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How Manipulatives Can Help Children Understand Complex Ideas

How Manipulatives Can Help Children Understand Complex Ideas

If there’s one thing that all parents want for their children, it’s for them to be successful in life. One of the key ways to achieve success is to give your children a strong foundation in education. And when it comes to mathematics, nothing can help children understand complex ideas like manipulatives can. This blog post will discuss how manipulatives can help children understand complex math ideas and why they are so valuable in the classroom. We’ll also provide tips on using manipulatives at home to help your child with math homework. So keep reading to learn more!

What Are Manipulatives?

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. Manipulatives can be used with students of all ages, from preschoolers just learning to count to high school students studying advanced algebra.

For example, using manipulatives like blocks can help children visualize what it means to add numbers together. This can make it easier for them to understand the concept and perform calculations correctly. While manipulatives are most used for younger children when they are learning division, fractions, and other mathematical concepts, older students can also benefit greatly from them. Some advanced math concepts that can be done with math manipulatives include:

 

  • Area, volume, and surface area (snap cubes, power polygons)
  • Exponents (two-sided counters)
Exponents
  • Operations with decimals (base 10 blocks)
base 10 blocks
  • Operations with fractions (fractions strips, relational rods)
fractions strips, relational rods
  • Square roots (graph paper and square arrays)
graph paper and square arrays
  • Ratios (snap cubes, pattern blocks)
snap cubes, pattern blocks
  • Algebraic properties (algebra tiles)
snap cubes, pattern blocks
  • Operations with polynomials (algebra tiles)
snap cubes, pattern blocks
  • Operations with negative and positive numbers (two-sided counters)
two-sided counters

A Positive Attitude

If you are thinking of using manipulatives with your child to help with their math education, your involvement and positive attitude are vital to success as a parent. Even if you are suffering from math anxiety, staying engaged and willing to learn along with your child using manipulatives is important. You will be delighted to see that your child’s understanding increases as your engagement and learning increase. 

At Dropkick Math, we believe a child’s success can largely depend on the involvement of the parent/guardian. All of our programs offer the option for parents to become involved and learn alongside their children. 

Visually Simple

Math manipulatives are traditionally visually simple as research has shown how detail such as that found on play money can easily distract children. Education professionals have carefully designed manipulatives to help bridge the gap between concrete and abstract concepts. 

Why Math Manipulatives Work

So why might a child learn math concepts using the aid of manipulatives better than if they try to solve it in a symbolic form? Researchers think it may be because children think more concretely than adults. They typically rely on physically interacting with the world to make sense of it, and their ability to think abstractly is extremely limited. Some education specialists believe it is because children are in an operational stage from age 7 to 12, where they need to use concrete objects to support logical reasoning. A child can think using pure abstractions in the formal operations stage from age 12 and up.  

Another theory as to why manipulatives work suggests it is because they help to move the body. It is suggested that cognition is not just a product of the mind, but the body also participates. For example, children may have a perception of what the word “kick” means, but the meaning of the work becomes solidified when they experience the feeling of kicking something. 

By this account, it isn’t so much the manipulatives themselves that help children understand math concepts, but the movement behind them. If this theory is true, many people ask if computer-aided manipulatives can be as helpful as the real thing. There are exceptions, but computer-based manipulatives have been found to help just as much as physical ones. 

While more research is needed to understand how manipulatives work and which theories are entirely accurate, one fact remains the same; manipulatives will always lead to better understanding. 

Why Math Manipulatives Are Beneficial 

Math manipulatives are beneficial for students for a few reasons. First, they provide a hands-on way for students to interact with the material and better understand number sense. For tactile learners, this can help children gain a better understanding of math concepts. 

Second, math manipulatives can be reused multiple times, which helps students learn new concepts as they build on what they have already learned. Math is a subject that builds upon itself, and manipulatives offer an excellent opportunity for children to learn how new concepts add to existing ones they have already mastered. 

Finally, math manipulatives can be fun and engaging, making learning math more enjoyable for students. In any math illustration, children will understand that manipulatives are playful tools that will help them understand ideas differently. Educators have confirmed that sorting, measuring, distinguishing patterns, and ordering numerals have been very effective with a conceptual understanding of math. 

When To Stop Using Manipulatives

Math manipulatives intend not to make children forever dependent on them but to use them as they work through complex problems. For example, high school students should not be pulling out a string of beads as they prepare for a math test. Although extremely helpful when first learning math concepts, math manipulatives can be time-consuming and inconvenient. However, when trying to understand a new idea, children should practice with the manipulatives until they can demonstrate the concept without the manipulatives.

They do have their purpose as students grow through high school and university when a new concept is introduced. Older students often find manipulatives helpful when articulating their thought processes when trying to explain a complex concept. When a new concept is introduced, the process of developing understanding strengthens by connecting concrete manipulatives to visual and symbolic representations. When the student is able to connect the different representations to symbolic form, they should be able to stop using the manipulatives. 

Many students find math difficult and frustrating, but using manipulatives can help to make it more accessible and enjoyable. So, if your child struggles with mathematics, try getting some manipulatives to use at home!

Online Math Help

Dropkick Math is a unique tutoring company offering online math help to students who may have experienced an education gap caused by the pandemic. We encourage students to use math manipulatives as a way to understand complex math ideas. Learn more about our programs and if they are the right fit for your child. 

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How To Capture The Attention Of Your Distracted Child

Capture The Attention

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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Understanding Math Tools and Jargon

Understanding Math Tools and Jargon

As discussed in previous blog posts, parents often feel frustrated when speaking with their children about math. Math calculations appear different from when they were in school, and how their child talks about math seems like a new language. This can often create barriers between parents and children in being able to discuss schoolwork. 

Working With Your Child

Being a part of your child’s learning is vital for their success. It is essential that parents work with their children and get involved in their education. However, it can be frustrating if the parent struggles with the topic. This is why at Dropkick Math, we expose the parent to new learning strategies their child may be experiencing in their classroom. Once the parent starts to learn and understand these new ways of engaging with mathematics, they will feel more confident to become more involved in their child’s education. 

Your attitude about learning can directly influence your child’s educational success. Over three decades of research has found that student success is positively impacted by parent involvement regardless of socioeconomic status, background, or parent’s level of education. Dropkick Math provides resources and advice on how to get started learning alongside your child. When you learn alongside your child, you set an example while strengthening your relationship. Your child will see your confidence building in mathematics which will help build them up as well. 

Learning the Language

The first step in being active in your child’s math education is learning about the tools and language of math. By having a foundational understanding of how teachers speak and the tools they use, you can better communicate with your child and their teachers. The following are some of the most common words and sayings that your child or their teacher may use when explaining tools used in mathematics. 

Math Tools

You may envision screwdrivers or a hammer when you first hear the word tools. In the math world, tools refer to devices that help solve a problem. These tools help carry out a particular function and are often referred to as manipulatives. However, in math, tools don’t always have to be physical, some are just representational.

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.

Unifix Cubes

Unifix cubes are manipulatives that are used starting in preschool and can help children understand the foundation of mathematics. Starting from a very young age, children aged 0 – 4 can use these cubes for playtime. Children around age 5 can use the cubes to start practicing counting and represent quantitative measures. As children grow older, unifix cubes can be used to help children draw the connection to multiplication by visually seeing groups organized. These cubes can also be used in older grades to explore patterning and algebraic relationships.

Counters

Counters are a fun, popular manipulative that have many uses throughout your child’s education. Counters come in two forms, either dual-coloured or single-coloured. They are used very similar to unifix cubes; however, they cannot link with each other like cubes can, limiting their use in some ways. Counters are a great way for your child to visualize fractions in different ways, and they can be placed easily to show part-to-whole relationships. As children grow older, counters can help them with the study of percentages, pattering, and algebraic relationships.

Pattern Blocks

Pattern blocks are a type of manipulative that enables children to visually see how shapes can be composed, decomposed, or broken apart. Pattern blocks can be used in many different ways throughout all grades. Common uses for pattern blocks at the early elementary level include identifying and naming shapes, defining attributes, discovering how shapes are composed, and making up other shapes. As children get older, pattern blocks can be used to develop an understanding of fractions, identify angles of shapes through geometry, and recognize visual patterns.

Base-Ten Blocks

Base-ten blocks are also known as multi-base arithmetic blocks or place value blocks. This tool can help children recognize the value of numbers using three-dimensional blocks that come in wood or plastic. In early grades, children can use the units to represent one place or begin to make sense beyond whole numbers as they represent decimals. The blocks can help your child add or subtract whole numbers, focusing on place value. Older children can use the blocks to multiply and divide whole numbers, focusing on place value.

Representational Models

Physical tools are classified as manipulatives or hands-on models. Children can easily manipulate them with their hands, and they act as a great starting tool for many mathematical concepts. These tools can be a great way to help support student learning as they navigate through math concepts. Representational models are tools too, but rather than being tangible like manipulatives, they are representational, or drawn. 

It is important to understand that each representation is not an exact copy of representational models. Young children can sometimes get wrapped up in drawing perfect pictures, and they lose track of the actual math concept. This is an excellent place for parents to support their child learning by asking them questions such as “Can you draw a picture to represent the situation or story?” “How does your picture represent the story?” and “Where in the picture can I see the quantities from the story?”

A Deeper Understanding

Understanding the fundamentals behind the mathematical foundation is critical for a child’s fluency and math development. Using both manipulatives and representations, your child can build a deeper understanding of the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, proportional reasoning). When confronted with a problem they have never seen before, children will be able to extend their thinking to the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division by using their tools. 

Understanding the language and tools used in your child’s education can help them grow in their studies and give them the practices necessary for future success. At Dropkick Math, we involved the parent/guardian in our programs. We believe that it is essential for a child’s growth to have the guidance of their parent/guardian and that good schools become even better schools when parents are involved. 

As one of the leading math services in Ontario, our certified teachers support learning key math skills by focusing on relationships and engaging the parent/guardian. Don’t waste more time searching for “math tutor near me.” Get started today with Dropkick Math today by learning more about our programs!

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The Lingering Effects Of Unfinished Learning

The Lingering Effects Of Unfinished Learning

Although our lives have returned to what feels like normal, the reality is that we are all still living with the aftermath of COVID. For kids, this means unfinished learning, and for parents, it can mean feeling like we need to do more to help our children catch up. The good news is that there is a lot that parents can do to help their children get through this rough patch. 

The Negative Effects of COVID

This is an unprecedented time in education, and to many, it feels like we are learning something new about the adverse effects of COVID every day. Unfinished learning has been outlined as one of the negative effects COVID has had on students around the country.

If you have a child in school, you’re probably familiar with the concept of unfinished learning. It’s when kids are given new material to learn, but for one reason or another, they don’t quite finish. Maybe they get distracted and stop paying attention in class, or they just don’t have enough time to fully understand the material. But what happens to that unfinished learning? Does it just disappear into thin air? Or does it have some sort of lasting impact on our kids’ academic performance? As parents, it’s something we should be aware of and concerned about. So today, we’re going to take a closer look at unfinished learning and its effects on our kids. 

Academic Withdrawal

According to recent research, of all the subjects, math learning seems to have taken a bigger hit during the pandemic compared to others. More students are reporting feeling left behind, and students’ growth rate in math is expected to slow during the next few years. The pandemic also widened preexisting achievement gaps hitting children who may have already been struggling with understanding math concepts before school closures, and virtual classrooms took over. 

While most students across the country are now back in the classroom, it wasn’t long ago that their world had been turned upside down. The traditional five days a week turned into a hybrid for many students. Districts oscillated between virtual and in-person learning as they balanced the need to keep students safe while providing an effective learning environment. Students may have been faced with new schedules, were assigned new teachers mid-year, or struggled with poor internet connections or Zoom fatigue. It is safe to say that these past two years have been a uniquely challenging time for teachers and students, and it is no surprise that it has left its mark. 

For some students, even after all the closure announcements and virtual classrooms, there is still an air of unfinished business lingering in the back of their minds. These students may be experiencing “academic withdrawal” symptoms that could impact them well into the future. 

Unfinished Learning

The term “unfinished learning” has been coined to help capture the reality that students were not given the opportunity to complete all the work they would have typically finished in the past couple of years. The majority of children simply learned less than they would have in a typical year. However, some students have disengaged from school altogether and slipped backward, losing the skills and knowledge they once had.

No matter how much education was lost, students may be missing key building blocks of knowledge that are necessary for success. But, it isn’t just academic knowledge that students are missing out on. The fallout from the pandemic threatens to harm this generation’s prospects and limit their opportunities far into adulthood. The ripple effects may hinder their ability to attend university or find a fulfilling job that enables them to support a family. 

The Ontario Learning Recovery Action Plan for Students

Ontario has addressed this issue by recently introducing the Learning Recovery Action Plan for Students. This targeted initiative helps bridge students’ learning gaps, support academic success, and focus on overall mental health and wellness. Ontario’s plan is based on the latest scientific evidence and will provide students with the resources they need to succeed.

Although it is too early to know the effectiveness of post-pandemic solutions for unfinished learning fully, the action’s scope is clear. Schools need to recover unfinished learning and reimage the education system to address these gaps in education for the long term. It will be imperative for educators to listen to parents and students, take a holistic approach, and design programs that meet academic and non-academic needs. 

At Dropkick Math, we understand the effects that unfinished learning has had on students of all ages. We are one of the fastest-growing programs in Ontario aimed at addressing the education gap experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. But we are more than just an online math tutor. We address deficiencies while correcting any underlying misconceptions about mathematics. All instructors are qualified Ontario Certified Teachers who can offer differentiated approaches, making it accessible for all learning needs.  

If your child shows any signs of unfinished learning, we can help get them back on track and boost their confidence. Learn more about our programs today!

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Developing Habits That Generate Success

Developing Habits That Generate Success

I often get parents asking me how they can help their children with their study skills. We are all familiar with coming home the night before a test and studying to memorize how to calculate each math problem. But as an educator, I explain to parents that we would rather have children develop habits that generate long-term success and not cram the night before a test.

Your Child’s Success

Your child’s success in the classroom doesn’t come from any single thing. It’s about the right mix of effort, attitude, and habits. These habits are an important ingredient in this recipe, and they’re very much learned behaviour. Straight A students are not born, they’re made. Every child is capable of getting the grades they want by practicing positive daily habits. By managing emotions, staying away from distractions, and creating a straightforward plan, children can learn faster and enjoy their education while setting themselves up for success.

As a parent, you must help your child develop these habits they need to achieve academic success. You and your child will also see benefits beyond the classroom by sticking to a plan.

A Focused Workspace

Perhaps the most important part of developing a positive study habit is ensuring your child has their own desk or workspace in an area of the home that allows them to focus. It should be well lit and away from other distractions. Study supplies should be kept on hand in this area, such as sticky notes, a variety of pens and pencils, highlighters, and scrap paper.

Encourage your child to take ownership of this area and give them the freedom to decorate, organize, and clean up their desk each night to be ready to work when it comes time for their next study session.

Keeping Time

Time management can be an incredibly beneficial aspect of your child’s education. Show them how to keep a homework planner and have them write down important due dates for homework and projects. Teach them how important it is to stay on top of their assignments and how to prepare for important tests by making a schedule for reviewing material leading up to a test. This helps to avoid any late-night cramming the night before.

Show your child how you break down big projects by determining the smaller milestones and work with them to make a schedule for when they will have these components complete. This can help build confidence in your child by making their workload feel more manageable.

Reviewing Material

One of the greatest habits that can help generate success for your child is learning how to review content to understand mathematical concepts fully. Simply reviewing content the night before a test is not the best method for your child to gain a deep understanding of the material. Working with your child to review questions and having them provide explanations as to how they got to their answers can make sure they truly understand math operations. Try to encourage them to be more interactive by taking approaches such as completing practice tests or using flashcards.

It is well known that studying a little bit of a subject each day is much more effective for long-term retention than studying for a more extended period of time in a single day. Help your child structure a study schedule that can allow them to space out their studying, so they do not become overwhelmed. Even as little as 10 minutes of practice a day can help. For longer studying sessions, taking a 15-minute break once every hour can work wonders in keeping them focused and productive.

Ask For Help

Let your child know that it is OK to make mistakes and ask for help. Bringing up challenges early and asking for help can reduce frustration and math anxiety. It is also essential to teach your child how to build effective relationships with other students so that they can ask their peers for help or offer support to others who may struggle.

Cut Out Distractions

In today’s world, children live with 24-hour distractions. Getting distracted by devices or multitasking can take away from learning, so make sure your child has no distractions when reviewing their work. In an educational environment, it is essential that children stay focused on a single subject for a period of time before moving on to another subject.

Healthy Habits

Many habits can be developed to help generate your child’s success. However, a few often get overlooked but vital to their future success. A child needs essential vitamins and nutrients to help their brain grow and flourish. And, without proper sleep or rest, children may become unfocused, restless, and frustrated  Ensuring that your child has healthy sleeping and eating habits can help to maximize their focus and make the most out of their time spent studying.

There is no shortage of strategies to help a child build solid habits that can help generate success. Whether your child struggles with math or excels, they may benefit from extra education. At Dropkick Math, all instructors are qualified Ontario Certified Teachers who can offer differentiated approaches, making it accessible for all learning needs.  

Math tutoring is an excellent way to help your child get caught up on any gaps in learning. But, at Dropkick Math, we go even further than just tutoring your child. We are a lasting solution that provides your child with the tools to move forward and build their confidence, giving math the dropkick it deserves. Short fixes don’t always address the fundamental gaps in learning, but with Dropkick Math, you can rest assured that your child will master every building block of math learning. Learn more about our programs and get started with our FREE assessment today!

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Creating A Math Mindset

Creating A Math Mindset

There is no doubt that the mindset of parents can profoundly impact a child when it comes to learning mathematics. The term mindset refers to your internal beliefs and assumptions and has been coined by Stanford University professor Carol Dweck. Your mindset dictates how situations are handled in daily life, and it can substantially impact mathematics.

Learning Mindsets

When learning, there are two predominant options: a “fixed mindset” and a “growth mindset.” A fixed mindset involves believing that one intelligence does not change from birth. Children with a fixed mindset in mathematics often repeat comments such as “My parents were bad at math and so am I.” Or, “I have never been good at math.” Children can often become very discouraged and buy into the idea that you are either “smart,” “average,” or “dumb” in math.

It isn’t just children that may have this type of mindset. Parents are often also heard using fixed mindset sayings as well. Many times when a child asks a parent for help with their math homework, parents may often say, “I have never been good at math.” The problem is that kids hear what parents are saying and internalize it.

Individuals with a fixed mindset often look for something or someone to blame for their failures. Children with fixed mindsets may say things like, “the teacher picks on me,” or, “You made me angry, so I couldn’t study.” It is important to understand that blaming others does not improve performance. Only a growth mindset can help to improve performance.

A Growth Mindset

In stark contrast to a fixed mindset, a growth mindset is a belief that your intelligence can be continually improved upon. Children with a growth mindset see learning as a great challenge. They also believe that they can improve if they put in enough effort.

Children with a growth mindset in mathematics can often be heard saying things such as “mistakes helped me learn.” Or, “I can’t do this problem yet, but I will persevere through it.” Parents can use a growth mindset when speaking with their children by complimenting a child’s intelligence. They may say phrases such as, “You did a great job working through that problem. Your effort will pay off.”

People with a growth mindset know that hard-working effort will pay off in success. They can think reflectively about the changes they can make to be successful. Children need to understand that growth does not mean earning all A’s in school. It means pushing themselves beyond their current capabilities and always doing their best. Part of having a growth mindset is the want to do better and to take risks. Children should be encouraged to explore possibilities, dream big, and back up those dreams with the tools necessary to succeed.

Fear Of Mathematics

Unfortunately, we live in a world that has become acceptable for people to believe that being bad at math is genetic. It has become socially acceptable to be proud of our fear of mathematics. Parents need to be vigilant and aware of their own mindset as it can significantly influence their children. Children always hear what you say and will mimic your behaviour. Helping your child with their growth mindset can be as easy as letting them know that making mistakes is part of the learning process. By instilling a love of learning in your child, you could help them become better problem solvers to persevere and work through their challenges.

A recent study involving middle school students looked at the impact of fixed versus growth mindsets on achievement in math. Students with a growth mindset were shown to understand math operations better and have higher math grades overall than students with a fixed mindset.

Moulding The Brain

The human brain can be moulded much like plastic. It can shrink or grow depending on how we take care of it. This means the more you train your brain to be open to new ideas, the better the chances are that your brain will actually do so. Rewiring the brain to become more familiar with the growth mindset can be challenging, but it can also be done. A great way to help a child with their growth mindset is to encourage them to spend time at night growing their brain. This could include establishing a time frame in your household where everyone works on a math puzzle. Parents need to provide an environment that values learning, first and foremost.

Children who know that a brain can get smarter will do better in school as they become aware that they can take charge of their own learning. Children with a growth mindset will start to understand that failure is all a part of the learning process. However, children with a fixed mindset may focus on how others perceive them, and they may avoid situations in which they might have to work through a challenge.

Get Involved

Overall, the best way for your child to develop a growth mindset is for you, the parent to model one. At Dropkick Math, our math help services work with the parent and child to help build confidence and overcome any learning gaps in mathematics. Our program offers a unique take on math tutoring by focusing on relationships and engaging the parent/guardian. Visit our website today to learn more about our programs.

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How To Notice Math Around You

How To Notice Math Around You

How To Notice Math Around You

5 Benefits Of Using Online Tutoring Platforms

When it comes to helping children succeed in math, parents have many options. They can hire a tutor to go to their home, send their child to a math learning center, or use an online math tutoring platform. Each of these methods has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. This blog post will discuss the top 5 benefits of using an online math tutoring service. Stay tuned for more information!

The Top 5 Benefits

Whether you are looking for a math tutor for your elementary child or an online math tutor for your high schooler, there are many benefits to using an online tutoring service. The following are the top five reasons you should consider using an online tutoring platform:

Flexibility: One of the best things about online tutoring is the flexibility it offers. You can usually pick what time of day you want to have your sessions and how often you wish to meet. For busy families who have a lot of after-school activities, this can be a game-changer. With Dropkick Math, students can learn when they want. They can log in and access their learning tools at any time.

Tailored programs: With an online tutoring service, your child can choose which study area needs attention. This way of learning is beneficial for students struggling in one particular area or who want to get ahead in a specific section. Dropkick Math addresses deficiencies while correcting any underlying misconceptions about mathematics. All instructors are qualified Ontario Certified Teachers who can offer differentiated approaches, making it accessible for all learning needs.  

Learning At A Student’s Own Pace: Online tutoring platforms often have different difficulty levels so that students can learn at their own pace. Our programs are tailored for each student so they can continue at their preferred pace. This is great for kids who want to move ahead quickly or for those who need a little more time to understand the material. 

Cost-Effective: Hiring a one-on-one tutor can be somewhat costly. A single tutor who works locally can charge as much as they like, especially if there is very little competition and high demand. One of the many benefits of hiring an online tutor is that their prices tend to remain competitive. So, you can rest assured that you will be receiving good value for your money. 

An Abundance of Resources: An online tutor’s amount of resources is incredibly diverse and kept up to date. Technology can help to ensure that students have the best chance of achieving success within their chosen subject. Online tutors rely on video chat, messaging services, online tutorials, and many other learning aids. Dropkick Math’s programs combine various teaching methods, including online quizzes, virtual learning, and instant messaging. 

Overall, online tutoring services offer many benefits that can be tailored to each individual student. If your child is struggling in math, or just wants to get ahead, an online tutoring program can help. With a bit of research and guidance, by choosing the right service for your child’s needs, they can begin to thrive in mathematics. These are just a few reasons you should consider using an online tutoring service for your child. 

How Dropkick Math is Different

At Dropkick Math, we are a different kind of online tutor. We are not just an alternative to hiring a one-on-one tutor. Our programs offer a fun way to help your child thrive in mathematics through self-learning. Our unique programs 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 to understand the underlying problems rather than just focusing on helping them through the material they are learning at school. 

Dropkick Math is dedicated to helping your child reach their potential in math. By providing support in learning the building blocks of mathematics and engaging through fun and exciting games, your child will begin to thrive. Learn more about our programs today!

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How To Save The School Year After A Slow Start

One-On-One Tutoring

There’s no doubt that struggling with some concepts at the start of the school year can be discouraging. Your child may feel like they are falling behind and that it’s impossible to catch up. But they need to remember that it’s not how they start that matters, it’s how they finish. With a little bit of hard work and dedication, they can turn things around and better understand the learning concepts that can help with their future studies.

There are many steps that can be taken to help children with any educational gaps they may be experiencing. Tutoring is a great way to help a child who may be falling behind in learning, especially in mathematics. Tutoring comes in many forms, including one-on-one instruction, virtual tutoring, and group classes. Each type of tutoring can be helpful in different ways, but each interaction can help a child develop ideas and fully understand complex concepts. 

One-On-One Tutoring

Asking questions is an essential part of the learning process, but it can be challenging to do in a large class setting. This can sometimes be the cause of a slow start to a school year. When a child is one of many students competing for a teacher’s attention, it can be easy for them to feel lost in the shuffle. This is why personalized learning opportunities with a one-on-one tutor can be so valuable. Being able to ask questions in a one-on-one environment can make a big difference in academic performance. Many children feel more comfortable asking questions in a personalized setting, and they can also get more out of the conversation. As a result, they can better understand the material and apply it to their coursework.

However, this tactic for performing better in school may be effective, but it isn’t always available or convenient. Many families are busy and may not have time to book a tutor for scheduled lessons. Tutors are also in high demand, so it may be challenging to get a time slot that works for your child. This makes it frustrating for the child and parent as they cannot schedule regular lessons. One-on-one tutors may also not be tailored to individual learning styles or needs. 

Dropkick Math

At Dropkick Math, we are different than traditional math tutoring. Our unique programs focus on the fundamental misunderstandings your child may have in math and can provide them with the skills they need to keep advancing. We offer a fun alternative to one-on-one tutors that can help your child build their confidence and thrive in mathematics through self-learning. 

Our programs focus on the four pillars of math, using engaging, innovative programs. Each module helps students fully understand critical concepts that are the base fundamentals of mathematics. 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.

Take Action

No one wants to hear that their child struggles in school, but it happens. And when it does, it’s important to take action. Saving a school year, whether it is one class or multiple classes that need a boost, is entirely doable as long as your child has a positive attitude, desire, and a strategy to perform better. Creating a growth mindset is essential for your child’s success in learning. Children with a growth mindset see learning as a great challenge. They also believe that they can improve if they put in enough effort.

Enrolling them in Dropkick Math Academy is the first place to start when needing to save the school year. Our qualified Ontario Certified Teachers can offer differentiated approaches, making it accessible for all learning needs. In addition, our curriculum is designed to make sure your child grasps concepts quickly and thoroughly. With our help, your child will be able to save their school year after a slow start. 

Is Your Child Struggling With Learning?

It is not uncommon for children to struggle with learning during the start of the school year. Your child may receive a lower-than-expected grade on their progress report card or feel like they don’t understand what their teacher is talking about in class. Regardless of the situation, it’s important to remember that with some help, it is not too late for your child to catch up on their learning. With a little bit of commitment, they can get back on track and make the most of the year. 

Not sure if an online math tutor is for your child? Check out our program descriptions today and learn about each module that can help boost your child’s confidence and set them up with the skills needed for their future. So, don’t waste your time searching for “math tutor near me,” contact Dropkick Math today and get your child the help they need to get back on track. 

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Math is Math! Why Would They Change It?

Math is Math

If your child comes to you for help with their homework, you may be confused when you see how it is being taught. The mathematics that students learn today is most likely highly different from what you learned at school. 

The main thing to keep in mind is that math hasn’t changed. The way it is taught has. Unfortunately, when Ontario shifted mathematics teaching, parents were not informed. This left many frustrated as they realized they did not understand how to help their children in mathematics. 

The shift in the way mathematics is taught was not an overnight decision, although it may seem that way to some parents. Math education had been researched for decades by experts in both the education and mathematics fields, and it was found to be lagging in many areas. 

As society becomes more interconnected and globalized, information and technology are rapidly evolving. Since most information is now readily available through our smartphones or tablets, children need to be better versed in complex decision-making and problem-solving as these are skills that computers are not yet able to help with. 

Major Transformation

We live in a time of significant transformation, which means that children growing up through this period need to receive an education that prepares them for a world of automation and artificial intelligence. According to the 2016 Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum, 65% of children entering primary school today will work end up working in job types and functions that don’t even exist yet. In the 2018 Future of Jobs Report, it was predicted that human skills such as “creativity, originality, initiative, persuasion, negotiation, and critical thinking will be in high demand along with “attention to detail, resilience, flexibility, and complex problem-solving.” This means the education needs to be designed with platforms that mirror what students will meet when they are ready for college or a career. 

The traditional ways of learning are no longer enough to prepare children for the future. There is an urgent need to improve education, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). So, our job as educators and parents is to prepare children for their future by teaching them mathematics that will be useful and applicable in the years to come. 

New Ways Of Thinking

The technological world around us today is forcing students into new ways of thinking, which should be reflected in mathematics instruction. Students need to be both effective and efficient thinkers. Effective thinkers are taught to think long term, which means using longer or more complicated methods for solving problems. This may not always provide an answer at first, but it allows students to develop a foundational understanding of math concepts that will eventually give them the skills to question, critique, and reason to get their answers. 

Efficient thinkers believe that math should be done in steps and procedures that produce an answer as quickly as possible with the least amount of time involved. Parents may remember this type of thinking from the traditional way math was taught by “borrowing,” “carrying,” or “putting a zero.” Many didn’t fully understand the algorithm but did know that it was fast and got them the correct answer. In the past, those who could get an answer quickly were considered good at mathematics.  

Multiple Paths To A Solution

The way that math is taught today prepares children to be creative problem solvers who can find multiple paths to a solution. Students are no longer expected just to get the correct answer; they need to focus on the process. 

Over the past few decades, research has shown that children learn math better when taught through guided discovery. This teaching method provides students with support, but they ultimately develop the math rules themselves, a stark difference from learning them through memorization, as many of us parents experienced. 

Helping Your Child

Dropkick Math is here for you if your child is coming to you for help with their math homework and you don’t understand how it is being taught. We are a type of online math tutor that can help your child understand the fundamentals of mathematics while also educating the parent. By learning alongside your child, we will expose you to new learning strategies your child is experiencing in their classroom. 

It is a common misconception that it is difficult for parents to contribute to their child’s math education. At Dropkick Math, we believe that by working together, both you and your child can learn the fundamentals of math and gain skills that will translate for years to come. 

Many people simply go online and search “math tutor near me,” but this will only get you traditional tutors who may not give you and your child the support you need. As one of the leading math programs in Toronto, Dropkick Math provides support in learning key math skills by focusing on relationships and engaging the parent/guardian. Get started today by learning more about our programs.

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The Meaning Of Fractions

The Meaning Of Fractions

Fractions can often be a source of frustration starting in elementary school. Many times this is because children have not previously been taught algorithms and procedures correctly. They may often confuse methods with others they have learned for whole numbers or have simply not practiced fractions enough to understand them fully. This is precisely why building and understanding the foundation of number sense has been shown to increase student achievement later on.

Parent Involvement

Parents looking to help their children with a better understanding of mathematics also need to develop a more sound understanding of the foundations. This is why we involve parents in our programs at Dropkick Math. Our trained 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.

Understanding Fractions

For students to really understand fractions, it is essential that they learn to view them as numbers. Specifically, numbers that represent different constructs based on the context. In the past, fractions education focused on the outcomes, memorizing procedures so that students could successfully operate with fractions. However, being a good mathematical thinker is no longer based on how quickly a child can produce an answer. It is more important that mathematical thinkers understand the process and have multiple pathways to a solution.

To become a good mathematical thinker, it is essential to understand the meaning of fractions. Fractions represent equal parts of a whole or of a collection.

Fraction of a whole: When a whole is divided into equal parts, each part is a fraction of the whole.

Fraction of a collection: Fractions can also represent parts of a set or a collection.

Fractions have two parts. The number on the top of the line is called the numerator and tells how many equal parts of the whole or collection are taken. The number below the line is called the denominator and shows the total divisible number of equal parts in a whole, or in a collection.

When explaining fractions to a child, some of the most common examples in real life are equal slices of pizza, fruit, cake, or a bar of chocolate. Children may also learn through these foods that when the parts of the whole are unevenly divided, they don’t form fractions.

Using examples of fractions in everyday life can help children understand and visualize the math concept. Some examples you can use for older children include: 

  • splitting a bill at a restaurant into halves, thirds, or quarters
  • working out price comparisons in the grocery store when something is half price
  • looking at a clock and teaching them about half an hour and a quarter past

When it comes to helping a child with their math homework, fractions are probably what you will struggle with the most. The best place to start when explaining fractions to a child is to offer a description such as, “a fraction is any part of a group, number, or whole.” Then, using real-life experiences, fractions can become a little less scary.

Math Anxiety

For children, the world of math can be filled with despair and anxiety if they struggle to understand the concept of fractions truly. Fractions are known to be one of the main contributors to math anxiety and can be one of the most significant barriers to your child’s success in math. However, this can be avoided with the help of Dropkick Math Academy. Our programs are designed specifically to work with children to overcome any learning gaps they may have. Our programs include working with adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators. Children will also work with multiplying and dividing fractions with whole numbers and gain the ability to add and subtract fractions using mental math.

As children advance through our program, they will connect fractions, percents, and decimals and use each form flexibly. They will strengthen their proportional reasoning skills and develop proficiency with fractions. By the end of our program, children will have developed a solid foundation for secondary mathematics involving linear relationships, radian measures, and trigonometry.

Get Back On Track

If your child is struggling with fractions or other math operations, Dropkick Math can help get them back on track! We focus on the critical gaps in learning where children often show difficulty and provide an exciting way for students to thrive in mathematics by applying newly discovered techniques. 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.

We also address deficiencies through our innovative, research-based math learning techniques while correcting any underlying misconceptions about mathematics. All instructors are qualified Ontario Certified Teachers who can offer differentiated approaches, making it accessible for all learning needs.  

Show your child that math is fun by enrolling them in Dropkick Math Academy. Start with our FREE assessment today!

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