused by the pandemic, other countries have the metrics to prove that children have fallen behind where they should be. It has also yet to be determined how this will affect them long-term. Although this is disturbing news, parents need to discuss the loss of education away from their children. Students have been through a lot in the past couple of years, and anxiety may already be high. If they believe they may be at risk of falling behind, it can add extra stress and cause them even more pressure. Just remember that almost every family is in the same boat, and the government is stepping in to help make a difference.  

Ontario’s Learning Action Recovery Plan

As schools scramble to find ways to support learning recovery and work on a further plan to target learning loss head-on, many provinces throughout Canada are offering additional funding to support reading and math for all students. For example, in Ontario, this comes in the form of Ontario’s Learning Recovery Action Plan for Students, which has been designed to help students who have been struggling in school catch up and get back on track. 

As research shows, the pandemic has caused the worst education crisis in history, the question becomes how we fix it and help our children catch up without overwhelming them. Many educators are calling for protecting and increasing investments into education, saying it should be the first among priorities to get the children the help they need. 

FREE Tutoring Services

At Dropkick Math Academy, we couldn’t agree more, which is why we have partnered with various school boards to offer FREE tutoring to students who may be struggling with mathematics. The funding from the provincial government provides opportunities for small group tutoring services offered outside of school hours and on weekends. 

As one of the fastest-growing programs in Ontario aimed at addressing the education gap experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dropkick Math addresses deficiencies while correcting any underlying misconceptions about mathematics. Owned and operated by Ontario teachers, Dropkick math is committed to students’ success in achieving competency in mathematics. 

Our programs allow students to learn foundational math skills and fill in any misunderstandings in mathematics while enabling them to discover new ways of learning while focusing on the four pillars of mathematics (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning and proportional reasoning). Through proven strategies and manipulatives combined with an accelerated learning approach, we help students master math operations while boosting their confidence. 

If you feel your child may have fallen behind because of the pandemic, our programs can help! Learn more about our math tutoring services and how we can help boost your child’s confidence in math.

Categories
Learn Math

Understanding Fact Families

Many parents remember learning about fact families when they were in first grade. But let’s face it, for many of us, that was long ago! So, for those who don’t remember, fact families establish the relationship between numbers and aid in understanding the logic behind addition and subtraction. 

While fact families are typically introduced in the early years, they are important throughout schooling. By understanding fact families, students can see that there is more than one way to solve a problem and they will use this knowledge as they encounter more complex math operations. However, if an older child has any misunderstandings about fact families, it may hinder their math advancement. So, going back and revisiting fact families may be advantageous. 

Fact Families and Addition & Subtraction Facts

One of the reasons fact families are so important is because they help children learn their addition and subtraction facts. When children first learn these facts, it can be difficult to keep track of all the combinations. However, by grouping them into fact families, children can more easily see the relationships between the different facts. 

A fact family is made up of three numbers and can be made up of at least four math facts. For example, if a child knows that 3 + 4 = 7 then they can also deduce that 4 + 3 = 7 and 7 – 4 = 3 and 7 – 3 = 4. 

You can see that each number bond fact is related to two other facts in the family. In other words, they share two of the same numbers. 

Subtraction can be especially difficult for some students than addition, but fact families can often help. Overall, fact families can be a helpful way for children to remember their facts, especially in the early stages of learning them.

Fact Families and Multiplication & Division Facts

In addition to helping children learn addition and subtraction facts, fact families can also help with multiplication and division. This is because multiplication and division are actually just inverse operations of each other. In other words, if you know one multiplication fact from a fact family, you also know the corresponding division fact. 

For example, if you know that 3 x 4 = 12 then you also know that 12 / 3 = 4 and 4 x 3 = 12 and 12 / 4 = 3. So, by learning one multiplication or division fact from a fact family, a child actually learns three facts! As students see that they can use known facts to find unknown facts quickly, they will increase their fact fluency.

Flexible Thinking

Fact families help children learn to think flexibly about numbers because they see that there is more than one way to make a number using addition or subtraction (or multiplication and division). This is an important skill because it helps children understand that there are often different ways to solve problems. It also helps them learn that numbers can be decomposed and recomposed differently. 

When children understand how fact families work, they can use them to solve problems in different ways. For example, if a child knows that 6 + 4 = 10 then they can also work out that 4 + 6 = 10. So, if they are given the problem ‘find three numbers that add up to ten’ they could list 6 + 4 + 0, 5 + 5 + 0 or 4 + 3 + 3 as solutions, among others. Understanding Fact Families also helps children develop fluency in mental calculation because they can recall part of one fact family to help them solve another problem from the same family. 

Many math learning techniques can help children with mathematics, but combining fact families and mental math is an excellent way to help children succeed in their future. When children can use their knowledge of fact families and solve problems mentally, they are forced to think about the mathematical principles involved in the problem. This helps them to develop a deeper understanding of the concept

The Importance Of Fact Families

As you can see, there are many reasons why children need to learn about fact families. If your child is struggling with math, working on memorizing some of the basic addition and subtraction facts from different fact families could be a helpful way to help them improve their skills. Additionally, watching for opportunities to point out related multiplication and division facts will help your child make connections between different concepts which is beneficial for their overall understanding of mathematics.

How To Teach Your Child About Fact Families

Now that you understand more about fact families, it will be easier to help your child understand them. Math manipulatives are a great way to help children better understand fact families. Manipulatives are objects that can be moved or manipulated to help children learn. They come in various shapes and sizes and can be used to help explain everything from basic addition and subtraction to more complex concepts. 

Two-Sided Counters

Two-Sided Counters

Two-sided counters are easy to use and can help explain fact families to younger children. Start by setting out 8 of them. Flip over 3 of them so 3 are yellow and 5 are red. Then, ask your child how much that makes. Write the equation 3+5=8. Continue this with the subtraction equations and other numbers and equations. Ask your child what patterns they see, and help to recognize the fact family. 

At Dropkick Math, we understand the need for students to develop an understanding of fact families. Our math help services allow students to learn foundational math skills and fill in any misunderstandings in mathematics while enabling them to discover new ways of learning. Through proven strategies and manipulatives combined with an accelerated learning approach, we help students master math operations while boosting their confidence. 

We offer an alternative to traditional online math tutors, as all of our classes are taught by certified Ontario teachers who make learning fun. We focus on the root of any mathematical misunderstandings and work with children and their parents to boost confidence in math and understand relationships. 

Learn more about our programs today!