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Identifying Signs of Struggling with Mathematics

Identifying Signs of Struggling with Mathematics

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. 

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How Proportional Reasoning Can Simplify Division Problems

How Proportional Reasoning Can Simplify Division Problems

If your child struggles with division problems, don’t worry – they are not alone. But there is a solution: proportional reasoning. Proportional reasoning can simplify division problems and help better understand math concepts. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what proportional reasoning is, how it can help with division problems, and give some examples. We’ll also explain how we use it regularly in our math help services. So read on to learn more!

What Is Proportional Reasoning?

Proportional reasoning is perhaps best described as seeing relationships between numbers and understanding how those relationships can be applied in different situations. In many ways, proportional reasoning is the foundation of mathematics, providing a way to see the world in terms of numbers and to understand proportions and how those numbers work together. By understanding proportional reasoning, we can begin to see mathematics as a tool for solving problems and making predictions rather than simply a set of rules to be memorized. As we develop our proportional reasoning skills, we open up a world of possibilities for mathematical understanding.

Why Is Division So Challenging?

Division is one of the most fundamental operations in mathematics, and it can be one of the most challenging for children to learn. There are a number of reasons why division can be difficult for kids. First, division often requires children to think in terms of fractions and decimals, which can be confusing. Second, division problems can often be lengthy and complicated, making them difficult to solve. Finally, division often requires a high level of abstraction, which can be difficult for young minds to grasp.

Division can also be difficult for children as it is not always taught in a concrete way. For example, many children are first introduced to division by being asked to divide objects into groups. However, this can be difficult to visualize, so children may have difficulty understanding the concept. If children have difficulty with math in general, division (and other math operations), it may be even more challenging, and they may need a math tutor. 

However, most children can learn to divide effectively with patience and practice. By understanding division’s challenges, parents and teachers can help kids overcome these difficulties and develop a strong foundation in mathematics.

How To Use Proportional Reasoning In Division

As adults, we can talk about how relationships are a key component in mathematics, and proportional reasoning relies heavily on comparisons of quantities and values. However, when helping children with math, giving the formal definition of proportional reasoning may cause their eyes to roll to the back of their heads. So, always remember to try and leave the stuffy mathematical definitions to the textbooks. Here at Dropkick Academy, we think learning should be fun. So, let’s take a look at how to help children learn division through proportional reasoning in an entertaining way. 

In grade 7, students learn that a fraction can represent division. Just like we can simplify a fraction, we can simplify a division problem by using proportional reasoning to look at common factors. 

When the dividend and divisor have a common factor, the problem can be simplified. Let’s look at a division problem and see how proportional reasoning can help simplify the process. 

Dividend and Divisor

12 ÷ 4 = ?

If a child is given the question 12 ÷ 4 it may give them anxiety because it is a larger number. However, this can be simplified. Using math manipulatives, show them how to divide 12 pieces into 4 groups of 3 to get the answer.  

Next, you will want to show them how to simplify the problem by finding a common factor between the dividend and the divisor. In this case, the number 2 is a common factor. So, divide the problem by two, changing it to 6 ÷ 2. Is the answer still 3? Yes! Because both amounts were reduced at the same rate, it didn’t change the outcome. It just simplified the problem. 

Now, go one step further and show them how 2 is also a common factor of 6 ÷ 2. So, the problem can now become 3 ÷ 1. The answer is once again 3!

When children face a challenging division problem with larger numbers, they can now check to see if it can be simplified by thinking about proportional reasoning. 

Another way to look at this is by thinking how proportional reasoning is the ability to understand that two quantities are in proportion if they change at the same rate. For example, if we know that there are 2 apples for every 3 oranges, then we can also say that there are 6 apples for every 9 oranges. This is because both ratios are equivalent (2:3 = 6:9).

Math Manipulatives

By using math manipulatives to help children visualize each group’s proportions, they can better understand the concept at hand. Math manipulatives can also make learning more fun by creating a tactile way of learning. 

Manipulatives allow children to feel, touch and visualize what they can’t yet create on their own. They can enable children to receive immediate feedback about whether their idea makes sense. Using tools, a child can move hands-on objects to investigate and explore a math concept that may be challenging.

Understanding the fundamentals behind the mathematical foundation is critical for a child’s fluency and math development. Using both manipulatives and representations, children can build a deeper understanding of the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, and proportional reasoning).

At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe using math manipulatives is an excellent way of learning. In fact, we even include them in some of our battle kits for our students to use in our programs!

Proportional Reasoning At Dropkick Math

As one of the leading math services in Ontario, our certified teachers support learning by focusing on the four pillars to give students an understanding of the root of mathematics. Our one-on-one math tutoring approach allows us to tailor each lesson to the student’s specific needs and learning style. 

So, whether your child is struggling with algebra or decimals and fractions, our team is here to provide personalized support and guidance every step of the way. Trust us for expert math help from caring professionals.

Learn more about our math tutoring today by visiting our website.

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How Dropkick Math Makes Learning Fun!

How Dropkick Math Makes Learning Fun!

As a parent, you want what is best for your child. You want them to grow up to be happy and prosperous in whatever they choose to do. And you know that a big part of that success is getting a good education. But sometimes, getting your child to do their homework can be a real struggle. They might not be interested in the subject or find it too hard. That’s where Dropkick Math tutoring comes in!

Making Math Fun

As a parent and a teacher, I understand both sides of the struggle. We want the best for our children, but sometimes learning can be dry and unengaging. Let’s face it; we have all struggled with a subject in our life that would have been much better if it was made into something fun. 

When Chad and I were starting Dropkick Math Academy, we were thinking about how math can be so frustrating that you just want to “dropkick” it away and be done. That is how we came up with the concept of a math program that lets children learn mathematics in a fun and engaging way where they can feel like they took on math and won! This is why Dropkick Math focuses on making learning fun through engaging games that encourage children to take risks and earn rewards. 

What is Dropkick Math?

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

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

How Dropkick Math Works

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

For each module, children will be assigned battles which contain 6 questions and must meet virtually with their teacher and other students in their battle training for one hour per week. This game-based instructional strategy allows students to level up and earn points toward a reward at the end of the program.

During your child’s journey, they will require tools and strategies to battle the villains they encounter. Each child will receive their math battle kit in the mail before classes begin. They will also have a virtual battle pack which teachers will add to after each battle training session.

At the end of each hour’s timeslot, parents will have the opportunity to meet with the teacher to discuss their child’s progress and to get feedback on how they can help them continue to learn. We believe this is an invaluable part of our programs and encourage parents to become involved in their child’s learning.

We are proud to have a team of passionate, certified Ontario teachers making math education fun for their students. Our programs offer small group virtual programming with a maximum of four students in each module, allowing children to learn in a comfortable and familiar setting while receiving the individualized attention they need to succeed. Our teachers take the time to interact with each student and make their classes exciting so children will want to get involved. 

Why Games?

We believe that games are the best way to learn. Games are fun and engaging, which keeps kids coming back for more. And because they’re competitive, kids are motivated to keep playing until they get it right. With Dropkick Math, learning is no longer a chore – it’s a game! 

As we enter a digital world filled with distractions, math curriculum needs to include solutions for students to be more engaged. Research has shown that brains can be changed entirely and be rewired in as little as eight weeks through participation in effective intervention programs that offer engaging learning experiences. Using games helps to ensure students learn how to be critical, confident and creative—abilities they’ll need for success in the work-a-day world of the future.

However, make no mistake, our games are not purely for entertainment. When a child works on game-based learning, they will just think that they are having fun with the game, but a lot goes into crafting the game as a learning tool. While we want children to have fun, the end goal of our game-based learning is to have children truly understand math operations. When we build our curriculum, we start with core standards and focus on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning and proportional reasoning). 

Games For Everyone!

Dropkick Math Academy is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a way to get your child interested in math or if you just want to give them a leg up on their education. We offer fun and engaging programs that can help your child overcome their math anxiety or any gaps in learning they may have. With our wide variety of games, there’s something for everyone.

Our math help services are run by qualified Ontario Certified Teachers who can offer differentiated approaches, making it accessible for all learning needs. Our different approach to traditional math tutoring includes fun and engaging programs to help your child succeed.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up today and let your child start playing their way to a better education!

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Math Milestones: What To Expect As Kids Grow Up

Math Milestones; What To Expect As Kids Grow Up

As a parent, you are likely always looking for ways to help your child succeed. You want to be there to support them as they grow and learn new things. You also want to make sure they are hitting the milestones they should be when learning new skills. But one area that can be especially tricky to navigate is math. 

Math milestones can be confusing, but don’t worry; we’re here to help! This post will outline what to expect as kids grow up regarding math skills. There are many different milestones for each grade, but we will cover some of the most important milestones and when you should expect them from your child. For example, as a parent, you will want to ensure your child understands the difference between 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional shapes in grades 1 and 2. Similarly, in grade 5, some milestones to look out for include being able to use more than one way to solve math problems.

Understanding what lies ahead can better support your child along their journey. So, read on for information on developmental milestones in mathematics and the strategies you can use to help your child excel!

A Strong Math Foundation

Each milestone is an important step in developing a solid math foundation. As a parent, it can be difficult to know where your child should be in terms of their education. But knowing what to expect as children grow up and during each grade can help you recognize if your child is struggling. If your child appears to be behind, math tutoring is a great way to keep them on track to hit their milestones. 

Math builds upon the concepts learned the previous year, so before your child reaches a new milestone, they must first accomplish the task currently at hand. In other words, if your child is going into grade 4, but they haven’t mastered the concepts learned in grade three, they may miss milestones and struggle. 

Math Milestones

The following guide can be used to monitor if your child is reaching their milestones. Every child is different and may learn at a different pace, so it is crucial to reach out to your child’s teacher if you are concerned about their progress in their math studies. 

Grades 1 – 2

  • Name basic shapes
  • Understand the difference between two- and three-dimensional shapes 
  • Read digital and analog clocks using words such as ‘half-past’ and ‘quarter to’
  • Do basic subtraction and addition up to 20
  • Use mathematical language to convey thought and solution
  • Predict what comes next in a pattern
  • Count to 100 by ones, twos, fives, and tens
  • Right and recognize the numerals 0 to 100
  • Right and recognize the words for numbers from 1 to 20
  • Describe probability in everyday situations

Grade 3

  • Understand money amounts (e.g. four quarters in a dollar)
  • Understand place value and solve problems with decimal points
  • Create a number equation or sentence from a word problem
  • Use mathematical language to convey thought and solution
  • Count forward and backward from various starting points
  • Know how to do division and multiplication with help from fact families
  • Understand how addition and subtraction are inverse operations  (e.g., 3+5= 8 and 8-3=5)

Grade 4 – 5

  • Be able to use more than one way to solve problems
  • Start applying math concepts to the real world
  • Use mathematical language to convey thought and solution
  • Compare numbers using greater and less than symbols
  • Write and compare fractions and decimals and put them in order on a number line
  • Start two-and three-digit multiplication
  • Add, subtract, multiply and divide money amounts
  • think in a multiplicative way (e.g., if a 3 kg dog grows to 6 kg and a 10 kg dog grows to 13 kg – some may see them as growing by the same amount (that is additive thinking), the first dog actually doubled their weight which is multiplicative thinking)
  • Name various types of triangles and quadrilaterals

Grades 6 – 8

  • Use coordinates to find points on a grid
  • Work with basic geometric shapes, including angles, lines, and types of triangles
  • Begin basic algebra with one unknown number
  • Use mathematical language to convey thought and solution
  • Use formulas to integrate math concepts and solve complicated problems
  • Use formulas to calculate and understand the relationships between perimeter, area and volume of shapes
  • Ability to estimate and make sense of answers when using operations with fractions
  • Use proportional reasoning to solve problems involving rates, ratios and percentages
  • Understand that numbers can be represented in various ways like decimals, fractions, bases, and variables

Highschool

  • Use numbers in real-life situations
  • Use algebraic reasoning to estimate, think about, and solve mathematical relationships
  • Use mathematical language to convey thought and solution
  • Begin to understand how math ideas build on one another
  • Use maps, graphs, or other representations to learn and convey information
  • Begin to see that some math problems don’t have real-world solutions

Keeping Your Child On Track

Math milestones are important not just for children but for parents too. By understanding what math skills your child should be mastering at what age, you can ensure that they’re on track and help them if they’re struggling. But keep in mind that these milestones are just a general rule. Math skills can be dependent on visual abilities, working memory, and language. 

While these are just general milestones to watch for, there are some “tried and tested” tips for helping children achieve them, including: 

A Different Type Of Math Tutor

Dropkick Math understands where children should be with their understanding of mathematics. We are a tutoring company that differs from others by getting to the root of any misunderstandings your child may have about math. All of our instructors are certified Ontario teachers who know how to assess children to ensure they hit the milestones with their peers. Other traditional tutors tend to only work on the problem at hand, but this will not help the child progress in their math skills.

If you are searching for math help online, look no further. We offer fun and engaging programs your child will look forward to each week. Our programs aim to build confidence and teach children to enjoy math while hitting those important milestones.

Check out our programs today!

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Top 5 Trends In Technology Used In Education

Top 5 Trends In Technology Used In Education

As technology becomes more and more a part of our everyday lives, it’s no surprise that its use is becoming more prevalent in education as well. Many different types of technology can be used in the classroom, and new ones are being developed all the time. 

An Evolving Classroom

The classroom is evolving. Technology is changing what, where, and how students learn. Classrooms are no longer limited to physical spaces – with remote learning, students can learn from anywhere in the world. And with online learning, anyone can access education, regardless of location or circumstances. Technology is making education more accessible than ever before. From virtual reality to artificial intelligence, the future classroom will be more immersive and interactive than ever before. With the rise of technology, the possibilities for education are endless.

Staying Up To Date

Classrooms are now filled with computers, tablets and other devices that provide new learning opportunities. For parents, it is essential to understand technology’s role in education. By staying up to date on the latest trends and developments, parents can help their children make the most of classroom technology. Additionally, parents should be aware of the potential risks associated with technology use, such as cyberbullying or online predators. By understanding the role of technology in education, parents can ensure that their children have a safe and productive learning experience.

The following are the top 5 popular trends in technology that are now being used in education. 

Remote Learning

The most common trend in technology in the classroom today is remote learning. With the global pandemic, all students were suddenly thrust into the unknown of distant learning. Although it was unknown at the time, remote learning became a great tool in education. It gave students who could not attend classes in person the opportunity to stay up to date on work and stay in touch with their teachers and peers. 

Now that most classes have returned to normal, remote learning is still being utilized in various ways. Educators found that some remote elements can give students structured independence and new ways of learning. Students can pause and rewind lessons as needed and revisit concepts they might not have fully understood the first time. This type of flexible learning is ideal for students who want to be more independent in their studies. 

Interactive quizzes, games, videos, and multifunctional online boards can also be integrated into lessons in remote learning to keep students engaged, giving teachers more tools to get the best out of their lessons. Ultimately, remote learning provides a broadened field of education that is highly beneficial for both students and teachers.

Nano Learning

Nano learning is a popular educational technique that provides students with information in short, easily digestible bursts. This method of learning is especially well-suited to today’s digital world, where most students have access to a smartphone or other device that they can use to review nano learning content anytime, anywhere. 

Nano learning is an ideal way to fill an existing knowledge gap or get an introduction to a whole new subject matter. Plus, because the content is concise, students can review it as often as needed to ensure they fully understand the material. 

Nano learning is available to students through apps such as WhatsApp and TikTok, which convey the information through videos, text, and audio clips. This convenient and accessible way of learning means students can learn anytime, anywhere. 

Immersive Learning Technology

Immersive learning technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are emerging as powerful educational tools. These technologies offer students unprecedented access to learning environments they otherwise would not be able to experience. For example, students could experience periods of history through virtual field trips rather than just reading about them in books. 

Similarly, virtual reality could bring other subjects to life, off the page and into the 3D world in an unforgettable way. Imagine your child being able to experience a scientific experiment in 3D while learning. This would not just provide memorable experiences but also a chance to gain experience in a safe environment. Immersive learning technologies have the potential to transform education and provide students with valuable experiences that they will remember for a lifetime.

AI And Automation

As classrooms become increasingly more technology-rich, artificial intelligence is starting to play a more significant role in education. AI helpers like chatbots and virtual assistants can provide immediate responses to simple questions from students, freeing up teachers to focus on more complex tasks. In addition, AI can be used to automate routine tasks like clarifying instructions and answering questions about schedules and time. And with the help of voice notes, teachers can even provide information on demand for more complex queries. As AI continues to develop, it is likely that its role in education will only become more important.

By automating time-consuming tasks such as grading and attendance, AI could also free up teachers to focus on more important responsibilities. In addition, AI could provide accurate and up-to-date data on student performance, helping educators identify improvement areas. AI could even be used at the most advanced level to suggest personalized learning pathways for each student based on their individual needs. In short, AI has the potential to significantly improve the education system by making it more efficient and effective.

Remote Tutoring Services

The days of the neighbourhood tutor coming to your home are gone as more students log online to get tutoring help. Online tutoring is becoming increasingly popular as technology advances, and more parents realize the benefits. Unlike traditional tutors, online tutors are available 24/7 and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. This means that students can get help when they need it, rather than waiting for a weekly session. In addition, online tutors can offer a more personalized service, as they can tailor their teaching to the individual needs of each student. Online tutors are also able to utilize technology to keep students engaged and excited about their studies. As a result, online tutoring is an effective way for children to get the extra help they need to succeed in school.

Online Math Tutor

Here at Dropkick Math, we fall under an online math tutor category. However, we differ from traditional tutors. We offer fun and engaging programs that have children excited to learn while helping to boost their confidence. 

Our math learning techniques focus on the four pillars, and our programs are designed specifically around closing skill gaps. All programs are taught by certified Ontario teachers who use modern innovative teaching techniques to address deficiencies while correcting any underlying misunderstood formulas. 

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