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Has Math Changed Over The Years

Has Math Changed Over The Years

Do you remember those evenings spent at the dining table, wrestling with complex fractions or engaging with puzzling geometry problems? As a parent of children, you may find the mathematics that your child brings home from school looks different from the math you remember. It can be confusing and even intimidating, causing you to question whether the fundamentals of this crucial subject have transformed over the decades. 

We understand that this concern may be worrying you and causing unnecessary stress. Therefore, we want to reassure you. The answer to that burning question, on everyone’s mind, is: No, math has not changed. 

Mathematics, in its essence, is a constant. The fundamental principles that you learned in your school days – addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percentages – all remain the same. The intricate tapestry of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus are still woven from the same threads. 

What has altered, however, is the way math is taught. This shift in teaching methodology is designed to improve understanding and application of mathematical concepts amongst students, thereby preparing them for the complex, problem-solving tasks of the real world.

So, let us all embark on this enlightening journey together, to comprehend the evolution of mathematical education; and in the process, you’ll realize that math has remained the same, but the way of unlocking its mysteries has evolved.

Understanding The Basics: Has Math Really Changed?

Let’s break it down. Math, at its core, is a discipline built on a foundation of bedrock principles. From the simple 1+1=2 to complex equations and derivatives, these principles have remained the same for centuries. The Pythagorean theorem hasn’t altered since the Greeks proposed it, and pi is still approximately 3.14159, as it has been for over 4,000 years. The processes governing multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction haven’t budged either. 

However, it’s undeniable that when you take a peek at your child’s homework, things might seem a touch alien. It can feel like you’re deciphering an entirely new dialect of mathematics. This is likely not because the mathematical concepts have morphed but because the methods and strategies utilized for teaching these concepts have evolved tremendously.

Educational practices and teaching methodologies are always in flux, continually adapting to fit the context of the capacity and requirements of the learners. In particular, mathematics education has shifted gear over the years to make learning more engaging and effective for students.

Schools now focus on teaching students to understand the ‘why’ behind a mathematical process, not just the ‘how.’ They promote problem-solving skills, aiming to encourage children to explore different routes to an answer, not just the single route taught previously. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the math is more challenging. Instead, the approach is geared towards nurturing a deeper comprehension of the concepts.

You may also notice a change in the types of problems presented in your child’s math homework. These may encompass real-world applications of mathematical concepts, the aim being to make learning relevant and practical. The curriculum now emphasizes the importance of students being able to apply their mathematical knowledge, not just memorize the rules. 

So, when tackling math homework with your child, it’s less about learning new math but more about understanding a new style of teaching math. It can be a daunting prospect, but you need not worry. Remember, you are learning along with your child, and together you can navigate the new terrains of education.

In understanding the basics of this educational shift, remember – math has not really changed; our approach to math learning techniques has. And this change, although nuanced and perhaps somewhat challenging, is ultimately designed to enrich the mathematics learning experience for your child.

The Shift In Teaching Methods

Let’s dive into the heart of the matter: teaching methods. It’s crucial to recognize that while the foundational principles of mathematics are uncompromisingly steady, the way they are taught has witnessed a dramatic transformation over the years. 

Emphasis on Understanding Over Memorization 

In our school days, rote memorization played a considerable role in handling math problems. We crammed multiplication tables and formulas without necessarily understanding the theoretical foundation behind them. But these days, teaching techniques are increasingly emphasizing conceptual understanding over rote learning. 

This new approach subjects students to visualizing problems, comprehending real-world applications, and finding multiple solutions to a single problem — all geared to enhance their conceptual knowledge. Consequently, math is now also about understanding relationships between numbers and nurturing an instinct for quantitative reasoning. In this way, students develop a solid understanding of how mathematical concepts interconnect, which empowers them to apply their knowledge in innovative and practical ways. 

The Embrace Of Collaborative Learning 

The traditional classroom setting where the teacher ‘deposits’ knowledge into the students is gradually giving way to more interactive and collaborative learning environments. The understanding now is that better learning takes place when students actively participate in the learning process. 

This interactive approach encourages group projects and discussions where students can share and discuss different mathematical problem-solving methods. Not only does this encourage creativity, but it also boosts students’ communication skills, fosters teamwork, and improves their ability to understand and appreciate different perspectives. 

To conclude, rest assured that the essence of mathematics your children are learning in school has not altered since your days. What has changed and continues to evolve are the teaching methodologies. The aim now is to foster a greater understanding of the subject matter and adapt to the needs of an increasingly digital and collaborative world. This shift seeks to make math not just theoretically rigorous but also tangible, relevant, and enjoyable for your children.

The Influence Of Technology On Math Education

When you think back to your time in school, it’s likely that the chalkboard was the primary teaching tool used in most of your math classes. Would you have ever imagined that a child could sit in their living room, interacting with a virtual math tutor on a computer screen? The advent of innovative technology has significantly shaped modern math education and has worked towards making the subject more accessible and graspable. 

The Spread of Online Learning 

A significant aspect of technology’s transformation is the spread of online learning. Interactive platforms and digital applications make it possible for students to practice math at their own pace. They are provided with instant feedback, which can help them correct their mistakes in real time. Furthermore, algorithm-based personalized learning experiences can focus on the individual student’s strengths and weaknesses, dialling down or ramping up the difficulty level as needed to optimize learning. 

The Digital Bridge 

Online math tutoring and remote learning platforms have been able to build a digital bridge, connecting willing learners with available resources regardless of geographical boundaries. High-speed Internet allows students to connect with math tutors anywhere in the world. This flexibility facilitates a valuable exchange of ideas and learning techniques that can help students better understand math concepts. 

It is easy to see how technology has enormously impacted the evolution of math education. It has opened new avenues for teaching and learning far beyond what most of us would have experienced during our school days. However, despite these significant changes, the fundamental principles of math remain the same. The equations and formulae you learned are still being taught, but they are now being delivered to encourage understanding and real-life application.

How Dropkick Math Academy Uses Technology

Dropkick Math Academy offers online and interactive programs that utilize technology to help bridge educational gaps. By removing the barriers that traditional classrooms may present, we can serve students who may otherwise not have access to quality education. 

Our innovative approach aims to engage students in creative ways that foster a love for mathematics and learning in general. Dropkick Math Academy’s online programs are designed to be flexible, making it easy for students to fit education into their busy schedules. We believe that technology is a valuable tool in education and we strive to utilize it to provide equal opportunities for all students.

 

Bridging The Generation Gap: Helping Your Child With Math

It’s understandable if you find yourself a bit lost when trying to help your child with their math homework. From new terms to unfamiliar problem-solving techniques, you might feel like you’re studying a subject you’ve never seen before – even though it’s the same math you once learned at school. Don’t let this discourage you. 

A key takeaway message is that math, as a subject, hasn’t fundamentally changed. It’s the method of presentation and instructional strategies that have evolved to better foster understanding and application. While different from how you were taught, these methods are designed with the aim to enhance comprehension, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving abilities. 

To help your child succeed in their math education, bridging the generational learning gap is crucial. How can you do it? 

Stay Positive and Encouraging 

First, always maintain a positive attitude. Even if you don’t understand the new teaching methods, encourage your child’s learning progress. Show interest in their work and provide praise for their efforts. Educational research has consistently shown that a supportive home environment significantly improves students’ academic performance. 

Stay Engaged and Patient 

Be patient and persistent. Keep up with what your child is learning in school, attend parent-teacher meetings, and don’t hesitate to ask teachers or even seek the help of online resources to get a grasp on modern teaching methods. After all, your hard work won’t go unnoticed – it’s for your child’s success. 

Use Technology as a Learning Tool 

Embrace technology as a learning tool. Numerous online platforms offer explainer videos, interactive problems, tutorials, and even virtual tutors that can help both you and your child better understand math concepts. Learning from these resources can make math fun, interactive, and easy to understand. 

As parents, your role is to provide your child with as much support as possible. While methods have changed drastically, and technology plays a vital role in education, remember that the fundamental purpose remains the same – garnishing understanding and applying mathematical concepts. It’s all a matter of adapting to the evolving world of education for the sake of your child’s academic accomplishment.

Learning Alongside Your Child

At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe that parents play an instrumental role in fostering a love for mathematics in their children. That’s why we encourage our parents to learn alongside their child through our engaging programs. Our game-based learning approach aims to create a fun and immersive environment, making learning math operations more enjoyable for parent and child teams. 

By involving parents in this learning process, we hope to help them develop a greater appreciation of mathematics themselves and inspire their children to continue learning beyond our programs. At Dropkick Math Academy, we understand the importance of making learning fun and engaging, and we can’t wait to see our child/parent teams learn together!

Learn more about our programs and get your child started with their FREE assessment today!

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How Children Can Benefit From Summer School

How Children Can Benefit From Summer School

As the final school bell rings and children stream out of the classrooms, eager for a summer of fun and freedom, there’s another option looming – summer school. Summer school? Yes, you heard it right! Not just for kids who need to catch up, but a golden opportunity for all children to thrive. 

The idea of summer school often carries a negative stigma, but the benefits it offers can be a game changer for many children. Consider this: while the conventional image of summer is all about play and relaxation, could we be missing out on a valuable opportunity to enhance our children’s education? For example, an online math tutor through the summer may be an invaluable way to keep your child from experiencing summer slide. 

Ready to unlock the potential in your kids this summer? Let’s get started!

Not Just For Struggling Students

Let’s shatter a myth right out of the gate, shall we? Summer school isn’t just a place for struggling students to catch up. Oh no, it’s so much more! 

Academic acceleration is often the name of the game in summer school. This is a hub for go-getters, the ambitious learners who want to surge ahead. It’s a space for kids who are eager to master new skills, explore new subjects, or get a head-start on the year to come. 

  • Did you know? Many summer schools offer advanced courses in STEM, humanities, and even languages, often not available during the regular school year.

Let’s not forget about the learning continuity that summer school provides. We’ve all heard of the dreaded ‘summer slide,’ right? The academic backslide can happen when kids are out of the classroom for too long. With summer school, that slide turns into a climb! Summer school keeps the brain engaged, ensuring that students return in the fall ready to hit the ground running!

So, there you have it! Summer school is not just a remedial catch-up zone. It’s a launchpad for academic success, a confidence booster, and a defence against the summer slide. It’s an opportunity to dive deep into interesting subjects and come out the other side filled with knowledge and ready for the year ahead. And hey, it’s also a great way to keep your children entertained and engaged during the long summer days. 

Boosting Your Child’s Confidence

Summer school can be an excellent way to help boost your child’s confidence. Children often feel more comfortable participating, asking questions, and taking risks in a more relaxed, less crowded setting. They return to their regular classrooms academically stronger and more self-assured. 

Summer school isn’t just about math drills and vocabulary tests. In fact, it could be the secret ingredient that boosts your child’s confidence to new heights! 

Summer school provides a low-pressure environment where children can take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. This process helps children understand that it’s okay to be wrong sometimes, a significant confidence builder. Imagine how empowering it feels for them to conquer a challenging subject without the usual school-time pressure! 

Summer school can also allow students to spend extra time honing skills they may struggle with during the regular school year. This dedicated time helps them master these skills, bolstering their confidence in themselves and their abilities. 

Aside from academics, summer school can provide a platform for children to develop their interpersonal skills. Engaging with peers in a different setting enhances their communication and teamwork abilities, contributing to their overall self-confidence. 

Summer school, in essence, is more than just an extension of the academic year. It’s a breeding ground for your child’s self-esteem, moulding them into resilient, confident individuals ready to take on the world!

Exploring New Interests

Summer school offers a golden opportunity for kids to cultivate new passions. It’s not just about math drills or grammar rules. It’s about broadening horizons and sparking curiosity. 

Imagine this: Your child, the budding scientist, gets to dive into the fascinating world of marine biology. Or perhaps, your little artist gets to paint their heart out in an art-focused class. That’s the beauty of summer school. 

  • Summer school opens doors to intriguing subjects that may not be covered extensively during the regular school year.
  • It allows children to delve into areas of interest in a relaxed, less structured environment.
  • It can help ignite a lifelong passion or even a future career path.

So why not allow your child to explore, discover, and learn in a fun, exciting setting? After all, summer is a time for adventures, and what better adventure is there than learning something new?

Dropkick Math Academy Summer Classes

At Dropkick Math Academy, we offer summer school programs! Our tutors offer a variety of times and days throughout the week so your child doesn’t have to miss out on any summer fun. With so many class options, your child won’t have to decide between hanging out with friends and signing in to their math tutoring session. 

But it isn’t just the convenience of our classes that will have your child wanting to join. They will be excited to meet with their peers online and follow along with our game-based learning. And if that doesn’t win them over, our rewards sure will! That’s right! We reward our students who show an eagerness to participate and learn!

Don’t delay in signing your child up for our summer programs. Get started by checking out our programs and learn more about our math help services!

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Algebraic Reasoning Math Programs

Why Students Struggle With Algebra

Why Students Struggle With Algebra

As parents of school-aged children, it can be disheartening to watch your child struggle with a subject as fundamental as algebra. It has a reputation as one of the most challenging subjects in math, and many students face difficulty understanding and engaging with the material. Whether this is due to an inadequate curriculum or lack of interest on the part of the student, it’s important to identify why and how students are struggling—and find ways to help them understand these types of math operations. In this blog post, we’ll look at potential causes behind these struggles and offer advice on math learning techniques to help support your child with algebra today!

A Dreaded Topic

Math can be difficult for many students, with algebra being one of the most dreaded topics. Whether it be struggling to solve equations or an innate dislike for algebraic concepts, it is all too common for students to want to avoid even discussing algebra altogether due to an overwhelming sense of anxiety. Let’s face it, children are not often heard squealing with delight, “math is fun” when practicing algebra. 

Feeling anxious when dealing with math is common and is often referred to as “math anxiety.” Math anxiety is a feeling of discomfort, worry, or worry-based avoidance related to math. It can range from mild to severe, and the symptoms may vary from person to person. Often math anxiety is experienced as an intense fear of math which may cause individuals to freeze up, experience difficulty concentrating,  understanding math concepts, or recalling math facts quickly. 

With math anxiety, it can be more difficult to make connections between equations and concepts due to the lack of comfort and security around math content. In some cases, math anxiety may even lead to procrastination when doing math homework or taking tests involving math. To help students manage math anxiety, teachers and parents need to identify these feelings early on and develop strategies like deep breathing exercises, writing down thoughts in a math journal, and practicing self-talk such as “I can do this” etc.

Building An Understanding

Math is a significant subject to build a strong understanding of, as it relies heavily on correctly understanding the basics. If missed concepts go unchecked, it can lead to further difficulty in math problems that involve more complex calculations. Students must ensure they understand the fundamentals before attempting harder math equations; without them, they may not be able to find solutions correctly, leading to frustration.

When it comes to algebra, it serves as the fundamental building block for higher mathematics. Without a good understanding of algebra’s basic principles, complex algebraic formulas and equations become much more difficult to comprehend. 

When students move on from algebra without achieving mastery of its basics, their knowledge gap becomes increasingly more apparent in subsequent levels of math, making it hard to understand even the most simple concepts of higher-level mathematics. 

This is an important concept to keep in mind if your child is struggling with algebra. They may be running into trouble because of missed learning of basic fundamentals. 

Using Algebra In The Real World

Algebra can seem like a scary subject to many, but it is possible that this difficulty is not inherent in algebra itself but rather in the way it is being taught. Many educators have pointed out that algebra instruction often disregards the reality of its application outside of worksheets and exams, lacking an intuitive understanding of how algebra concepts are actually used in the real world. As such, if your child is struggling with algebra, there may be a disconnect between the knowledge they have acquired through instruction and their ability to apply it. 

If your child seems frustrated with algebra, developing new tactics to make learning easier is paramount. Such tactics may include interactive instructional videos, active learning activities and worksheets, or online questionnaires that present real-life scenarios in which algebra can be applied. Providing students with varied forms of engagement not only equips them to tackle modern-day problems but also helps foster enthusiasm for algebra by allowing them to explore its wide-reaching areas within mathematics.

Dropkick Math Academy offers various programs that take learning algebra to whole new levels. We believe that learning should be fun and engaging and show students how it can be used in real life.

The Top Three Reasons

While there can be multiple reasons for your child struggling with algebra, our list includes the top three reasons we encounter daily. If your child does appear to struggle with algebra, the best course of action is to get them help as soon as possible. As previously mentioned, math is a concept that builds upon itself, so if a child is missing the basics, it will only continue to get more frustrating for them. 

Doesn’t Have To Be Stressful

Despite algebra’s reputation, mastering it does not have to be associated with stress and difficulty. 

Engaging in activities and exercises outside of the classroom and getting support from peers and instructors are all helpful strategies when facing algebra-related challenges. One of the best ways to accomplish this is with math tutoring. 

Dropkick Math Academy offers virtual group classes that can help students form a base understanding of algebra principals. Our instructors encourage peer support and make the learning environment fun and engaging. 

Dropkick Math Academy offers a rotating schedule of classes, so you don’t have to wait long to get the help your child needs. Our trilogy program focused on algebra helps your child:

  • Recognize the difference between linear and non-linear relations 
  • use visual patterns as a springboard to dig into algebraic manipulation and solve equations
  • Strengthen their algebraic reasoning skills
  • Solve equations by connecting processes to contexts
  • explore and review concepts connected to almost completely abstract representations and models of linear and nonlinear relationships
  • Use algebra to solve authentic (or real-world problems)
  • Further develop their multiplicative thinking and proportional reasoning

Learn more about our programs today, and get your child started on their way to enjoying algebra!

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Operational Sense

How Dropkick Math Helps Children With Operational Sense

How Dropkick Math Helps Children With Operational Sense

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

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

The Importance of Mathematical Operations

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

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

What Is Operational Sense?

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

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

Programs Focusing On Operational Sense

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

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

About Operations, Decimals and Space:

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

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

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

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

How To Know If Your Child Has Operational Sense

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

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

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

How Dropkick Math Tutoring Company Can Help

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

A Gap In Learning

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

Our custom-tailored programs are specifically created for students, helping them gain confidence in the building blocks of mathematics and develop conceptual understanding. We create a fun and dynamic educational environment for both parents and children, through engaging games and interactive learning tools.  

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

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How Literature Can Help Make Sense Of Math Operations

How Literature Can Help Make Sense Of Math Operations

Math problems present a unique challenge for many students who are good at computations, as they must bridge the gap between math theory and math application. Comfort with math computations does not necessarily guarantee fluency in math problem-solving – in fact, applying those same skills can require quite different strategies than the ones that capture a calculation.

Understanding the underlying structure of math operations, analyzing an equation’s components, and developing a plan for a solution can be daunting tasks for even technically adept math students. This is one reason why so many parents often head online to search for a “math tutor near me.”  

At Dropkick Math Academy, we understand that tackling math problems one step at a time while breaking down each challenge and understanding the process are great steps toward mastering math application. We are an alternative to math tutoring that makes learning about math concepts and applying them in real-life situations fun and rewarding. We use game-based learning in our programs, but another great way to help your child understand math problem-solving is with literature. 

Gaining A Deeper Understanding

Solving math problems requires more than just memorized formulas and procedures. As we previously mentioned, it requires students to develop a deeper understanding of math operations and recognize the connection between an actual problem and the math needed to solve it. This can often be challenging, especially when students have gaps in understanding particular math concepts. 

However, with proper instruction and guidance, they can learn how to make these connections between contextual math problems and the algorithms needed to solve them. Students who can do this will be better equipped to approach math problems proactively rather than relying solely on memorizing procedures.

Problem-Solving

Through problem-solving, students can develop an operational sense – an understanding of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. As they connect relationships and different meanings to these four operations, students can more accurately apply these operations to real-world settings. 

One of the best ways that children can learn about problem-solving is through children’s literature, as it provides an excellent way for students to engage with math in a unique and exciting way. Through reading stories, they can encounter math-related events, characters, and data that bring the subject to life in an accessible, memorable way. 

Not only do these books give young math enthusiasts a chance to explore mathematics through interesting stories and characters, but the context of these stories serves as excellent starting points for math practice. Children’s literature is highly beneficial for math learning, allowing children to develop an appreciation for math and gain experience in understanding math concepts within stimulating environments.

Math-Focused Stories

Math-focused stories can be a great way for students to dive deeper into addition and subtraction operations. These stories, or children’s literature, allow young learners to explore multiple scenarios without the pressure of traditional math activities. Through story time discussions with teachers or parents, students are able to work through solving math problems while being more heavily engaged in their learning by putting math into perspective. 

When math is presented in a meaningful way, such as through storytelling, it allows students to take ownership of their understanding of math concepts, helping them develop a much deeper understanding than ever before.

Utilizing literature to explore math topics doesn’t have to only be reserved for young students. Upper-grade math classes can also benefit from a little narrative structure. Studies show that math becomes far more meaningful and applicable when it’s engaged in through storytelling and reading. Reading aloud important math-related stories to an upper-grade math class can instill a sense of context for math problems and higher-level math concepts. Furthermore, engaging with math via literature also allows students to make connections between the math principles they’re studying with their own lives and experiences, adding an empowering layer to their mathematical journey.

Understanding Over Memorization

Telling a math-related story is an effective way to introduce operations, as it encourages students to understand the operation being discussed rather than simply memorizing how to perform the calculation. By giving the math problem a narrative context, the student can better visualize and comprehend the math task at hand, engaging with it on a more meaningful level. Additionally, this approach connects math concepts to other literature they may be studying in class and is especially useful for students who may not have a natural math talent. Providing students with stories that connect multiple subjects creates opportunities for them to learn the material more quickly and effectively.

Using literature is a creative and effective way to help children visualize math concepts as they are used in real life. For example, in a story, maybe the characters share food. This would cause students to think about division situations. Try reading to your child and asking math questions when appropriate. In this example, If Mr. Patrick brings food in the story, you could ask your child if he brought 24 candies to his 6 friends, how many would each get?

This not only makes reading more interactive but also stimulates their mathematical brain!

Research has shown that giving students a context, a real-world or imaginary situation to help illustrate math operations has real benefits. These include:

  • Increasing engagement 
  • Deepening an understanding of operations
  • Strengthening skills in creating equations to represent problem situations
  • Getting students talking about their math reasoning

Our Favourite Stories

Some of our favourite stories that can help children better understand mathematical ideas include:

The Doorbell Rang

This fun story has a mathematical twist. After reading, children should be encouraged to mathematically represent what happens on each page and then discuss this representation. The story’s final page creates a new math challenge to be represented.

Hutchins, P. 1986. The doorbell rang. New York: Mulberry.

You can name 100 dinosaurs!

This book is a treat for dinosaur lovers! It focuses on exploring dinosaurs by historical periods while using illustrations to help children develop higher-number concepts. It also encourages labelling, categorizing, and scientific investigations.

Chewning, R. 1994. You can name 100 dinosaurs! New York: Scholastic.

One watermelon seed

This entertaining story deals with the concepts of multiples of 10 within the context of gardening. Children can follow along and count how many seeds are planted and how many fruits and vegetables they will harvest as a result.

Lotteridge, C.B. 1986. One watermelon seed. Toronto: Oxford University Press.

Communicating Ideas

Writing and mathematics are both useful ways of communicating ideas and understanding relationships. A mathematician uses special symbols and operations to express a sequence of instructions or to construct a relationship between two values. This type of communication is like the language used to create equations that can be solved for an answer or evaluated for its properties. Meanwhile, a writer might use verbs to describe the same action, expressing how someone might go about fulfilling the process without providing any numerical value. While writers and mathematicians use different tools, their end goal is the same; to provide a clear explanation of an event or relationship.

Making Learning Fun!

Math is much more than just working with figures and solving equations; math is a powerful way to interpret, understand, and describe the world around us. At Dropkick Math Academy, we understand math is much more than boring numbers and equations. We make learning math fun. Just like using literature to learn math concepts, we use game-based learning to make it more enjoyable and interactive. 

Students love our games and continue practicing even outside of class. We flip math around and help students fight back against their fear of math. In our programs, students can earn rewards, making it even more tempting to keep practicing their math skills!

Learn more about our programs today and how your child can boost their confidence in math!

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Understanding Fact Families

Understanding Fact Families

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

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

Fact Families and Addition & Subtraction Facts

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

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

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

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

Fact Families and Multiplication & Division Facts

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

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

Flexible Thinking

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

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

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

The Importance Of Fact Families

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

How To Teach Your Child About Fact Families

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

Two-Sided Counters

Two-Sided Counters

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

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

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

Learn more about our programs today!

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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

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!

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