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Why Parents Should Be Involved In Their Child’s Education

As a parent, you want your child to have a bright future, and that starts with a good education. So, you do everything you can to help make sure they have the best chance for success. But what if you could do more? What if you could be directly involved in their education? Believe it or not, parents can and should be involved in their child’s education. 

Parents can help their children learn by monitoring their homework and actively participating in their schooling. Parents can also support their children emotionally, providing encouragement when things get tough. Finally, parents can model good behaviour and values for their children. By being involved in your child’s education, you can help them reach their full potential!

There are numerous benefits of being involved in your child’s education. Read on to learn some of the top benefits of being involved in your child’s education

Increased Academic Performance

Parents’ level of involvement in their children’s education is a significant predictor of academic performance and test scores. A parent’s involvement can be as simple as ensuring their child attends school every day and does their homework, or it can be more comprehensive, such as attending school functions and volunteering in the classroom. Studies have consistently shown that parents who are actively involved in their child’s education have children with higher grades and test scores. No matter how you get involved, your child’s grades will reflect your dedication to their education.  

Regular Attendance

There is a clear connection between parents who are engaged in their children’s education and those children’s likelihood of attending school regularly. Involved parents tend to place a high value on education and emphasize the importance of regular attendance, instilling these values in their children from an early age. In addition, parents who are engaged in their children’s education are more likely to be aware of – and responsive to – any issues that may be causing their child to miss school, such as bullying or difficulty understanding the material. As a result, they are more likely to take steps to address these issues, ensuring that their child remains motivated to attend school on a regular basis. Ultimately, it is clear that children whose parents are involved in their education are more likely to attend class consistently.

Increased Confidence

As any parent knows, children thrive when they feel loved and supported. This is especially true when it comes to education. When parents are involved in their child’s education, it sends a message of acceptance, inclusion, and respect. This can increase a child’s confidence and motivation, leading to better grades and improved social skills. 

Furthermore, parents who are involved in their child’s education are more likely to be informed about important decisions made by the school. As a result, they can provide valuable feedback and contribute to the overall success of the school. Ultimately, children with interested parents perceive more acceptance, inclusion, and respect at school. And that makes for a better educational experience for everyone involved.

Improved Motivation

Parents involved in their children’s education tend to see better results in motivation and attitude. Studies have shown that students whose families are engaged in their schooling are more likely to have higher goals and be driven to succeed. This is likely because parents who are involved in their children’s education provide support and guidance that helps nurture a positive attitude towards learning. 

In addition, parents who are interested in their children’s education send a message to their children that school is important, which can increase motivation levels. Ultimately, the benefits of having parents involved in their children’s education are clear. Students tend to perform better when parents take an active role in supporting their learning.

Better Mental Health

A child’s parents can profoundly impact their education and subsequent mental health. Studies have shown that children whose parents are interested and involved in their schooling are more likely to be emotionally healthy than those whose parents are not. There are a number of reasons for this. First, parents interested in their child’s education are more likely to support their academic endeavours. This can lead to increased self-esteem and a sense of worth. 

Secondly, parents who are involved in their child’s schooling are more likely to be aware of any problems or issues that may arise. This early intervention can prevent minor problems from becoming larger ones. Finally, parent involvement can lead to increased communication between parents and children. This open communication is essential for a healthy parent-child relationship. In conclusion, it is evident that parents who are interested and involved in their child’s schooling play a vital role in the child’s emotional development.

Better Behaviour

According to new research, parents who are involved in their children’s education are more likely to see better social skills and behaviour from their kids. The study, which the University of Chicago conducted, found that when parents are involved in their child’s schooling – whether it’s through attending parent-teacher conferences or helping with homework – kids are less likely to be truant, disruptive, and unprepared for class. 

While the study did not examine why parents who are more involved tend to see better behaviour from their kids, it is clear that parental involvement is important in fostering positive social skills and behaviour in children. When parents take an active role in their child’s education, they set the stage for a lifetime of success.

How To Get Involved

As you can see, parents play an essential role in their child’s education. By being involved and engaged in their child’s schooling, parents can help ensure that their child receives the best possible education. There are a number of ways in which parents can get involved in their child’s education. One way is to attend school functions and meetings simply. This shows your child that you are interested in their schooling and want to be involved in their education. Another way to get involved is by volunteering in the classroom or on field trips. This allows you to directly participate in your child’s education and see firsthand how they are learning. You can also help at home by ensuring your child has a quiet place to do homework and providing guidance when needed. Ultimately, the more involved parents are in their child’s education, the better the outcome will be for everyone involved.

Dropkick Math Involves Parents/Guardians

At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe it is essential for parents/guardians to be involved in a child’s education. As part of our program at Dropkick Math, we invite the parent/guardian into the learning environment. This can help parents balance their involvement in their child’s education. We believe that it is crucial for parents to understand the math curriculum their child is learning so they can help if needed. 

Our math programs in Toronto and the surrounding areas offer an alternative to traditional online math tutors. We provide a fun way to help your child thrive in mathematics through self-learning. We work with children and their parents/guardians to understand the underlying problems rather than just focusing on helping them through the material they are learning at school.

If your child is struggling with math, our math learning techniques may be the help they need. For more information about our program and how we get the parent/guardian involved, visit our website today!

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The Parent’s Guide To Dropkick Math Academy

Is your child tired of boring and repetitive math drills? Are you looking for a fresh and exciting way to improve their skills and make learning more fun? Look no further than Dropkick Math Academy! Our innovative platform offers a unique mix of gameplay elements and real-world problem-solving, making math fun and engaging for students in grades 4 – 9. 

With personalized lesson plans, in-depth progress tracking, and a vibrant online community, Dropkick Math Academy is the perfect tool to take your child’s math abilities to the next level. We are an alternative to other online math tutors as we focus on the fundamental misunderstandings your child may have in math and can provide them with the skills they need to keep advancing. 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.

Game-Based Learning

As mentioned, Dropkick Math offers a fun and engaging way of learning mathematics. Part of our educational experience includes game-based learning. This means that once your child begins our programs, you may hear them speak about their “battle pack,” or about “levelling up.” This is all part of our curriculum-aligned games that will help to boost your child’s confidence and improve their math skills. 

But Dropkick Math is so much more than just a game. We are the newest online math tutor available to help your child with any gaps they may have in their education. Owned and operated by certified Ontario teachers, we offer a learning platform that is dedicated to improving children’s achievements in math. With programs for children in grades 4 – 9, we focus on the four pillars of math to ensure every child learns the fundamentals of mathematics so they can be successful for years to come. 

How Does Dropkick Math Work?

The first step is to register your child with Dropkick Math. Upon registration, your child will need to take our early indicators assessment tool so we can determine which program will be best suited for their needs. They will then be placed in a class with no more than three other students. We keep our classes small so our teachers can spend more time with each student. 

Before your child’s class starts, they will receive their battle kit in the mail, which will help with their game-based learning at Dropkick Math. This battle kit will contain math manipulatives, a mini-whiteboard, and any other components needed for their particular program. 

You will receive an email from their teacher with all the necessary information, including the dates and times of all classes and the Google Meet link your child will need to attend their virtual class. Once they join their first class, they will be introduced to the math learning techniques that will help build their confidence and make learning math easier and more understandable. 

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 and become a math dropkicker. Children are encouraged to review feedback from previous battles and fix any mistakes they made or even attempt more problems to earn battle points. Battle points add up to a reward at the end of the program, so students will most likely be eager to earn as many as possible. 

Parents will receive feedback after the 6th session. This feedback will include comments about any areas for improvement or boosts of confidence in math skills. 

Dropkick Math Programs

At Dropkick Math Academy, we offer various programs to fit every child’s needs. Each program is filled with different worlds for your child to explore. Each has its own characters and quests to accomplish. 

Younger children will start with our operations programs, where they will set sail and embark on an adventure in the Seas of Perseverance and take on the dreaded Math Pirates! Or, they may find themselves on the distant planet of Eldamore in a galaxy far far away. 

Children who may need some extra help with fractions will suit up as they battle against Knights and Sorcerers to bring mathematical order to King Array’s Whole Table. Or those who have a gap in learning algebra may find themselves on the algebra task force, battling it out in the dark world. 

Parent/Guardian Involvement

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to join the classes with their children as we believe that great success can be achieved by learning together! Active participation in a child’s education is crucial for their academic success and overall development. Education experts have found that parental involvement leads to higher grades, improved behaviour in school, and greater education aspirations for the child. Additionally, parents play a key role in instilling important values like hard work, determination, and self-discipline. 

Our tailored programs are specifically created for students and their parents/guardians to work together on understanding the building blocks of mathematics. After each class, parents are able to meet with their child’s teacher and get weekly feedback. 

If the parent or guardian is not able to attend each week, it’s important to remember that parental involvement can take many forms, but the end goal remains the same: giving children the tools they need to thrive in their education and beyond.

Building A Foundation of Knowledge

With Dropkick Math, students can eliminate homework struggles and build a foundation of knowledge and confidence in math that will last a lifetime. By focusing on the foundational concepts (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, and proportional reasoning), our engaging, innovative programs help students fully understand critical concepts that are the base fundamentals of mathematics. 

For parents who may be looking for math programs in Toronto, Dropkick Math Academy has 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!

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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!

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Top 5 Trends In Technology Used In Education

As technology becomes more and more a part of our everyday lives, it’s no surprise that its use is becoming more prevalent in education as well. Many different types of technology can be used in the classroom, and new ones are being developed all the time. 

An Evolving Classroom

The classroom is evolving. Technology is changing what, where, and how students learn. Classrooms are no longer limited to physical spaces – with remote learning, students can learn from anywhere in the world. And with online learning, anyone can access education, regardless of location or circumstances. Technology is making education more accessible than ever before. From virtual reality to artificial intelligence, the future classroom will be more immersive and interactive than ever before. With the rise of technology, the possibilities for education are endless.

Staying Up To Date

Classrooms are now filled with computers, tablets and other devices that provide new learning opportunities. For parents, it is essential to understand technology’s role in education. By staying up to date on the latest trends and developments, parents can help their children make the most of classroom technology. Additionally, parents should be aware of the potential risks associated with technology use, such as cyberbullying or online predators. By understanding the role of technology in education, parents can ensure that their children have a safe and productive learning experience.

The following are the top 5 popular trends in technology that are now being used in education. 

Remote Learning

The most common trend in technology in the classroom today is remote learning. With the global pandemic, all students were suddenly thrust into the unknown of distant learning. Although it was unknown at the time, remote learning became a great tool in education. It gave students who could not attend classes in person the opportunity to stay up to date on work and stay in touch with their teachers and peers. 

Now that most classes have returned to normal, remote learning is still being utilized in various ways. Educators found that some remote elements can give students structured independence and new ways of learning. Students can pause and rewind lessons as needed and revisit concepts they might not have fully understood the first time. This type of flexible learning is ideal for students who want to be more independent in their studies. 

Interactive quizzes, games, videos, and multifunctional online boards can also be integrated into lessons in remote learning to keep students engaged, giving teachers more tools to get the best out of their lessons. Ultimately, remote learning provides a broadened field of education that is highly beneficial for both students and teachers.

Nano Learning

Nano learning is a popular educational technique that provides students with information in short, easily digestible bursts. This method of learning is especially well-suited to today’s digital world, where most students have access to a smartphone or other device that they can use to review nano learning content anytime, anywhere. 

Nano learning is an ideal way to fill an existing knowledge gap or get an introduction to a whole new subject matter. Plus, because the content is concise, students can review it as often as needed to ensure they fully understand the material. 

Nano learning is available to students through apps such as WhatsApp and TikTok, which convey the information through videos, text, and audio clips. This convenient and accessible way of learning means students can learn anytime, anywhere. 

Immersive Learning Technology

Immersive learning technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are emerging as powerful educational tools. These technologies offer students unprecedented access to learning environments they otherwise would not be able to experience. For example, students could experience periods of history through virtual field trips rather than just reading about them in books. 

Similarly, virtual reality could bring other subjects to life, off the page and into the 3D world in an unforgettable way. Imagine your child being able to experience a scientific experiment in 3D while learning. This would not just provide memorable experiences but also a chance to gain experience in a safe environment. Immersive learning technologies have the potential to transform education and provide students with valuable experiences that they will remember for a lifetime.

AI And Automation

As classrooms become increasingly more technology-rich, artificial intelligence is starting to play a more significant role in education. AI helpers like chatbots and virtual assistants can provide immediate responses to simple questions from students, freeing up teachers to focus on more complex tasks. In addition, AI can be used to automate routine tasks like clarifying instructions and answering questions about schedules and time. And with the help of voice notes, teachers can even provide information on demand for more complex queries. As AI continues to develop, it is likely that its role in education will only become more important.

By automating time-consuming tasks such as grading and attendance, AI could also free up teachers to focus on more important responsibilities. In addition, AI could provide accurate and up-to-date data on student performance, helping educators identify improvement areas. AI could even be used at the most advanced level to suggest personalized learning pathways for each student based on their individual needs. In short, AI has the potential to significantly improve the education system by making it more efficient and effective.

Remote Tutoring Services

The days of the neighbourhood tutor coming to your home are gone as more students log online to get tutoring help. Online tutoring is becoming increasingly popular as technology advances, and more parents realize the benefits. Unlike traditional tutors, online tutors are available 24/7 and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. This means that students can get help when they need it, rather than waiting for a weekly session. In addition, online tutors can offer a more personalized service, as they can tailor their teaching to the individual needs of each student. Online tutors are also able to utilize technology to keep students engaged and excited about their studies. As a result, online tutoring is an effective way for children to get the extra help they need to succeed in school.

Online Math Tutor

Here at Dropkick Math, we fall under an online math tutor category. However, we differ from traditional tutors. We offer fun and engaging programs that have children excited to learn while helping to boost their confidence. 

Our math learning techniques focus on the four pillars, and our programs are designed specifically around closing skill gaps. All programs are taught by certified Ontario teachers who use modern innovative teaching techniques to address deficiencies while correcting any underlying misunderstood formulas. 

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How To Capture The Attention Of Your Distracted Child

As a parent, it can be frustrating when your child is constantly distracted and won’t pay attention to you. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many parents are struggling with this issue. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help capture your child’s attention. In this blog post, we will discuss a few of them. Keep reading for more information.

It’s no secret that our world is full of distractions. Whether it’s the constant ping of notifications from our phones or the never-ending stream of information on social media, it’s easy to see why children have difficulties learning to focus. 

Limit Media Distractions

One of the main attention-grabbers for children is media. Children are not always as good at filtering out noise as adults are. This means having the television on while your child is trying to do homework may interfere with their concentration. To help limit distractions, allow your child only one hour of “screen time” per day. This includes using the computer, playing video games, and watching television. Once the hour is up, have your child turn off all electronics and focus on completing their schoolwork. Explain that this new rule is in place to better focus on their studies and avoid getting behind in class. Helping your child develop better attention span habits now will pay off later when they have to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously in adulthood.

Keep Them Engaged

Maintaining kids’ attention has a lot to do with how engaging their lessons are. If kids aren’t participating in the learning, keeping their attention will be a lot more complicated. That’s why interactive and hands-on activities are often more successful in holding children’s attention than lectures or one-sided instruction. 

In mathematics, there are many tools that can be used to help children interact with math. These tools help carry out a particular function and are often referred to as manipulatives. These are especially helpful for tactile learners.

Math manipulatives allow children to feel, touch and visualize what they can’t yet create on their own. They can enable children to receive immediate feedback about whether their idea makes sense. Using tools, a child can move hands-on objects to investigate and explore a math concept that may be challenging. For example, young students might use Unifix cubes to model addition and subtraction equations. Unifix CubesThey can gain a concrete understanding of the math concepts by touching and moving the manipulatives. 

In contrast, simply listening to a teacher explain a math concept can be much less effective. When children are actively involved in their own learning, they are more likely to retain the information. When manipulatives are used in math learning techniques, they can be valuable for helping children be less distracted. 

Provide Breaks

Parents and guardians play an essential role in a child’s education, especially when it comes to studying at home. One way to help a child focus on their work is by providing brain breaks. A brain break is a short 3 – 5 minute period where the child can take a break from their studies and do something else. This can be as simple as taking a walk, reading a book, or playing with a pet. Brain breaks help to relieve boredom and stress, release excess energy, and they can also improve attention span. As a result, brain breaks can be an effective way to help children stay focused on their studies.

Make It Fun!

Getting attention from kids can sometimes feel like herding cats. They see something that interests them, and they’re off in a different direction before you even have a chance to blink. One way is to use a silly phrase. This allows kids to get a little silliness out before they need to redirect their focus.

Just be sure to make the fun age-appropriate; what’s fun for 9-year-olds isn’t the same as what’s fun for teens. When choosing your method, you may have to try a few different ideas to see how your child responds. Whichever way you choose, remember that attention-getting should be brief and specific so that kids know exactly what they need to do next.

Making learning fun doesn’t always have to be silly. At Dropkick Math, we provide game-based programs, so children look forward to learning. Our programs help to fill in any educational gaps that may have been caused by a disruption of learning over the past couple of years. 

Understanding Mathematics

Math class can be difficult for some students who may not understand the material or the ways in which math is used in the real world. However, our Waterloo math services help children from around the area overcome these difficulties by providing a better understanding of math concepts and their applications. We will work with your child to identify any misunderstandings and help them develop the skills they need to overcome these barriers. As a result, your child will be better prepared to succeed in math class and ultimately have a stronger foundation for future success.

All of our instructors at Dropkick Math are certified Ontario teachers who offer research-based math learning techniques. To learn if our programs are the right option for your child, have them complete our FREE online assessment today!

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The Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain Myth

The Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain Myth

The Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain Myth

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

The Left and Right Brain Working Together

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

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

How The Brain Communicates

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

Physical Exercises

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

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

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

Math Can Be Creative

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

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

It Is Ok To Be Creative!

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