online math tutor Archives - DKM Homeschool Resource

How Effective Is Online Tutoring

The Dropkick Math Team on March 14, 2024

In this digital age, our educational landscape is dramatically shifting. The once-centralized paradigm of in-person math tutoring is now evolving to include the vast and versatile world of online learning. For parents who seek the best possible educational support for their child, understanding the effectiveness of online tutoring is paramount. It’s not just about the convenience or cutting-edge technology; online tutoring harbours a range of benefits that could potentially transform a child’s academic trajectory.

The Rise Of The Virtual Classroom

The concept of learning online is no longer a futuristic vision; it’s a current reality that’s redefining academic support. The digitalization of education has democratically opened the doors to a spectrum of learning resources, especially in tutoring. Online platforms connect students to educators worldwide, diminishing geographical barriers and significantly expanding educational choices. With internet speeds increasing and technology advancing, virtual classrooms are now able to facilitate a quality of learning experience that closely rivals traditional, face-to-face teaching.

Accessibility Without Boundaries

Imagine having a world-renowned math expert at your child’s fingertips, ready to answer their questions, no matter the time zone or schedule. Online tutoring provides unparalleled accessibility, making it possible for students to receive support from top educators who might otherwise be out of reach. For subjects that require specialized knowledge, this access to a global talent pool can make all the difference in solidifying your child’s understanding and achievement.

Time, Cost, And Convenience – Leading The Charge

Efficiency is the hallmark of online learning. With traditional tutoring, the time and cost associated with travel and scheduling can be burdensome. Online platforms cut through these constraints, offering parents and students the freedom to choose sessions that fit their lifestyle. The expansive reach of online tutoring also contributes to its economic attractiveness, often providing quality tutoring services at a fraction of the cost of in-person alternatives.

Custom Tailored Learning Experiences

Each child learns differently, and personalized instruction can be the key to unlocking a student’s full learning potential. Online tutoring does not just represent a shift in the medium of instruction; it signifies a paradigm shift towards customized learning experiences. Cutting-edge platforms integrate artificial intelligence to track a student’s progress, tailoring sessions to their individual needs and pace, in real-time. This personalized approach ensures that every precious hour of tutoring serves to benefit the student in the most efficient and impactful way possible.

The Mindset Of Flexibility

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, flexibility is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Online tutoring embodies this ethos, offering scheduling and structuring flexibility that accommodates extracurricular activities, family commitments, and other demanding schedules. The ability to learn in an environment where a student feels comfortable and focused, such as their own home, is invaluable and contributes to an optimum learning environment.

From Comfort To Confidence

The comfort of the familiar can be soothing, especially for children who may be anxious about their academic struggles. Learning online allows for sessions to take place in a setting that is both familiar and conducive to the learning needs of the child. A reduction in performance anxiety often leads to a gain in confidence as the student can more freely engage with the material and the tutor, thus fostering a more positive and effective learning experience.

Fostering A Passion For Learning

Online tutoring is not just about remediation or reaching a certain grade level; it can also kindle a passion for learning. By offering children the opportunity to explore subjects with an experienced and enthusiastic tutor, they may find themselves passionately pursuing knowledge far beyond the prescribed curriculum. Online tutors can act as mentors, guiding students through the intricacies of a subject and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

High Tech. High Touch

The integration of technology is not a replacement for the human element; rather, it is a tool that empowers educators to connect and engage with their students in new, profound ways. High-tech platforms bridge the gap between tutor and student, allowing for a high-touch, interactive learning experience, replete with multimedia resources, instant messaging, and video conferencing that keep the educational dialogue fluid and dynamic.

Selecting The Right Online Tutor For Your Child

Choosing the right online tutor is a critical decision that can significantly impact your child’s academic success. Here are some tips to guide you in making an informed choice:

Identify Your Child’s Needs: Before starting your search, understand your child’s specific learning objectives, strengths, and areas for improvement. This will help you find a tutor who specializes in addressing those particular needs.
Research and Reviews: Take advantage of online platforms and forums to research potential tutors. Reading reviews and testimonials from other parents and students can provide valuable insights into a tutor’s effectiveness and teaching style.
Check Qualifications and Experience: Verify the academic and professional qualifications of the tutor. Experience in teaching or tutoring the subject matter, as well as familiarity with the student’s academic curriculum, are important factors to consider.
Trial Sessions: Many tutors offer a trial session or a meeting to discuss goals and methods. Use this opportunity to assess how well the tutor connects with your child and whether their instructional style suits your child’s learning pace and temperament.
Flexibility and Availability: Ensure the tutor’s availability aligns with your child’s schedule. Consider also the flexibility the tutor offers in rescheduling sessions or adjusting the frequency of sessions as needed.
Communication Skills: Effective communication is key to successful tutoring. The tutor should be able to explain concepts clearly and be approachable for your child to ask questions. Regular updates to parents about the child’s progress are also beneficial.
Use of Technology: Since sessions are conducted online, the tutor should be proficient in using digital platforms and tools that enhance the learning experience. This includes the ability to share resources, provide interactive activities, and maintain a stable online environment for tutoring sessions.

By carefully considering these aspects, you can choose an online tutor who not only meets your child’s academic needs but also matches their learning style, thus fostering an environment where learning is engaging, effective, and enjoyable.

A Call To Action For Better Education

The future of our children’s education is not solely the domain of educational institutions; it is a shared responsibility that also demands the active participation and informed choices of parents. Opting for online tutoring is a proactive step towards enabling children to experience the benefits of a resource-rich, personalized learning environment. In doing so, we support their academic endeavours, encourage a love for learning, and ultimately, set them on a path toward a brighter, more successful future.

In conclusion, the online tutoring benefits are much more than just a trend – it’s a testament to the educational opportunities afforded by the digital age. Whether it’s in mathematics, language arts, or the sciences, the right online tutor can make a significant impact on a child’s learning curve. It’s a testament to adaptability and innovation in education that, when embraced, can lead to remarkable student success.

For more information about online tutoring and educational tips for parents, sign up for our FREE bulletin!

How Online Learning Has Changed Since The Pandemic

The Dropkick Math Team on May 10, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about immense changes in many aspects of our lives, including how we learn and educate ourselves. The pandemic has forced many schools and universities to make drastic changes in their teaching methods, and online learning emerged as an essential tool for keeping education going in challenging times. Even as the pandemic slowly becomes a distant memory, it’s increasingly becoming clear that online learning is here to stay.

All parents will remember how frustrating online learning was at the pandemic’s beginning. Schools were forced to close quickly, and virtual classrooms were set up seemingly overnight. There were connectivity issues, presentation problems, security concerns, and an overall lack of understanding of virtual classrooms. But thankfully, a lot has changed since then. Online platforms have been updated, security issues have been solved, and overall, children have become more comfortable with learning from a teacher online.

Let’s take a closer look at how online learning has changed since the pandemic.

Increased Availability and Accessibility

In the past, online learning was often only available to a niche group of students who took courses on their own time, outside of traditional classrooms. However, the pandemic shook up this model, with even traditional schools and universities offering courses online. This has led to a massive increase in the availability of online courses, both at the K-12 and college levels.

In addition, online learning has made education more accessible to students who may have previously faced barriers to attending traditional schools or universities. For instance, students with disabilities, those living in remote or rural areas, and those with work or family commitments can now access education from anywhere with an internet connection. The flexibility that online learning provides has opened up new possibilities for students who face a range of barriers.

New Technologies

Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet were being used for virtual classrooms and online tutoring during the pandemic. These platforms provided critical opportunities for students to connect with peers and teachers, even when they were not able to be in the same physical location.

The pandemic also led to the creation of many new technologies that enhance the learning experience in an online environment. Interactive tools such as virtual whiteboards, chat rooms, and video lectures are now being used to help students engage with course material and interact with their peers. These technologies are being refined and improved daily, with new features added to engage students and help them stay on track with their learning.

Greater Flexibility

Thanks to online learning, students are able to complete coursework at their own pace, on their own schedule. This can help them balance their education with work or family responsibilities, which is especially vital during difficult times. More classes are also offered at more times throughout the day since students can connect more easily.

By allowing students to set their own pace, online learning can help reduce the stress of studying during certain days or hours. Without added stress, students may see improved academic performance.

Collaboration

Of course, online learning has benefits and limitations, just as there are with traditional classroom learning. One of the most significant challenges with online learning is that it is harder to collaborate with peers and teachers, leading to feelings of isolation and disconnectedness. This can be especially true in larger group classes. At Dropkick Math Academy, we limit our class sizes to four students so children don’t feel “lost in the crowd.”

To help combat these feelings, many teachers and educators are developing new systems to encourage collaboration and engagement among online learners. For instance, many are implementing group projects and team-building exercises to help students work together and form meaningful connections.

Increased Engagement

Speaking of engagement, online learning has allowed for even more engagement than traditional classroom learning in many ways. With online courses, students have access to a wide variety of resources that they can explore and utilize as a part of their learning. This can create exciting and memorable experiences, inspiring them to be passionate about learning.

Our educators at Dropkick Math Academy have also noticed an increase in engagement over traditional classrooms. It is thought that children may have more confidence if they can virtually raise their hand and offer answers or ask questions through chat boxes instead of in person. This can help build their confidence to ask these questions in the future in an in-person classroom setting.

Personalized Learning

Finally, online learning allows for a personalization of learning that is unmatched by traditional classroom learning. Students can learn at their own pace and choose which sources of instruction they want to use, creating a personalized experience that addresses their individual learning styles and needs.

In addition, online learning sometimes allows teachers and educators to gather data on how students are doing. This data allows for creating customized learning experiences that can address specific issues a student may be having. This personalization can be beneficial for students who may be struggling or need extra support.

Conclusion

Overall, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online learning, and these changes will likely continue to shape education for the foreseeable future. While the sudden shift to online learning has presented challenges for both educators and students, it has also provided new opportunities for innovation and growth in education.

Online learning has allowed students to complete coursework independently in a safe and remote environment while helping to better engage students and boost their confidence. This is an evolution in education that is likely to continue, even after the pandemic subsides. As educators continue to refine and improve the online learning experience, we can expect to see even more advantages and benefits to this new education model.

How Parents Can Help To Reduce Homework Stress

The Dropkick Math Team on March 31, 2023

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

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

Your Child’s Workload

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

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

Setting Up A Workspace

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

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

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

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

Breaking Down Tasks

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

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

Encourage Healthy Habits

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

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

Acknowledge Small Steps

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

Offer Math Tutoring

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

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

Offering Helpful Guidance

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

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

How Dropkick Math Academy Can Help

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

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

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

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!

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.