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Learn Math Math During Pandemic

How Absence Rates Over The Past Two Years Have Affected Students

How Absence Rates Over The Past Two Years Have Affected Students

COVID has had a significant impact on our schools and education. One of the most visible effects has been the increase in school absences. Recent data shows that school absence rates have spiked in recent years, which has clearly impacted student performance. Schools are now struggling to find ways to deal with the potential influx of absences if an increase in COVID is seen again this year. Some schools are considering online learning again, while others are looking at ways to increase classroom sizes. 

With so many children missing days of learning, something needs to be done to ensure they stay on track. The Ontario government has stepped in with their Learning Action Recovery Plan, subsidizing outside help, including math tutoring services. Whatever the solution, it is clear that COVID has brought the issue of school absences into sharp focus.

Last Year’s Absence Rates

While the new school year has just started, the absence rates from last year are troubling. More than 300 Ontario schools reported student and staff absences of more than 30 percent on average. The data from the last school year did include all absences, not just those that might be related to COVID-19, so it is difficult to gauge the impact of the pandemic. Other than COVID-related absences, weather or technical errors were among the other reasons for staff and children not being recorded as being present. However, no matter the reason, student absences have been on the rise and are causing problems.

The bulk of the news coverage around student absenteeism over the past school year centred around the challenges of reaching students remotely. Students were missing classes because they lacked a digital device at home, or a reliable internet connection, while for other students, the pandemic forced them into childcare responsibilities that made attending school a lower priority than usual. Teachers also reported that taking attendance in remote learning was more difficult. 

The “New Normal”

With schools being forced to close and virtual classrooms becoming the “norm” over the past couple of years, children have had to adapt to a new way of learning. They have also gotten used to missing lessons or days on end of schooling. 

Before COVID, it would be an extreme problem if a child was absent for so many days, but now with the threat of COVID, it is all par for the course. But what does this mean for children? How is their absence or their teacher’s absence affecting their learning?

Research shows that children’s education has been greatly affected by the pandemic. While it is too early to tell exactly what aspect has led to this missed learning, we can only assume that absence rates play a large role. If a student isn’t in a classroom (virtual or real), it is impossible for them to learn. 

Home Schooling

While some parents have been able to homeschool their children, others have not had the time or resources to do so. As a result, many children have missed out on critical instruction and interaction with their peers.

One of the most important aspects of getting an education is peer interaction. Children learn social skills and how to interact with others when they are in a classroom setting. They also benefit from the instruction of a teacher. When children are not in a classroom, they miss out on these important aspects of their education, and as a result, many children have faced a gap in learning during the pandemic. While some parents have done an admirable job of homeschooling their children, it is clear that for the majority, the best way for children to receive an education is in a classroom setting. 

Learning Growth

Studies are now beginning to show that students’ learning growth over the past couple of years has not progressed as it should, meaning some children have experienced the “COVID slide.” This slide shows that students are ending the school years with lower achievements compared to a typical year, with larger declines relative to historical math trends than reading. Unfortunately, experts warn this will only get worse. Due to the lack of proper education, they expect students’ growth rate in math to slow even more in the next few years. 

Due to this gap in learning, it is vital to get them the help they need now so they can get caught up quicker than expected. With Ontario’s Learning Action Recovery Plan, students are able to get the help they may need to catch up on any missed learning. This plan is designed to help students who have been struggling in school catch up and get back on track. It invests heavily in tutoring support and includes summer learning, a focus on reading, math and other foundational skills, as well as targeted initiatives intended to address unique barriers that some students may face. This will help bridge students’ learning gaps, support academic success, and focus on overall mental health and wellness. Ontario’s plan is based on the latest scientific evidence and will provide Ontario students with the resources they need to succeed.

Filling In Learning Gaps

Dropkick Math is here to help students who may have a gap in their education due to the pandemic. As one of the leading math help services in Ontario, our trained instructors can provide support in key math skills through fun and interactive programs. As part of the Learning Action Recovery Plan, we can also offer our programs to select school boards across Ontario at a subsidized rate.

We are your local choice if you are looking for Waterloo math services! As a local business, we understand our student’s needs and can help boost their confidence in math and set them up for future success. For more information on our programs, visit our website today!

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How Dropkick Math Makes Learning Fun!

How Dropkick Math Makes Learning Fun!

As a parent, you want what is best for your child. You want them to grow up to be happy and prosperous in whatever they choose to do. And you know that a big part of that success is getting a good education. But sometimes, getting your child to do their homework can be a real struggle. They might not be interested in the subject or find it too hard. That’s where Dropkick Math tutoring comes in!

Making Math Fun

As a parent and a teacher, I understand both sides of the struggle. We want the best for our children, but sometimes learning can be dry and unengaging. Let’s face it; we have all struggled with a subject in our life that would have been much better if it was made into something fun. 

When Chad and I were starting Dropkick Math Academy, we were thinking about how math can be so frustrating that you just want to “dropkick” it away and be done. That is how we came up with the concept of a math program that lets children learn mathematics in a fun and engaging way where they can feel like they took on math and won! This is why Dropkick Math focuses on making learning fun through engaging games that encourage children to take risks and earn rewards. 

What is Dropkick Math?

Dropkick Math Academy is an alternative to traditional tutoring. We stand out amongst our competitors for our unique approach to math education. We believe learning math should be fun and engaging, so we focus on building relationships and offer personalized modules matching the student’s understanding level. 

With Dropkick Math, your child can play and learn simultaneously. They’ll never even realize that they’re doing their homework! And because the games are specifically designed to teach math concepts, you can be sure that your child is getting a quality education.

How Dropkick Math Works

Dropkick Math offers a wide variety of modules for kids of all ages, from addition and subtraction for younger kids all the way up to algebra and geometry for older kids. There are even games specifically designed for different learning styles, so whether your child is a visual learner or needs more of a hands-on approach, we’ve got them covered. And because all of the games are played online, you can access them from anywhere with an internet connection. So whether you’re at home or on the go, your child can always be learning.

For each module, children will be assigned battles which contain 6 questions and must meet virtually with their teacher and other students in their battle training for one hour per week. This game-based instructional strategy allows students to level up and earn points toward a reward at the end of the program.

During your child’s journey, they will require tools and strategies to battle the villains they encounter. Each child will receive their math battle kit in the mail before classes begin. They will also have a virtual battle pack which teachers will add to after each battle training session.

At the end of each hour’s timeslot, parents will have the opportunity to meet with the teacher to discuss their child’s progress and to get feedback on how they can help them continue to learn. We believe this is an invaluable part of our programs and encourage parents to become involved in their child’s learning.

We are proud to have a team of passionate, certified Ontario teachers making math education fun for their students. Our programs offer small group virtual programming with a maximum of four students in each module, allowing children to learn in a comfortable and familiar setting while receiving the individualized attention they need to succeed. Our teachers take the time to interact with each student and make their classes exciting so children will want to get involved. 

Why Games?

We believe that games are the best way to learn. Games are fun and engaging, which keeps kids coming back for more. And because they’re competitive, kids are motivated to keep playing until they get it right. With Dropkick Math, learning is no longer a chore – it’s a game! 

As we enter a digital world filled with distractions, math curriculum needs to include solutions for students to be more engaged. Research has shown that brains can be changed entirely and be rewired in as little as eight weeks through participation in effective intervention programs that offer engaging learning experiences. Using games helps to ensure students learn how to be critical, confident and creative—abilities they’ll need for success in the work-a-day world of the future.

However, make no mistake, our games are not purely for entertainment. When a child works on game-based learning, they will just think that they are having fun with the game, but a lot goes into crafting the game as a learning tool. While we want children to have fun, the end goal of our game-based learning is to have children truly understand math operations. When we build our curriculum, we start with core standards and focus on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning and proportional reasoning). 

Games For Everyone!

Dropkick Math Academy is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a way to get your child interested in math or if you just want to give them a leg up on their education. We offer fun and engaging programs that can help your child overcome their math anxiety or any gaps in learning they may have. With our wide variety of games, there’s something for everyone.

Our math help services are run by qualified Ontario Certified Teachers who can offer differentiated approaches, making it accessible for all learning needs. Our different approach to traditional math tutoring includes fun and engaging programs to help your child succeed.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up today and let your child start playing their way to a better education!

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How To Reflect And Grow Into The Next Year

How To Reflect And Grow Into The Next Year

As the new school year begins, many parents are considering how their child can reflect on the past year and grow into the next one. It can be helpful for students to take some time to reflect on their previous year of schooling before diving into a new one. This reflection can take many forms, from writing in a journal to discussing with classmates and teachers. By taking time to reflect on the past year, students can identify their strengths and areas for improvement. 

Students can start the new year with a clear purpose and direction by thinking about what they want to achieve. This self-awareness is essential for growth and development. Additionally, reflecting on the past year can help students set goals for the new school year. For example, a student may wish to take more time to focus on math in the upcoming months, setting their goals on some new math learning techniques. 

Creating A Plan

Ultimately, reflecting on the past year is an excellent way for students to prepare for the new one. While some of this reflection should be done at the end of the school year, doing some self-evaluations at the beginning of the school year can help your child get clarity and reveal opportunities they may not have thought of during the summer months. By understanding their goals for the upcoming year, students can capitalize on their strengths and create a plan for filling any gaps. It can also give insight into how much they have grown during the last school year, giving them confidence once they realize how they have thrived in their educational journey. 

Summer Brain

As a parent, this time of year, it can become frustrating when you ask your child to reflect on the previous year. They are most likely to still have “summer brain,” making it difficult to place and plan effectively. But by helping them stay focused and building on what they learned last year, they may start to open up and discuss how they want to grow into the coming year. 

Start by asking your child simple questions about their favourite subjects and activities that they experienced last year. Remind them of any field trips they took to get them thinking about the fun they had over the past year. You can also ask them about their favourite teachers and what made them stand out among the others. These types of questions can help to start the conversation and enable a child to remember back to the past year. 

Work Through Disappointment

As your child reflects on their past year, they may encounter some disappointments, such as missing out on a field trip or getting a lower grade than expected. Try to reassure them that having an unfinished list is not a failure but an opportunity to work through their feelings of disappointment. Teaching your child how to work through these disappointments can be an essential life skill. 

Children must understand that plans change, everyone processes information differently, and things don’t always go smoothly. Reflecting on these instances over the past year can offer a great life lesson for the years ahead. 

Celebrate Thriving

Just as your child needs to work through their disappointments, they also need to celebrate when they thrived over the past year. They can boost their confidence by marking their achievements and look forward to learning more this coming year. Children often need to be reminded when they have taken that extra step and grown in their learning. Showing them how far they have come can give them the boost they need to look forward to everything new they will be learning next year. 

Encourage your child to keep records of their learning experience. Keeping a journal is a great way to track their progress and help them reflect on all their accomplishments when it comes time. 

Helping Your Child Grow

If your child has expressed an area of struggle from the previous year, it is vital to take steps to help them grow this year. Due to the pandemic, many students are falling behind in mathematics, so your child may express disappointment in their grades, or they may give up on their learning. If you have noticed a change in your child’s attitude towards math, they may suffer from math anxiety caused by a loss of learning from classroom disruptions. 

To help ensure your child is on track, we offer an assessment upon registration to determine any gaps in understanding. If it seems like a child is experiencing gaps in learning, we can recommend a program that will target the missing knowledge. 

Our programs offer engaging games focusing on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, proportional reasoning, and algebraic reasoning). We want your child to leave our programs saying, “math is fun!” and want to continue learning more advanced math operations. 

Learn more about Dropkick Math and how our programs can help your child excel in mathematics today!

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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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How Manipulatives Can Help Children Understand Complex Ideas

How Manipulatives Can Help Children Understand Complex Ideas

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

What Are Manipulatives?

Manipulatives are objects that can be moved or manipulated to help children learn. They come in various shapes and sizes and can be used to help explain everything from basic addition and subtraction to more complex concepts. Manipulatives can be used with students of all ages, from preschoolers just learning to count to high school students studying advanced algebra.

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

 

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

A Positive Attitude

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

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

Visually Simple

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

Why Math Manipulatives Work

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

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

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

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

Why Math Manipulatives Are Beneficial 

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

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

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

When To Stop Using Manipulatives

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

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

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

Online Math Help

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

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When You Should Speak To Your Child’s Math Teacher

When You Should Speak To Your Child’s Math Teacher

Any parent with a school-aged child knows that math can be a challenge. Sometimes, it can be hard to know when to step in and offer math help with their homework or when to let the teacher take the lead. By contacting your child’s teacher, they may be able to help. However, many parents often wonder when they should be reaching out.

While there is no definite answer as to when parents should start communicating with their children’s teachers about their academics, there are some guidelines that could be of help. As a general rule, if you are questioning whether you should reach out to your child’s teacher, it is time to speak with them. 

Staying Informed

The decision of when exactly to start speaking with one’s child’s teacher depends on multiple factors such as individual parenting styles, the age of the student, and subjects being covered in class. In general, communication between all these entities should gradually increase as the academic year progresses. By following these simple guidelines, parents will hopefully find themselves more informed and able to assist their children in reaching success at school and home!

A Support System

Good communication between parents and teachers is essential for ensuring that children thrive in school. Even if a child is doing well in math and seems to be having no trouble in school, it is still generally recommended that parents communicate with teachers regularly to build a support system for the child. This is because the home and school environments are both important for a child’s development, and parents and teachers need to work together to provide the best possible education for the child. If there are no immediate problems, most teachers recommend checking in with them every couple of months. 

A supportive system is essential for every child to reach their full potential. A support system should include a parent or guardian involved in their child’s education and a teacher invested in their students’ success. A parent or guardian can provide support at home by helping with homework, monitoring progress, and communicating with the child’s teacher. A teacher can support the classroom by teaching effectively, providing feedback, and creating a positive learning environment. When both a parent and teacher are providing support, it increases the child’s chances of academic success.

Addressing Issues

As a math teacher, I am often asked by parents how their child is doing in class. While report cards provide a snapshot of a student’s grades at the end of each marking period, they may not be able to identify any areas of struggle until it is too late to address them. For this reason, I believe it is extremely helpful for parents to receive regular updates on their child’s progress. Whether it is through a parent-teacher conference, email, or phone call, taking the time to keep parents in the loop can make a world of difference. Not only will they be able to identify any areas of concern early on, but they will also be aware of any successes their child is having. As a result, parents can play an active role in their child’s education, allowing them time before report cards come out to address any issues if necessary. 

However, it is important not to smother one’s child with too much guidance and hovering; otherwise, they may feel inadequate or shy away from asking for help when needed. Your child’s teacher will be able to help advise you on how much help you should be offering your child if they are struggling and how often you should stay in contact with the school.  

Asking For Help

It can be difficult for parents to know how their child is progressing in school, especially if their child is hesitant to ask for help. However, by keeping communication channels open with their child’s teacher, parents can help ensure their child doesn’t fall behind. This communication can be especially important for those students who tend to be shy or introverted, as they may be less likely to ask for help independently. By remaining involved in their child’s education, parents can play an essential role in helping them succeed in school.

When reaching out to a teacher for support, they can offer advice for homework or activities that parents can do with their children that can be beneficial for math learning. Teachers are a wealth of information and are happy to offer advice to help your child succeed in their education. Just like you would tell your child to ask for help, as a parent, there is nothing wrong with asking a teacher for help!

Relationships

At Dropkick Math, we believe relationships are the primary key to learning success. Our programs offer the option for parents to become involved in the learning process. Our instructors will help build a parent’s mathematics capacity so they can adequately support their child’s journey in elementary math. We believe that success is achieved by learning together!

Our teachers offer a different approach to math tutoring, breaking down the misunderstanding of mathematics and making learning fun. While there are many math help websites, Dropkick Math Academy is the first of its kind in Ontario to offer an interactive, fun learning experience taught by certified Ontario teachers. 

Learn more about our programs today!

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How To Incorporate Summer Learning Into Your Vacation!

How To Incorporate Summer Learning Into Your Vacation!

As the second half of the summer break begins, it may be tempting just to relax and let your kids veg out. However, recent research shows this may not be in their best interests. Studies have found that students who don’t keep learning over the summer can lose up to two months of academic progress! Many students are already behind because of the gap in learning from the pandemic, so they may find themselves exceptionally far behind when they start their new year in September. This is why summer learning is vital to keep children on track.
Of course, a mathematics tutor such as Dropkick Math is always a great option to keep your child on track this summer. However, we understand that it isn’t always possible due to financial or time constraints. The good news is that there are ways to keep your child on track this summer by incorporating it into your annual vacation and letting them help with the planning, budgeting, and keeping everyone on time!

Lost Education

Many schools were closed during the pandemic, and many children fell behind in their studies. This was primarily because they could not attend school as usual and could not get the same level of education as they would have if schools had remained open. Children who were normally high achievers may have started to struggle in school, and this could have a lasting impact on their academic futures. Additionally, many children who were not normally academically inclined may have started to struggle in school during the pandemic, as they were unable to keep up with the material that was being covered in class. This could also have a lasting impact on their academic futures. Because of this loss of learning throughout the past couple of years, summer learning is more important than ever to help children catch up in their studies.

Planning Your Vacation

 

How To Incorporate Summer Learning Into Your Vacation!

We all know that it is vital for children to practice their math skills through the summer, but it can be easier said than done, especially if you have a vacation booked. But what if I told you that you could not only enjoy your vacation but also make it a beneficial learning experience for your child?

The educational experience can even start in the planning phase of your trip. Including your child in the planning process may boost their confidence and offer them some excellent learning opportunities. When planning, the first thing you will need to decide is who’s coming, how you will get there and even what you will do when you get there. But even before starting all that, you will need to figure out where you are going! So, you may wonder what kind of math you need to plan all of this. ALL KINDS!

Start by having your child create a vote and tally them to decide where all family members want to visit. Depending on your child’s age and math abilities, they can also calculate the probability of your destination’s weather and even the budget to determine if it is realistic or affordable. Teach them that a totally awesome vacation may sound like a good idea, but if 100% of your budget goes to just flying there, it might not be the best choice.

The Departure

How To Incorporate Summer Learning Into Your Vacation!Once you have worked through the planning phase with your child, the departure is where things can get a little hectic. But remember that you can still make this about math development and incorporate time management and probability. Have your child figure out what time they will need to wake up and when to leave for the airport. Time management skills will have to kick into gear as you ask them to figure some time to stop for a much-needed coffee (for mom and dad) and make it through airport security.

If you are going on a road trip, provide your child with a map and have them record how long it took to drive to your first rest stop. Next, have them figure out how long it will take to get to the final destination.

So, where does probability come into play? Well, chances are that someone in the family will have left something behind, like a phone charger! This can be a probability lesson, and a study in money as the child can be tasked to look online for a replacement on sale!

Vacay Time!

When you have finally reached your destination, the math can continue! This is where real-time budgeting becomes critical. It can be a great learning experience for your child when they see how money is budgeted. You can explain how they will get to do some fun activities while on vacation rather than blowing the whole budget on airport snacks.
There will be various daily activities throughout your vacation that allow for teachable math moments. While you want to relax and enjoy your trip, adding these math moments will help your child become more confident with math and keep them occupied, giving the adults more time to relax!

Math Playground

Adding your child into the planning process and allowing them to be part of the decision-making through the vacation is a great way to keep them learning through the summer months. Many students have fallen behind due to school closings over the past two years, and the summer is a great time to give them back some confidence in their math skills.
At Dropkick Math, we think every situation can be an excellent experience for a child, so by simply including them in everyday tasks, they can learn. It is hard to get a child to sit down and study during the summer months, so having them do real-time planning and calculating creates a type of “math playground” making it not only enjoyable for them but will also help them prepare for the school year approaching.
If your child is struggling with math, or needs a confidence boost in their math understanding, we can help! Our programs offer fun and engaging ways to help children understand the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, proportional reasoning, and algebraic reasoning). Learn more about our math help services 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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