math tutor Archives - DKM Homeschool Resource

What Is Summer Slide And How To Prevent It

The Dropkick Math Team on June 7, 2022

What is summer slide? You may have heard this term being tossed around, but what does it really mean? Summer slide is the term used to describe the loss of knowledge and skills a student suffers over the summer. This can be due to a lack of academic enrichment opportunities over the break or simply because children are out of school and not retaining what they learned during the school year.

While no definitive studies show how much learning is lost each summer, it’s safe to assume that students lose some ground academically if they don’t engage in educational activities. Through math tutoring and other interventions, parents can take steps to help prevent summer slide and keep their child’s education on track.

A Loss Of Skills And Knowledge

For decades, educators have observed the summer slide – the inevitable loss of skills and knowledge that occurs over the summer break. While students may enter the classroom in September seeming refreshed and relaxed, they quickly fall behind their classmates who have continued to learn and grow over the summer months. The summer slide is a pervasive problem that affects children of all backgrounds and abilities.

Studies have shown that, on average, students lose about 2.6 months of grade-level math skills over the summer. As a result, they enter the new school year at a distinct disadvantage. While efforts to combat the summer slide are ongoing, there is still much work to be done in order to close the achievement gap.

What To Do About Summer Slide

As any parent knows, summer can be a challenging time for kids when it comes to schoolwork. With all the distractions of warm weather and long days, it’s easy for kids to forget what they’ve learned during the school year and fall behind before the next school year begins. Unfortunately, summer slide is also being exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. Due to school closures and continuing distance learning, many children struggle to keep up with their studies. This has led to a decline in grades and test scores and an increased risk of future academic difficulties. As parents and educators work to address this problem, it’s essential to remember that the COVID pandemic has created unique challenges for kids that require innovative solutions.

Children need to have continuous opportunities to learn and practice new skills during the summer months. Summer learning programs can allow children to stay sharp academically while also preventing them from falling behind. These programs often include activities and games designed to reinforce key academic concepts. They can be an excellent way for children to stay engaged in learning, even when they’re out of school. With a bit of creativity and effort, we can help our kids overcome the effects of summer slide and the pandemic and get back on track for a successful school year.

Learn While Vacationing

As summer approaches, many families begin to plan their vacations. However, vacations can also be a learning opportunity. For example, if you are planning a trip by airplane, your child can research the cost of airfare and luggage weight. If you are staying in a hotel, your child can calculate the cost of the room per night. Once you reach your destination, there are often opportunities to take tours of historical landmarks and locations. This can be an excellent opportunity to teach your child about history and how to calculate the number of years ago historical events occurred. By incorporating some educational elements into your summer vacation plans, you can help your child learn and grow even while away from school.

Incorporate Everyday Tasks

There are lots of easy ways to keep kids’ brains active during summer vacation. One way is to take advantage of everyday activities like grocery shopping or driving. For example, when you’re at the grocery store with your kids, challenge them to add up the total cost of your purchase. Driving over to grandmother’s house? Ask them to find specific colours, shapes, or patterns along the way. For older kids, think of appropriate variations – for instance, they could try to count all the license plates from different provinces or how many billboards there are. This helps to keep their minds active and makes these everyday activities more fun for everyone involved. By making summer learning fun and interactive, you can help your kids stay sharp all summer long.

Summer Camp

As the summer break approaches, many parents begin to scramble to find ways to keep their children occupied. One option that is becoming increasingly popular is enrolling children in specialized summer camps. These camps offer a variety of activities that are designed to be both fun and educational. For example, computer camps often incorporate game design elements, while math camps focus on developing problem-solving skills. Science camps may include field trips to local museums or zoos.

In addition to being educational, these camp experiences can also be extremely valuable for your child’s social development. By interacting with other children and adults in a structured setting, your child will learn important social skills that will benefit them throughout their life. So, if you’re looking for an opportunity to give your child a boost this summer, consider enrolling them in one of these specialized camps.

Summer Programs

While kids need to have some time off from school to enjoy the summer months, it’s also crucial that they don’t forget everything they’ve learned over the course of the year. Thankfully, there are several math help services available to help kids stay sharp. Schools often offer summer classes or enrichment programs, and private businesses like Dropkick Math Academy also provide valuable services. These programs can help your child review essential concepts, catch up on any gaps in their learning, and get a head start on the upcoming school year. With summer learning, your child can enjoy a well-rounded education that sets them up for success both in and out of the classroom.

Our Program

This summer, if your child is struggling and you find yourself searching for such phrases as “math for grade 3” or “how to help my child this summer,” we may be able to help. At Dropkick Math, we provide high-quality tutoring services that help students achieve their academic goals. Whether your child needs extra help with fractions or is struggling with algebra, our team of certified Ontario teachers can provide the targeted instruction and support needed to succeed in mathematics. Our math learning techniques include online group sessions and engaging games that will have your child wanting to learn more.

Learn more about our programs today!

Why Spatial Reasoning Is So Important For Mathematics

The Dropkick Math Team on June 3, 2022

Do you remember the first time you solved a puzzle? The satisfaction of completing it and finally understanding how all the pieces fit together was an amazing feeling. As parents, we want to give our children the best opportunities for success in life, and part of that includes helping them develop strong problem-solving skills such as those that accomplish finishing a puzzle.

One skill that is essential for mathematical success is spatial reasoning. Developing this ability at an early age can set your child up for future academic achievement and it can even predict students’ later success in higher levels of mathematics, such as proportional thinking and algebraic reasoning. Keep reading to learn more about why spatial reasoning is so important for children’s mathematics and what you can do to help them excel in this area.

What Is Spatial Reasoning?

The ability to reason spatially is a fundamental human skill that allows us to make sense of the world around us. Spatial reasoning skills are used when we navigate our environment, manipulate objects, or even daydream. Although we are often not consciously aware of it, spatial reasoning is essential for everyday life.

There are many different types of spatial reasoning tasks, but they all involve mental manipulation of 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional images. For example, a common spatial reasoning task is mental rotation, which requires imagining how an object would look if it were rotated in space. Another type of spatial reasoning task is mental folding, which involves folding a 2-dimensional image in your mind to visualize a 3-dimensional object.

Spatial reasoning skills develop throughout childhood and continue to improve into adulthood. However, some people are naturally better at spatial reasoning than others. One’s ability to reason spatially can also be affected by factors such as fatigue, stress, and boredom. Spatial reasoning skills can be improved with practice, so there’s no need to worry if your child doesn’t seem naturally gifted in this area. With a little bit of practice, anyone can become better at spatial reasoning.

Math Is More Than Numbers

When most people think of math, they think of numbers. However, math is so much more than that. It encompasses spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, and other important skills. For kids, this can be a lot to take in. They may get bored quickly if they think math is just about numbers. However, when they are exposed to spatial reasoning tasks and toys, they suddenly become interested in learning more. They may even choose to play with math materials during their free time.

Spatial reasoning is a key part of math education and it can be very engaging for kids. By exposing them to spatial reasoning tasks and toys, we can help them develop a love for math.

Mathematical Abilities

A recent study has found that spatial reasoning skills in early childhood can predict mathematical abilities later in life. The study followed a group of children from ages 6 to 8, and found that those with strong spatial reasoning skills at age 6 were more likely to perform well on mathematical tasks at age 8. This relationship was especially strong for tasks involving the linear number line.

The findings suggest that spatial reasoning skills play an essential role in the development of mathematical abilities. Furthermore, they indicate that intervening to improve spatial reasoning skills in early childhood could positively impact later math achievement. The study provides new insights into the importance of spatial reasoning skills and highlights the need for further research on ways to support the development of these skills in young children.

Standardized Testing

In Ontario, students take a standardized test in Grade 3 called the EQAO that determines if they are on grade level. Many teachers notice that in grade 2 students often struggle with tasks that involve spatial sense, indicating that it should be included more in math education in the early elementary classroom. But it shouldn’t just fall on teachers to help children understand spatial reasoning. There are many activities that parents can offer their children to help advance their understanding of spatial reasoning.

How To Be Proactive

Spatial reasoning is a critical skill set for many STEM fields, and strong spatial reasoning skills have been linked to success in mathematics. As I previously mentioned, spatial reasoning skills are often not formally taught in schools which means that children could fall behind. However, parents can be proactive by helping their children develop strong spatial reasoning skills from an early age. This can be done by encouraging spatial talk in children.

Through spatial talk, children learn to use language to describe spatial relationships and solve problems. For example, a parent might ask a child to put away their toys by saying, “Please put the red block on top of the blue cube.” Parents can also provide opportunities for spatial play, such as puzzles, building blocks, and drawing. By encouraging spatial talk and providing opportunities for spatial play, parents can help their children develop strong spatial reasoning skills that will set them up for success in school and beyond.

Spatial reasoning can be taught through each of the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, and proportional reasoning). When thinking of math concepts, parents should try and view them through a spatial and geometry lens. For example, when a child is learning about number sense, they can be encouraged to gesture with their hands, or they can visualize the number line.

If your child is struggling with spatial reasoning or any other math concept, Dropkick Math Academy can help. So, before you start searching for “math tutor near me” learn about our programs or get in contact if you have any questions. Our team of Ontario certified teachers understands the gaps in education that can often occur and can address them while boosting your child’s confidence in mathematics.

Get started today by having your child complete our FREE assessment.

How To Help Your Child With Multiplication

The Dropkick Math Team on April 30, 2022

Math can be a stressful subject for many parents, and multiplication is one of the most feared subjects. When your child comes to you for help with their multiplication, you may feel like simply running away. If this sounds like you, chances are your fear of multiplication all comes down to two reasons. The first was that the procedures you were taught in school didn’t truly teach you the intricacies of the operation. Secondly, multiplication can be complex and has many different manifestations. It is ok to reach for help, so if you are thinking of math help services for your child, contact Dropkick Math today!

Making Math Fun!

Due to the confusion around multiplication, many parents are left wondering if there are any ways of making learning multiplication fun, enjoyable, and easier. Learning multiplication is a vital skill that children must learn before entering high school. Therefore, it is essential that parents try to find different ways to teach their children, so they do not fall behind in their studies.

One solution to helping your child with their multiplication is online math tutoring. But, if you want to engage your child with some offline learning, we can help with some highly effective tips on how to teach multiplication the easy way.

Hang Up A Multiplication Chart

This is an old technique, but it has stood the test of time. Go online and find a multiplication chart that you can download and print. Sit down with your child and go through the multiplication chart, filling in each individual box together. Hang the completed chart up in a place where your child will see it regularly (e.g. the refrigerator door, next to the family computer, or their bedroom door.) Set a regular time for you and your child to sit down and have a casual run through a particular set of multiplications a few times a week. Just keep in mind that the more they see and practice their multiplications, the more likely a child can learn them.

Take One Step At A Time

Teaching multiplication should be like building a house. You need to start with the foundation first, so teach your child the simplest multiplications first and save the harder ones for the end. The two times table is an excellent starting point as they’re pretty straightforward and just involve doubling each number. 10s are simple, too, as they just involve moving the number one place value to the left. Once your child has mastered the basics, their newfound sense of confidence can help them conquer the more complex tables.

Teach Some Multiplication Strategies

One of the great things about mathematics is that it can be full of strategies to help children learn. Some examples of strategies include:

x 0 – always equals zero (6 x 0 = 0) or (100 x 0 = 0)
x 1 – equals that number (1 x 8 = 8) or (9 x 1 = 9)
x 2 – double that number (2 x 4 = 8) or (10 x 2 = 20)
x 3 – double and one more group (3 x 2 = 6) or (3 x 11 = 33)
x 4 – double, double (4 x 2 = 8) or (4 x 20 = 80)
x 5 – count by fives (5 x 10 = 50) or (5 x 8 = 40)

These strategies can be fun, but it is important to encourage your children to understand why these techniques work and the mathematical reasoning behind them.

Check Their Fluency!

Once your child seems to be getting the hang of their multiplication, it’s time to put them to check their fluency. Choose times when there’s nothing else going on and no distractions. This can include walking them to school or while you’re waiting for a bus. Try to make the questions fun and entertaining and normalize these check-ins by allocating a specific time of the week they will happen rather than springing it on them randomly. These quizzes should not be too stressful and should be aimed at building your child’s confidence by praising what they have learned and how far they have come.

Enroll Your Child In Dropkick Math

If your child is struggling with their multiplication or other foundational math skills, Dropkick Math can help. 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 through engaging games and interactive learning tools. Our Waterloo math services help children in the area and throughout Ontario. All of our programs are taught online to be accessible to any child anywhere.

Get your child started today with our FREE assessment!

How To Save The School Year After A Slow Start

The Dropkick Math Team on April 8, 2022

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.

Math is Math! Why Would They Change It?

The Dropkick Math Team on April 5, 2022

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.