online math tutor Archives - DKM Homeschool Resource

What Is Summer Slide And How To Prevent It

What is summer slide? You may have heard this term being tossed around, but what does it really mean? Summer slide is the term used to describe the loss of knowledge and skills a student suffers over the summer. This can be due to a lack of academic enrichment opportunities over the break or simply because children are out of school and not retaining what they learned during the school year.

While no definitive studies show how much learning is lost each summer, it’s safe to assume that students lose some ground academically if they don’t engage in educational activities. Through math tutoring and other interventions, parents can take steps to help prevent summer slide and keep their child’s education on track.

A Loss Of Skills And Knowledge

For decades, educators have observed the summer slide – the inevitable loss of skills and knowledge that occurs over the summer break. While students may enter the classroom in September seeming refreshed and relaxed, they quickly fall behind their classmates who have continued to learn and grow over the summer months. The summer slide is a pervasive problem that affects children of all backgrounds and abilities.

Studies have shown that, on average, students lose about 2.6 months of grade-level math skills over the summer. As a result, they enter the new school year at a distinct disadvantage. While efforts to combat the summer slide are ongoing, there is still much work to be done in order to close the achievement gap.

What To Do About Summer Slide

As any parent knows, summer can be a challenging time for kids when it comes to schoolwork. With all the distractions of warm weather and long days, it’s easy for kids to forget what they’ve learned during the school year and fall behind before the next school year begins. Unfortunately, summer slide is also being exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. Due to school closures and continuing distance learning, many children struggle to keep up with their studies. This has led to a decline in grades and test scores and an increased risk of future academic difficulties. As parents and educators work to address this problem, it’s essential to remember that the COVID pandemic has created unique challenges for kids that require innovative solutions.

Children need to have continuous opportunities to learn and practice new skills during the summer months. Summer learning programs can allow children to stay sharp academically while also preventing them from falling behind. These programs often include activities and games designed to reinforce key academic concepts. They can be an excellent way for children to stay engaged in learning, even when they’re out of school. With a bit of creativity and effort, we can help our kids overcome the effects of summer slide and the pandemic and get back on track for a successful school year.

Learn While Vacationing

As summer approaches, many families begin to plan their vacations. However, vacations can also be a learning opportunity. For example, if you are planning a trip by airplane, your child can research the cost of airfare and luggage weight. If you are staying in a hotel, your child can calculate the cost of the room per night. Once you reach your destination, there are often opportunities to take tours of historical landmarks and locations. This can be an excellent opportunity to teach your child about history and how to calculate the number of years ago historical events occurred. By incorporating some educational elements into your summer vacation plans, you can help your child learn and grow even while away from school.

Incorporate Everyday Tasks

There are lots of easy ways to keep kids’ brains active during summer vacation. One way is to take advantage of everyday activities like grocery shopping or driving. For example, when you’re at the grocery store with your kids, challenge them to add up the total cost of your purchase. Driving over to grandmother’s house? Ask them to find specific colours, shapes, or patterns along the way. For older kids, think of appropriate variations – for instance, they could try to count all the license plates from different provinces or how many billboards there are. This helps to keep their minds active and makes these everyday activities more fun for everyone involved. By making summer learning fun and interactive, you can help your kids stay sharp all summer long.

Summer Camp

As the summer break approaches, many parents begin to scramble to find ways to keep their children occupied. One option that is becoming increasingly popular is enrolling children in specialized summer camps. These camps offer a variety of activities that are designed to be both fun and educational. For example, computer camps often incorporate game design elements, while math camps focus on developing problem-solving skills. Science camps may include field trips to local museums or zoos.

In addition to being educational, these camp experiences can also be extremely valuable for your child’s social development. By interacting with other children and adults in a structured setting, your child will learn important social skills that will benefit them throughout their life. So, if you’re looking for an opportunity to give your child a boost this summer, consider enrolling them in one of these specialized camps.

Summer Programs

While kids need to have some time off from school to enjoy the summer months, it’s also crucial that they don’t forget everything they’ve learned over the course of the year. Thankfully, there are several math help services available to help kids stay sharp. Schools often offer summer classes or enrichment programs, and private businesses like Dropkick Math Academy also provide valuable services. These programs can help your child review essential concepts, catch up on any gaps in their learning, and get a head start on the upcoming school year. With summer learning, your child can enjoy a well-rounded education that sets them up for success both in and out of the classroom.

Our Program

This summer, if your child is struggling and you find yourself searching for such phrases as “math for grade 3” or “how to help my child this summer,” we may be able to help. At Dropkick Math, we provide high-quality tutoring services that help students achieve their academic goals. Whether your child needs extra help with fractions or is struggling with algebra, our team of certified Ontario teachers can provide the targeted instruction and support needed to succeed in mathematics. Our math learning techniques include online group sessions and engaging games that will have your child wanting to learn more.

Learn more about our programs today!

How To Save The School Year After A Slow Start

There’s no doubt that struggling with some concepts at the start of the school year can be discouraging. Your child may feel like they are falling behind and that it’s impossible to catch up. But they need to remember that it’s not how they start that matters, it’s how they finish. With a little bit of hard work and dedication, they can turn things around and better understand the learning concepts that can help with their future studies.

There are many steps that can be taken to help children with any educational gaps they may be experiencing. Tutoring is a great way to help a child who may be falling behind in learning, especially in mathematics. Tutoring comes in many forms, including one-on-one instruction, virtual tutoring, and group classes. Each type of tutoring can be helpful in different ways, but each interaction can help a child develop ideas and fully understand complex concepts.

One-On-One Tutoring

Asking questions is an essential part of the learning process, but it can be challenging to do in a large class setting. This can sometimes be the cause of a slow start to a school year. When a child is one of many students competing for a teacher’s attention, it can be easy for them to feel lost in the shuffle. This is why personalized learning opportunities with a one-on-one tutor can be so valuable. Being able to ask questions in a one-on-one environment can make a big difference in academic performance. Many children feel more comfortable asking questions in a personalized setting, and they can also get more out of the conversation. As a result, they can better understand the material and apply it to their coursework.

However, this tactic for performing better in school may be effective, but it isn’t always available or convenient. Many families are busy and may not have time to book a tutor for scheduled lessons. Tutors are also in high demand, so it may be challenging to get a time slot that works for your child. This makes it frustrating for the child and parent as they cannot schedule regular lessons. One-on-one tutors may also not be tailored to individual learning styles or needs.

Dropkick Math

At Dropkick Math, we are different than traditional math tutoring. Our unique programs focus on the fundamental misunderstandings your child may have in math and can provide them with the skills they need to keep advancing. We offer a fun alternative to one-on-one tutors that can help your child build their confidence and thrive in mathematics through self-learning.

Our programs focus on the four pillars of math, using engaging, innovative programs. Each module helps students fully understand critical concepts that are the base fundamentals of mathematics. By the end of the program, your child will be able to persevere through challenging math concepts, ask questions for clarification, and learn from valuable mistakes.

Take Action

No one wants to hear that their child struggles in school, but it happens. And when it does, it’s important to take action. Saving a school year, whether it is one class or multiple classes that need a boost, is entirely doable as long as your child has a positive attitude, desire, and a strategy to perform better. Creating a growth mindset is essential for your child’s success in learning. Children with a growth mindset see learning as a great challenge. They also believe that they can improve if they put in enough effort.

Enrolling them in Dropkick Math Academy is the first place to start when needing to save the school year. Our qualified Ontario Certified Teachers can offer differentiated approaches, making it accessible for all learning needs. In addition, our curriculum is designed to make sure your child grasps concepts quickly and thoroughly. With our help, your child will be able to save their school year after a slow start.

Is Your Child Struggling With Learning?

It is not uncommon for children to struggle with learning during the start of the school year. Your child may receive a lower-than-expected grade on their progress report card or feel like they don’t understand what their teacher is talking about in class. Regardless of the situation, it’s important to remember that with some help, it is not too late for your child to catch up on their learning. With a little bit of commitment, they can get back on track and make the most of the year.

Not sure if an online math tutor is for your child? Check out our program descriptions today and learn about each module that can help boost your child’s confidence and set them up with the skills needed for their future. So, don’t waste your time searching for “math tutor near me,” contact Dropkick Math today and get your child the help they need to get back on track.

Math is Math! Why Would They Change It?

If your child comes to you for help with their homework, you may be confused when you see how it is being taught. The mathematics that students learn today is most likely highly different from what you learned at school.

The main thing to keep in mind is that math hasn’t changed. The way it is taught has. Unfortunately, when Ontario shifted mathematics teaching, parents were not informed. This left many frustrated as they realized they did not understand how to help their children in mathematics.

The shift in the way mathematics is taught was not an overnight decision, although it may seem that way to some parents. Math education had been researched for decades by experts in both the education and mathematics fields, and it was found to be lagging in many areas.

As society becomes more interconnected and globalized, information and technology are rapidly evolving. Since most information is now readily available through our smartphones or tablets, children need to be better versed in complex decision-making and problem-solving as these are skills that computers are not yet able to help with.

Major Transformation

We live in a time of significant transformation, which means that children growing up through this period need to receive an education that prepares them for a world of automation and artificial intelligence. According to the 2016 Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum, 65% of children entering primary school today will work end up working in job types and functions that don’t even exist yet. In the 2018 Future of Jobs Report, it was predicted that human skills such as “creativity, originality, initiative, persuasion, negotiation, and critical thinking will be in high demand along with “attention to detail, resilience, flexibility, and complex problem-solving.” This means the education needs to be designed with platforms that mirror what students will meet when they are ready for college or a career.

The traditional ways of learning are no longer enough to prepare children for the future. There is an urgent need to improve education, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). So, our job as educators and parents is to prepare children for their future by teaching them mathematics that will be useful and applicable in the years to come.

New Ways Of Thinking

The technological world around us today is forcing students into new ways of thinking, which should be reflected in mathematics instruction. Students need to be both effective and efficient thinkers. Effective thinkers are taught to think long term, which means using longer or more complicated methods for solving problems. This may not always provide an answer at first, but it allows students to develop a foundational understanding of math concepts that will eventually give them the skills to question, critique, and reason to get their answers.

Efficient thinkers believe that math should be done in steps and procedures that produce an answer as quickly as possible with the least amount of time involved. Parents may remember this type of thinking from the traditional way math was taught by “borrowing,” “carrying,” or “putting a zero.” Many didn’t fully understand the algorithm but did know that it was fast and got them the correct answer. In the past, those who could get an answer quickly were considered good at mathematics.

Multiple Paths To A Solution

The way that math is taught today prepares children to be creative problem solvers who can find multiple paths to a solution. Students are no longer expected just to get the correct answer; they need to focus on the process.

Over the past few decades, research has shown that children learn math better when taught through guided discovery. This teaching method provides students with support, but they ultimately develop the math rules themselves, a stark difference from learning them through memorization, as many of us parents experienced.

Helping Your Child

Dropkick Math is here for you if your child is coming to you for help with their math homework and you don’t understand how it is being taught. We are a type of online math tutor that can help your child understand the fundamentals of mathematics while also educating the parent. By learning alongside your child, we will expose you to new learning strategies your child is experiencing in their classroom.

It is a common misconception that it is difficult for parents to contribute to their child’s math education. At Dropkick Math, we believe that by working together, both you and your child can learn the fundamentals of math and gain skills that will translate for years to come.

Many people simply go online and search “math tutor near me,” but this will only get you traditional tutors who may not give you and your child the support you need. As one of the leading math programs in Toronto, Dropkick Math provides support in learning key math skills by focusing on relationships and engaging the parent/guardian. Get started today by learning more about our programs.

Closing The Learning Gap Created By The Pandemic With Online Tutoring

Chances are, during the past couple of years, your child has struggled to keep up with their studies. With the pandemic pushing students out of classrooms and into virtual learning, many students have fallen behind and are showing educational gaps. Many parents are now left scrambling and searching online for “math tutor near me.”

The good news is that many tutoring services have gone online, which makes it much easier and more convenient for many families. Research has shown that tutoring is one of the best ways for students to catch up and prevent gaps caused by the pandemic before they turn into something bigger. Online tutoring can provide fast and practical support for students and parents alike.

Learning Loss

Learning loss is commonly associated with the summer break. After being out of school for many weeks, students can lose some of their academic skills and knowledge. But over the past couple of years, it isn’t just the summer break interfering with student learning. During the pandemic, students may have experienced learning loss during this time as well.

Despite many efforts from parents and teachers, switching to online learning lead to disrupted schedules and feeling disconnected from school. This has all contributed to an unsettled learning environment.

A learning loss on a large scale like such has occurred during the pandemic can have a lifelong impact on affected students. Studies show that students already struggling in the classroom before the pandemic are most likely to be affected. If left unaddressed, this learning gap will likely get even more significant.

Why Tutoring Is The Best Solution

There are many reasons why tutoring is the best solution for filling in any gaps in a child’s education. Research has shown that tutoring can give students transformational results in a short amount of time. Therefore, it is more effective than summer school or extended school days.

Tutors are commonly known and used worldwide. However, online tutoring services are now becoming more popular than ever. Online tutoring such as Dropkick Math can offer students an easy and convenient way to catch up on their studies. Online tutors can provide targeted teachings focusing on individual students’ needs and building from there. Our programs adapt lesson content to fit the needs of individual students in a way that simply isn’t possible in a typical classroom.

Our programs can also change the pace of learning to suit your child’s needs, making the process effective and efficient. Students who feel a sense of success in their studies will build confidence that they can take back with them into the classroom. Our fun and engaging games and quizzes have students eager to complete their work.

e-Learning

The past couple of years has pushed many students into becoming comfortable with e-learning solutions. Any child who has access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone and a good Wi-Fi connection can access our programs.

We like to think of ourselves as “math program Toronto experts,” which means we understand how online learning improves retention as students can learn at their own pace.

The Benefits For Parents

Many remote working parents have faced challenges trying to homeschool their children and get their work done. With online tutoring, parents can rest assured that a professional will make sure they are learning what they need and getting the work done.

At Dropkick Math, we encourage parents to learn alongside their children. If they so wish, parents can actively get involved with the programs. Our trained instructors will help build a parent’s mathematics capacity so they can adequately support their child’s journey in elementary math. Success is achieved by learning together!

A More Convenient Approach

Math tutoring and support come in many forms and are no longer limited to hiring a local high school or college student to sit with your child at home or in the library. While that model may work for some, many students are eager for a more interactive and convenient approach that focuses on building relationships.

An online math tutor service can help your child close in any education gaps and help to ensure they are prepared for the year ahead. At Dropkick Math, our programs focus on the four pillars of math and can help your child no matter how much they are struggling.

For more information on our programs or to learn if they are suitable for your child, contact us today!

Is Online Tutoring the Future of Personalized Learning?

$Is Online Tutoring the Future of Personalized Learning$

With school closures and social distancing measures in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online tutoring has seen a surge in popularity. But is online tutoring here to stay? Some experts believe that it could be the future of personalized learning. Here’s what you need to know about online math tutoring and how it can benefit your child.

Change Is Imminent

In this day and age of the COVID-19 pandemic, change is imminent. And in the face of an extensive range of education technology resources, schools are trying to adapt and figure out the best ways to move forward. Technology has become an integral part of education over the past couple of years, and online math help is showing a lot of promise to help students who the pandemic has impacted.

Previous research has pointed to clear advantages of one-on-one learning. However, this leaves many students behind who can’t attend an in-person tutor. When technology is used and students can learn virtually, more students have access to this type of education. It has also been suggested that tutored students outperform their peers in school. This becomes problematic because the majority of students have never experienced tutoring, causing an achievement gap that separates students with access to one-on-one learning from those without.

Getting Help With Educational Gaps

Historically only those students with the time, means, and proximity have been able to access one-on-one guidance. But, with Dropkick Math, we make it easy for many students to get the help they need with the educational gaps they may be experiencing.

Leveraging technology to meet new education standards is a great way to reach students who may not have previously been able to get the help in mathematics they deserve. Our programs and educators can provide critical mentorship for students who may be struggling with their learning due to the disruption caused by the pandemic. We have combined education with expert knowledge to create personalized programs designed to help your child conquer their unique math problems in a learning environment that is fun and engaging.

At this time, when families are the busiest they’ve ever been, online tutoring has emerged as an essential educational resource. When the world closed down, online tutors were still able to help children with their studies. Our online programs help connect students with subject experts, creating personalized learning that children need to excel. The flexible nature of online tutoring also helps to allow students to book sessions that fit their own busy schedules.

Online Math Tutor

Most students have now become accustomed to learning online, and many prefer online tutoring instead of in person. Students born in 2010 and onward have had a whole life of high-speed online communication. So, the appeal of online tutoring will only increase as its primary users become tech-savvy “screenagers.” One-on-one tutoring is no longer appealing to the younger generation, which is more accustomed to online activities. At Dropkick Math, we understand the need to keep students engaged and entertained while learning mathematics. Our programs aim to break down the challenges and build up confidence with a complete understanding of math and its relationship to real-world situations through fun and engaging games and challenges.

Online tutoring does appear to be the way of the future, but at Dropkick Math, we take it a step further. Dropkick Math isn’t just an alternative to hiring an online tutor. It is a fun way to help your child thrive in mathematics through self-learning. We work with your child and yourself to understand the underlying problems rather than just focusing on helping them through the material they are learning at school.

If you are searching for a “math tutor near me” you may be presented with a lot of helpful options. But, it is important to understand the difference between a tutor and our way of working with students, which adequately supports their journey in elementary math. Our certified Ontario College of Teachers instructors offer a fun and engaging way to learn for both parent and child to understand the building blocks of mathematics.

To learn more about our programs and contact us today!