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!

Could Your Child’s Beliefs About Their Math Skills Affect Their Learning?

We all know that beliefs play a big role in our lives. They can dictate how we act, what we do, and even who we are as people. What you may not realize, however, is that beliefs also play a role in how we learn. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the connection between beliefs and learning and explore how they both work together to shape our overall understanding of the world around us. We will also discuss how at Dropkick Math Academy, we use the connection between beliefs and learning in our math tutoring programs. 

The Relationship

Beliefs and learning are inextricably linked. Our thoughts influence the way we learn, and our experiences shape our beliefs. This interconnected relationship is evident in both children and adults. For example, a young child who believes they are bad at math is likely to have difficulty learning new concepts. Conversely, an adult who believes that they can learn a new language will be more successful in their efforts than someone who doesn’t believe it’s possible. 

When we believe we can learn, we are more likely to succeed. When we believe that we can’t, we are more likely to give up. The next time you’re facing a challenging task, take a moment to think about your beliefs. Are they helping or hindering your learning? If they’re not helpful, try to change them. Beliefs are just thoughts–and thoughts can be changed. Once you understand how to change your beliefs, you can teach your child when they are facing a challenging task. 

The Types Of Mindset

Mindset is the set of beliefs and attitudes that your child may have about themself and their ability to learn. There are two main types of mindset. A fixed mindset is when they believe that their abilities are fixed. They may think they are not smart enough or not good enough at a particular skill. A growth mindset is when they believe that their abilities can be developed. They may not be good at something yet, but they know they can improve with practice. 

Mindset has been shown to impact motivation and learning. Children with a fixed mindset may give up more easily because they think they can’t improve. Children with a growth mindset are more likely to invest time and effort in learning because they believe they can get better. This just goes to show how vital mindset is for students because it can affect how resilient they are in the face of challenges and how much effort they are willing to put into learning. Students with a growth mindset are more likely to persist in the face of difficulties, persevere through setbacks, and see mistakes as opportunities to learn.

Changing Mindset

American psychologist Carol Dwek has changed the minds of millions of people through her work on mindset. She argues that the growth mindset will allow a person to live a less stressful and more successful life. 

Carol and her teams of researchers have conducted various studies showing that the ideas we hold about ourselves matter. These studies say something important about how fixed beliefs impact many aspects of life, including how children learn.

One landmark study from Carol Dwek showed the impact of different beliefs on students’ learning. The study analyzed grade 7-8 math students. The students were divided into two groups that differed in how they thought about themselves. All students went to the same school and had the same math teachers. 

It was found that the students who held positive beliefs were in an upward direction in their achievement. However, those with a fixed mindset stayed consistent and were lower achieving. Many other studies have since duplicated these results, showing the importance of mindset at any age. 

How To Help A Child Change Their Mindset

If your child struggles with self-beliefs, they may need help changing their mindset. Try the following sets to help set them up for a healthier mindset. 

– Identify their triggers. Ask them what situations or tasks make them feel like they’re not good enough. When do they start thinking negative thoughts about themselves? 

– Help them reframe their thinking. For example, when they say they are not smart enough, correct them and tell them to repeat after you, “I’m willing to put in the work to learn this.” 

– Have your child practice gratitude. Remind them of all the things they are thankful for in their life, including their successes (big and small). 

– Seek out supportive people for your child to learn from. Find someone who believes in them and will encourage them on your journey toward growth. At Dropkick Math tutoring, we offer personalized learning, so each child is encouraged and guided in the help they need. 

Take The Time With Your Child

Mindest plays an important role in learning, so it’s worth taking the time to help your child cultivate a positive mindset. Doing so can help them overcome challenges, persist through setbacks, and reach their full potential as a learner.

Your beliefs about learning have a big impact on your child’s development. If you believe that learning is important, your child is more likely to develop the same belief. Similarly, if you believe that intelligence is fixed, your child is likely to internalize that belief as well. Therefore, it is important for parents to model healthy beliefs about learning. One way to do this is to emphasize the importance of effort and persistence. Help your child see that intelligence is not fixed but can be developed through hard work and practice. Encourage your child to view mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. You can help your child develop into a lifelong learner by modelling these healthy beliefs.

At Dropkick Math, our online math tutor services work with the parent and child to help build confidence and overcome any learning gaps in mathematics. Our program offers a unique take on math tutoring by focusing on relationships and engaging the parent/guardian. Visit our website today to learn more about how we help children grow and learn with a positive mindset!

How To Encourage Your Child’s Thinking And Give Them Challenges

As parents, it’s important to encourage our child’s natural curiosity and critical thinking skills. One way to do this is by actively handing them challenges and allowing them to solve problems independently. This could be in the form of simple activities like puzzles or games, but it can also involve real-life tasks such as helping with grocery shopping or planning a family outing. 

It’s important for us to resist the urge to take over and solve their problems for them, giving them room to figure things out on their own and experience the rewards and challenges that come with it. In addition, fostering an open and curious mindset in our children can lead to increased confidence and creativity in their thought processes. So next time your child presents you with a math operation they can’t figure out, why not give them a chance to find the solution themselves? However, if they seem to struggle too much, investing in some math tutoring may be helpful. It will surely lead to valuable learning experiences for both of you.

Playing Math Games

At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe in game-based learning as a means to engage and motivate students. Research has shown that game-based learning can improve problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and memory retention. In addition, playing math games can also help build students’ confidence in their abilities and make them more excited about learning math. And best of all, game-based learning ensures that students have fun while also mastering essential mathematical concepts and skills. 

That’s why game-based learning is at the core of our curriculum at Dropkick Math Academy. We are committed to making math education engaging and enjoyable for all types of learners. With our games, students may find themselves embarking on an adventure in the Seas of Perseverance and taking on the dreaded Math Pirates. Or, they may be travelling to the year 2094 and preparing to take part in the yearly event called “The Great Race.” No matter their program, they will learn math through fun and engaging games. 

While we focus all of our learning on games at Dropkick Math, students can also play games at home to strengthen their math skills. Dominos, Uno Flip, Monopoly, and Money Bags are some of the best at home games that your child can play to make learning math more fun! Try turning off the tv in the evening and playing a game with your child. They will have fun and won’t even know it is helping them learn. 

Incorporating Math Into Everyday Life

Math may seem like an abstract concept to young children, but making real-life connections can help them understand its importance and usefulness. For example, grocery shopping provides a great opportunity to practice counting, estimating, and adding prices. Kids can also learn about subtraction by helping to divide a budget or splitting a bill at a restaurant. 

While playing outside, math skills can come into play when estimating the number of steps or measuring the height of a tree. Even simple daily tasks such as setting the table or folding laundry involve math concepts like sorting and arranging objects in equal groups. Showing children how math applies to their everyday lives can make it a more relevant and engaging subject for them.

Just don’t make it too easy for them. Children need to be able to make mistakes and learn from them to move forward. Mistakes can not only be learning opportunities, but as students consider their mistakes, it can also be a time when their brains grow. So, next time you find a situation where you can incorporate some math learning in real life, ask your child a question you know they may find challenging. Once they are able to work it out, their confidence will rise, along with their eagerness to learn more.

The Encouragement Your Child Needs

At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe some of the best encouragement you can give your child is by learning alongside them. Our programs encourage parents/guardians to get involved and are tailored specifically for students and their guardians to work together on understanding the building blocks of mathematics. 

We understand that your child isn’t learning the same math you may have been taught. This is why our specialized programs create an environment where both parent and child can better understand the fundamentals, creating a fun and engaging learning environment. 

Over three decades of research have found that parent involvement positively impacts student success regardless of socioeconomic status, background, or parent’s level of education.  When you learn alongside your child, you are setting an example while strengthening your relationship. Your child will see your confidence building in mathematics, which will also help build them up. Your attitude about learning can directly influence your child’s educational success. 

Make It Challenging

As I mentioned earlier, while encouraging your child through games or everyday life, it is vital to also make it challenging. It may be tempting for parents to make math easy for children, but it’s important to remember that challenge is essential for learning. Just as a muscle grows stronger with resistance, our brains also need difficult tasks in order to strengthen and learn new skills. 

Giving children math problems that require critical thinking and problem-solving helps them develop their math abilities, rather than simply memorizing formulas or numbers. In addition, being challenged in math can help improve overall academic performance and increase self-confidence in the subject. So instead of offering kids what may seem like an easier learning experience, try pushing them to stretch their math abilities and solve challenging problems. It may be initially difficult, but they’ll thank you in the long run.

The Dropkick Math Way Of Learning

At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe in encouraging growth while challenging children. Our math help services offer a fun way for them to practice math operations and learn from their mistakes. 

We believe in not only the importance of education but also effort and self-motivation. That’s why we offer a rewards system for students who demonstrate a consistent and dedicated effort to learn. This could include participating in class discussions or taking on extra assignments. 

We want to emphasize that learning is not just about receiving good grades but about actively engaging with the material and investing in one’s own education. We hope this reward system will encourage students to embrace the learning process and strive for personal growth and improvement. Ultimately, we believe that the most important reward is the knowledge and skills they will gain throughout their time with us at Dropkick Math Academy. 

To learn more about our math tutoring programs, visit our website today!

How Learning Fractions Can Show A Strong Understanding Of Number Sense

We all know that fractions are a big part of mathematics, but how many of us really understand why? In this blog post, we’ll explore what fractions represent and how mastering them can show a strong understanding of number sense. We’ll also take a look at our programs for helping kids learn fractions in a way that makes sense to them. So read on if you are looking to help kids with their fraction skills or simply want to understand this important mathematics concept better!

Fractions Can Be Scary!

Fractions can often seem like a daunting concept, especially at a young age when fractions are first introduced. However, fractions are actually just a way to represent parts of a whole or ratio between two quantities. When broken down into smaller steps, fractions become much easier to work with and understand. 

First, it is important to have a solid understanding of basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. From there, fractions can be thought of as “special” divisions where the bottom number represents the total number of equal parts the whole has been divided into, and the top number represents how many of those parts we are dealing with. 

Understanding fractions is essential in further studying mathematics and real-world applications such as cooking measurements and financial budgets. Don’t let fractions deflate your child’s confidence – with some practice, they can become just another tool in their mathematical toolkit.

Math Builds Upon Itself

If your child seems to enjoy learning fractions and grasping the concepts, they will most likely have a strong understanding of number sense. However, if they are struggling to understand the concept of fractions, they may need to take a step back and revisit number sense. 

Many assume that math is a subject where individual concepts can be easily isolated and learned without prior knowledge. However, this assumption ignores the fact that much of math builds upon itself – number sense, for example, is crucial for understanding fractions. The intuitive understanding of numbers and their relationships lays the foundation for learning about fractions and how to manipulate them. Without this foundation, it can be difficult for a student to grasp the concept of a fraction and how it relates to whole numbers. 

It is important for educators not only to identify and address gaps in a student’s number sense understanding but also to consistently reinforce these basic skills throughout all levels of math education. A student may struggle with more advanced mathematical concepts without number sense as the foundational basis.

At Dropkick Math Academy, our programs are focused around the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, and proportional reasoning). This allows our teachers to ensure every child understands the root of all math operations.  

What Is Number Sense?

As we mentioned, if your child is struggling with fractions, they are most likely experiencing a gap in learning in number sense. But what exactly is number sense?

Number sense is understanding the quantity represented by a number. It is not the same as numeracy, which is the ability to do calculations. Number sense develops gradually. For example, a baby starts by recognizing that they see one person or two people. By the time they start school, they can count up to 20 or more. They learn what numbers mean in terms of amounts and quantities. This knowledge forms the foundation for learning more complex math concepts later on. 

Understanding Fractions

Research has shown that children build on their number sense by learning connections among whole numbers, percentages, decimals, and fractions. This can ultimately deepen their understanding of ratio and proportionality. 

An extensive study from The College Student Achievement Project found that understanding fractions is one of the most critical skills needed for college mathematics in both technology and business. However, it was noted that fractions are one of the main areas where students lacked the necessary understanding. This shows a significant gap in learning and missed opportunities for students in their math education. 

Dropkick Math Fraction Programs

Learning fractions and number sense go hand in hand, which is why we offer programs like Fractions & Knights of the Whole Table. This program centers around improving a child’s number sense and proportional reasoning skills with fractions.

We understand that fractions are one of the greatest barriers to math success and one of children’s leading causes of math anxiety. Our goal is to improve your child’s understanding, skills and confidence when using fractions. By giving them the confidence they need to battle the knights and sorcerers, they can overcome the stress of learning mathematics.

Once your child masters the basics of fractions, they can move on to the next program, Becoming A Fraction Hero with Operations. Here, they will work specifically with adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators. They will also work with multiplying and dividing fractions with whole numbers. 

With the help of heroes like Captain Struggle, your child will master the four pillars (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, proportional reasoning) using fractions all the way along. In this program, turning your child’s uncertainty into confidence will save the world and make homework struggles a thing of the past!

We Take Fractions Seriously!

As you can tell, we take learning fractions seriously! We want all children to succeed in mathematics and understand that the four pillars of math are at the root of understanding all math concepts. All of our programs address gaps in learning in these four pillars to ensure a child’s success as they learn future equations. 

One of the key ways to achieve success is to give your children a strong foundation in education. In our math help services, our certified Ontario teachers will work with your child to ensure they understand math concepts and don’t just memorize one way of accomplishing them. 

All of our programs are virtual, and we have new classes starting regularly. Learn more about our math tutoring services today by visiting our website. 

Why Do We Need Math?

Math. We all had to learn it at some point, but why do we need it? While it may seem like a difficult and pointless subject for many students, it is actually necessary for everyday life. Without math, a lot of things would be very confusing! So when your child asks why they need to learn math (which is inevitable), you will want to know how to explain to them why it is so important. In this blog post, we will discuss why we need math and how to explain to your child that it will help them out in the long run!

Is Math Misrepresented?

Many children don’t like math because of the way it is misrepresented in school. As a math teacher myself, I try to make my classes as fun and enjoyable as possible while showing children why they need math. However, everyone has a different way of teaching, and some children may do well in some teachers’ classes and not in others. How math is presented can either get children excited about learning or deter them from wanting to learn.  

A book called What is Mathematics, Really? By Mathematician Reuban Hersh explored how math is taught in school. It turns out that millions of students experience a depleted version of math which has little resemblance to the mathematics that is practiced in the real world. This may be why so many children believe math is just a subject they must suffer through in school and why they question why they even need to learn mathematics. In our math tutoring at Dropkick Math Academy, we ensure that students are focused on why they need math, making it easier for them to understand and more eager to learn. 

Why Math Is Important

If your child is struggling, suffering from low confidence in math or questioning why they need to learn math, it is vital to help them understand how important math is in the real world. The following are the top reasons why math is important, and everyone needs to learn math to be successful in everyday life.

  1. Math Helps Us Make Sense of the World Around Us

Math is often seen as a dry and abstract subject, but its applications are all around us. In fact, math is essential for understanding the world around us. To take just one example, consider the field of physics. Physics is the study of the physical world and relies heavily on math. The equations that physicists use to describe the behaviour of matter and energy are all based on math. Without math, physicists would be unable to make any sense of the physical world. This is just one example of how math helps us make sense of the world around us

Think about it—everything in the world can be broken down into numbers. From the amount of money in our bank accounts to the dimensions of the rooms in our homes, numbers are a part of everything we do. Math helps us make sense of those numbers and understand how they relate to the world around us. So next time your child is struggling with a math problem, help remind them that they are just trying to make sense of the world around them. 

  1. Math Helps Us Make Decisions

Math can seem a little less daunting if we apply it to real life. So, if children are taught that math is needed to help them make decisions as they go through life, they may think of problem-solving differently. 

To help your child understand, tell them to pretend they are going to get their first car. But first, they need to decide whether to buy it or lease it. They will need to consider the cost of the car, the interest rate on the loan, the length of the loan, their trade-in value, and the monthly budget. With a basic understanding of math, they can plug all of this information into an equation and calculate which option is best for them. Of course, math can also help them with more everyday decisions, whether they should buy the item on sale or wait until later. Or maybe they will need to decide how to divide up a bill between themselves and their friends. In both cases, math could help them make the best decision by giving them all the information they need to weigh their options.

  1. Math Teaches Us How to Think Logically

Many people believe that math is nothing more than a set of boring rules and equations. However, math is actually all about thinking logically. At its heart, math is all about logically solving problems. This process of thinking things through step-by-step can be applied to any number of scenarios outside of math class, from cooking dinner to fixing a broken appliance. Whenever we encounter a problem, we can use our math skills to think through it logically and find a solution.

To do this, we need to be able to identify patterns, make deductions, and spot potential errors. In other words, we need to think like detectives. This process of logical reasoning can be applied to any area of life, from everyday decision making to solving complex problems at work. When a child learns how to think logically, they can develop powerful problem-solving skills that will serve them well in all areas of their lives.

  1. Math Helps Us Develop Critical Thinking Skills

In addition to teaching us how to think logically, math also helps us develop our critical thinking skills. This is done in several ways. First, math provides a structured way of thinking about problems and solutions. By learning to break down problems into smaller steps, we can more effectively identify the key issues and brainstorm possible solutions. Additionally, math encourages us to think logically and systematically about problems. We learn to look for patterns and relationships and to use deductive reasoning to arrive at conclusions. These skills are essential not only in math class but in everyday life as well. Whenever we encounter a problem, whether it’s something as simple as deciding which route to take to work or something more complex, we use critical thinking skills. So next time your child is struggling with a math problem, don’t worry. Just remember that they are actually developing an important life skill and help them brainstorm possible solutions. 

An Important Part Of Everyday Life

Children may not realize it yet, but math is actually an essential part of our everyday lives. It helps us make sense of the world around us, make decisions, think logically, and develop critical thinking skills—skills that are valuable in all aspects of life. So next time your child struggles with a math problem, it could be a great time to point out why we need to learn math. Let’s face it, no one wants to learn something if they don’t know the point behind it!

At Dropkick Math Academy, we use every opportunity in our math tutoring to help children understand why mathematics is important to learn. By also focusing on the foundational concepts (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, and proportional reasoning), our engaging, innovative programs help students fully understand critical concepts that are the base fundamentals of mathematics. 

We also address deficiencies while correcting any underlying misconceptions about mathematics. All instructors are qualified Ontario Certified Teachers who can offer differentiated approaches, making them accessible for all learning needs.  

Learn more about our math help services by clicking here today!

Why Collaboration Is Important In Learning

In order for children to learn and grow, it is important for them to engage in collaborative activities. Collaboration allows children to develop social skills, learn how to work with others, and think outside of the box. Students can share ideas, solve problems together, and build relationships with classmates through collaboration. 

A World Of Possibilities

When children connect with other people’s ideas, they are opened up to a world of possibilities for collaboration and creativity. When they can share their ideas, it gives children the opportunity to offer their own perspectives and viewpoints. This can help them to solve problems more effectively.

As a teacher, I often witness children working together towards a common goal and developing a sense of trust and camaraderie that can last a lifetime. When students collaborate effectively, they are able to accomplish more than they could on their own. By working together, students can achieve more than they ever thought possible.

For these reasons, it is easy to see why collaboration is an important part of the learning process. 

A Study In Collaboration

An interesting study by Uri Treisman, a mathematician at the University of Texas at Austin, helped to show how collaboration can be effective in the learning process. Uri began his study after noticing that 60 percent of African American students who took calculus at the University of Berkley, California, failed their classes. He began to look at more university data and found that no Chinese American students were failing calculus, so he asked the question: What is the difference between these two cultural groups that could be causing this discrepancy in learning?

It was found that the difference between the two groups was how they studied. African American students tended to work alone in their dormitory rooms, where they struggled with problems on their own. In contrast, Chinese American students worked on their assigned math problems in their dormitories and in dining halls, working collaboratively with other students. 

As part of the study, Uri and his team of researchers set up workshops where African American students could work on math problems together. Results showed that the improvement in academic achievement was significant. Within two years, the failure rate of African American students dropped to zero, and they even started outperforming their peers. 

The outcome of this research showed how students had to be “taught” how to collaborate with each other. This speaks volumes about how we may be missing out on teaching a valuable skill in our elementary and high schools. Uri and his research team are right to point out that success in college and University requires working with others and good communication. This is a valuable skill that is not only needed in education but beyond in society. 

Alone In Their Struggle

As we know, with math anxiety, children give up on mathematics because they find it difficult and think they are alone in their struggle. By encouraging children to work together on math problems, we may help them see that others may find some or all of the work difficult too. This critical lesson allows children to understand that learning is a process and that obstacles are common. 

Having children work together or with a parent/guardian can give them an opportunity to connect ideas. Collaborating with others and learning about their ideas can develop a higher level of understanding. When students see another way of learning, they get opportunities to make connections between valuable ideas throughout life. 

Involving The Parent/Guardian

Math can be a difficult subject for many students, and it can be easy for parents to fall into the mindset that they “just don’t get it.” However, by learning math alongside your child, you can become a role model for them and show them that math is something that everyone can understand with a little effort. Just like when they collaborate with their peers, children can gain a lot when working alongside a parent or guardian. Connecting ideas with your child gives them a chance to look at problems differently and work through gaps in learning using alternative methods. It may also help boost their confidence in mathematics when they work alongside a parent, and they may start understanding math concepts better. 

Collaborating with your child will not only help improve your child’s math skills, but it will also give you a chance to bond with them over a shared experience. Additionally, you may be surprised at how much you enjoy math once you give it a try!