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3 Steps To Boost Mindset For Back To School

3 Steps To Boost Mindset For Back To School

As the back-to-school season rolls around, it’s important to help your children gear up for success. A positive mindset is crucial for dealing with the challenges of school and life. By following three simple steps, you can help your children stay focused and motivated to go back to school. First, remind your child that transitions can be stressful, but you will be there to help guide them. Second, set goals for academic and extracurricular activities that can be accomplished throughout the year, such as math tutoring. Finally, set the tone for your child’s return to school. Following these simple steps can help your children maintain a positive mindset and set them up for success in school and life.

Excited or Anxious?

The back-to-school season can be both exciting and anxiety-inducing for children. On the one hand, they get to see their friends again and learn new things. It brings structure and fresh extracurricular activities. Some children love getting the latest supplies and may have their backpacks packed weeks before school starts. 

On the other hand, some children hate having to deal with homework, tests, and other challenges. With new subjects come unfamiliar teachers, frustrations and new challenges. This can create anxiety for many children and cause sleepless nights before the start of school. 

Whether your child is excited or anxious for back to school, some steps can be taken to help boost their mindset and help with their confidence. 

Dealing With Transitions

Routine changes can be stressful and cause anxiety for some children. Some may suffer a great deal while figuring out their new school year rhythm. As a parent, it can be hard to know how to help a child who is unsure of change, but talking to them and addressing the subject can go a long way. Let them know that the stress of transition is only temporary and isn’t an indicator that something is wrong. It is simply their mind trying to figure out how things fit together in their new environment, schedule, and peers. 

When letting your child know that their feelings of anxiety about the new school year are normal, you can also tell them how you feel when faced with uncomfortable feelings of creating a new routine. Relating to your child and letting them know their stress is normal can help them relax.

Children who are stressed about transitions may also have trouble making decisions. By boosting their confidence and letting them know their stress is normal, it can help them make wiser decisions. 

Set Goals

Something about a new school year and the promise of a fresh start can make parents put our rational, realistic brains in a box. We will then start planning three times too many things for our children to do. It is almost as if summer gives us amnesia to the number of subjects, activities and “fun” things we can commit our children to do. It is all done out of love for our children as we get easily distracted by all of the possibilities and want them all for our children. However, this can lead to overcommitment, and we often find ourselves and our children burning out in the early fall. 

But it isn’t just the parents who often over-commit. Children may not know their limits and could overcommit and overextend themselves even without a parent’s help. Whether it be the pressure to excel academically, peer pressure, or even pressure they may feel to make their parents proud, children can often take on too much. This can lead to burnout, stress and a poor mindset. 

The start of a new school year is the perfect time for your child to set their primary purpose. Take the time to sit down with your child and discuss what choices they have this year in academics and extracurricular activities. Ask them what it would be if they were to grow in one area this year. This can help to narrow down what to focus on and set a goal for the year ahead without becoming too overworked. Start with the activities that will help them grow and build confidence in their chosen area, and then add on from there, thinking realistically about how much time they have each week. 

Who Do They Want To Be

One of the best ways to boost your child’s mindset before the start of school is by reminding them that they can be whomever they want to be. Give them some freedom to choose their clothes, supplies, textbooks, and even schedules if they are older. This can be a major confidence boost and help them to set the tone for the upcoming year ahead. 

As parents, we can sometimes go into an almost robotic zone when getting our children ready for back to school. You have done it millions of times and are just on auto-repeat. But if your child has decided they want to become a mathematician this year, or a science expert, they should focus on these aspirations. This is why letting your child take the lead when selecting new clothes and supplies for the upcoming year is essential. They may want to ditch the unicorn binder you got them last year for a space-themed binder and pens this year. This is an excellent way to foster aspirations and boost their confidence so they can excel in school and life. 

Creating A Math Mindset

The new school year can be a wonderful time of learning, growing, and developing new habits that can last a lifetime. As a parent, setting a positive mindset for your child can help ensure a smoother transition. Establishing a mindset is all about creating a positive experience. When it comes to creating a math mindset, we have a whole blog on the topic! Check it out here!

At Dropkick Math, our math help services work with the parent and child to build a positive mindset which can boost confidence and help children overcome any learning gaps in mathematics. Our programs offer a unique math tutoring approach by focusing on relationships and engaging the parent/guardian. Students learn math operations through fun and engaging games focusing on the four pillars (number sense, operational sense, proportional reasoning, and algebraic reasoning). 

Start creating a positive math mindset in your child by visiting our website and learning more about our programs today! 

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Math Milestones: What To Expect As Kids Grow Up

Math Milestones; What To Expect As Kids Grow Up

As a parent, you are likely always looking for ways to help your child succeed. You want to be there to support them as they grow and learn new things. You also want to make sure they are hitting the milestones they should be when learning new skills. But one area that can be especially tricky to navigate is math. 

Math milestones can be confusing, but don’t worry; we’re here to help! This post will outline what to expect as kids grow up regarding math skills. There are many different milestones for each grade, but we will cover some of the most important milestones and when you should expect them from your child. For example, as a parent, you will want to ensure your child understands the difference between 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional shapes in grades 1 and 2. Similarly, in grade 5, some milestones to look out for include being able to use more than one way to solve math problems.

Understanding what lies ahead can better support your child along their journey. So, read on for information on developmental milestones in mathematics and the strategies you can use to help your child excel!

A Strong Math Foundation

Each milestone is an important step in developing a solid math foundation. As a parent, it can be difficult to know where your child should be in terms of their education. But knowing what to expect as children grow up and during each grade can help you recognize if your child is struggling. If your child appears to be behind, math tutoring is a great way to keep them on track to hit their milestones. 

Math builds upon the concepts learned the previous year, so before your child reaches a new milestone, they must first accomplish the task currently at hand. In other words, if your child is going into grade 4, but they haven’t mastered the concepts learned in grade three, they may miss milestones and struggle. 

Math Milestones

The following guide can be used to monitor if your child is reaching their milestones. Every child is different and may learn at a different pace, so it is crucial to reach out to your child’s teacher if you are concerned about their progress in their math studies. 

Grades 1 – 2

  • Name basic shapes
  • Understand the difference between two- and three-dimensional shapes 
  • Read digital and analog clocks using words such as ‘half-past’ and ‘quarter to’
  • Do basic subtraction and addition up to 20
  • Use mathematical language to convey thought and solution
  • Predict what comes next in a pattern
  • Count to 100 by ones, twos, fives, and tens
  • Right and recognize the numerals 0 to 100
  • Right and recognize the words for numbers from 1 to 20
  • Describe probability in everyday situations

Grade 3

  • Understand money amounts (e.g. four quarters in a dollar)
  • Understand place value and solve problems with decimal points
  • Create a number equation or sentence from a word problem
  • Use mathematical language to convey thought and solution
  • Count forward and backward from various starting points
  • Know how to do division and multiplication with help from fact families
  • Understand how addition and subtraction are inverse operations  (e.g., 3+5= 8 and 8-3=5)

Grade 4 – 5

  • Be able to use more than one way to solve problems
  • Start applying math concepts to the real world
  • Use mathematical language to convey thought and solution
  • Compare numbers using greater and less than symbols
  • Write and compare fractions and decimals and put them in order on a number line
  • Start two-and three-digit multiplication
  • Add, subtract, multiply and divide money amounts
  • think in a multiplicative way (e.g., if a 3 kg dog grows to 6 kg and a 10 kg dog grows to 13 kg – some may see them as growing by the same amount (that is additive thinking), the first dog actually doubled their weight which is multiplicative thinking)
  • Name various types of triangles and quadrilaterals

Grades 6 – 8

  • Use coordinates to find points on a grid
  • Work with basic geometric shapes, including angles, lines, and types of triangles
  • Begin basic algebra with one unknown number
  • Use mathematical language to convey thought and solution
  • Use formulas to integrate math concepts and solve complicated problems
  • Use formulas to calculate and understand the relationships between perimeter, area and volume of shapes
  • Ability to estimate and make sense of answers when using operations with fractions
  • Use proportional reasoning to solve problems involving rates, ratios and percentages
  • Understand that numbers can be represented in various ways like decimals, fractions, bases, and variables

Highschool

  • Use numbers in real-life situations
  • Use algebraic reasoning to estimate, think about, and solve mathematical relationships
  • Use mathematical language to convey thought and solution
  • Begin to understand how math ideas build on one another
  • Use maps, graphs, or other representations to learn and convey information
  • Begin to see that some math problems don’t have real-world solutions

Keeping Your Child On Track

Math milestones are important not just for children but for parents too. By understanding what math skills your child should be mastering at what age, you can ensure that they’re on track and help them if they’re struggling. But keep in mind that these milestones are just a general rule. Math skills can be dependent on visual abilities, working memory, and language. 

While these are just general milestones to watch for, there are some “tried and tested” tips for helping children achieve them, including: 

A Different Type Of Math Tutor

Dropkick Math understands where children should be with their understanding of mathematics. We are a tutoring company that differs from others by getting to the root of any misunderstandings your child may have about math. All of our instructors are certified Ontario teachers who know how to assess children to ensure they hit the milestones with their peers. Other traditional tutors tend to only work on the problem at hand, but this will not help the child progress in their math skills.

If you are searching for math help online, look no further. We offer fun and engaging programs your child will look forward to each week. Our programs aim to build confidence and teach children to enjoy math while hitting those important milestones.

Check out our programs today!

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How To Know If Your Child Is Struggling With Math

How To Know If Your Child Is Struggling With Math

If you’re a parent, there’s a good chance that you’ve experienced the following situation: You’re helping your child with their math homework, and they just can’t seem to get it. They don’t understand what they’re doing, they can’t remember how to do basic operations, and everything seems to be a struggle. It’s frustrating for both of you – and it may leave you wondering if your child is struggling with math. So, how can you tell if this is the case? 

As frustrating as this experience can sometimes be, there are some simple ways to know if your child is struggling with math. One of the best ways to tell if your child is struggling is when they bring home their report card. Report cards often mention milestones they should be reaching, and if a teacher is reporting that they are missing milestones, it is a sure sign that your child is struggling with math. Grades don’t lie, and teacher remarks can help you understand where your child may fall behind.  

Also, if your child is exhibiting signs of math anxiety, it could be a sign that they are having trouble. This well-documented condition can manifest in various ways, so it is important to understand math anxiety and how to notice any signs. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss these signs and more to help if you are wondering if your child may be struggling with math. We will also cover some simple tips for how to help them overcome these struggles. Keep reading for more information!

What Causes Children To Struggle?

A common complaint among children is that math is too complicated or that they are not smart enough. Unfortunately, this belief can severely impact any child’s success in mathematics. Math is a subject that requires focus and concentration, two things that are often in short supply for young kids. In addition, math requires a certain amount of abstraction, which can be difficult for children who are still learning to think in concrete terms. However, math is also a subject that rewards effort and perseverance. With time and practice, any child can learn to master math basics. The key is to keep trying, even when it seems difficult. Any child can succeed in math with a positive attitude and a willingness to persevere.

Report Cards

Report cards offer an excellent view of your child’s education. There is no better way to check if they are struggling than by looking at their grades. It should be a warning sign if your child appears to perform well in every subject except math. Lower grades in math that go unnoticed may lead a child to focus more on subjects they are already succeeding in and spend less time studying math. 

The key is not just to look for a failing grade in math. A lower grade than usual can signal that your child is struggling along with teacher remarks about missing concepts or misunderstandings of core components of the curriculum. By catching these signs early, you can get your child the extra help they may need to keep up with their peers. 

Math Anxiety

Math anxiety is a genuine phenomenon that can be frightening and deter many children from learning math. Chances are that if your child is showing any signs of math anxiety, they are struggling. But what does math anxiety look like in children? For some children, math anxiety manifests as a physical response, such as a racing heart or sweating palms. For other children, math anxiety manifests itself as more of an emotional response, such as feeling overwhelmed or anxious. In either case, math anxiety can significantly hinder a child’s ability to learn math. If your child is showing any of these symptoms, such as saying things like “I hate math” or “I’m not good at math,” or if they are trying to avoid math-related activities, it’s usually a sign that they have math anxiety and are struggling with the subject. 

The good news is that there are ways to help children overcome math anxiety. Parents and teachers can help children see math more positively by providing encouragement and positive reinforcement. Additionally, there are many helpful resources available that can provide children with the tools they need to succeed in math. With a little bit of effort, math anxiety can be overcome.

Hitting Milestones

Generally, children hit certain milestones in math around the same age. However, sometimes they have trouble developing these skills at the same rate and end up falling behind. For example, an expected milestone for children in grades 1 and 2 may include counting to 100 by ones to twos, fives, and tens. While others pick it up without any problems, some children may struggle with the concept. This noticeable milestone should be corrected before the child moves on to the next concept. 

Similarly, in grades 4 and 5, your child should start being able to apply math concepts to the real world and be able to solve a problem in more than one way. If they don’t quite grasp that yet, they may be struggling with math. (For more math milestones, see our blog “Math Milestones: What To Expect As Kids Grow Up”)

If you feel like your child is not hitting their milestones, you may want to speak with their teacher. By addressing the issue early, your child can catch up and not get left behind the other children in their class. 

The Building Blocks of Math

Math can be a challenging subject for some children because it is cumulative. In other words, each year builds upon the concepts learned the previous year. If a child falls behind, it can be difficult to catch up. For parents, it is important to understand that this does not necessarily mean their child is lacking in intelligence or motivation. In fact, kids who struggle with math are often working very hard – both mentally and physically. 

Researchers from the University of Akron recently published a study called “The Importance of a Strong Mathematical Foundation,” where they tested 39 ninth and tenth graders. Each student had to complete questions ranging from third to seventh grade on fractions, proportions, and ratios. Only seven students were able to pass the assessment.

Researchers were able to conclude that students were simply being taught math concepts matched with their current grade level and not based on the mathematical knowledge they brought to class. Because of this, students were falling behind at each grade level. This was due to them not mastering the concepts before continuing on to higher-level instruction. These education gaps can create misunderstanding, hindering students from making the necessary content connections and gaining conceptual understanding.

If your child shows signs of a gap in learning, it may explain why they are struggling. Try returning to concepts they would have learned in the previous grades and test their knowledge. It is also important to talk with them about how math is essential and that everyone struggles with it at some point or another. 

By providing them with resources, such as a math tutor or supplemental math activities, children can catch up and excel in math. With patience and understanding, math can be mastered by any child.

Disruptions In Education

After two years of educational disruptions caused by the pandemic, many students are behind in mathematics. This is causing children to exhibit signs that they are struggling to keep up with what they are learning in math class. 

At Dropkick Math, we offer math online tutoring programs that can help children who may be struggling. We start by assessing children so they can be placed in the appropriate programs, not based on their grade level but on their current understanding of math concepts. This allows our certified Ontario teachers to work with children to build upon their knowledge and help with any misunderstandings they may have. 

If you are looking for math help online for your child, Dropkick Math can help! Check out our programs today!

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The Benefits of Technology In The Classroom

The Benefits of Technology In The Classroom

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

A Profound Impact On Education

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

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

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

An Engaged Environment

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

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

Incorporating Different Learning Styles

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

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

Improves Collaboration

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

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

Prepares Children For The Future

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

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

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

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

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