Categories
Math Tutoring

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.

Categories
Learn Math Math Programs

How To Incorporate Math Learning Over March Break

There are still a few days left of March break, which means there is still some time to fit in some math learning! We get that March break often means time off from a regular learning routine, but there are some easy, fun ways to keep your child practicing their math skills while on vacation. While online math help such as Dropkick Math Academy is always a good idea, there are many other ways to get your child interested and engaged in math over the holidays. 

Math skills are important to help our kids gain confidence in problem-solving as they grow up, so coming up with creative ways to encourage math exploration doesn’t just have to happen inside the classroom – it can manifest over March break too! Read on to find out how easy and fun incorporating math over break can be.

A Perfect Opportunity

March break is a perfect opportunity for students to explore the world of math and expand their knowledge beyond what is taught in the classroom. It can also be a great time for bonding with friends and family as you explore together. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate math learning over March break.

Get The Games Going!

Board games have long been recognized as a fantastic means of entertainment, but did you know they also serve as an excellent tool for children to practice and develop their math skills? Engaging in such games fosters a fun and interactive environment and enables children to apply their mathematical thinking in real-world contexts. These games have the remarkable ability to challenge and enhance children’s numeracy, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities without even realizing that they are learning through play. 

Many board games such as Monopoly, Chess, Checkers, Yahtzee, and Risk require basic arithmetic. Another option is to create or purchase math-based card games like “24” which requires players to find combinations that add up to 24 using available cards.

This invaluable practice can aid in strengthening the foundation of math concepts and boosting children’s confidence in their mathematical capabilities. Thus, incorporating board games into a child’s recreational activities can provide a delightful and informative experience with long-lasting benefits.

Turning Trips and Experiences Into Mathematical Intrigue

There’s no doubt that immersing oneself in real-world applications offers a far more stimulating and engaging approach to learning mathematics. Stepping outside the confines of traditional textbooks and exercises, students can turn to an array of unique interactive experiences. Museums, art galleries, aquariums, zoos, and science centers become arenas of exploration where mathematical concepts spring to life unexpectedly. 

Whether observing geometric shapes within the design of a masterpiece at an art gallery or breaking down fractions to better understand an animal’s proportion at the zoo, our world becomes an infinite source of mathematical intrigue. Encountering math in these varied environments deepens the learner’s understanding and fosters an appreciation for the incredible applications of mathematics in the world around us.

Apps & Programs

There are many apps available today which focus solely on teaching mathematical concepts through exciting game experiences. Most of these apps are specifically geared towards certain age groups, so it helps to find one that matches your child’s level of skill/ability before downloading it. 

Additionally, some programs offer video lessons from certified math teachers, which can help boost understanding of more difficult concepts quickly and effectively. These lessons range from short tutorials all the way up to full courses, depending on how much time you want your child to spend on this activity during March Break.

Dropkick Math Academy offers virtual programs taught by certified Ontario teachers that cover a wide range of subjects. Whether your child needs help with fractions, decimals or algebra, we have classes that can help! 

Making Math Activities Fun

For hands-on activities related to mathematics, try folding paper projects like origami or building paper models – this allows for experimenting with shapes (geometry) and patterns (algebra) as well as measuring space (coordinate geometry). For sports enthusiasts who also love numbers, there is fantasy football/basketball/baseball – by making predictions about player performance these leagues provide an excellent opportunity for student engagement. Last but not least, outdoor scavenger hunts make great use of coordinates so that students can learn how distances relate in terms of x & y axes while performing tasks outdoors!

Making Math Enjoyable

Making a “math playground” during March Break will give students something positive they can look back on once school resumes after the break is over. With all the above suggestions, hopefully, parents will find something suitable for their children – whatever they choose should be both educational as well as enjoyable!

Choosing The Right Math Tutor For Your Child

The prospect of hiring a tutor for your child over the holidays can be incredibly beneficial in maintaining academic progress, but it may also present a challenging decision in selecting the perfect fit. It’s essential to consider several factors when embarking on this journey, such as the math tutor’s experience, communication skills, and teaching style that would best complement your child’s learning needs. Understanding your child’s specific academic goals and areas requiring improvement is crucial in guiding the search for the right tutor. 

By actively seeking recommendations from trusted sources, vetting potential candidates, and engaging in open communication with your child, finding the ideal tutor becomes a less daunting task, thus facilitating an enriching learning experience outside the traditional classroom environment.

At Dropkick Math Academy, we wholeheartedly believe in transforming the way children approach and appreciate mathematics by making it a joyful and exciting experience. By encouraging parents to actively participate in their child’s learning journey, we aim to create a nurturing environment where both children and parents can uncover the underlying principles of mathematics hand-in-hand. It is our mission to spark curiosity and foster a genuine love for math, making it a delightful adventure that captivates young minds and empowers them to realize their full potential in this invaluable subject. Together, we can build a strong foundation and lay the groundwork for future success in math and beyond at the Dropkick Math Academy.

For more information about Dropkick Math Academy online math help and to learn if our programs would be a good fit for your child, visit our website today! 

Categories
Math Programs

Does Dropkick Math Academy Reward Its Students?

Dropkick Math Academy is revolutionizing the way kids learn math. Through a fun-filled, captivating virtual environment, students can sharpen their math skills and develop a stronger aptitude in the subject. Instead of memorizing algorithms and equations, they receive comprehensive lessons on essential math concepts and use those newfound skills to solve challenging problems. We create a “math playground” where students can learn math while having fun and earning rewards!

Not only do children increase their understanding of mathematics, but Dropkick Math Academy also prepares them with the mental agility necessary to excel in other subjects as well. We offer online math help taught by certified Ontario teachers, which uses centred research-based techniques and strategies designed to complement classroom instruction. This helps to facilitate students reaching their highest potential in mastering mathematics. 

Our Programs

Our custom-tailored programs are specifically created for students, helping them gain confidence in the building blocks of mathematics and develop conceptual understanding. We use game-based learning to help students boost their confidence and fight back against their fear of math.

One of our most popular programs includes Operations and the Gangs of Matica, where your child will find themselves battling the underworld against the gangs of Matica to help deepen their understanding of the connections between decimals, fractions, and percents. 

Another program, Operation Integer: Enter the Darkness, has children travelling to the city of Intermatica, where the queen of frustration, Francine, is making her last attempt to bring her brand of uncertainty and mathematical anxiety into their everyday math experience. Here, they will need to gain true confidence in math as the computer activates the defence shield that protects not only the great city of Intermathica, but also the future of their learning in mathematics.

These two programs make it easy to see why so many children enjoy our classes and become engaged with their learning. 

Game-Based Learning

Game-based learning is a highly effective and engaging method of instruction, combining two elements that students love – games and education. It uses game activities to teach academic skills in an enjoyable way, often featuring elements of collaboration and competition. This approach can be especially useful for students who struggle with traditional teaching methods or those who do not feel motivated by conventional approaches to learning. It can also help students develop essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, resilience and more. Studies have even indicated that game-based learning can successfully boost student engagement in the classroom.

The Rewards

For students who don’t do well with learning from a textbook, game-based learning may be exactly what they need. Many students need to be engaged and work with others to help them learn. While we don’t have anything against textbooks, it just isn’t how we do things around here. Dropkick Math exclusively uses game-based learning to keep children entertained and eager to learn more. 

But that isn’t the only trick we have up our sleeve! Although the games we play are fun and engaging and often have students practicing independently, we also offer rewards. Yes, you heard us right! We reward our students who show initiative and eagerness to learn. 

Each week, teachers will add to your child’s battle pack challenges to be completed for battle points. Once they meet again for their next class, they should be ready for more battle training to become a math dropkicker. The battle points that children earn add up to a reward at the end of the program, so students will most likely be eager to earn as many as possible. 

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

Many children, even at an early age, understand the concept of rewards associated with accomplishing a task. When this reward is applied to studies and school work, many children will respond by studying more diligently. 

In fact, a Stanford University study found that providing a reward for study time resulted in overall higher learning outcomes for those involved. Therefore, utilizing the promise of a reward can be an effective motivator when encouraging children to study and learn.

A Math Playground

With fun games and exciting rewards, you can easily see why Dropkick Math has been described as a “math playground!” While traditional tutors sit with your child and help them with the task at hand, we offer an alternative way. With engaging games, a reward system and lessons focusing on the four pillars of math, we are one of Ontario’s top-rated math help services. 

The traditional math tutor will review the current topic concept that the student is having trouble with. They will help the students answer some questions dealing with that topic so they can get through the task at hand. But math tutoring only helps in a bandaid-style format. It may fix the immediate issue but doesn’t address the root cause of the learning gap. Tutoring also doesn’t help to set the student up with skills needed for the future, so when they hit a new roadblock in math, they may require another session with the tutor. This is how Dropkick Math differs from traditional tutoring.

By focusing on the four pillars of math, our fun and engaging programs can help your child understand math fundamentals. By the end of the program, your child will be able to persevere through challenging math concepts, ask questions for clarification, and learn from valuable mistakes. We work with your child and yourself to understand the underlying problems rather than just focusing on helping them through the material they are learning at school.

With Dropkick Math, students can eliminate homework struggles and build a foundation of knowledge and confidence in math that will last a lifetime. By advancing their math skills, students can become better students. 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, Dropkick Math may be your answer. We offer classes taught by certified teachers who can offer differentiated approaches, making it accessible for all learning needs. So, why not use Dropkick Math to make math fun for kids and to support their learning? Get started by learning more about our programs, and register your child today!

Categories
Algebraic Reasoning

Why All Students Have The Capacity To Think Algebraically

Most people think that only good math students can think algebraically. This, however, is not true. Algebraic thinking is a skill that all students can learn. In fact, all students have the capacity to think algebraically if they are given the opportunity to do so. Algebraic thinking allows students to see patterns and relationships in data, which can help them make better decisions in school and life. 

If you want your child to be able to think critically and solve complex problems, then you should encourage them to learn how to think algebraically. Luckily, plenty of resources can help them do this, including online math help from Dropkick Math Academy! So don’t wait any longer; start encouraging your child today! They will thank you for it later.

What Is Algebra?

Algebra is a mathematical subject that deals with symbols and the rules governing how they interact. It is considered a universal language, as it helps us understand and describe patterns we see in the world around us. Algebra is used in many fields, such as physics, engineering, and economics. 

While many people view algebra as a dry and difficult subject, it is very useful in everyday life. For example, algebra can help us to solve problems such as finding the lowest price for a product or working out how long it will take to travel a certain distance. Algebra is an important tool that can be used to solve real-world problems. 

Online Math Help For Algebra

Algebra can seem difficult to some students because it requires the ability to think abstractly. This can be difficult for some students because it is not intuitive. It is based on symbols and variables rather than numbers, so students need to be able to manipulate these symbols to solve equations. 

While this may seem daunting, for many people, algebra is simply a matter of practice makes perfect. The more a student does it, the better they will become at it. Of course, students will be at different places when starting out, but that is ok. All students can think algebraically and do so quite often! 

These students might benefit from working with a tutor or taking an algebra class. At Dropkick Math Academy, the math tutor will be a certified Ontario teacher who understands how to help students think algebraically. With a little extra help, most students can overcome their struggles with algebra.

How To Think Algebraically

Thinking algebraically can seem scary for many people. Everyone has heard jokes about algebra and how it is virtually impossible to learn. But that simply isn’t true. Every student has the capacity to learn how to think algebraically if given the right instruction and tools. 

The first step to start when learning how to think algebraically is learning the definition. By learning the definition of what it means to think algebraically, a student can then begin to use algebraic thinking skills to make sense of different situations. 

The focus of algebraic thinking should begin with operations and processes rather than numbers and computations. When algebra is studied this way, the rules for manipulating numbers and letters in equations aren’t confusing but are instead a natural extension of what students know about the equation. 

Algebraic Reasoning

Algebraic thinking (also known as algebraic reasoning) allows for the exploration of the structure of mathematics. At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe there is a vital importance of including algebraic reasoning in mathematics instructions from a very young age so that ideas are accessible to all students. 

Algebraic reasoning is one of our four pillars of math that is used throughout our programs at Dropkick Math. Our approach respects what we know about how students learn by sequencing the content in a developmentally appropriate way and providing alternatives in an approach that allows for conceptual understanding.

We understand that math can be intimidating, frustrating, and difficult for many children and parents. That is why we base our programs around fun and engaging content. By creating a type of math playground, we can encourage students to boost their confidence while enjoying learning. 

All of our programs are taught by certified Ontario teachers who are passionate about helping students who may be struggling with math concepts. Our tailored programs are specifically created for students and their guardians to work together on understanding the building blocks of mathematics. We create a fun and educational environment through engaging games and interactive learning tools. 

Learn more about our programs today and how we differ from traditional math tutors. 

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Learn Math Math During Pandemic

How The Pandemic Caused The Worst Education Crisis In History

It’s been a few years since the pandemic hit, and we are starting to see its effects on education. Schools were closed, children were out of school for extended periods of time, and virtual learning was introduced. This was all done in an effort to keep children safe from the virus. But what about the long-term effects? Are our children worse off now than they were before? In this blog post, we will talk about the worst education crisis in history.

Research is now starting to come forth concerning education and how the pandemic influenced our children. Some parents were happy to keep their children home from school, while others wanted them back in class. No matter what side of the argument you were on, all parents wanted the same thing – for their children to keep up with schooling and not fall behind. To try and keep up with their education, some parents turned to online math help or searched for a tutoring company. 

The Research 

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

One of the largest studies done to date on the effects of the covid pandemic on school children around the world was conducted by Unicef, UNESCO and The World Bank. The results were published in a new report and attributed school closures as one of the most significant factors in disrupting children’s education across the board from low-income to high-income countries. 

The report found that schools were forced to close quickly and adapt the curriculum to an online learning environment, often leaving teachers without the proper resources or training. Despite the best efforts by schools, the report found that “the deployment, uptake, and effectiveness of such programs has varied greatly, and in most countries, offered an inadequate substitute for in-person learning.” 

In Canadian studies, researchers have found that students who switched between remote and in-person learning had a tumultuous education experience amid COVID-19. Many education advocates are now highlighting the loss in education as a longer-term concern that will persist even after COVID-19 wanes.

Children Who Are Already Struggling

Researchers have noted that these disruptions in education have affected students who were already struggling before the pandemic hit even more than others. This means that for students who were already working through challenges at school, the pandemic made it even more difficult to have an enriching educational experience. 

Even without a pandemic, teachers look for students struggling with learning losses and find ways to work with the child toward eliminating the gap. For some students, this means summer school or after-school tutoring. However, with an added loss of education from the pandemic, the worry is that there is just not enough time or resources for these students to catch up to their peers. 

While Canada has yet to release any official information regarding education loss caused by the pandemic, other countries have the metrics to prove that children have fallen behind where they should be. It has also yet to be determined how this will affect them long-term. Although this is disturbing news, parents need to discuss the loss of education away from their children. Students have been through a lot in the past couple of years, and anxiety may already be high. If they believe they may be at risk of falling behind, it can add extra stress and cause them even more pressure. Just remember that almost every family is in the same boat, and the government is stepping in to help make a difference.  

Ontario’s Learning Action Recovery Plan

As schools scramble to find ways to support learning recovery and work on a further plan to target learning loss head-on, many provinces throughout Canada are offering additional funding to support reading and math for all students. For example, in Ontario, this comes in the form of Ontario’s Learning Recovery Action Plan for Students, which has been designed to help students who have been struggling in school catch up and get back on track. 

As research shows, the pandemic has caused the worst education crisis in history, the question becomes how we fix it and help our children catch up without overwhelming them. Many educators are calling for protecting and increasing investments into education, saying it should be the first among priorities to get the children the help they need. 

FREE Tutoring Services

At Dropkick Math Academy, we couldn’t agree more, which is why we have partnered with various school boards to offer FREE tutoring to students who may be struggling with mathematics. The funding from the provincial government provides opportunities for small group tutoring services offered outside of school hours and on weekends. 

As one of the fastest-growing programs in Ontario aimed at addressing the education gap experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dropkick Math addresses deficiencies while correcting any underlying misconceptions about mathematics. Owned and operated by Ontario teachers, Dropkick math is committed to students’ success in achieving competency in mathematics. 

Our programs allow students to learn foundational math skills and fill in any misunderstandings in mathematics while enabling them to discover new ways of learning while focusing on the four pillars of mathematics (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning and proportional reasoning). Through proven strategies and manipulatives combined with an accelerated learning approach, we help students master math operations while boosting their confidence. 

If you feel your child may have fallen behind because of the pandemic, our programs can help! Learn more about our math tutoring services and how we can help boost your child’s confidence in math.