Tag: math tutoring

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Why Does Your Child Need To Learn Math

Why Does Your Child Need To Learn Math

Are your kids struggling with math and asking that all-too-familiar question: “Why do I need to learn this?” Well, you’re in the right place! In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of math in our daily lives and how it helps shape our children’s futures. We will also discuss when it may be time for math tutoring if your child is struggling. 

Math Is Everywhere

Let’s face it, math is everywhere – from counting apples at the grocery store to calculating the time it takes to travel from point A to point B. It’s an essential skill that plays a major role in our everyday activities. 

But math can sometimes be a challenging subject for our little ones. As parents, it’s our job to help them understand the why behind those numbers and equations. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the wonderful world of math together!

Math Helps Your Children Understand the World Around Them

In order to explain to your child why they need math, it is essential that as a parent, you fully understand how math plays a role in their life. Math plays a significant role in how your child comprehends their world around them. It’s like a secret language that helps make sense of everything. 

Developing Critical Thinking Skills 

Children start to develop critical thinking skills as they learn to identify patterns, solve problems, and make connections between numbers and objects. For example, when they count their toys, they learn the concept of quantity, and when they share a pizza, they understand the idea of fractions. 

Understanding Money and Time 

Two essential concepts in our daily lives are money and time, both of which require math skills to comprehend. As children learn about coins, bills, and making change, they develop a better understanding of the value of money. Additionally, grasping the concept of time, such as reading clocks and calculating time differences, becomes second nature in math. 

Interpreting Data and Making Decisions 

Our world is filled with data, and math helps children learn how to interpret and analyze this information. By understanding graphs, charts, and statistics, they can make informed decisions and predictions. This skillset not only gives them the confidence to navigate through life but also opens doors to various career paths in the future.

Math Helps Your Children Achieve Their Goals and Dreams

Remember when you were a child and you had dreams of becoming an astronaut, a scientist, or maybe even a superhero? Well, math can help your children achieve their goals and dreams too! It’s a powerful tool that can open doors to amazing opportunities and help them excel in various fields. 

Unlocking Career Opportunities 

From engineers to fashion designers, many professions require a strong foundation in math. By learning math, your children can explore a wide range of exciting career paths. Plus, having solid math skills will make them more competitive in the job market and increase their earning potential. 

Developing Problem-Solving Skills 

Math teaches kids how to think logically and systematically. When faced with a challenging problem, they’ll be able to break it down, analyze it, and find a solution. This invaluable skill not only helps them succeed in their careers but also in their day-to-day lives. 

Boosting Creativity and Imagination 

Did you know that math and creativity go hand-in-hand? By learning math, children develop their spatial awareness and visualization skills, which are essential for artistic and imaginative pursuits. Whether they want to design skyscrapers, create stunning animations, or invent new technologies, math will be their secret weapon to unleash their full potential.

When Your Child Asks Why

So, when your child comes to you asking why they need to learn math, it is essential to have some answers already prepared. As mentioned above, children will use math throughout their lives to understand handling money, break down problems and boost their creativity. But this all needs to be explained to a child so they better understand how important math is to their future success. 

Mathematics is a subject that has several practical applications, and depending on the child, these applications can be more or less appealing. For example, some children have a particular interest in sports, and they may like to know that by learning math, they can make sense of the statistics that are so important in sports. Other children may be passionate about music, and for them, learning how math is used to count notes and beats can be an interesting way to apply mathematical concepts. As an educator, it is essential to keep in mind that every child has different interests and learning styles, and by presenting these practical applications of math, we can help turn this sometimes daunting subject into something more appealing and engaging.

At Dropkick Math Academy, we recognize that understanding real-world applications is key to mastering mathematical concepts. That’s why we incorporate them into many of our programs. Our approach is simple: we strive to help children understand why they need to learn math by showing them how it affects their daily lives. By doing so, we not only make math more approachable and engaging, but we help equip students with the skills they need to succeed in the real world. 

Whether it’s calculating measurements in a recipe, solving problems in a science experiment, or managing personal finances, math is an essential part of everyday life. At Dropkick Math Academy, we’re committed to helping young minds see just how vital math is to their future success.

If a child is struggling in mathematics, it could mean that they are having difficulty understanding the why behind the questions rather than the question itself. We all know it is much easier to learn a subject if we know how to use it later in life. This is where math tutoring may be useful to struggling children. 

Learn more about our programs and how we include real-life applications in our math help services. Get started with our FREE assessment. 

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Math Tutoring

Why We Don’t Tutor By Grade Level

Why We Don’t Tutor By Grade Level

As adults, we understand that education plays an important role in helping us reach our goals. But when it comes to children, do you ever ask yourself how tutoring by grade level might help your child succeed? While this may seem like the obvious answer for strong academic performance, there are a few reasons why accommodating the specific needs of each student instead of following a one-size-fits-all approach creates better results. Today, we’ll explore some of those reasons and explain why at Dropkick Math Academy, we use an assessment for our math tutoring programs. 

Unique Ways Of Learning

At Dropkick Math Academy, we understand that every child is different and has their own unique way of learning, so we don’t follow a rigid grade-level teaching approach. Instead, we use a FREE assessment to gauge where each student stands in terms of their mathematical understanding. By doing this, we can tailor our programs to cater to each student’s individual needs, ensuring that they get the most out of their learning journey with us. 

Develop At Different Rates

It’s important to understand that children develop at different rates. Some may be advanced in one area while struggling in another. Placing them in a grade level that doesn’t match their developmental level can negatively affect their self-esteem and academic performance.

By assessing a student’s place in learning, we can tailor lesson plans and activities that meet their individual needs. This approach ensures that students are challenged but not overwhelmed, providing them with a sense of accomplishment as they progress through the curriculum. 

Prior Learning Experience

Another reason why we don’t place students based on grade level is that it fails to acknowledge a student’s prior learning experiences. Students may have had different educational backgrounds, experienced gaps in their education due to personal circumstances, or simply had difficulty retaining information in certain subjects.

If we were to place them in a grade level based solely on age, they may end up in a class where they struggle to keep up, leading to frustration and discouragement. By assessing their place in learning, we can identify areas that need improvement and create a plan to help them catch up.

Making It Challenging

In addition, using grade levels as the sole factor for placement can limit a student’s potential. If a student performs exceptionally well in certain areas, being placed in a math tutoring program where they are not challenged can lead to boredom and disengagement.

We want to foster a love of learning and encourage students to reach their full potential. By placing them in a level that matches their abilities, they are more likely to excel and enjoy the learning process.

Promoting Growth Mindset

Our approach to placement helps to promote a growth mindset in students. A growth mindset is a belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed over time through hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

When students are placed in an environment that challenges and supports their learning, they are more likely to adopt a growth mindset and embrace a love of learning. This approach helps students develop the skills and mindset they need to succeed both academically and in life.

Taking A Holistic Approach

At Dropkick Math Academy, we use an advanced assessment system to help determine a student’s place in learning. We take a holistic approach to placement, considering factors such as cognitive development, learning style, and social-emotional development. By gathering information from our assessment, we can create a complete picture of a student’s strengths and areas for improvement.

After completing the assessment, one of our math therapists will collect the data and determine the right learning path for the child. We then work with parents and guardians to create a plan for success. This plan may include one single program or multiple lessons to match the student’s abilities better.

By taking this extra step, we can offer our students the best chance at success. We’re proud to say that we stand out among our competitors for this very reason. Our teachers can tailor their lessons and support to each student, ensuring they’re challenged but not overwhelmed. This approach ensures that every student reaches their full potential, and we couldn’t be happier with the results.

Our assessment is unlike any other tool out there. It’s not just a simple test that places students in classes, but rather, a fun and engaging game that keeps their attention throughout the entire process. We use stories and characters within the assessment to bring life to the questions and keep children interested. This not only helps them stay engaged and focused during the assessment but it also helps them retain the information being presented to them. Our assessment is a great way for children to learn while having fun, and we are proud to offer this unique approach to education.

Our Approach

Our approach promotes a growth mindset, fosters a love of learning, and encourages students to reach their full potential. By working closely with parents and guardians, we can create a plan for success that helps students thrive academically and in life.

Our programs are designed to be fun and educational, allowing children to explore STEM concepts in novel and exciting ways. All classes are virtual and follow a curriculum focusing on math’s four pillars (number sense, operational sense, proportional reasoning, and algebraic reasoning). Our interactive learning tools allow students to progressively learn the curriculum throughout 12 hours of classes.

No matter if your child is struggling with fractions or algebra, we have a math tutoring program that can help. Learn more about our programs today and get started with our FREE assessment.

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Math Tutoring

The Effects Of Tutoring On Confidence

The Effects Of Tutoring On Confidence

Math tutoring is an excellent method that can help children to learn effectively. Research has shown that children who attend tutoring services tend to perform better academically than those who do not. However, tutoring can have other positive effects on children that go beyond just academic performance. 

One of the most significant effects math tutoring can have on children is its positive impact on their confidence. Many children struggle with math and may become discouraged or frustrated when they don’t understand a particular concept. However, with tutoring, over time, children can start to see improvements in their abilities, which can dramatically affect their confidence levels. This newfound confidence can spill over into other areas of their lives, leading to further success and growth.

In today’s blog post, we will explore how tutoring can contribute to boosting children’s confidence and self-esteem and how that can impact overall academic performance. 

Individual Attention

Tutoring provides an incredibly valuable experience for children, offering them individual attention and personalized guidance that is often lacking in a traditional classroom setting. Whether it’s one on one or in small groups, tutoring gives children the opportunity to ask questions freely and receive answers without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable. 

This kind of individual attention can be crucial in helping children build confidence and develop a deeper understanding of the material they are studying. Plus, with a tutor’s expert guidance and support, children are better equipped to tackle difficult subjects and reach their full potential. 

Dropkick Math Academy offers small classes with no more than four students per class. This ensures all students get the individual attention they deserve to help boost their confidence.

Confidence In Abilities

Tutoring is more than just helping children catch up on missed information; it can also help them develop confidence in their abilities. It’s not uncommon for a child struggling in a particular subject to become disheartened and discouraged. However, consistent reinforcement and positive feedback from a tutor can make all the difference.

As the child’s understanding increases, they begin to realize that they’re capable of doing well, leading to newfound confidence. With time, tutoring can quite literally transform a child’s mindset from “I can’t” to “I can.” This positive attitude can spill over into other areas of their lives, including social settings and everyday decision-making.

Overcome Doubts And Fears

It’s not uncommon for children to feel doubts and fears about certain subjects, especially if they’ve struggled with them in the past. Nobody likes feeling like they’re not good enough, and these negative thoughts can lead to a lack of confidence that can be tough to shake. 

However, tutoring can be a fantastic way to support children in overcoming their doubts and fears. With the help of a tutor, kids can work through their areas of difficulty at a comfortable pace, building up their skills and knowledge one step at a time. The result? Improved confidence and a newfound belief in their abilities.

Develop A Sense Of Responsibility

Tutoring can help children develop a sense of responsibility and ownership of their learning. While traditional teaching methods may be more focused on providing information, tutoring is focused on assisting children to become more independent learners. 

Children who attend tutoring services are encouraged to take ownership of their learning process, and this results in them feeling more confident and empowered to take control of their education. This feeling of independence can help children develop positive habits and attitudes towards their studies and life beyond academics.

A Safe Environment

It’s no secret that traditional classroom settings can be overwhelming, especially for children who struggle to keep up with the pace or feel intimidated by larger groups of students. This is where tutoring comes in, providing a safe and supportive environment for children to learn and grow at their own pace. 

In a tutoring setting, students benefit from one-on-one attention from their tutor, who can tailor their teaching style to fit the student’s individual needs best. This individualized attention means that students feel comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification without fear of ridicule or criticism. 

Ultimately, tutoring provides a judgment-free zone where children can thrive and grow academically, building the confidence they need to succeed in all areas of their lives. This safe environment fosters a positive attitude toward learning and helps children to develop a stronger sense of self-worth and self-esteem.

Boosting Self Esteem

In conclusion, tutoring can significantly boost children’s confidence and self-esteem. By providing children with individual attention, developing their confidence in their abilities, helping them overcome doubts and fears, fostering a sense of ownership, and providing a safe and encouraging environment, tutoring can help children develop a positive attitude towards learning and life in general. 

While tutoring can help children perform better academically, the most significant benefit of tutoring is the long-term impact that it can have on children’s confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being.

Building Confidence With Dropkick Math Academy

At Dropkick Math Academy, we understand confidence’s significant role in a child’s academic success. We know that once a student has confidence, they are not afraid to make mistakes and take on any math challenge that comes their way. Our small group classes are built around this very idea, with a focus on building confidence in math. 

Our friendly and experienced tutors engage students in a way that allows them to learn at their own pace, all while building that essential self-assurance. At Dropkick Math Academy, we are committed to empowering each student with the tools they need to succeed and excel in math, giving them the key to unlock a world of limitless possibilities!

All of our math help services are taught by certified Ontario teachers who understand the importance of building a child’s confidence. With our research-based approach to learning and engaging games, children will soon build the confidence needed to approach each question with eager determination. 

Learn more about our math programs and how we can help your child dropkick their fear of math today!

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Learn Math Math Tutoring

3 Ways Parents Can Instill A Growth Mindset In Their Children

3 Ways Parents Can Instill A Growth Mindset In Their Children

As parents, we all want our children to succeed and thrive in life. We want them to have the tools they need to achieve their goals and be resilient when faced with challenges. One of the key ways we can support our children in this journey is by instilling a growth mindset. A growth mindset is the understanding that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work, dedication, and perseverance. 

Building A Strong Foundation

At Dropkick Math Academy, we understand how important it is for children to build a strong foundation in mathematics. That’s why we’ve created an online math tutor service that teaches math skills and instills a growth mindset in our young learners. 

We believe that by teaching children to embrace challenges, take initiative, and persist in the face of obstacles, we can help them become confident and successful math learners. With our expert tutors and engaging personalized lessons, we’re committed to guiding your child toward math mastery and a lifelong love of learning. So why settle for just any math program in Toronto? Trust Dropkick Math Academy to give your child the tools they need to succeed in math and beyond.

An Exciting Challenge

Children who have a growth mindset view learning as an exciting challenge rather than a daunting task. They understand that their abilities and intelligence are not fixed and that they can improve and grow if they put in enough effort. These children are motivated to learn and embrace their mistakes as opportunities for growth. They know that success isn’t always immediate and that setbacks are a natural part of learning. With a growth mindset, these children are equipped with the resilience and determination needed to reach their full potential. By instilling this mindset in our children, we can help them develop the tools they need to succeed and thrive in any situation.

While we are passionate about teaching a growth mindset in our programs at Dropkick Math Academy, we also hope to give parents the information they need to continue it at home. Our programs are designed for children and parents/caregivers to work together while strengthening their confidence in mathematics. 

3 Steps For Growth Mindset

To help foster a growth mindset in your child at home, three easy steps can be taken.

1. Praise Effort And Persistence, Not Just Achievement

As parents, focusing on our children’s achievements and successes can be tempting. We want to celebrate their accomplishments and show them how proud we are of them. However, this can inadvertently send a message that achievement is the most important thing. Instead, we should emphasize the effort and persistence our children demonstrate in working towards their goals.

For example, if your child brings home a good grade on a test, instead of simply saying, “Great job! You’re so smart!” try saying something like, “I’m so proud of you for working so hard on this test. You put in the time and effort to study, and it paid off.” By praising your child’s effort and persistence, you are helping them to understand that hard work and dedication are the keys to success.

2. Encourage Your Children To Embrace Challenges

It can be easy for children to become discouraged when faced with challenges or obstacles. However, challenges are an important part of the learning and growth process. As parents, we can help our children see challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

One way to encourage this mindset is by modelling it ourselves. Share stories with your children about times when you faced challenges and how you persevered. Emphasize that mistakes and setbacks are a natural part of the learning process and that it’s important to keep trying even when things get tough.

Another way to encourage your children to embrace challenges is by helping them set goals that are just beyond their current abilities. For example, if your child struggles with fractions, set a goal to work on learning them together over the course of a month. Encourage your child to tackle each question, even if it’s difficult at first, and celebrate their progress along the way.

3. Focus On The Process, Not Just The Outcome

Finally, When parents work with their children to achieve a goal, it’s easy to get caught up in the end result. However, it’s crucial to focus on the process just as much as the outcome. While the end goal is important, it’s the steps along the way that truly build character and develop skills. Helping your child understand and value the process can lead to greater resilience, patience, and determination. Plus, celebrating each small milestone along the way can make the final achievement even sweeter. Whether it’s learning a new skill, completing a project, or reaching a personal milestone, focusing on the process can help set your child up for success both now and in the future.

Developing Crucial Skills

In conclusion, instilling a growth mindset in our children is crucial in helping them develop the skills they need to succeed in life. By praising effort and persistence, encouraging our children to embrace challenges, and focusing on the process rather than just the outcome, we can help our children understand that hard work and dedication are the keys to success. With these tips in mind, we can help our children develop a growth mindset that will serve them well throughout their lives.

At Dropkick Math Academy, we offer online math tutor services that go beyond just helping children with math questions. We focus on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, and proportional reasoning) to help children get to the root of their misunderstanding. 

Our tutors are all Ontario-certified teachers who understand how to help children overcome their fear of mathematics and get the confidence they need to succeed. By encouraging parents to learn alongside their children, we believe that children will achieve success and carry their newfound knowledge into the future. 

Before searching online for a “math tutor near me,” check out our programs and see how we can help your child build their confidence and excel in mathematics!

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What Is Positive Math Talk?

What Is Positive Math Talk?

Mathematics is one of the subjects that has been stereotyped as difficult and uninteresting, which has resulted in a general dislike for it. This notion is so prevalent that North America has turned into a society of people who think it’s cool, hip, and even trendy to hate math. 

Countless students would rather skip school than attend a math class where they will have to learn math operations or equations. However, math is an essential skill that helps individuals in their everyday lives, from simple activities such as counting change to complex problem-solving skills required in various professions. The hate of math, mainly perpetuated by society, can hinder progress both personally and globally. However, with a better understanding of the importance of math, the fear and hatred of this subject can gradually decrease.

The Good News

The good news is that in recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the importance of having positive conversations with young mathematicians to help counteract the negative feeling towards mathematics. Positive math talk is an approach to teaching mathematics that emphasizes building a positive attitude towards math and problem-solving by using language that encourages students to think positively and be open to trying new things.

By promoting positive math talk, educators and parents can create an environment where children feel comfortable taking risks and asking questions without fear of being judged or punished. Studies have shown that when teachers use more positive statements in their classrooms, students tend to have better attitudes toward math and experience less anxiety about the subject.

How To Speak Positively

As parents or caregivers, we often unintentionally use language around math that can have negative effects on our children’s attitudes toward the subject. Instead of asking if math homework is difficult or if they hate math, reframing our phrasing to focus on growth and effort can be helpful. 

Positive math talk can come in many forms, including open-ended questioning techniques, encouraging productive dialogue between parent/teacher and student, offering praise for successful attempts at problem-solving, and providing helpful feedback when mistakes are made. 

Asking how a child approached a problem or what strategies they used can encourage a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities to learn and improve. Using phrases like “math is fun” and “you can do this” can foster a positive attitude towards math and set our children up for success. 

Some easy examples of positive math talk to start with are:

Instead of: I was never good at math. 
Try: Let’s try to learn this together.

Instead of: You will never use this math in real life.
Try: This math is teaching you good problem-solving skills.

Instead of: I hate math.
Try: This isn’t my favourite topic, but I enjoy a good challenge. 

Instead of: You should be getting this.
Try: Let’s take a break and try again. 

The key point of positive math talk is that its goal is not necessarily to make every student a math genius; rather, it is meant to foster a healthy attitude towards mathematics among all students regardless of skill level or interest in the subject. It seeks to make learning enjoyable so that each individual has something valuable he or she can take away from it. 

Positive math talk also helps create an environment where everyone feels free to discuss different approaches and make mistakes without feeling judged or criticized for doing so. This allows for creativity and experimentation, ultimately leading to more meaningful learning experiences.

Children Can Pick Up Parent’s Math Anxiety

For many parents, math can be a touchy subject that brings up feelings of anxiety and stress. However, it’s important to remember that our children often pick up on these emotions and can develop their own negative attitudes toward math. It’s crucial to take deliberate steps to prevent this from happening. 

Whether it’s finding a math tutoring company or attending parent-teacher conferences, investing in our children’s math education can help break the cycle of anxiety and make math a more positive experience for all.

At Dropkick Math Academy, we provide a unique environment for parents to participate actively in their child’s learning experience and encourage them to learn together. 

As a parent, being involved in the learning process helps create a more meaningful experience for your child and encourages them to take ownership of their education. Dropkick Math Academy gives parents the resources to join in along and support their children during the classes and monitor progress throughout the program.

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. We also help parents use positive math talk so they can ensure they are not passing on any math anxiety they may have. 

Be Mindful Of The Words Used

By utilizing positive conversations with young mathematicians, educators and parents can help create an environment where everyone feels comfortable attempting challenging problems without fear of failure or negative consequences associated with making mistakes. 

While some degree of structure must still be maintained within this context, such as ensuring accuracy during problem-solving tasks and following directions from the teacher carefully – focusing on building strong relationships through positive interaction provides real advantages when helping children learn mathematics effectively.

At Dropkick Math, we provide programs for students in grades 4 – 9, including all abilities. Our instructors are passionate about making math fun and assisting students in understanding the importance of this subject. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child succeed in math with our math learning techniques. 

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How Dropkick Math Helps Children Find Their Love For Math

How Dropkick Math Helps Children Find Their Love For Math

Math is often considered a difficult and dry subject, and many children feel intimidated by it. However, at Dropkick Math tutoring, we believe learning math should be fun and rewarding. Our goal is to help children find their love for math and enjoy the process of learning it. Today, we’ll explain how our programs help children find their passion for math.

A Stimulating Learning Environment

At Dropkick Math Academy, we create an environment that stimulates learning and encourages a genuine interest in math. We understand that every child has different strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. Therefore, we provide an engaging approach to teaching math that encompasses a variety of teaching methods. Our small group classes also aim to create an environment where children are encouraged to ask questions, take risks, and learn from their mistakes.

Our enthusiastic teachers use interactive teaching methods and visual aids to help children understand math concepts better. By using a game-based approach to education, children are more eager to play along and participate with other students. 

Our game-based learning also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for learning math. Our programs make math learning enjoyable and effective by creating an environment that fosters curiosity and creativity.

Relevant and Engaging Curriculum

At Dropkick Math Academy, we are not just helping your child with a specific area of math they may not understand at this moment. We get to the root of the misunderstanding and focus our curriculum around the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, and proportional reasoning). This curriculum perfectly blends theory and practical applications, making math learning fun and engaging. Our teachers use real-life scenarios and hands-on activities to help children relate to math concepts. 

Our curriculum is also aligned with the latest teaching methods and technology trends, helping our students excel in math both in school and beyond. We provide personalized feedback to our students and provide them with a roadmap for their progress. By providing relevant and engaging content, our math tutoring academy helps children connect with math on a deeper level and encourages them to pursue it further.

Positive Reinforcements

At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe in the power of positive reinforcement. We understand that math can be challenging, and children may struggle at times. Therefore, we provide positive feedback and encouragement to our students at every step of the way. In addition, we celebrate our students’ accomplishments, big or small, to keep them motivated and inspired.

In addition to positive reinforcements, we offer rewards to students who show initiative and eagerness to learn! Each week, teachers assign challenges for children to complete before the next class. These challenges equate to “battle points” that children earn and add up to a reward at the end of the program. The thought of earning a reward helps motivate children to be eager to earn as much as possible. 

Our rewards may change over time, but they currently include Amazon Gift Cards, Pokemon Cards, Bluetooth Earbuds, LOL Surprise Dolls and more!

Building Confidence

We believe that confidence is crucial for success in math, and we work hard to instill it in our students. Our certified Ontario teachers provide a stress-free environment where children can work at their own pace and get regular support from teachers and peers. By providing positive reinforcements and building our students’ confidence, our programs help children find joy and love in math.

Our small group classes encourage peer interaction, which fosters teamwork and communication skills. We believe that children can learn a lot from each other, and we strive to create an environment where they can learn and grow together.

Finding Their Love Mathematics 

With Dropkick Math, students can eliminate homework struggles and build a foundation of knowledge and confidence in math, all while having fun! When armed with the right skill set to tackle problems, students will gain the confidence and independence that will carry them throughout life.

For parents who may be looking for an alternative to traditional math tutors, our math help services may be your answer. We offer classes taught by certified teachers who can offer differentiated approaches, making them accessible for all learning needs. By creating a stimulating learning environment, providing relevant and engaging content, offering positive reinforcements and rewards, and encouraging peer support and collaboration, our programs help children find their passion for math!

Our mission is to empower children to become confident math learners who thrive in school and beyond. Dropkick Math Academy is the perfect place if you’re looking for Waterloo math services where your child can find their love for math. 

Come join us and witness the transformation in your child’s attitude toward math today!

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Math Tutoring

Why A Virtual Math Tutor May Be Better For Your Child

Why A Virtual Math Tutor May Be Better For Your Child

As parents, we want our children to succeed academically. We want them to have the necessary resources and opportunities available to them as they work hard toward their education. But with today’s realities, it can be difficult for parents to provide their children with in-person math tutoring services due to various restrictions such as time or cost. 

Fortunately, with the development of technology, math help online can offer a viable alternative which comes with fewer financial and time costs while still allowing your child to receive high-quality instruction. Dropkick Math Academy is known as a leading provider of Waterloo math services serving the surrounding areas. 

The Benefits Of Virtual Math Tutoring

Virtual math tutoring services are becoming increasingly popular as they provide a plethora of advantages over traditional face-to-face tutoring. With virtual math tutoring, students gain access to one-on-one instruction from qualified teachers who understand each student’s abilities and can adjust their teaching style accordingly. 

The interactive nature of online learning means that teachers can use visuals and other instructional aids to ensure deeper learning during each session. At Dropkick Math Academy, we ditch the boring textbooks and use game-based learning to make our programs more engaging for children who need a more stimulating way of learning. This can result in quicker academic progress for many students.

In addition, virtual tutors are more cost-effective when compared to traditional learning methods; you don’t need to pay for expensive textbooks or enroll your child in an after-school program, which may add up quickly. At Dropkick Math Academy, we take it one step further by offering a payment plan that is charged every couple of weeks so that you can budget accordingly.

One of the biggest benefits of virtual math tutoring is the convenience it provides. There’s no need for your child to travel back and forth between school or home, where parents may need to interrupt their workday to make sure they get to tutoring on time. 

Virtual sessions can occur at your child’s pace and comfort level, allowing them to gain the confidence needed to progress. Plus, since lesson materials are sent directly through email, your child will have easy access to them should they want to practice outside of regular session times!

Stories Of Success!

While there are various general benefits of getting math help online, there are also large achievements that can be seen in individual students. For example, children who shy away from group tutoring may excel in Dropkick Math’s math tutoring as we only allow a maximum of four students per class. This means your child will still have the advantage of learning from their peers without being overwhelmed and feeling lost in a large group of students. 

At Dropkick Math Academy, we take pride in helping children gain the confidence they need to succeed in mathematics. This is why we love hearing stories from parents who have seen a change in their children after using our virtual math tutoring.

For example, parents have shared stories with us about how their children with learning differences came to Dropkick Math Academy with very little confidence. But, with our innovative math learning techniques, they learned how to conquer their fear of math and began to enjoy learning the subject. 

Children who don’t do well in a traditional classroom thrive with our fun and engaging tutoring style. We have many testimonials of parents who saw a whole new level of interest from their child in mathematics due to our teaching methods. 

These are the stories we love to hear! At Dropkick Math Academy, we strive to give children the confidence they need to conquer math and excel in the future. 

How Virtual Learning Allows Children To Learn Together

At Dropkick Math Academy, our group classes allow students of similar ability levels to learn together without feeling intimidated by those who may be ahead in terms of comprehension or speed – something which may happen when two students attempt the same course through traditional means such as a classroom setting. 

Small group classes can also come in handy for parents whose children require peer interaction when engaging with course material but may not have enough friends interested in this field. Our classes create a fun and engaging space where children can virtually work together while gaining the confidence in mathematics to help them succeed. 

A Valuable Solution

For parents looking for reliable ways to assist their children in pursuing better grades than would otherwise be possible without extra help, virtual math tutoring offers a valuable solution worth considering – particularly if physically visiting instructors isn’t feasible due to financial or time constraints or other factors at hand. 

At Dropkick Math Academy, we have Ontario-certified teachers who can tailor their lessons toward each student’s unique needs. Plus, there is no need to shop for costly supplies. All materials needed for our programs will be mailed to students at no additional charge before the class starts. With all of these conveniences of online math help – what’s not to love?

Learn more about our programs today, and get your child started with our Early Indicators Assessment.

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Math Tutoring

How Parents Can Help To Reduce Homework Stress

How Parents Can Help To Reduce Homework Stress

Are you a parent who is concerned about your child’s level of homework stress? It can be difficult for kids to stay motivated when it comes to completing school work, and this can lead to avoidance tactics that create additional stress. Fortunately, there are some simple steps parents can take to help their children manage the anxiety that comes with staying on top of their academic obligations. This blog post will explore tips for reducing homework stress and creating a positive learning environment. 

By being proactive in helping your child understand the importance of doing their homework and providing them with necessary guidance, you can give them an advantage as they tackle projects in class, at home and in their math tutoring sessions.

Your Child’s Workload

As a parent, it is important to be aware of your child’s academic workload to better understand their struggles and frustrations with homework. Familiarizing yourself with the syllabus and testing requirements can give you insight into what your child is expected to learn and the pace at which they are expected to learn it. This information can help you support your child in a more effective and targeted way. 

Additionally, a better understanding of your child’s workload can help you communicate with their teachers and identify areas where your child may need additional support. By gathering this information, you are setting yourself and your child up for success in the long run.

Setting Up A Workspace

Another important step is setting up a comfortable workspace for your child where they can focus on their studies without disruptions or distractions. Consider furnishing this area with notebooks, pens, highlighters and whatever else your child may need for studying. 

It is also wise for parents to limit computer or mobile phone use when children need to focus on homework to minimize digital distractions.

Creating a dedicated workspace for your child can be incredibly helpful in increasing their concentration and reducing frustration. Providing them with a space designated solely for their work gives them a sense of ownership and control over their educational experience. 

It is also essential to involve your child in the set-up process, allowing them to add personal touches and truly make the space their own. This not only helps them feel even more invested in their learning, but it also promotes creativity and individuality. So, whether it’s a small corner of their bedroom or a separate room entirely, a dedicated workspace can do wonders for your child’s productivity and overall satisfaction with their schoolwork.

Breaking Down Tasks

If your child is frustrated with their homework, it may help them break it down into smaller chunks. For example, if there’s an assignment due in two weeks, then break down the project into smaller goals, like outlining today, researching tomorrow and so on, until it’s ready to be submitted at the end of the two-week period. 

Breaking projects down into more manageable steps will help keep your children motivated and on track with their studies since they won’t have to feel overwhelmed by one massive task looming over them all day.

Encourage Healthy Habits

Encouraging healthy habits such as light exercise or meditation before doing their work can also encourage positive physical and mental states, which aid concentration while working on complex assignments or topics that don’t come easily. 

Allowing breaks throughout these sessions helps clear away any built-up tension and refreshes the mind. Adding slight changes in playground activity or going outside for fresh air are both excellent options here.

Acknowledge Small Steps

Acknowledging small successes is crucial regardless of whether completing a chapter faster than anticipated or having all questions answered correctly during tests. Praising kids along the way shows that parents believed in them even when things got tough, encouraging further motivation towards future challenges, no matter how big or small they may seem initially!

Offer Math Tutoring

Mathematics has long been recognized as one of the more challenging subjects that students can encounter, with its many numbers and calculations causing a lot of frustration and anxiety. The situation worsens when students are left to their own devices to solve complex math problems. 

Fortunately, math tutoring is an excellent way to help bridge that gap between students and math. By helping break down complex math operations and concepts, a tutor can build students’ confidence and skill levels, ensuring they’re better equipped to tackle math challenges independently. Ultimately, this can lead to increased understanding and a better appreciation for math as a whole. 

Offering Helpful Guidance

It’s quite normal for kids to run into difficulty trying out certain concepts during their studies. However, with these simple tips, parents can provide helpful guidance. Additionally, regular check-ins with teachers could be beneficial by finding out about overall grades or specific areas requiring extra focus from home.

Helping children manage heavy workloads isn’t easy, but there are several strategies parents can implement in order to lessen stress levels associated with schoolwork while also keeping kids motivated all year round!

How Dropkick Math Academy Can Help

Math can be a challenging subject for many students, but with Dropkick Math Academy, your child can receive the extra support they need to succeed. Our specialized programs are designed to approach math tutoring in a unique and effective way. We believe in creating a fun and engaging learning environment where your child can build their confidence in math and improve their skills. 

At Dropkick Math Academy, we understand that each child learns differently, which is why we use varied approaches in our math help services to meet the individual learning needs of each student. So if your child is struggling with math, let us help them unlock their full potential and excel in the subject!

Click to learn more about our programs and get your child’s FREE assessment today!

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Everything You Need To Know About Combined Grade Classrooms

Everything You Need To Know About Combined Grade Classrooms

When it comes to learning environments, one size may not fit all. Parents need to have an understanding of the various learning settings available for their children so they can choose the best option for each child. For some families, a combined grade classroom may be the perfect fit. This blog post will discuss a combined grade classroom’s benefits and how it could help your child thrive. We’ll also provide advice on how parents can decide if combining two grades into one classroom is right for their child given his or her unique personality and needs.

A Unique And Diverse Learning Environment

Combined grades classrooms in Ontario are not something new. In fact, they have been around since at least the early 1950s when they were thought to echo the origins of the one room schoolhouse where all students from grades 1 to 8 were taught in a single class. 

Combined grades classrooms offer a unique and diverse learning environment for students, merging two different grades, such as second and third graders, into one classroom. Often referred to as ‘split grades’ or ‘multi-age classes,’ combined grades allow students of different ages, abilities and levels of knowledge to learn alongside each other while benefitting from the diversity of experience they bring. It also helps to reduce class sizes, thereby freeing up resources which can be beneficial within smaller school budgets where staff numbers may be limited.

Benefits Of Combined Grade Classrooms

Several benefits are associated with this type of learning environment; the most obvious is that it encourages collaboration between younger children who might learn best from hands-on experiences and older students who have established study habits that can help guide their peers. Furthermore, combined grades classrooms provide opportunities for teachers to implement flexible and personalized teaching strategies, adapting the curriculum to cater to all students’ diverse needs and abilities. As a result, combined grades have the potential to create a more inclusive, engaging, and dynamic educational experience for both students and educators.

While this may seem like a great idea for the younger students, many parents are often left wondering if it is a good idea if their child is in the older grade. The thought is that they may not be challenged enough. However, years of combined grade classrooms have shown that each child will be challenged at their own academic level. 

While some of the topics in the classroom may vary from other children in the school, all students will receive the full and complete grade program. Additionally, older children in the split class will learn to work with younger children, reinforcing their confidence, leadership skills, and independence. 

What Does The Research Say?

There have been various studies to track the effects of combined grade classrooms throughout the past few decades, but one by Dr. Joel Gajadharsingh (Professor Emeritus, University of Saskatchewan), a leader in North American research in combined grades, stands out among them. In 1991, the Canadian Education Association summarized his extensive findings and concluded the following:

  1. Children in combined classes get an education that is just as good or better as in single grade classes. 
  2. Children in classes where there is more than one level learn to become more independent, responsible learners and develop a greater degree of social responsibility. They also develop better study habits and a more positive attitude towards school. 
  3. 85% of teachers considered the achievements of students in multi-grades equal or superior to those in single grades in language arts, mathematics, sciences and social studies.

Tips For Ensuring Success With Combined Grade Classrooms

For parents who are considering enrolling their child in a combined grade classroom setting here are some tips you should consider:

  1. Establish clear expectations: Ensure your child understands what behaviour is acceptable and what isn’t so there is no confusion about expectations within the classroom setting.
  2. Find out how the program has been tailored to meet your child’s needs in a class as a whole and for their individual needs.
  3. Talk to your child regularly about their school experience, and any schoolwork brought home. 
  4. Communicate regularly with teachers: Keep in touch with your child’s teachers frequently, so you are both working towards similar goals for your child’s success.
  5. Be a part of the school! Attend parent information nights, volunteer for programs, field trips, or join school councils or associations. 

Following these steps will help ensure that your child has a successful experience in a combined grade classroom setting!

Dropkick Math Academy And Split Classes

You may wonder why we are so interested in combined grade classrooms here at Dropkick Math Academy. As all of our tutors are certified Ontario teachers, we understand the complexities of split classes and the benefits they can offer. But it isn’t just out of interest that we keep our eye on the results of combined grades classrooms. 

We know that not all online math tutors are equal, and we like to think our programs are superior to many others! Our programs at Dropkick Math Academy are similar to a split class as they are not assigned to just one single grade. So, you may find grade 4’s and 5’s in the same program, just like in a split class. 

With our Early Indicators Assessment, we place children in our programs based on their learning abilities, not their grade level. We don’t want children to be overwhelmed or lose interest in our math tutoring because the content is too easy for them. By taking our assessment, we can understand where your child is with their education and how much help they may need to get caught up. 

So, similar to a split grade, our students learn from each other, develop better study habits and have an overall more positive attitude toward their education!

For more information about our math tutoring programs or to get started with our FREE assessment, visit our website today!

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Math Tutoring

How To Help Your Fifth Grader With Homework

As children progress through school, the complexity and volume of assignments inevitably increase, and this is particularly evident when you have a fifth-grader at home. The surge in homework tasks can leave these young learners feeling overwhelmed and may even impact their overall academic performance. Therefore, it is crucial for parents to be actively involved in helping their children navigate this challenging phase of their educational journey and, if needed, enroll them in math tutoring. 

By providing a conducive environment for learning, offering guidance when needed, and encouraging time management skills, you can ensure that your fifth-grader stays on track with their schoolwork. Additionally, fostering open communication and discussing any concerns can go a long way in maintaining a healthy balance between work and play, ultimately contributing to your child’s overall growth and development. Additionally, if your child is showing signs of struggling, setting them up with math help services is vital, so they don’t fall behind. 

As your child progresses through school, it may feel overwhelming when thinking of helping them with their schoolwork but following a few basic steps can help set them up for success. 

Set Up a Schedule

To begin with, it’s important to create a routine that allows your child to keep track of their assignments and complete them on time. Start by setting up set times when they should do their homework. This time should be free from distractions and allow your child enough time to focus on the task at hand without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

It may also be useful to work out a system for tracking their workload – this could mean writing down tasks in a planner or creating a spreadsheet to list what needs to be done each day. Establishing these habits early will help instill good organization skills that can carry over into adulthood.

Create an Environment Conducive to Learning

Having the right environment is key when it comes to helping your child succeed with their homework. Ensure they have all the materials and tools they need nearby so they don’t waste precious time searching for pencils or paper. If there are certain topics or concepts where your child struggles more than others, provide additional resources such as flashcards or online tutorials that will help them better understand the material.

Take Breaks and Encourage Self Care

When it comes to studying and completing school assignments, it’s easy for kids (or adults!) to get overwhelmed and burned out if they’re trying too hard for too long. Make sure you remind your child to take breaks throughout the process – encourage them to play outside or grab a snack after every few chapters or once an hour when possible, so they don’t become fatigued from staring at books and papers all day long! 

Also, make sure that any stress created from tackling the assignment doesn’t impact other aspects of life – ensure that mealtimes are taken seriously, give them ample sleep each night, and make sure they’re still making plenty of time for leisure activities as well!

Provide Support and Assistance

Sometimes it can be difficult for children, even older ones, to ask adults for help when needed. Providing support with understanding tough concepts can go a long way; sit down together and talk through problems as much as possible so that your child understands how best to tackle them independently going forward. 

Additionally, just being available if further assistance is needed can mean worlds of difference – try not to hover too much but assure your youngster you will always be there if anything becomes confusing or frustrating!

Praise Their Hard Work

At the end of the day, remember: no matter how difficult it may seem at first, practice makes perfect! Whenever your child completes something substantial (such as finishing reading material before moving on to another topic), praise them! Verbal affirmation is an excellent tool used in positive reinforcement; hearing positive words of encouragement will result in better academic performance overall!

Making Learning Fun!

Remember that having an effective homework schedule is key when helping students balance their workload; combine this with supportive guidance and helpful resources – plus some healthy snacks here and there, and soon enough doing “homework” won’t feel like work at all!

At Dropkick Math Academy, we don’t want learning to feel like something kids HAVE to do. We want it to be something they WANT to do. This is why all of our programs are game-based and why we make learning fun and engaging. 

Parental Involvement

Dropkick Math Academy offers a unique solution if your fifth-grader is struggling with math homework, and you are having trouble keeping up with their learning. All of our programs are created to foster engagement and interaction by both child and parent. We encourage parental involvement and believe children can succeed better when parents/guardians are involved in their learning. 

Studies have shown that when parents are involved in their child’s education, children are more likely to succeed. For example, 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. 

Our Programs

At Dropkick Math Academy, your child won’t just be learning math for grade 5. We will start by giving them a FREE assessment to help us place them in the appropriate program to help them fill any gaps in learning they may be experiencing. Our math tutoring programs are not grade specific, so they can move throughout the classes at their own pace. 

So, no matter where your child is having trouble, we will place them in the appropriate program to help them with the fundamentals of mathematics for their future success. 

Learn more about our math help services today!

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