3 Strategies For Teaching Number Sense To Children

The Dropkick Math Team on March 3, 2023

Teaching young children number sense is essential when it comes to helping them develop a strong foundation in math. As an adult, you might take for granted the years of practice and repetition that enabled your current mastery of numbers – but for kids just starting out on their journey towards math literacy, a solid understanding of ‘number sense’ techniques can provide major breakthroughs. After all, knowing how to compare quantities, recognize patterns and make predictions is required before we can even begin problem-solving! In this blog post, we’ll be exploring three key strategies for getting your little ones on the fast track toward becoming confident mathematicians and offer some guidance for math tutoring choices if needed. 

Everyday Life

Children are exposed to many mathematical concepts in their everyday life from an early age without even realizing it. From picking the biggest piece of cake at a birthday party to understanding the basis of addition when they ask for one more story at bedtime, kids grasp number sense and form concrete understandings of mathematical ideas. 

To help them make those connections even deeper, parents and caregivers can provide engaging activities and incorporate creative methods such as using manipulatives or games. That way, number sense will become second nature to young kids so that they will have solid foundations upon which more complex mathematics can be built by the time they enter school.

Look For Math Around You

One of the best ways to help children learn number sense is by sharing examples of how numbers appear in everyday life and activities. Through simple activities such as counting out snacks when packing lunch or comparing prices at the store, parents and teachers encourage students to see numbers as a practical tool rather than a number being some abstract concept or boring syllabus. Through your own examples, illustrating how number sense helps them make decisions and navigate life, you can create a connection that motivates your child and helps them understand why it’s so essential to have number sense. Once kids recognize number sense’s real-world relevance, they are far more open to learning about math.

Acknowledging children when they are applying mathematical concepts to their daily lives can be a great way to get them excited about math. Whether it’s as simple as counting or comparing sizes, kids can see how applicable it is in their world. If you notice your child solving problems with numbers, articulate that to them by saying something like, “You sure know a lot about numbers!” or “You’re comparing lengths. That’s amazing math!” Show kids that math is relevant and fun, and that alone will build up their self-confidence and help them view themselves as mathematicians.

Focus On The Process

Practicing counting is a cornerstone learning activity and can help kids learn one-to-one correspondence – or matching each object to the numbers being said. For optimal learning, allow kids to work independently. Give them large groups of objects and let them practice their counting skills in a self-guided environment. This helps build confidence while they are learning this important concept.

Working with addition and subtraction can be challenging for young children, but introducing math manipulatives can make the learning process easier. Manipulatives are concrete objects such as counting cubes or linking blocks that can help solve basic addition and subtraction problems. Allowing your child to explore and experiment with these objects provides a hands-on way to learn and understand mathematical concepts. Encouraging your child to discuss how they came up with their answers ties in language development and helps them strengthen their problem-solving skills – it also gives them an opportunity to vocalize their thought process so that they have a better understanding of what they’re doing.

Improving mathematics understanding also begins with double-checking answers. Asking children to double-check their work allows them to learn from their mistakes and is a valuable teaching tool in improving number sense. Having the chance to go over and spot mistakes on their own encourages mathematics comprehension in the long run, effectively arming them with problem-solving skills they will use throughout life. Finding their own errors gives children more confidence when learning mathematics, ultimately aiding their education and understanding of numbers.

Developing Math Practice

Starting young is essential to developing mathematics skills that can be used throughout life. Number sense is crucial in building skills, as it helps with understanding problems and problem-solving. Creating practice habits is also important to reinforcing mathematics experience, such as checking one’s work. Children need to be taught to ask themselves questions when interacting with the mathematics curriculum, which can help them learn and create a deeper understanding of mathematics. 

Constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others is a vital math practice for children to develop. This requires them to explain their math thinking and analyze strategies used by their peers. Such a process helps kids recognize that math problems are not just about getting the correct answer but understanding the procedures used in getting to that solution. Utilizing multiple approaches encourages flexible math problem-solving, allowing children to dig deeper into math concepts while also gaining more number sense. Ultimately, this demonstrates the power of math communication on learning and encourages critical thinking in math situations.

A Mathematical Journey

Having number sense is an essential component for children to be able to progress along their mathematical journey throughout school. Without number sense, or number and operations fluency, kids may struggle with basic math operations and numerical relationships that are expected of them as they move from one grade to the next. Further difficulty may be encountered when a child needs to form abstract math concepts using the number facts that number sense provides. If a child does not possess number sense, interventions should be conducted in order to help rectify this disadvantage for their longer-term progress in mathematics.

Math tutoring is one of the best ways to help children struggling with number sense. At Dropkick Math Academy, we include number sense as one of the four pillars of math, which all programs are designed around. Children will learn the fundamentals of mathematics, including number sense, and practice them in a fun and engaging way. 

Our math tutoring programs are taught by certified Ontario teachers who understand the importance of children learning the root of mathematics. Number sense can be taught at home through our helpful tips above, but if your child is still struggling, it may be time to reach out to trained instructors who can identify where your child may be behind and help them catch up to their peers. 

Learn more about our programs today and how they can help your child master number sense! 

Tips for Setting up a Home Math Learning Environment

The Dropkick Math Team on February 27, 2023

Are you looking for the perfect math learning environment for your kiddo? While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, having an intentional plan and organized structure in place can vastly improve your child’s ability to succeed. Whether your child is attending virtual math tutoring classes or just wants a place to study at home, it is vital they have a dedicated space to work. Read on for some tried and tested tips on creating a learning space for your child in your home.  

Creating A Classroom At Home

Since the pandemic shook up the entire world and many classrooms turned virtual, many parents were suddenly faced with the challenge of using an area of their home as a makeshift classroom. Remote education certainly put home learning into a new perspective, and parents became quickly aware of just how important it is to have a designated study area for their children. However, creating a space where children can feel comfortable and have minimal distractions while studying can be difficult.  Most parents didn’t perceive study areas as important as they are today. Before the pandemic, most children would study at home to practice what they had learned during school. However, since both children and parents spent numerous hours doing homework or listening to lectures from their houses during the pandemic, it suddenly became more clear that having a designated study area is vital for successful education. 

The Age Of Your Child

The first thing to take into consideration when choosing the right study area for your child is their age. If they are at an age when they need constant supervision, you will want to select a space that allows you to keep an eye on them easily. If they are old enough to study independently, you can give them privacy in a quiet area of the house or in their bedroom. 

Meeting Criteria

When creating a space for your child to work in, it is important to ensure the area meets three key criteria. First, natural light is essential for successful learning and while very dark days may require artificial lighting, take measures to ensure adequate access to as much natural light as possible.  Secondly, the temperature is also a key factor in creating an inviting work environment—the room should be neither too hot nor too cold. Finally, low levels of noise are also necessary for optimum work production; background noise can be disruptive and if possible aim for silent workspaces. In addition to lighting and temperature, ensure your child has both a comfortable chair and desk at their workstation: far better conditions than trying to work while sitting on the bed or sofa!

Less Clutter

Clutter can have a substantial adverse effect on education and can be incredibly disruptive when it comes to studying at home. As clutter accumulates, it starts taking up physical space in the learning environment and becomes a distraction for children. To ensure efficient learning at home, creating an area free from clutter is vital, as this encourages the child to stay focused on their studies.  Keeping clutter away does not necessarily mean having a sterile desk and room, but rather organizing items around the workspace into tidy categories that maximize efficiency. This can create a more productive home study atmosphere and make it easier for the child to concentrate as they work through their daily assignments.

Keep Supplies Nearby

The easiness and organization of a child’s study space will determine how well they can independently access the materials they need to accomplish a task. Providing easy access to the appropriate supplies necessary for their studies, such as markers and paper, will help keep them motivated while allowing them to complete tasks without getting frustrated or discouraged.  Moreover, having these items easily accessible helps them maintain concentration during remote learning classes or tutoring so that any disruptions are kept to a minimum. Ultimately, parents need to ensure their child’s study space has an adequate supply of materials in order to promote effective learning experiences at home. Don’t forget supplies often go beyond just notebooks and pens. Always have a kit ready that includes things like markers, a calculator, ruler, and even a water bottle.

Think About Functionality

Creating the ideal home learning environment for a child is not easy if you don’t have the right things in place. Functionality should be at the forefront of your mind when selecting elements like school supplies and furniture, as they form an integral part of a child’s study space. The desk and chair should be chosen to provide comfort, support, and accessibility in equal measure; while paperwork and stationery should be organized together to make it easy for the child to find everything they need without getting distracted. Ultimately, successful home learning starts with creating the perfect environment that allows a child the opportunity to explore their studies most efficiently and comfortably. Learning new math operations and equations can be frustrating, so we want children to be in a place where they feel comfortable and where they can focus on their learning. At Dropkick Math Academy, all our programs are virtual, so children will work from home. Having a place where they can study without distractions is vital to their success.  To learn more about our programs visit our website today!

Identifying Signs of Struggling with Mathematics

The Dropkick Math Team on February 20, 2023

Do you feel like your child is falling behind in the mathematical world? Mathematics can be a tricky concept for students, but identifying signs early on that they are struggling can really set them up for success in the future. 

There’s no need to worry if your child is having difficulty understanding certain concepts because there are several steps that parents can take to help their budding mathematicians get back on track, including using a tutoring company. Read on as we discuss how to spot warning signs and what actionable strategies you can use when helping your child build up their math skills!

A Disliked Topic

Math can be one of the most difficult subjects for children to master, so it is not surprising that it is one of the most commonly disliked topics among school-aged children. To ensure a child’s math success, parents and teachers should work together to foster an environment that promotes math confidence and understanding. Doing this will help them realize they can excel at math with persistence!

Three Main Reasons

While there can be a variety of reasons why children struggle with mathematics, there are often three that stand out more than others.  

Math Anxiety

One of the most significant hindrances to effective math comprehension is the belief that math is too complicated or that a child isn’t smart enough to understand it. This belief is commonly caused by math anxiety and can lead to lacklustre achievements in math, as striving for success in something that seems out of reach quickly becomes demoralizing. 

When a child feels as though they are “not good at math,” they lose the confidence needed to advance. Many children become too afraid to even take a chance at answering math questions and would rather retreat into the back of the classroom and become invisible during math class. 

Symptoms of math anxiety in children include:

  • Low achievement
  • Avoidance of math
  • Negative self-talk
  • Intense emotional reactions while trying to do math
  • Nervousness
  • Increased heart rate
  • Lack of response in math class

If your child is showing any of these signs, they may have math anxiety. This is a common occurrence, but it can continue into adulthood if not dealt with at an early age with math tutoring. 

Lacking The Building Blocks

Math is an intricate subject, one where each concept builds upon the last. This can create a type of domino effect; if one math concept isn’t fully understood or retained, the student may continually fall behind in math progressions. Math classes are often structured so that later concepts rely on the foundations of earlier material. 

Suppose a child is missing this base understanding of elements like multiplication and division. In that case, they may struggle to move forward, and their math skills may be severely impacted when tackling more complex equations. Therefore, instructors must ensure students have mastered each lesson before advancing in math coursework; it’s the only way to guarantee success for future math questions.

Learning Difficulties

If you notice your child struggling with math, they could have an undiagnosed learning disability. While there are numerous disabilities, one of the most common is dyscalculia (also known as number or math dyslexia).

Children with dyscalculia often have trouble remembering math facts. They may understand the logic behind math facts but may not know when or how to apply them to solve problems. Another sign of dyscalculia is the inability to understand quantities or concepts like biggest versus smallest. 

Currently, researchers do not yet fully understand dyscalculia, but they suspect that it’s related to how the brain processes math-related information; how specific regions of the brain would be structured differently and interact differently in those with dyscalculia compared to individuals without it. As such, more studies are needed to better understand what causes this math-learning disorder and how it can be prevented and treated.

Speak With Their Teacher

If you are unsure whether your child is struggling in mathematics, the best place to start is by speaking to their teacher. They will be able to let you know if your child has been avoiding participation in class or any other warning signs that could mean there is a problem. By catching math anxiety and learning difficulties early, it is easier to get a child the help they need to get back on track. 

At Dropkick Math Academy, our online math help is designed to help students regardless of their struggles. All of our math tutors are certified Ontario teachers who are experienced in teaching children with various learning styles and blocks. They understand why a child may be struggling and how to encourage them to overcome the hurdles they may face. 

All of our programs revolve around the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, proportional reasoning) designed to focus on a child’s needs, whether it is more visual or tactile aids or more focused explanations of concepts. We understand that learning math can be difficult for many children and their parents, and we strive to offer the best in education for future success. By involving the parents/guardians in our math tutoring, we can help ensure they are equipped with the knowledge to help their child down the line. At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe that learning together brings greater success!

Learn more about our programs today and how we can help your child if they are struggling with mathematics. 

How To Make Math Fun For Your Child

The Dropkick Math Team on February 17, 2023

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

Make It A Game

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

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

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

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

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

Make Use Of Screens

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

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

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

Make It Relevant

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

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

Watch Your Words

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

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

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

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

Connect Reading With Math

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

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

A Love Of Learning

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

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

Committed To Making Learning Fun

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

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

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

How To Help Your Child Learn Division

The Dropkick Math Team on February 13, 2023

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

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

A Confusing Subject

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

Break Down Division Into Components 

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

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

Make Use Of Visual Aids

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

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

Practice Word Problems 

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

Try this word problem with your child involving bicycles:

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

Estimate how many bikes are red.

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

Use Games 

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

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

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

Talk About Real Life Applications 

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

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

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

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

Math Tutoring

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

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

Dropkick Math Programs

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

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

Parental Involvement

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

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

Are Some Students Just Naturally “Good” At Math?

The Dropkick Math Team on February 7, 2023

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

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

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

Are You Born With It?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just Give Up?

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

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

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

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

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

What Is Number Sense?

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

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

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

How To Practice Number Sense

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

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

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

How Tutoring Can Help With Pandemic Recovery

The Dropkick Math Team on February 3, 2023

If your child is struggling with math, it may be due to missed education caused by the pandemic. At Dropkick Math Academy, our math tutoring programs may be able to help. Read on to learn how math tutoring can help fill any gaps in learning or misunderstandings. 

The Impact Of The Pandemic

With the pandemic starting to feel like a distant memory, it is imperative to remember how much of an impact it had on our children. Learning disruptions caused by the pandemic undoubtedly dealt some significant blows to the educational systems globally; it was a massive setback for most schools, and many students could not fully access classes or resources to continue their learning. 

While there were online programs offering support in learning, they simply did not compare to traditional methods and consequently posed challenges for students that have yet to be addressed. It is only now that we are beginning to comprehend what challenges our children faced during the pandemic.

Supporting Children

It can be hard to know how best to support our children. But if there’s one thing that parents realize as this difficult period continues, it’s that tutoring may be the answer when it comes to helping kids get back on track with their education. 

Tutors are not only great for helping your child catch up in certain subjects or boost their confidence – they can also provide guidance and motivation crucial to getting through these tough times. 

Dropkick Math Academy was established with the pandemic in mind, and our specially designed math programs acknowledge the unique difficulties and opportunities that this time presents. With that in mind, our math programs were specifically designed to help students fill any gaps and solve their pandemic-induced frustrations with mathematical concepts. 

Our mission is to provide a fun, interactive experience that doesn’t feel like a burden and can help our students develop a love for mathematics even through pandemic-inspired roadblocks. Our programs are accessible online and feature assistance from certified Ontario teachers for additional support when needed. 

EQAO Testing

A few months ago, EQAO test scores were revealed, and they painted a concerning picture of the state of Ontario’s education. According to the data, an alarming number of kids are struggling with basic literacy and numeracy skills. This is cause for concern, as these deficiencies could have significant implications down the road. Parents need to be aware of these troubling findings and take steps to help their children improve their academic performance.

Now that these test results have been released, many parents are asking what will be done to help students catch up with their missed learning. While it may seem like there is no real plan to get things back on track, educators are working to implement measures to ensure that students can catch up on their education. Each school board is working to help students catch up from the lost learning experienced through the pandemic. However, it may be slow coming and may not be the right solution for your child. 

Math Tutoring Programs

Dropkick Math is here to help students who may have a gap in their education due to the pandemic. As one of the leading math help services in Ontario, our trained instructors can provide support in key math skills through fun and interactive programs. All of our classes are taught by certified Ontario teachers and have a maximum class size of four students. This allows our teachers to offer individualized attention to each student and tailor their teaching style to best suit their specific needs. 

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

An Alternative To Traditional Math Tutoring

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

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

One of the many benefits of our classes is their rotating schedule. Instead of being limited by semesters or terms, classes start every few weeks, so your child can enroll at any time. This means they won’t have to wait before getting started on their education or progress toward achieving their goals.

Getting Help

If you have noticed your child struggling with mathematics since the pandemic, chances are they have a gap in learning. Research now suggests that math tutoring may be an essential part of pandemic recovery for children. 

Getting them the help they need before they fall too far behind is vital. Without the proper support in learning, they could miss out on essential building blocks of math education, which could cause them to struggle as they continue on through higher grades. 

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

How To Know If Your Child Has Number Sense

The Dropkick Math Team on January 20, 2023

Knowing if your child has number sense is something every parent/guardian should be concerned about. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs that indicate good number sense. We will also look at how math tutoring can help those with a gap in learning. 

A Daunting Concept

We all want our children to grow up well-rounded and equipped with knowledge, but some skills seem more elusive than others. This can be especially true when it comes to math; while you may know the basics of teaching addition and subtraction, do you really understand how your child is grasping the concepts of number sense? 

As daunting as the concept might be, understanding number sense is an essential part of setting your child up for academic success – so let’s take a look at what it means to have number sense and how we can help our kids develop it!

What Is Number Sense?

Have you ever encountered situations where your children are solving math problems in their heads, and the answer just seems to pop right out? If so, then it’s likely that they have what is known as number sense – a concept which has become increasingly important for parents to recognize.

Plain and simple, number sense is a person’s ability to understand, relate, and connect numbers. It is the sense of what numbers mean. It is an important skill for mathematical learning and competent number problem-solving. It includes the ability to understand number relationships, magnitude, and number representation. Number sense is a building block for later number skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

How To Tell?

At this point, you may be asking yourself, how do I know if my child has number sense? First, children with trouble with number sense often show signs at an early age. These children will typically tend to struggle with basic operations such as addition and subtraction. They may also exhibit trouble with everyday tasks such as handling money, judging time and measuring quantities. 

As children get older and start learning more complex mathematical concepts and principles, they will be likely to say they “don’t get it,” or that it “doesn’t make sense.” If this sounds familiar, then your child may be missing number sense. 

If this problem continues, a child can increasingly feel lost as they move up through the school grades. Year after year, the gap in learning will grow between what they are being taught and what they truly understand. When older children lack number sense, they need to work harder and longer than they should have to solve math problems. This is a significant reason why so many children may need math tutoring.  

How Can I Teach My Child Number Sense?

If your child has a learning gap and is missing number sense, you are most likely wondering how you can help. There are many things that parents/guardians can do to help their children. 

According to research, number sense can be developed by providing meaningful activities that allow children to explore number concepts in different engaging ways. At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe that the development of number sense depends on fostering active engagement in number experiences from an early age that promotes the ability to think flexibly about numbers in various contexts.

Teaching number sense to a child involves presenting numbers in a way the child can understand, providing opportunities for number exploration, and guiding their discovery of number relationships. With guided instruction, children can connect number symbols with quantity, associate numbers with specific patterns, recognize numerical sequences and work on basic number problems. 

Fun activities like counting objects out loud or matching numerals to daily activities help children learn number sense quickly. Math manipulatives can be a great tool to help children learn about number sense. 

Engaging with stories about counting or singing number songs can also be inexpensive and entertaining ways to teach number sense to a child. With patience, dedication and encouragement from parents or teachers, any child can develop their number sense faster.

Getting Help From A Professional

In addition to learning at home, many children will need extra help from a professional. At Dropkick Math Academy, we use certified Ontario teachers to ensure our students receive the best quality of math tutoring available. Our certified teachers understand how to teach children at every level and can provide customized strategies tailored to every student’s needs. 

Our tutors are dedicated employees with a proven track record of success in the education field and strive for excellence in all aspects of tutoring – from advising students on the techniques needed to understand complex math problems to helping them understand and reshape their approach to problem-solving. Our certified Ontario teachers are the glue that binds our program together!

Getting The Help They Need

As children begin to learn math, it is vital for them to improve their skills and practice number sense so it does not last into adulthood. Unfortunately, the pandemic caused many students to have a loss in learning over the past couple of years, so it is imperative that children get the help they need before it becomes a bigger problem. 

At Dropkick Math Academy, our programs focus on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, proportional reasoning, algebraic reasoning), which help to ensure a child’s knowledge of mathematics starts at the root. 

Click to learn more about our programs and how we can help get your child back on track while boosting their confidence in math!

Why Your Child May Need A Math Tutor In The New Year

The Dropkick Math Team on December 23, 2022

As the holidays come to a close, students need to refocus their attention on academic pursuits. For kids who have been struggling with math, January is an ideal time to get an extra boost from a math tutor. This can be particularly helpful if they have missed out on their math lesson while on holiday, as it can help them catch up and approach the coming year with greater confidence in math class. With renewed focus, practice and guidance from a math tutor, the New Year promises better results and more enjoyable math classes for your child.

While it’s essential for all children to receive a quality education, math has long been known as one of the most challenging subjects for students. If your child struggles with mathematics or their current grade in this subject area is lower than expected, a math tutor could be beneficial when January rolls around.

Aiming for academic success and keeping up sufficient grades are just two of the positive outcomes that can come from having an experienced math tutor available for extra support and guidance. In this blog post, you’ll find out more about why investing in academic help during January could make all the difference when it comes to your child’s grades and overall confidence. Read on to learn more!

January Learning

January presents math tutors with a rush of inquiries from all sorts of students. It’s usually the time when those needing math help realize how much they have to cram for upcoming tests and exams or just to catch up from the first half of the school year. 

For math tutors, January is undoubtedly one of the busiest times of the year because of the heavy demand for their services. With assignments piling up and classes increasing in difficulty, math tutors can come to the rescue by offering students an extra helping hand when it’s needed most. Though math can be difficult for many students, math tutors are there to lighten the load and work through math problems one step at a time. This applies to students of any age. From elementary school through high school and beyond, January can be a time to catch up and refocus on learning. 

Ready For Students

Unfortunately, math classes can be dull and unengaging by the time January rolls around. Many teachers struggle this time of year to keep students interested and engaged. This is why giving math a makeover in the middle of the school year is important: after all, math doesn’t have to be boring! 

Making math more interactive is one way to excite students; getting them to do math tasks that involve visual aids and activities brings an element of intrigue back into the equations. Additionally, gamifying math lessons by giving rewards can help to encourage enthusiasm in the classroom. By livening up math classrooms and homework in January, students stay focused and engaged through the end of the year.

At Dropkick Math Academy, we are ready for students who may need a helping hand in mathematics this January. Our certified Ontario teachers understand the curriculum your child is learning in school and know how to present it in a more fun and engaging way. 

Our Reward System

At Dropkick Math Academy, we use game-based learning and utilize rewards for students who are willing to learn. At the end of each program, we add up the student’s “battle points” and determine which reward they qualify for. Some of our rewards include Amazon gift cards, Pokemon cards, LOL Surprise dolls, and more!

We have learned that when children are rewarded for their willingness to learn, they put in more of an effort. As previously mentioned, by the time January rolls around, children need a little incentive to keep learning mathematics. After all, it isn’t just kids that sometimes need a little encouragement to do something. As adults, we know that if there is a chore we don’t really want to do, if we think of rewarding ourselves with a drink or something to eat afterward, it motivates us too! 

Progress Reports

In November, your child brought home a progress report that outlined how they were doing in math. While it may have been a busy time when you received the progress report, it is important to revisit it, and take the time to review it with your child. By discussing their strengths and areas for improvement, you can work together to come up with strategies for continued progress in the future.  

If your child had a “Progressing With Difficulty” statement on their report under mathematics, 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. 

The Perfect Time To Hire A Math Tutor

Now that the holidays are over, it is time to focus on your child’s education. January is the perfect time to hire a math tutor. The holidays are out of the way, and you may have a progress report indicating if your child needs some help. 

At Dropkick Math Academy, we have online math help frequently starting throughout the new year. We offer a range of programs that can help children tackle the area of mathematics that may be causing them anxiety. By starting tutoring in the new year, your child will have time to catch up with their classmates and be able to finish out the year with a higher level of mathematical understanding. 

By creating a “math playground,” at Dropkick Math, children become more eager to learn and will get a boost in their confidence. Learn more about our programs and how we differ from traditional tutors today!

How To Praise Your Child

The Dropkick Math Team on December 19, 2022

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

Self-Beliefs

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

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

The Word “Smart”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Modifying Language

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

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

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

Too Much Praise?

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

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

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

How To Give Praise

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

A Powerful Tool

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

Our Math Help Services

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

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