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Why Your Child Should Practice Mental Math

Why Your Child Should Practice Mental Math

As a parent, you want your child to excel in school. You may not realize it, but one of the best ways to help them improve their math grades is to encourage them to practice mental math. Mental math is simply solving math problems in their head without needing paper and a pencil. By using mental math practices, children can understand mathematics better. Here are three reasons why your child should practice mental math.

Greater Understanding

Many math learning techniques can help children with mathematics, but understanding how to do math mentally is one of the top practices to help children succeed in their future. When children can 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. 

For example, when adding two numbers mentally, children must understand that they are combining two groups of objects and that the answer will be the total number of objects in both groups. This understanding is critical for more complex concepts such as multiplication and division.

Become Better Problem-Solvers

Mental math requires children to find creative ways to solve problems. For example, when confronted with a difficult division problem, children may have to think of creative ways to break down the problem into smaller pieces that they can then solve mentally. 

By working through a problem mentally, children can see how the various parts of a problem fit together. This deep understanding will allow them to tackle more complicated problems in the future and will serve them well in all areas of their lives, not just mathematics.

Improve Memory And Concentration

Mental math requires children to remember mathematical principles and formulas while also concentrating on the problem at hand. This focus and concentration will help them remember information better and improve their ability to concentrate on tasks for extended periods of time. All of these skills are important not just for school but for life in general. 

The Research Behind Mental Math

Mental math has been recognized through various studies as a way to help children get a better understanding of mathematics. One such study was published in the journal Cogent Education which analyzed 118 students in grade 5, exploring how mental computation and mathematical reasoning affect each other.

Researchers found a significant positive correlation between mental computation and mathematical reasoning. It was noted that rather than exposing students to familiar math problems, students need to be encouraged to do mental computing on non-routine problems in order to develop their skills. 

Another interesting study from Duke University looked at mental math from a health perspective. All participants in the study had brain scans done after performing mental math. It was found that mental math engages the brain’s prefrontal cortex which has been linked to better emotional health. 

Practicing Mental Math

Practicing mental math with your child is an easy and effective way of learning. When a child is taught rounding, estimating and fact fluency, as well as having them remember and reproduce steps and solutions, they are performing mental math. So, you may already be practicing mental math with your child and not even realize it!

If you are having trouble getting your child motivated to practice mental math, the key may be to make it fun. For example, math problems based on real-life situations can engage students by providing clear, tangible ways to apply knowledge. 

A great way to involve your child and use their mental math skills is by taking them to the grocery store. There are multiple ways they can test their mental math skills by calculating discounts on products, estimating the weight of fruits and vegetables, and even calculating how much meat it will take to feed the family dinner. Not only will your child find the lesson more interesting, but they will understand why it is worth knowing. 

A Valuable Skill

Mental math is a valuable skill that all children should learn. It has been proven to help children better understand mathematical concepts, become better problem-solvers, and improve memory and concentration skills. So encourage your child to put away the calculator and start practicing mental math today!

Mental Math At Dropkick Math Academy

At Dropkick Math, we are an alternative to an online math tutor as we don’t just address the child’s issues at the time. Our certified Ontario teachers get to the root of the misunderstanding and help fill in any educational gaps a child may be experiencing. Part of our curriculum identifies the importance of practicing mental math, and our teachers encourage their students to use mental math skills.

Our programs offer a fun and engaging way of learning, which has been proven to keep children interested and wanting to learn more. By focusing on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, proportional reasoning, and algebraic reasoning) our students learn the fundamentals of mathematics and build upon their knowledge. 

Dropkick Math Academy offers math programs in Toronto and the surrounding areas. All of our programs offer small-group virtual programming taught by certified Ontario teachers. This allows your child to learn in a comfortable and familiar setting while receiving the individualized attention they need to succeed. Learn more about our programs today!

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Online Math Tutor

When You Should Speak To Your Child’s Math Teacher

When You Should Speak To Your Child’s Math Teacher

Any parent with a school-aged child knows that math can be a challenge. Sometimes, it can be hard to know when to step in and offer math help with their homework or when to let the teacher take the lead. By contacting your child’s teacher, they may be able to help. However, many parents often wonder when they should be reaching out.

While there is no definite answer as to when parents should start communicating with their children’s teachers about their academics, there are some guidelines that could be of help. As a general rule, if you are questioning whether you should reach out to your child’s teacher, it is time to speak with them. 

Staying Informed

The decision of when exactly to start speaking with one’s child’s teacher depends on multiple factors such as individual parenting styles, the age of the student, and subjects being covered in class. In general, communication between all these entities should gradually increase as the academic year progresses. By following these simple guidelines, parents will hopefully find themselves more informed and able to assist their children in reaching success at school and home!

A Support System

Good communication between parents and teachers is essential for ensuring that children thrive in school. Even if a child is doing well in math and seems to be having no trouble in school, it is still generally recommended that parents communicate with teachers regularly to build a support system for the child. This is because the home and school environments are both important for a child’s development, and parents and teachers need to work together to provide the best possible education for the child. If there are no immediate problems, most teachers recommend checking in with them every couple of months. 

A supportive system is essential for every child to reach their full potential. A support system should include a parent or guardian involved in their child’s education and a teacher invested in their students’ success. A parent or guardian can provide support at home by helping with homework, monitoring progress, and communicating with the child’s teacher. A teacher can support the classroom by teaching effectively, providing feedback, and creating a positive learning environment. When both a parent and teacher are providing support, it increases the child’s chances of academic success.

Addressing Issues

As a math teacher, I am often asked by parents how their child is doing in class. While report cards provide a snapshot of a student’s grades at the end of each marking period, they may not be able to identify any areas of struggle until it is too late to address them. For this reason, I believe it is extremely helpful for parents to receive regular updates on their child’s progress. Whether it is through a parent-teacher conference, email, or phone call, taking the time to keep parents in the loop can make a world of difference. Not only will they be able to identify any areas of concern early on, but they will also be aware of any successes their child is having. As a result, parents can play an active role in their child’s education, allowing them time before report cards come out to address any issues if necessary. 

However, it is important not to smother one’s child with too much guidance and hovering; otherwise, they may feel inadequate or shy away from asking for help when needed. Your child’s teacher will be able to help advise you on how much help you should be offering your child if they are struggling and how often you should stay in contact with the school.  

Asking For Help

It can be difficult for parents to know how their child is progressing in school, especially if their child is hesitant to ask for help. However, by keeping communication channels open with their child’s teacher, parents can help ensure their child doesn’t fall behind. This communication can be especially important for those students who tend to be shy or introverted, as they may be less likely to ask for help independently. By remaining involved in their child’s education, parents can play an essential role in helping them succeed in school.

When reaching out to a teacher for support, they can offer advice for homework or activities that parents can do with their children that can be beneficial for math learning. Teachers are a wealth of information and are happy to offer advice to help your child succeed in their education. Just like you would tell your child to ask for help, as a parent, there is nothing wrong with asking a teacher for help!

Relationships

At Dropkick Math, we believe relationships are the primary key to learning success. Our programs offer the option for parents to become involved in the learning process. Our instructors will help build a parent’s mathematics capacity so they can adequately support their child’s journey in elementary math. We believe that success is achieved by learning together!

Our teachers offer a different approach to math tutoring, breaking down the misunderstanding of mathematics and making learning fun. While there are many math help websites, Dropkick Math Academy is the first of its kind in Ontario to offer an interactive, fun learning experience taught by certified Ontario teachers. 

Learn more about our programs today!

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Learn Math

The Benefits of Technology In The Classroom

The Benefits of Technology In The Classroom

It’s no secret that technology has become an integral part of our lives. From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to bed, we are inundated with screens and gadgets. And as technology becomes more ubiquitous, so does its impact on the classroom. Many teachers now harness the power of technology to help students learn in new and innovative ways. But what are the benefits of using technology in the classroom? Let’s take a look.

A Profound Impact On Education

Here at Dropkick Math, we are a tutoring company that believes technology has profoundly impacted education. In recent years, the classroom has changed drastically. Traditional chalkboards have given way to digital whiteboards, and classrooms are now full of iPads. 

This technology has transformed the way teachers teach, and students learn. Some benefits of technology in the classroom include teachers being able to easily access resources and information online and use digital tools to engage students in new ways. Students can also benefit from the use of technology to improve their learning, including doing research, taking notes, and collaborating with classmates. 

In many ways, technology has made the classroom a more engaging and effective place for learning. Let’s take a deeper look into some of the many benefits of technology in the classroom. 

An Engaged Environment

Many people believe that technology is nothing more than a distraction. However, technology can actually be used to encourage active participation in the classroom. Devices like computers, tablets, and other types of technology can be used to create interactive and fun activities out of traditionally dull subjects. For example, a teacher could use a computer to show a video about a certain topic. Then, students could use their tablets as a back channel for discussing the video while it is being presented or creating a podcast, blog, or other social media post about the importance of the information shared in the video. This would help to keep the students engaged and interested in the lesson. 

In addition, technology can also be used to provide visual aids or information that might be difficult to understand otherwise. If a student is having trouble understanding a concept, the teacher could use a tablet to show a step-by-step, animated process of how to solve the problem. Technology can thus be used in many different ways to help students learn and engage with the material.

Incorporating Different Learning Styles

Every child learns differently, and teachers need to be able to adjust their lessons to fit each student’s needs. Some children are visual learners and benefit from seeing pictures and videos. Others are auditory learners and learn best by listening to lectures or discussions. And some children are kinesthetic learners who need to be actively engaged in order to absorb the material. Technology can be a valuable tool for accommodating all of these different learning styles. 

For example, a teacher can use a document camera to demonstrate the use of concrete manipulatives or create visual representations of mathematical concepts, making it easier for visual learners to see. Or they can use a voice-recognition program to help get their thinking on paper, which can be helpful for auditory learners. There are also many apps and websites that provide interactive games and activities, which can engage kinesthetic learners and make the material more memorable. By using technology in the classroom, teachers can ensure that all students have access to an education that meets their needs.

Improves Collaboration

In the past, students were often reluctant to ask for help from their peers. They didn’t want to be seen as incapable or unintelligent. However, that has changed in recent years, thanks in part to the increased use of technology in the classroom. Now, when students are working on technology-based tasks, they are more likely to seek help from their classmates. This is because many technology-based tasks involve other aspects, such as problem-solving and critical thinking, that can lead to situations where students need to seek help from their peers. 

Additionally, when students are separated into small groups, those who are more technologically advanced can assist their inexperienced peers. As a result of increased technology in the classroom, teachers have observed an increased frequency of students helping each other when using technology. 

Prepares Children For The Future

As technology becomes increasingly prevalent in society, students need to learn how to use it effectively. There are endless amounts of software that can be used, PowerPoint is a common one that is used in the classroom. But it is also used in business and academia, and students who learn to use it to create a clear and concise presentation are acquiring a valuable skill. 

When students learn how to use technology, they are developing skills they need to succeed in a technology-driven world. In addition, younger students are often more adaptable to new technologies than older students, so introducing instructional technology in the classroom in early grades can help prepare students for future digital demands.

Here at Dropkick Math, by using technology in our math online help, we are able to provide an engaging and stimulating learning environment for all our students. Technology also allows us to connect with more children and reach those who may not have access to traditional education methods. We believe that all children deserve the opportunity to learn and succeed, and technology is one way that we can make that happen.

To learn more about our math online tutoring programs and if they may be the right fit for your child, visit our website today!

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Proportional Reasoning

Is Your Child A Proportional Thinker?

Is Your Child A Proportional Thinker

Is Your Child A Proportional Thinker?

 

Is Your Child A Proportional ThinkerWhen your child comes to you for math help, you may think they are speaking an entirely different language. The way that math operations are now taught have most likely changed since you were in school and appear completely different. Not only is the representation different, but the way your child speaks about math may also be different. 

We recognize these barriers between parent and child when discussing mathematics, which is why at Dropkick Math, we believe it is so important to educate the child and the parent. When you get involved and upgrade your education on the foundation of math, you can better help your child in their studies. 

The Four Pillars

We focus our programs on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, proportional reasoning). It is vital that every student fully understands each of these four pillars as the foundational concepts because one weak pillar can significantly impact future success. 

Proportional reasoning is often considered the foundation to abstract mathematical understanding as it is a unifying theme throughout mathematics. However, it is estimated that over half of the adult population are not proportional thinkers. So how can you tell if your child is a proportional thinker?

If your child can generally distinguish between additive relationships, (e.g., 8 is 6 more than 2) and multiplicative relationships, (e.g., 8 is 4 times as much as 2) they may be a proportional thinker. If they are able to compare ratios, they also may be a proportional thinker. Overall if your child can describe relationships between two or more things and see groups of items in various ways, they may be a proportional thinker.

Proportional Thinking Education

It is vital for all children to acquire good proportional reasoning skills to take them through school and later in life. The importance of proportional reasoning for students is often focused in junior and intermediate grades. Still, many educators believe it is vital to grasp these skills in kindergarten and primary grades when students begin grouping, unitizing, (e.g., one dime is a unit of 10 pennies) and sharing.

Students begin to use proportional reasoning early in math education. They often start by thinking of groups of numbers rather than whole numbers. For example, they may think of 10 as two groups of 5. Later on in education, proportional reasoning is used slightly differently. An example of this may be thinking how a speed of 50/km an hour is the same speed as 25/km per 30 minutes. Continuing in their education, students will use proportional reasoning when learning about percents, rates of change, and slopes of lines.

How Is Proportional Reasoning Used?

But proportional reasoning isn’t just used for mathematics. Many may be surprised to know that proportional reasoning can be helpful in other subject areas such as music, geography, and science. On a daily basis, people also use proportional reasoning to calculate taxes, find the best deals at a store, or adjust recipes.

From these examples, it is easy to see how thinking proportionally is critical in developing a child’s understanding of mathematics. But young children don’t think proportionately naturally. Proportional thinking must be developed as a foundational skill of our most basic math concepts, which is why many parents explore math tutoring for their children. 

As one of the four main pillars of mathematics, our programs help students learn proportional reasoning and fill in any underlying misconceptions they may have. Our math help services are built to suit each child, offering differentiated approaches, making it accessible for all learning needs.  

Learn more about our programs and how we can help ensure your child becomes a proportional thinker in mathematics and throughout life!

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Learn Math

5 Signs Your Child Needs Help In Math

5 Signs Your Child Needs Help In Math

5 Signs Your Child Needs Help In Math

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.

5 Signs Your Child Needs Help In Math

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.

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