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Operational Sense

How Dropkick Math Helps Children With Operational Sense

Are you a parent whose child is struggling with developing the basic mental math skills needed to solve everyday problems? Does your child struggle with simple addition and subtraction questions? If so, Dropkick Math tutoring company could be the answer to your prayers. 

Our cleverly designed online math help offers an innovative approach to helping children build operational sense – leading them on a rewarding journey from hating math homework to actually enjoying it! Keep reading to learn how Dropkick Math can help your little ones become amazing mathematicians.

The Importance of Mathematical Operations

As adults, we all know the importance of mathematical operations and how mastering them can open up a world of possibilities for learning more complex concepts. But if you’ve ever watched a child learn math, then you also know that having operational sense is key to understanding the workings behind basic algebraic equations and formulae. 

The challenge is helping kids grasp this key concept without getting too frustrated or bored in the process – but don’t worry, Dropkick Math has your back! Keep reading to find out how this innovative program makes teaching operational sense easier and fun for both students and parents alike.

What Is Operational Sense?

Operational sense is when children can make sense of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division and use them in problem-solving situations. Children need operational sense to help them understand more complex math expressions later on. As they enter the primary grades, operational sense is one of the most important tools they can have in their mathematical toolbelt. 

With operational sense, children can use various counting strategies, combining and partitioning numbers both mentally and on paper to understand the basics of addition and subtraction. Mathematical fluency becomes almost second nature as this operational sense deepens with practice. Parents should try teaching these concepts through play-based learning early on at home as it can help their child easily acquire such skills.

Programs Focusing On Operational Sense

At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe in using fun and engaging games to teach children operational sense. By understanding part-whole relationships, children can begin to use operations and perform calculations. So, we use carefully designed games to help children understand these relationships. 

One of our most popular programs that can help children improve their operational sense is Operations, Decimals and Space. This module takes place on the distant planet of Eldamore in a galaxy far far away. 

About Operations, Decimals and Space:

Earth has become overpopulated, and humans have looked to distant neighbouring planets to help create more space. In order to safely colonize the planet, we need your child’s help to regulate the gravitational field by gaining satellite control of the moons of Eldamore.

The alien Cipher (also the name for decimal) wants control of Eldamore so it can use the planet to make a doomsday device and destroy not only our new found planet, but possibly most of the galaxy.

Students must work on learning and improving their understanding of decimals and use teamwork to defend Eldamore and gain control of the six moons. By working with decimals, students can help battle Cipher and the alien horde so that the people of our earth have a safe place to go.

Students will practice their math operations throughout this battle, including adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. By providing support in learning the building blocks of mathematics and engaging in a fun and interactive learning environment, your child will begin to thrive. 

How To Know If Your Child Has Operational Sense

When children can fluently and flexibly work with computational strategies, they are demonstrating operational sense. Other characteristics that may indicate a grasp on operational sense include:

  • Using algorithms and strategies that make sense to them
  • Understanding the relationships between the operations
  • Developing a range of strategies and algorithms, including those of their own making
  • Determining an appropriate method of computation for the context and numbers involved in the problem

Math skills and confidence often go hand-in-hand. For many students, mastering math concepts can boost their confidence level. Likewise, students who are confident in their math skills often find that they excel in the subject. This is why many parents choose to enroll their children in Dropkick Math. The goal is to give kids a strong foundation in math so they can confidently approach the subject. 

How Dropkick Math Tutoring Company Can Help

If your child has shown signs of struggling with math, they may be missing part of the vital foundation of mathematics. At Dropkick Math Academy, we include the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, and proportional reasoning) in our online math help. This helps to ensure students have the understanding they need to progress through higher grades in math. By having the basic fundamentals of math, students will continue to thrive throughout their education. 

A Gap In Learning

We understand that the pandemic caused a gap in learning for many children, which has caused them to fall behind. Our programs were developed with this gap in education in mind which is why we use research-based techniques and strategies designed to complement classroom instruction to facilitate students reaching their highest potential in mastering mathematics. 

Our custom-tailored programs are specifically created for students, helping them gain confidence in the building blocks of mathematics and develop conceptual understanding. We create a fun and dynamic educational environment for both parents and children, through engaging games and interactive learning tools.  

We are a tutoring company that addresses deficiencies while correcting any underlying misconceptions about mathematics. This will give a child the best foundation possible to ensure their success in mathematics for years to come! Check out our programs today and learn how your child can thrive in math. 

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Pillars of Math

What Are The Four Pillars Of Math?

The Four Pillars of Math are four concepts that are essential for students to understand in order to be successful in math. These pillars are: number sense, operational sense, proportional reasoning, and algebraic reasoning. By mastering these four fundamental concepts,  students will be able to solve any problem they encounter in math. In addition, the four pillars of math provide a strong foundation for students to build upon as they move on to more advanced concepts.

The Foundation Of Our Program

At Dropkick Math Academy, the foundation of our math tutoring program focuses on the four pillars of math. These four pillars are essential building blocks for understanding higher-level math concepts. We focus on one or more of these pillars throughout our program in each module. For example, in our first module, Operations, Whole Numbers, and Pirates, we focus heavily on developing a conceptual understanding of both number and operational sense. Without a strong understanding of these operations, it would be impossible to move on to more complex topics like algebra. However, we also touch on the other three pillars in this module. For instance, we use proportional reasoning to explore place value. By the end of the module, students have a well-rounded foundation in arithmetic and are prepared to move on to more advanced modules.

The Four Pillars Of Math

Let’s take a closer look at each of the four pillars:

Number Sense

Number sense is understanding the quantity represented by a number. It is not the same as numeracy, which is the ability to do calculations. Number sense develops gradually. For example, a baby starts by recognizing that they see one person or two people. By the time they start school, they can count up to 20 or more. They learn what numbers mean in terms of amounts and quantities. This knowledge forms the foundation for learning more complex math concepts later on. 

Fractions are an excellent example of a concept that builds on number sense. In order to understand fractions, students need to be able to visualize the quantity represented by a number. For example, if there are four pieces of candy and I eat two of them, then I have eaten half of the candy. Fractions are a way of representing numbers that are not whole numbers, and understanding fractions requires a strong foundation in number sense. 

Operational Sense

Operational sense is a critical math concept that refers to a child’s ability to make sense of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division and use them in problem-solving situations. When a child is able to develop a strong understanding of the operations, they can recognize the relationships among them and develop systems for computing numbers. This understanding helps to form the basis for the four pillars of math.

Operational sense is not just about being able to do the computations but about understanding when and how to use them. For example, a child who knows that addition can be used to find out how many objects are in a group but does not understand that it can also be used to put together two groups of objects has not yet developed operational sense. Operational sense is a critical foundation for success in math, and children who develop a strong understanding of the operations are well on their way to becoming math problem-solvers.

Proportional Reasoning

Proportional reasoning is a unifying theme in mathematics and is often considered the foundation of abstract mathematical understanding. All four pillars connect to proportional reasoning. For example, in whole numbers, students learn about place value which is based on 10s. In decimals, place value is based on 10s with an added number after the decimal point. In fractions, there are different parts of a whole, and students use visual representations to help understand the relationships between those parts. Lastly, in percentages, there are hundredths and relationships are represented out of 100. 

By making connections to prior learning, students see that proportional reasoning is everywhere in mathematics! Proportional reasoning is not just a process but rather it’s a way of looking at the world and solving problems. In essence, proportional reasoning is the consideration of numbers in relative terms compared to absolute terms.

Algebraic Reasoning

Patterns are all around us. They can be found in the seasons, the way leaves grow on a tree, and the numbers we use every day. Understanding patterns is an essential mathematical skill that helps us to make sense of the world around us. 

Algebraic reasoning is a way of thinking that uses mathematics to solve problems and understand relationships. It is an essential skill that is introduced in the early years of learning and continues to play an increasingly important role through grades 4 to 9.

Algebraic reasoning can be used to solve problems in a variety of ways, including by using algebraic equations, graphing, and creating tables and charts. It is a powerful tool that can help us to understand complex ideas and make predictions about the future. By understanding algebraic reasoning, we can better understand the world around us and our place within it.

Learning Skills

The approach used in Dropkick Math Academy teaches children certain skills along with the four pillars to set them up for success in their future education. These include:

Concepts – Concepts are the building blocks of math. If students don’t understand the basic concepts, they’ll struggle to progress. That’s why we focus on teaching concepts in a way that is clear and easy to understand. We want students to really grasp the material so they can build on it later.

Fluency – Fluency is about being able to do math accurately. It’s important for students to be able to recall math facts and equations quickly so they can focus on solving problems. We use a variety of techniques to help students improve their fluency, including games and practice with real-world applications.

Problem-solving – Problem-solving is an essential skill for all students, not just those interested in math or science. Breaking down a problem and finding a solution is a valuable life skill that will serve students well no matter what path they choose. We encourage students to approach problem-solving with confidence and to persevere when they find themselves stuck.

Mastering The Four Pillars

The Dropkick Math team is committed to helping students master the Four Pillars of Math. We believe that this is the best way to set students up for success in their math education. We have created a variety of resources, such as articles, videos, and games, that all focus on helping students understand and master these four concepts and better understand math operations. Visit our website today to start exploring these resources and learn more about our math help services. By taking our FREE assessment, your child can begin to build a strong foundation in math!

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Operational Sense

Understanding Relationships Among Operational Sense

Understanding Relationships Among Operational Sense

Understanding Relationships Among Operational Sense

In order for elementary school children to be successful in mathematics, they need to develop operational sense. Operational sense is the ability to understand and use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in problem-solving situations. When children can develop a strong understanding of the operations, they can recognize the relationships among them and develop systems for computing numbers. This starts for students in primary grades where they use counting strategies, combining and partitioning numbers to learn addition and subtraction. This blog post will describe operational sense in more detail and provide examples of how it can be learned at home. 

Math Education Has Changed

As a parent and teacher, I understand how parents can become frustrated when their child comes to them for help with their math homework. Chances are, you have never heard of the terms they are using to describe mathematics, and the calculations are completely different compared to when you learned math. While math itself hasn’t changed, the way it is taught to students has. 

By taking a step into the world of mathematics and learning more about the four pillars of math and how your child is being taught, you will be able to help them succeed in their studies. At Dropkick Math, our specialized programs create an environment where both parent and child can better understand the fundamentals, creating a fun and engaging learning environment. 

Operational Sense In Action

Operational sense is a critical part of early mathematics learning. It allows children to make connections between the numbers they are working with and the world around them. It also helps them develop a sense of number relationships and understand how numbers work together. When a student understands the operations and how to perform calculations, they will have an understanding of part-whole relationships. 

To better understand this concept, let’s look at an example of operational sense in action:

  • A child figures out that if they have four toy cars and two friends also have four toy cars, then they have a total of 12 toy cars between the three of them.

I understand that because I know that division can be thought of as “how many times one number fits into another” and I can see that fits into 3 wholes 9 times.

This understanding of relationships is essential for elementary school children because it lays the foundation for more complex mathematical concepts that will be learned in later grades. 

How To Develop Operational Sense At Home

Operational sense can be developed in the classroom and at home through various activities and games that help children understand how numbers work together. Here are a few examples of operational sense activities that can be easily used at home to help children develop a better understanding of operational sense:

  • Use games to provide opportunities for their children to practice their multiplication facts. 
  • Use real-life experiences to ask a child to perform some calculations and encourage them to explain how they calculated it. (e.g. asking a child if they have enough money to pay for something. 
  • Provide children with an opportunity to use measuring cups marked in fractions so they can learn how to combine fractional quantities.  
  • Give children newspaper flyers and challenge them to find various ways to spend a set amount of money, such as $30.

Through operational sense activities, children can develop a strong understanding of the operations and begin to see how they are used in the world around them. These activities will help them to be successful in mathematics as they move into more complex concepts. Operational sense is an important part of early mathematics learning, and through these activities, children can develop a strong foundation on which to build more complex understandings.

Understanding Relationships

At Dropkick Math, we teach students how to approach math concepts and understand their relationships so they can overcome problems more efficiently on their own. As one of the four pillars of math, our programs focus heavily on operational sense. We rely on problem solving and models as key instructional components to help students understand the subject.

If your child struggles with operational sense, don’t just Google “math tutor near me.” We are an alternative to conventional tutors and offer personalized programs designed to help your child conquer his or her unique math problems in a learning environment that is fun and engaging. Our trained instructors will also provide you with the tools to support your child in math moving forward. So, contact us today and learn more about our programs.