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How To Make Math Fun For Your Child

How To Make Math Fun For Your Child

Do math and fun often seem like polar opposites to you? You’re not alone – a lot of parents find it hard to make math an enjoyable experience for their kiddos. Fear not, though; with the right strategies, you can get your child engaged in mathematics and have some laughs along the way! In this blog post, we’ll be talking about how to make math more entertaining for your child – from using simple games to introducing helpful tools. If you are still struggling, there are many math help services that can be utilized to get your child excited about mathematics. So read on if you want to help your son or daughter take a shine to their arithmetic lessons.

Make It A Game

First and foremost, anything can be fun when made into a game. Game-based learning has been touted repeatedly as one of the best ways to get children engaged and interested in learning. 

For young students, games and friendly competition provide an ideal way to speed up the learning process. Hands-on activities like playing cards or board games, and completing puzzles, can help kids access and understand new information quickly and more effectively than through direct teaching. 

By competing with a friend or family member, players are also encouraged to expand their knowledge in order to win the game. Furthermore, games heighten the excitement of learning something new and give kids a valuable break from the traditional school curriculum.

At Dropkick Math Academy, game-based learning is at the center of our student’s educational experience. We understand that children typically learn best when they can actively engage with their subject material in a fun and creative way. 

With game-based study models, our students actively explore complex ideas through play. Our game-based curriculum exposes students to the core concepts of math and encourages them to use problem-solving techniques to find solutions and advance further in gameplay.

Make Use Of Screens

Kids today can no longer imagine life without their devices and screens, so why not make the most of it? Using apps and games to reinforce kids’ understanding of math concepts effectively keeps kids engaged while they learn. With a wide range of interactive activities, kids have fun while being exposed to Math concepts and developing their problem-solving skills. From games designed for kids as young as three all the way up to linking theoretical math skills with video games, these apps and games can be an enjoyable and rewarding way for kids to build confidence in their Math abilities.

Dropkick Math provides virtual math tutoring programs that are an invaluable resource for children and parents alike. Our virtual environment allows children to learn and grow while staying safe in the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for physical classrooms and face-to-face instruction. 

With our range of math help services, students can access exciting virtual activities and other resources all at the click of a mouse. With Dropkick Math, there’s no stopping your child’s learning journey!

Make It Relevant

It’s important to engage kids in math by teaching them how relevant math is to their own lives. Showing kids how math is used for practical purposes in the real world helps them understand why it is necessary and worthwhile. 

By connecting math topics like multiplication, fractions, and equations to experiences from everyday life, such as shopping and telling time, kids learn in a more meaningful way that allows math skills to become part of who they are. When kids form this connection between math and real-life situations, it can shift their mindset from feeling frustrated with math to appreciating its utility and valuing what it can do for them.

Watch Your Words

As parents, it’s all too easy to accidentally introduce math anxiety in our children without even realizing it. A simple statement such as “I am not good at math” can negatively impact our kids because it alters how math is perceived and internalized by them. It creates a harmful perception of math and could lead to math anxiety, which can affect how children perform and how they view themselves in math-related fields in the future. 

We should take care to avoid slipping up with our words when speaking with our kids about math and never allow our own math anxieties to interfere with their math learning experience.

If you do feel anxious about math and don’t know where to start when trying to help your child learn, Dropkick Math Academy may be able to help! We encourage parents to be involved and learn alongside their children. 

As any parent knows, children thrive when they feel loved and supported. This is especially true when it comes to education. When parents are involved in their child’s education, it sends a message of acceptance, inclusion, and respect. This can increase a child’s confidence and motivation, leading to better grades and improved social skills, resulting in them having fun while learning! 

Connect Reading With Math

Connecting math and reading can be a great complement for children who enjoy reading! There are many books available that can help young learners understand math concepts more easily by introducing them through stories. 

Reading about math and its application in a fiction story is an enjoyable way to engage children with mathematical ideas, build comprehension skills and support understanding of the sometimes complicated principles of mathematics. It might even pique their interest to pursue more advanced problem-solving! So if your child loves to read, consider engaging them with a read-aloud book about math for an entertaining and educational experience.

A Love Of Learning

Learning math can often be intimidating for children, especially if they struggle to understand a difficult concept. However, making learning math fun and engaging can be hugely beneficial when it comes to their future success. When children experience learning positively, they are more likely to become eager and confident learners – profiting both academically and personally. 

Whether through games or innovative applications of problem-solving questions, learning math should not have to come at the cost of joy and anticipation. By introducing elements of creativity into learning, children will soon find mathematics an enjoyable part of learning.

Committed To Making Learning Fun

Dropkick Math Academy is committed to making learning math an enjoyable and rewarding experience for your child. With certified Ontario teachers providing personalized instruction tailored to each student, Dropkick’s program helps boost confidence levels and ensures your child has the skills they need to thrive in the future. 

Not only can Dropkick Math help sharpen math fundamentals, but it can also provide fun activities and games that will keep your child engaged and excited about learning more. Our Toronto math services are the perfect way to give your child a head start into success!

Learn more about our programs and get your child started today!

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Math Tutoring

How To Help Your Child Learn Division

How To Help Your Child Learn Division

If multiplication is the bee’s knees, then division must be the honey (or whatever else bees make!). So, whether your child is a young buckaroo learning to divide for the first time or an older kid who needs some extra practice with this arithmetic concept, this blog post will have you and your kiddo buzzing about mastering division! 

Here we’ll discuss helpful tips for introducing kids to division concepts and ways to do so that are fun and educational. We will also dive into math tutoring and whether it is worth it for your child. Let’s get started!

A Confusing Subject

Division can be a confusing subject for children and one that requires plenty of practice. It’s an important skill to learn, as it forms the basis of many other mathematical operations. That’s why it’s essential to find ways to help your child learn division so that they have a strong foundation for future math lessons. Here are some tips and strategies to get your child on the right track. 

Break Down Division Into Components 

Teaching division can be daunting if you try to tackle the entire concept all at once. Instead, break up division into smaller components, such as figuring out division facts or modelling division with objects. This makes it easier for children to understand the process and helps them focus on each step without getting overwhelmed. 

For example, you could start by having your child solve simple divisibility problems using numbers they already know and then move on to practicing factors and multiples before tackling long division. 

Make Use Of Visual Aids

Visual aids are incredibly useful when it comes to teaching division because they help children understand what happens when something is divided into equal parts. You can draw diagrams or create models with objects like candy or coins, so your child can physically see how things are divided up. There are also math manipulatives that you can purchase to help your child learn more easily. This will also help them better understand why certain answers make sense mathematically speaking! 

An example of using visual aids can include having your child divide candies. If your child is practicing math for grade 4, ask them to divide the candies into equal groups. Then instruct them to either split the candies into two groups of four or four groups of two. Discuss this process and show your child how to write it as a division problem. Repeat this activity several times with other numbers to help your child gain a better understanding of division. 

Practice Word Problems 

Word problems can be intimidating for anyone – even adults – but if approached correctly, they can become a fun way for children to learn and apply their knowledge of equations related to division concepts.

Try this word problem with your child involving bicycles:

There are 65 bikes in the bike rack outside the school. Out of all the bikes, 31 are silver. Half of the remaining bikes are red.

Estimate how many bikes are red.

Make sure you provide plenty of examples that come in different forms and require your child to think critically about how they should attack the problem at hand before jumping straight into solving mode! 

Use Games 

Games are not only fun but also an excellent way to reinforce math skills, such as those related to division. Board games such as Monopoly or Boggle encourage players to use counting skills which are helpful when understanding how two numbers interact during a divide-and-conquer calculation scenario (e.g., 4 / 2 = 2). 

Puzzles, math videos, apps and online activities all offer additional opportunities for kids to practice their math knowledge in an engaging manner – which increases the likelihood that knowledge gained from doing so will stick! 

At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe learning math should be fun and engaging. This is why all of our game-based programs offer children an opportunity to interact easily with our teachers while boosting their confidence in mathematics. Our math tutoring is an alternative to traditional tutoring that only uses textbooks and addresses the problems a child is experiencing at that moment. Our programs set children up with math fundamentals so they have the skills necessary to continue in future grades. 

Talk About Real Life Applications 

Real life examples provide context, meaning and relevance in learning, which helps students connect more deeply with presented content–including difficult concepts like those related to dividing numbers! 

Try discussing situations where knowing how division works comes in handy. This could include sharing equally between friends or dividing tasks among family members. By encouraging your child to think creatively you will also help them harness the power of mental math rather than relying solely on physical manipulations (i.e., pencil & paper) during problem-solving moments. 

Of course, applying math in real life will depend on your child’s age. For example, math for grade 4 can include using division in baking to divide recipes, while high schoolers can practice dividing decimals with finances while helping with the home finances. 

Learning any new topic can sometimes be challenging. Still, by breaking up topics like division into smaller pieces and exploring its real world applications, you’ll be able to make math concepts more understandable for your child – making learning both enjoyable & effective in turn!

Math Tutoring

If your child struggles with division, they may benefit from math tutoring. Understanding the basics of mathematics is essential for children’s success in more complex math equations. Children who do not learn the root of math can find themselves hindered when attempting to tackle harder equations later in their academic careers. Missing that basic foundation can present a problem when children face arithmetic, algebra, and even calculus because a foundational understanding is necessary for them to progress further academically. 

Dropkick Math Academy offers math help services for children who may have a gap in learning. Whether this was caused by missed education from the pandemic or a misunderstanding of mathematics, our programs target the root cause and give children the fundamentals they need to succeed. 

Dropkick Math Programs

Our programs are based on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, and proportional reasoning). We use an innovative approach to learning that respects modern scientific understanding of childhood education. 

Rather than simply memorizing facts, Dropkick Math Academy encourages students to engage with the subject and strive for a deeper conceptual understanding. Topics are suitably created for each level, so learning is attainable without overloading children, and alternative approaches to concepts allow for maximum engagement and comprehension. Dropkick Math Academy educates by developing student skills and aptitude, creating a well-rounded approach admired by educators across the globe.

Parental Involvement

Division concepts can be confusing to many children, so it’s often best to make sure that you also have full knowledge of your child’s level in relation to their grade. Our programs encourage parents to be involved with their child’s education so they can learn alongside their children. 

Still not sure if Dropkick Math would be right for your child? We offer all children a FREE, no-obligation assessment that will allow us to understand where their gaps in learning occur. We are transparent in our assessment and will share the results with parents/guardians so you can make the appropriate decision for your child. Learn more today by visiting our website. 

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Math Tutoring

Choosing the Right Math Tutor for Your Child

Are you one of the countless parents searching for a “math tutor near me” to help your child get up to speed with their studies? Finding the right teacher can feel overwhelming, like navigating a maze when you’re not quite sure what destination lies at its center. While it might take some time and effort, no parent wants to waste money! – scouting out the ideal math tutor is worth the hunt. After all, a great match could mean that difference between sailing through those pesky equations or drowning in them! Read on for tips on choosing the right math tutor for your child. 

A Daunting Task

Choosing the right math tutor for your child can be a stressful and daunting task. The math tutor you choose will significantly impact your child’s academic performance, so it is important to take the time to find someone who is both experienced and qualified. 

When selecting a math tutor, several factors should be taken into consideration. First, consider the background of the tutors you are looking at. Make sure they have experience in math education and are knowledgeable about different teaching methods suitable for various types of learners. It’s also beneficial to select a tutor specializing in the type of mathematics class your student is currently enrolled in, such as algebra or trigonometry. 

At Dropkick Math Academy, we take the quality of our educators very seriously. That’s why only certified Ontario teachers make up our teaching faculty. Each one of our certified teachers is trained and experienced in their respective areas of expertise. With their certified accreditation from the province, you can be sure your children are receiving the highest standard of education available. Our team of certified Ontario teachers ensures that every student gets the individualized attention and instruction needed to succeed in math and beyond.

Availability

Another important factor when choosing a math tutor is their availability. Most tutors schedule lessons either after school hours or on weekends. So, you need to ensure that the tutor’s scheduling options coincide with your available meeting times. You should also inquire about whether virtual sessions are an option; some tutors may offer one-on-one video chat sessions or small group tutorials through video conferencing services such as Skype or Google Meet. 

Dropkick Math Academy is a virtual online math tutor with sessions starting at various times and days of the week, so we can help ensure the time works best for your family. Our small group classes include no more than a maximum of 4 students and are taught through Google Meet.

Making Learning Fun!

Your assessment of a potential math tutor should also consider their professional experiences and qualifications and their personality, especially if you’re looking for long-term instruction for your child. 

A great way to assess their personality is by interviewing them directly or calling up references from past students or parents who have secured their services in the past. Ask questions like: Do they build rapport with students easily? Are they patient and tolerant? Understanding each candidate’s personality can help you determine which one would be best suited to teach your child effectively over an extended period of time. 

We know that math can be frustrating and boring, so we take steps to make our programs fun. All our programs are game-based and taught by teachers who make them interesting and engaging for children. 

Getting The Help They Need

When applying for a math tutor, you want to be sure your child is getting the help they need. Traditional tutors may not be able to recognize the underlying root cause of math misunderstandings and may just help students with the math concepts they are struggling with at that moment in time. However, this is only a bandaid solution, and children may encounter more problems later in their education. 

At Dropkick Math Academy, we’re dedicated to helping children learn and develop mathematical skills that they can use for years to come. To ensure our students are set up for success, we start each learning journey by performing an Early Indicators Assessment. This assessment helps us understand each student’s needs, so they can be placed in the most appropriate program for them. We believe this assessment provides an excellent basis for their math education, no matter their grade level or current skill level. By taking this assessment first, we give our students a strong foundation on which they can build an exciting future in mathematics.

Staying On Budget

Finally, budgeting concerns must be taken into account when selecting a math tutor – even though it shouldn’t necessarily dictate your choice of educator! Rates vary significantly among professionals depending on their qualifications and level of experience; make sure to do some research before deciding on any individual so that you can purchase quality tuition within what you can afford financially. 

We believe pricing should be transparent, so we break down all our costs. Dropkick Math Academy is billed in installments, and there are no hidden fees. Our prices are listed on our website, and we also offer FREE programs for participating Ontario school boards as part of the Learning Action Recovery Plan. 

Selecting The Perfect Math Tutor

In conclusion, selecting the perfect math tutor for your child requires careful consideration across multiple factors, including expertise, availability, teaching style and interpersonal skills; ensuring that all these elements come together harmoniously will ensure effective learning outcomes from personalized instruction backed by industry knowledge and experience tailored towards specific age groups like children or teenagers!

We understand finding the perfect fit for your child can be challenging. Dropkick Math Academy is an easy choice. With a rotating schedule of classes starting every few weeks, you are sure to find a timeslot that works for your child. We also ensure that our math intervention programs are fun and engaging so your child will stay focused and eager to learn. We also offer rewards to students at the end of each program which is always a big hit with children! Our current rewards include Amazon gift cards, Bluetooth earbuds, Pokemon cards and more!

So, whether your child is struggling with math or just wants to get ahead, we can help. Learn more about our programs and how we are different than a traditional online math tutor. Help your child succeed by having them fill in our FREE assessment today!

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Math Tutoring

Are Some Students Just Naturally “Good” At Math?

Are Some Students Just Naturally “Good” At Math?

If you’ve ever been in the position of trying to help your kids with their math homework and feeling completely lost, take heart—you are not alone! Many parents struggle to make sense of even basic equations and seek out math help services for their children. 

Meanwhile, some parents seem to possess an inherent understanding of mathematics that far surpasses what we learned in our pre-algebra classes, making us wonder: Are some people just “naturally good” at math? 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors behind why students (and some parents) excel, or don’t, in this critical subject area. So if you’re looking for tips on how to encourage your children’s mathematical learning, read on!

Are You Born With It?

Let’s start out by first saying that everyone can be good at math. However, research from Johns Hopkins University shows that some people may be born with a good inherent of number sense. Researchers have found that preschoolers with good number sense also do better on tests predicting mathematical ability. 

Study researcher Melissa Libertus of Johns Hopkins University said in a statement:

“The relationship between ‘number sense’ and math ability is important and intriguing because we believe that ‘number sense’ is universal, whereas math ability has been thought to be highly dependent on culture and language and takes many years to learn.”

For the study, researchers tested number sense, mathematical ability and verbal ability of 200 4-year-olds. To test their number sense, the children were to look at a computer screen that flashed an image of blue and yellow dots grouped together. The images flashed so quickly that they did not have a chance to count them. The children were then asked to determine if there were more blue or yellow dots. 

All children in the study were also given standardized verbal ability and mathematical tests. This required them to do things like count, read numbers, and compare number values. 

It was found that the children who did the best on the number sense test also scored high on the math ability test. 

Just Give Up?

So, what if you were not born with good number sense? Should you just give up? Of course not! Many educators believe that anyone can be good at math – and now there is a study to prove it!

This new study recently published analyzed 52 adult participants to find out whether honing their number sense could help sharpen their higher math skills. All participants were first required to perform multidigit arithmetic problems. Half the group spent 10 sessions estimating large quantities of dots and performing mental calculations on them. The control group got no practice. All participants were then required to complete arithmetic problems again. 

It was found that the math skills of the participants in the dots exercise group improved significantly compared to those in the control group. 

This study, along with numerous others, demonstrates that number sense and symbolic math ability are intimately linked, so by improving one, you can improve the other. 

Researchers suggest that games which hone number sense for children could have a big effect on math learning. By reinforcing number sense, one of the roots of mathematics, children can be better prepared to learn more complex math operations as they grow. 

What Is Number Sense?

So, now you know why it is essential for your child to have a strong understanding of number sense, but do you really know what number sense is? If you are unsure about number sense, don’t worry. Most parents are unsure as to what exactly we mean when we mention this pillar of math. This is why we encourage parents/guardians to join in and learn alongside their children! By building your understanding of the fundamentals of math and how it is taught, you can help your child learn. 

When we talk about number sense, we mean that effortless knack to roughly estimate and compare quantities without counting. Having good number sense means you can walk into a room and quickly recognize approximately how many people are there.

Having number sense is primarily understood as understanding the quantity represented by a number. Primary students start out by exploring the quantities of numbers less than 10 and later learn how to relate quantities to more significant numbers such as 10 and 100. By the end of a student’s primary grades, they should understand quantities associated with two and three-digit whole numbers. During their junior grades, students can develop a sense of multidigit whole numbers, fractions, decimal numbers, and percentages.  

How To Practice Number Sense

As mentioned above, researchers believe one of the best ways to practice number sense for children is through game-based learning. At Dropkick Math Academy, we are an online math tutor that works with parents/guardians and children to fill in any gaps in learning. All of our programs are game-based and offer fun and engaging ways to help children practice and fully understand the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning and proportional reasoning).

We understand how important it is to properly place your child where they will excel. That is why we offer a free assessment so that your child will be placed in a program that will be sure to fit their specific needs and enhance their educational development. This assessment allows us to match them with an appropriate program that best suits their individual strengths. Our program’s goal is to take your child’s learning experience to the next level, giving them the best chance for success!

Get started today with our FREE assessment and help your child with their number sense, so they have the skills needed for future success!

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Learn Math

How Dropkick Math Turns Stress Into Success

How Dropkick Math Turns Stress Into Success

For far too many adults, math can be a formidable and overwhelming task when trying to help their children with math homework. Whether you are trying to help your child with addition, division, or algebra – it’s not always easy. But what if there was an easier way? 

Introducing Dropkick Math – the online math tutoring program designed specifically to address these common frustrations and turn them into successes! With intuitive instruction, helpful resources and plenty of practice problems – this program is the perfect tool for parents looking to overcome their fear of math while learning alongside their child.  

A Stressful Experience

Getting to grips with math can be a stressful experience for many adults, especially if they have been out of school for some time. There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to help your child with math homework. It may seem like math was completely reinvented between the time they learned it in school and the time you had to learn it—so much so that it feels like you might as well be learning a new language! 

Sometimes, even pretending to understand what they’re doing can seem impossible – but perseverance is key! Though math may look completely different after all these years, working through math problems together is still one of the best ways for a parent and child to bond.

Learning Together

Math is a subject that many of us dread, but when it comes to learning math alongside your child, it’s an investment in their future that can be rewarding for both parties. Not only will you be able to help keep your child on track and motivated, but you’ll also strengthen math skills you may have forgotten. Plus, math doesn’t have to be as scary and humdrum as you remember – math can actually be quite fun! 

By positively engaging with math, you have the opportunity to help your child learn mathematical problem-solving without anxiety or hesitation. Learning math alongside your kid serves not only as bonding time but also offers opportunities for growth and understanding of math concepts. Who knows? You may even learn something new!

Overcoming Math Anxiety

If you are still not convinced that Dropkick Math Academy can help you from stressing about math, you may be suffering from “math anxiety.” Studies show that about half of Americans suffer from math anxiety, feeling overwhelmed and convinced they just “can’t do math.” But this irrational fear shouldn’t get in the way of finding x or y – math can really be quite interesting (in its own special way) if you aren’t afraid to give it a shot. 

One of the most important things to remember is that math anxiety can be passed down from generation to generation, starting in first grade. If you feel uncomfortable with math, it may increase your child’s anxieties and lower their achievement or confidence when completing a project requiring solving complex equations. This is why it is so important to face your fear of math and learn together. 

Success!

We can take your stress and turn it into success by learning together at Dropkick Math Academy. Our math programs are expertly designed to allow parents to experience math learning with their children. This encourages the child’s desire to learn math and provides an opportunity for the parent to be a part of their development. Working together on math problems while understanding the material together helps the parent and child better understand math concepts.

 The family bond between parent and child is further strengthened as math becomes something fun that they can experience together rather than an obstacle that must be conquered alone.

Our certified Ontario teachers make math fun and engaging, providing practical solutions that break down difficult questions into do-able tasks. So say goodbye to math woes! The answer to all your math problems starts with Dropkick Math programs. 

What To Expect

The first step with Dropkick Math Academy is taking our FREE assessment. This will help ensure you and your child are placed in the appropriate program for their level of learning. 

In our programs, you, the parent/guardian, will sit alongside your child and learn together. You will be encouraged to help them work through problems while learning how to help them understand math concepts. All of our programs are game-based and designed to help make learning fun and engaging so you and your child will be eager to learn.  

At the end of each class, a time slot is dedicated to discussions with the parents. As a group, parents can ask questions and get clarification on problems or concepts that may need a little more explanation.

Our math help services teach the parents alongside the child, which is one way we stand out from traditional tutors. With the knowledge you will gain at Dropkick Math Academy, it will no longer be a problem when your child comes to you looking for help with their homework! You will not only know the answers to the problems, but you will have learned how to help your child understand the math questions at hand. 

Taking Charge

We have seen tremendous success when parents take charge—by breaking math assignments into manageable chunks, finding innovative ways to tutor or practice math concepts in everyday life, and emphasizing a growth mindset over perfectionism. With these strategies, math homework no longer has to be a source of stress but rather an opportunity for success.

As a leading Waterloo math services business, we have expanded nationwide and have helped hundreds of parents overcome their stress and helped turn it into success! Designed with busy parents in mind, our innovative programs bring together the best elements of traditional and modern math tutoring strategies to create an easy-to-use and incredibly effective approach. Find out more about how Dropkick Math can help you become a successful mathematician in no time!

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Math Programs

Are Boys Better At Math Than Girls

Are Boys Better At Math Than Girls

When it comes to math, there has long been a stereotype that boys are “better” or more adept at the subject than girls. This idea can be traced back to traditional gender roles, where women and men are expected to possess certain skill sets – with mathematics seen as falling within male educational strengths. But is this assumption true? 

Studies show that while female students may struggle in some areas of mathematics, they tend to excel in others – providing an interesting counterpoint to the notion that boys simply have an edge over girls when it comes to numbers. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how performance between genders stacks up – and whether stereotypes about math still hold any weight today. We will also discuss how math intervention programs may be advantageous for boys or girls. 

Girls Are Underrepresented

According to the most recent data compiled by the U.S. Department of Education, a trend of women outstripping men in college enrollment and degree attainment persists, with a single exception: mathematics. Women have gained ground in mathematics education and achieved success as mathematics professionals; however, mathematics is still largely a male-dominated field, both at the university level and professionally. 

Despite their progress in mathematics over the past several decades, women remain underrepresented in mathematics research and occupation positions compared to men, perhaps due to entrenched gender roles or unbalanced access to mathematics resources during childhood. It is essential that all genders are able to pursue mathematics with equal access and opportunity if we wish to achieve parity in mathematics fields.

Results In Different Countries

In 2012, international tests were given to fifteen-year-olds worldwide. They showed that boys achieved higher levels than girls in mathematics in thirty-eight countries. However, in the United States and Canada, the achievement of boys and girls was found to be equal. 

When the research team released further details, their report showed that when anxiety was factored into the analysis, the gap in achievement was only a difference in mathematics confidence levels. It was noted that girls became more anxious when taking individual math tests. This phenomenon is commonly known as math anxiety, and it makes a case for educators to take a closer look before passing decisions regarding test performance. 

Are Boys Better?

A recent groundbreaking study from the University of Chicago, the University of Rochester, and Carnegie Mellon, also set out to find the truth about a gender gap in mathematics. While investigating the early biology of math and gender, researchers were able to conclude that learning math is similar in boys and girls. In the brain, math concepts engage the same neural networks of the brain during the critical years of cognitive development, regardless of gender. 

If boys were better at learning math than girls, their brains would show a biological origin for this strength. This study shows without a doubt that neural activity did not change from boys to girls. 

Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess brain activity in 3 – 10-year-old children to compare the neural processes involved in learning math. As both girls and boys interacted with math videos, both drew on the same areas of the brain known for their association with math ability. There was no higher aptitude found in boys for learning math or for processing numbers compared to their female counterparts. 

Girls In STEM

Even though these studies show that girls and boys learn math equally, according to the National Science Foundation, there is still gender inequality in the STEM fields. Although jobs in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, and computer sciences have the smallest gender pay gaps and have some of the highest areas of job growth in the global economy, the lack of women in these fields could lead to future gender income inequality. 

When females are underrepresented in traditionally male-dominated careers like STEM, entrepreneurship, and politics, their perspective is lost from the conversation. Research has proven that having females in leadership roles yields innovative solutions, yet when females aren’t included, their ideas aren’t heard, and innovation suffers as a result. It’s necessary for females to have an equal seat at the table so that their unique contributions can shape future solutions. Without female voices, needs and desires are left unheard, hindering progress and taking away from potential creative solutions. This ultimately slows the pace of development, leaving females behind in terms of representation and opportunities.

Getting Girls Interested In Math

So, how do we get both girls and boys as equally excited about mathematics and STEM majors throughout their education?

Many people believe that it will take parents and teachers to address the math gender gap and debunk the myth that boys are better at learning math than girls. By taking action to help girls believe they can achieve in math, more will be willing and want to go into the math and science fields. 

When girls are reminded of boys’ dominance in learning math, they tend to perform lower on academic tests. This stereotype can act as a stressor to performance. This is where parents and teachers can step in and help with math anxiety that could be hindering girls from performing at their best during mathematics tests. 

Research shows that girls who have a growth vs. fixed mindset about learning math are likely to believe in their abilities more. So, working on a math mindset may help girls perform better on math tests. 

Now is the time to get girls into a better mindset so they can thrive in mathematics. If your child is struggling with math, you may find that a math intervention program can help. But, before you start searching for “math tutor near me,” learn more about Dropkick Math Academy. We are an alternative to math tutoring that could help your child overcome their math anxiety. 

Our programs are designed to help children who may be experiencing math anxiety and help boost their confidence through fun and engaging game-based learning. Learn more today and get your child on the road to learning!

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Math Tutoring

How To Praise Your Child

How To Praise Your Child

We all want our children to feel good about themselves and their accomplishments, but it can be tough to know how to give them the right kind of praise. Too much, or the wrong kind of praise, can actually do more harm than good. So what’s the best way to praise your child? Read on to learn more!

Self-Beliefs

A child’s self-beliefs are important. They affect what they think they can achieve and how they approach setbacks. Parents and teachers can play a large role in shaping a child’s self-beliefs, even from an early age. Studies have shown that children as young as three years old can start to develop a damaging mindset if they are not praised correctly.  

When children are encouraged and praised for their efforts, they learn to believe in themselves and their abilities. On the other hand, if children are constantly told that they’re not good enough or that they’ll never amount to anything, they’ll start to believe those things too. It’s important to give children the support and encouragement they need to develop strong self-beliefs. With the right foundation, they’ll be able to overcome any obstacles in their path and reach their full potential.

The Word “Smart”

Many parents often tell their children that they are so “smart.” While this may seem harmless, and they only have good intentions, this simple phrase may do more harm than good. At first, children will believe it and feel good about themselves, knowing that their parent sees them as “smart.” However, later in life, when they struggle or fail in some way, they will be trained to automatically think, “I am not smart,” and constantly evaluate themselves against this fixed idea. 

There are two different types of praise to give a child, fixed praise and growth praise. Telling a child they are “smart” is a form of fixed praise. A child should be praised for their accomplishment and what they did as opposed to them as a person. In other words, focus on the process rather than the result. 

It can be difficult to know the difference between fixed praise and growth praise, so the following are a few examples to try:

Fixed Praise – You can multiply fractions? Wow, you are so smart!
Growth Praise – You can multiply fractions? It is great that you have learned how to do that!

Fixed Praise – You solved that hard math equation. That is so smart!
Growth Praise – I love your solution to the problem; it is so creative!

Fixed Praise – You got an A on your test! You are a genius!
Growth Praise – You got an excellent grade! You must have worked really hard.

Growth praise is essential for helping children learn and grow. By encouraging a child to take risks, fail, and learn from their mistakes, you can instill a sense of curiosity and confidence that will stay with them for life. They will learn that they can move past these moments and learn from them. Mistakes can not only be learning opportunities, but as students consider their mistakes, it can also be a time when their brains grow. 

Modifying Language

By simply modifying their language, parents can praise their children and help to boost their confidence in the long run. Parents’/guardians’ attitudes about math can also directly impact a child’s attitude and success, so it is vital to speak positively about math. 

Children are always listening and taking in what is being said around them. If you express how much you hate math, you could be passing your mindset to your child. For example, if your child is struggling with math for grade 4, they may be missing out on the praise they need to boost their confidence. Or, they may feel like they are not “good at math” because they have heard their parent say the same. Try to always stay positive and participate in your child’s math education. 

At Dropkick Math, we understand the importance of parental involvement. We offer math tutoring in a unique learning environment that gives the option of involving the parent/caregiver. We believe the relationships between parent, student, and educator are crucial to achieving mastery in mathematics and that learning together achieves lasting success!  Part of this learning environment involves praising a child for their efforts and encouraging a fun and engaging atmosphere. 

Too Much Praise?

With all this talk about praise, you may be wondering if you can praise your child too much. The quick answer is, yes. Experts generally recommend that parents try to say ten positive things to their children for every one negative response. 

Over-praising can make a child feel pressure to perform constantly, and they may develop the need always to seek approval from others. However, if encouragement is frequently given and praise is saved for when it truly matters, children will end up being more resilient and confident. This is because they will know that they are not dependent on others’ approval and that they are capable of handling disappointment or criticism. As a result, they will be better equipped to deal with challenges and setbacks in life.

In the real world, colleagues, employers and others will only praise exceptional effort, not ordinary expectations. Children who did not learn this growing up may be set up for failure. Just think of praise like a sugary snack. A little compliment can be sweet, but too much can harm a child’s emotional health. 

How To Give Praise

How you give a child praise can be just as important as the words you use. Experts suggest using a warm, nurturing tone and making eye contact. This type of interaction can help to increase a young child’s confidence. It also relays the message that you truly care about the words you are saying. Saying a child’s name is also recommended, as studies show that babies remember and comprehend more words when they hear their name. 

A Powerful Tool

Praise is a powerful tool in motivating children and can help them feel competent and confident. Studies have shown that praise can encourage children to persevere in the face of challenges and to try new tasks. When praise is given for effort or progress, rather than for ability, it can also help to boost children’s self-esteem and confidence. Furthermore, praise can be used to reinforce desired behaviours, such as good manners or following instructions. By using praise effectively, parents and caregivers can encourage children to reach their full potential.

Our Math Help Services

Learn about our math tutoring programs and how we involve parent/guardians. By learning together, you can help build your child’s confidence and give then the praise they need to succeed. 

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Math Tutoring Proportional Reasoning

How Proportional Reasoning Can Simplify Division Problems

How Proportional Reasoning Can Simplify Division Problems

If your child struggles with division problems, don’t worry – they are not alone. But there is a solution: proportional reasoning. Proportional reasoning can simplify division problems and help better understand math concepts. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what proportional reasoning is, how it can help with division problems, and give some examples. We’ll also explain how we use it regularly in our math help services. So read on to learn more!

What Is Proportional Reasoning?

Proportional reasoning is perhaps best described as seeing relationships between numbers and understanding how those relationships can be applied in different situations. In many ways, proportional reasoning is the foundation of mathematics, providing a way to see the world in terms of numbers and to understand proportions and how those numbers work together. By understanding proportional reasoning, we can begin to see mathematics as a tool for solving problems and making predictions rather than simply a set of rules to be memorized. As we develop our proportional reasoning skills, we open up a world of possibilities for mathematical understanding.

Why Is Division So Challenging?

Division is one of the most fundamental operations in mathematics, and it can be one of the most challenging for children to learn. There are a number of reasons why division can be difficult for kids. First, division often requires children to think in terms of fractions and decimals, which can be confusing. Second, division problems can often be lengthy and complicated, making them difficult to solve. Finally, division often requires a high level of abstraction, which can be difficult for young minds to grasp.

Division can also be difficult for children as it is not always taught in a concrete way. For example, many children are first introduced to division by being asked to divide objects into groups. However, this can be difficult to visualize, so children may have difficulty understanding the concept. If children have difficulty with math in general, division (and other math operations), it may be even more challenging, and they may need a math tutor. 

However, most children can learn to divide effectively with patience and practice. By understanding division’s challenges, parents and teachers can help kids overcome these difficulties and develop a strong foundation in mathematics.

How To Use Proportional Reasoning In Division

As adults, we can talk about how relationships are a key component in mathematics, and proportional reasoning relies heavily on comparisons of quantities and values. However, when helping children with math, giving the formal definition of proportional reasoning may cause their eyes to roll to the back of their heads. So, always remember to try and leave the stuffy mathematical definitions to the textbooks. Here at Dropkick Academy, we think learning should be fun. So, let’s take a look at how to help children learn division through proportional reasoning in an entertaining way. 

In grade 7, students learn that a fraction can represent division. Just like we can simplify a fraction, we can simplify a division problem by using proportional reasoning to look at common factors. 

When the dividend and divisor have a common factor, the problem can be simplified. Let’s look at a division problem and see how proportional reasoning can help simplify the process. 

Dividend and Divisor

12 ÷ 4 = ?

If a child is given the question 12 ÷ 4 it may give them anxiety because it is a larger number. However, this can be simplified. Using math manipulatives, show them how to divide 12 pieces into 4 groups of 3 to get the answer.  

Next, you will want to show them how to simplify the problem by finding a common factor between the dividend and the divisor. In this case, the number 2 is a common factor. So, divide the problem by two, changing it to 6 ÷ 2. Is the answer still 3? Yes! Because both amounts were reduced at the same rate, it didn’t change the outcome. It just simplified the problem. 

Now, go one step further and show them how 2 is also a common factor of 6 ÷ 2. So, the problem can now become 3 ÷ 1. The answer is once again 3!

When children face a challenging division problem with larger numbers, they can now check to see if it can be simplified by thinking about proportional reasoning. 

Another way to look at this is by thinking how proportional reasoning is the ability to understand that two quantities are in proportion if they change at the same rate. For example, if we know that there are 2 apples for every 3 oranges, then we can also say that there are 6 apples for every 9 oranges. This is because both ratios are equivalent (2:3 = 6:9).

Math Manipulatives

By using math manipulatives to help children visualize each group’s proportions, they can better understand the concept at hand. Math manipulatives can also make learning more fun by creating a tactile way of learning. 

Manipulatives allow children to feel, touch and visualize what they can’t yet create on their own. They can enable children to receive immediate feedback about whether their idea makes sense. Using tools, a child can move hands-on objects to investigate and explore a math concept that may be challenging.

Understanding the fundamentals behind the mathematical foundation is critical for a child’s fluency and math development. Using both manipulatives and representations, children can build a deeper understanding of the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, and proportional reasoning).

At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe using math manipulatives is an excellent way of learning. In fact, we even include them in some of our battle kits for our students to use in our programs!

Proportional Reasoning At Dropkick Math

As one of the leading math services in Ontario, our certified teachers support learning by focusing on the four pillars to give students an understanding of the root of mathematics. Our one-on-one math tutoring approach allows us to tailor each lesson to the student’s specific needs and learning style. 

So, whether your child is struggling with algebra or decimals and fractions, our team is here to provide personalized support and guidance every step of the way. Trust us for expert math help from caring professionals.

Learn more about our math tutoring today by visiting our website.

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Learn Math

How To Give Children The Best Mathematical Start

How To Give Children The Best Mathematical Start

One of the most important things you can do for your child is to give them a strong foundation in mathematics. In younger children, teaching them early on how to count, add, subtract, and divide while keeping it fun and entertaining will help set them up for success in future schooling and beyond. Giving older children the gift of a math tutor if they are struggling can also help set them up for a successful future. 

It’s Not About Math Drills!

In order to give your child the mathematical start they deserve, it’s important that you first understand what that entails. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not all about doing endless math drills! Below are some essential tips that should provide parents/guardians with a strong foundation for any child.  

Start with Counting: This one might seem obvious, but teaching children how to count is foundational for understanding basic mathematics. Help them learn their numbers 1-10 as well as counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s. Once they have mastered these, move on to addition and subtraction.

As with anything else in life, making learning fun will encourage children to stick with it! But, to make math fun, you may need to get creative. Try incorporating games or puzzles into your lessons or letting kids use technology gadgets. iPads or apps designed explicitly for elementary-level math practice can help to keep children entertained while learning. Many online resources offer ideas for hands-on activities that help make math concepts easy to understand. These tools can make learning more interactive and enjoyable while still providing a challenge.

Dropkick Math Academy is an online resource that offers an alternative to traditional math tutoring by making learning fun. We focus on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, proportional reasoning) while using game-based learning to boost students’ confidence in mathematics. By boosting a child’s confidence and making math more enjoyable to learn, you will give them one of the best mathematical starts they need for future success.  

How Mathematicians Got Inspired

It is always interesting to learn how others got their start in life and what helped shape their future. Many mathematicians have confessed that their love for math did not come from school teaching but rather from exciting puzzles and games given to them by family members at a young age. We are not suggesting that education does not play a role in inspiration. It can all be part of children getting a deeper understanding and appreciation for math. It is important not to underestimate the role of interactions in the home and the role of games and puzzles for children’s mathematical development and inspiration. 

We can see how inspiration can work in Sarah Flannery, a young woman who won the Europe Young Scientist of the Year award when she was 16. When asked what encouraged her in mathematics, she said that as a child, she was given puzzles to work on at home, which were important to her mathematics development alongside the math she was taught in the classroom. 

Math Manipulatives

When children are beginning to learn a new concept in mathematics, manipulatives can be extremely helpful. These objects allow students to touch and feel blocks, sticks or beads and are extremely helpful when teaching many math concepts like addition and subtraction. They give children a physical representation of what is happening in mental equations, making it easier for them to understand and develops their conceptual understanding.

Math manipulatives intend not to make children forever dependent on them but to use them as they work through complex problems. However, they do have their purpose as students grow through elementary and high school 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 forms, they should be able to stop using the manipulatives. 

Encouraging Children

All children start off excited about learning mathematics, so parents/guardians must become a resource of encouragement. As adults, many mathematical ideas may seem obvious to us, but they can be fascinating for children. Take the time to marvel, encourage thinking, and challenge your child. This is one of the best ways to develop mathematical interest. By exploring patterns and ideas together, your child will develop a more profound passion for learning. 

At Dropkick Math Academy, parents/guardians are encouraged to join the classes with their children as we believe that great success can be achieved by learning together! Active participation in a child’s education is crucial for their academic success and overall development. Education experts have found that parental involvement leads to higher grades, improved behaviour in school, and greater education aspirations for the child. Additionally, parents play a crucial role in instilling essential values like hard work, determination, and self-discipline. 

Our tailored programs are specifically created for students and their parents/guardians to work together on understanding the building blocks of mathematics. After each class, parents are able to meet with their child’s teacher and get weekly feedback. 

We understand that life can be busy, so if the parent/guardian cannot attend classes with their children, the end goal remains the same: giving children the tools they need to thrive in their education and beyond.

Making It Fun!

Many parents often ask me about the best books to help children learn math. While some great resources are filled with math questions, I believe that children should not be sitting down and given extra math work at home. Math learning at home should be fun and engaging. There are many ways to make math learning fun, such as playing games, cooking with measurement, or going on a math scavenger hunt. Children actively engaged in math learning are more likely to retain the information and enjoy math more. So next time you’re looking for a way to help your child with math, ditch the math homework and find a way to make math learning fun!

For parents who may be looking for math programs in Toronto and the surrounding areas, Dropkick Math Academy has classes taught by certified teachers who can offer differentiated approaches, making it accessible for all learning needs. So, why not use Dropkick Math to make math fun for kids and to support their learning? Get started today by learning more about our programs.

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Math Tutoring

Why Your Child’s Progress Report Is So Important

Why Your Child’s Progress Report Is So Important

After the initial flurry of back-to-school shopping and adjusting to a new routine, families often settle into a comfortable groove. But the first progress report can be a rude awakening. And, while it may be tempting just quickly to scan it and move on, it’s important to take the time to actually read through it and understand what your child is doing well in and where they need improvement. This may include math tutoring or extra study time in the evenings. 

For parents of elementary school students, progress reports are essential for monitoring their child’s academic progress. These reports, typically issued twice a year, measure a student’s progress in relation to the standards set by the Ministry of Ontario. In addition to providing information on academic skills like reading and math, progress reports may also include insights into a child’s social and emotional development. 

Nerve-Wracking

While receiving a progress report can be nerve-wracking for both parents and students, it is important to remember that these documents are meant to serve as a starting point for conversations with your child’s teacher about their progress in school. They aren’t solely reflective of your child’s intelligence or potential but rather their current growth and progress. 

Take the time to review the progress report with your child and discuss their strengths and areas for improvement. Then, work together to come up with strategies for continued progress in the future.  

Understanding Your Child’s Progress Report

Progress reports are a standard tool used by teachers to communicate a student’s progress in school. However, these reports can be confusing for parents who don’t know how to interpret them. A progress report may include various elements, such as how a child is progressing and comments from the teacher. It is important for parents to take the time to understand what each element means and how it relates to their child’s progress. By doing so, they can be better equipped to support their child’s academic journey. Progress reports can be a helpful tool, but only if parents take the time to understand them.

There are two main versions of the Elementary Progress Report Card:

  • Grades 1 to 6
  • Grades 7 and 8

Generally, many parents will see a lot of “Progressing Well.” Any child working towards learning goals and showing progression will fit under this umbrella. Since the pandemic has caused gaps in learning over the past few years, teachers have been instructed to make the umbrella even larger. This means that even if children are behind in their education, but are still working toward learning in class, then they are still housed under the umbrella of “Progressing Well.”

If your child has a “Progressing With Difficulty” statement on their report, it means they are not progressing in this subject. Research has shown that math and literacy were the two subjects affected the most by the pandemic. So, many students may be showing signs of falling behind in these two areas. If your child received a “Progressing With Difficulty” comment, it should be addressed immediately so that a plan can be developed to help fill the education gap. 

Look At Past Results

Previous progress reports and report cards may show that your child’s issues have re-appeared from last year. It is essential to keep an eye out for repeat problems and address them as soon as possible. Children usually struggle in one specific subject, so going back through their old reports can give you a better idea of any repeated patterns and help you break them. 

Parents who are involved in their child’s education may not even need a progress report to know how their child is doing in school. By getting involved and staying in contact with your child’s teacher, you can avoid report card stress and get any educational problems taken care of before they get out of hand. Regular math tutoring is one of the best ways to keep children on track. By working on math each week, children will become more confident and start to understand math operations more efficiently. 

An Education Crisis

While some educational interventions were able to help keep children on track in the interim, the overall effect of the pandemic is now being recorded as researchers conduct studies and EQAO test scores come in. So far, studies are showing that the coronavirus pandemic has caused alarmingly high learning losses in math and reading. This loss of education has been felt worldwide and is now reported as the worst education crisis ever recorded. 

Many children have been left with difficulty in learning math operations. However, the good news is that kids seem to rebound quickly once they regularly meet with their teachers and classmates. Teachers are doing everything they can to try and identify students and losses, ensuring they’re working with parents to get them back on track.

There is no timeline for how long this catchup will take, but the federal government has provided funding to assist with education by expanding summer programs and offering extra support to students who may need it.

How Dropkick Math Can Help

If your child brought home a progress report that wasn’t all good news, it is important to remember that it is just one snapshot of how a child is doing. They’re not meant to be an exhaustive list of everything wrong. And they shouldn’t be used as a way to compare one child to another. Progress reports are simply one tool that can be used to gauge a child’s progress and identify areas that need attention. So if you receive a less-than-perfect progress report for your child, take it in stride and use it as an opportunity to help your child get back on track. 

At Dropkick Math Academy, we understand that the pandemic took a toll on many students and their learning. If your child’s progress report shows some concerning results, it may have been caused by the pandemic. Our programs are designed to help children overcome this loss in learning while boosting their confidence in mathematics. We offer game-based learning that will help your child boost their confidence in mathematics while having fun. Check out our math help services today!

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