What Happens After You Drop a Course in Ontario?
Academic Tips and Resources
Struggling with math? Here’s how to get unstuck
May 7, 2025
Why Does Math Feel Like a Foreign Language?
Let’s face it: Math class can feel like decoding magic spells while riding a bicycle. If you’ve ever stared at a quadratic equation or a trigonometry problem and thought, “Why is math so hard?”, you’re not alone.
In Ontario, where courses like Grade 9 De-streamed Math (MTH1W) and Grade 12 Calculus (MCV4U) demand both logic and stamina, even talented students hit walls. But here’s the good news: Struggling doesn’t mean you’re “bad at math”. It means you need the right support and maybe a fresh approach.
Here’s Why Math Feels Impossible (It’s Not Your Fault)
- The Curriculum Moves Fast, Way Too Fast
Ontario’s math curriculum stacks concepts like Jenga blocks. Miss one lesson on fractions in Grade 9, and polynomials in Grade 10 become a nightmare. For students who need more time to understand each concept, catching up feels like sprinting uphill. - Abstract Problems vs. Real-World Applications
Let’s be honest: Solving for *x* in a vacuum is boring. When math isn’t tied to your life, like calculating a budget for sneakers, it’s hard to care. - Fear of Asking for Help
Have you ever stayed silent during class because you didn’t want to look “dumb”? You’re not alone. Systemic biases and crowded classrooms make it tough to speak up, especially if your cultural background isn’t reflected in the curriculum.
5 Ways You Can Turn Math Struggles into Strengths
1. Fill Foundation Gaps (No Shame Allowed)
Math builds on itself. If fractions trip you up, calculus will feel like rocket science. Start by diagnosing weak spots:
- Use EQAO practice tests to pinpoint Grade 9 skills needing work.
- Try apps like Khan Academy for bite-sized Ontario-aligned reviews.
- Rewrite confusing concepts in your own words. (“Slope isn’t just rise over run, it’s how steep your skateboard ramp is!”)
Pro Tip: Roots to Routes Academy’s “Summer Classes” target foundational gaps with real-life applications. That’s not all, your improvements are counted towards your GPA.
2. Connect Math to Your World
Math isn’t just numbers, it’s storytelling. Relate equations to things you care about, like:
- Sports: Calculate shooting percentages or graph a hockey team’s winning streaks.
- Art: Use geometry to design sneakers or symmetry in graffiti.
- Entrepreneurship: Model profit/loss for a side hustle selling bracelets.
When math mirrors your passions, it sticks.
3. Master Test Anxiety with “Brain Hacks”
Do you get sweaty palms during exams? It’s normal; you’re not failing, you’re human. Try:
- Breathing Techniques: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7, exhale for 8.
- Practicing Under Pressure: Time yourself solving problems to mimic test conditions.
- Reframing Mistakes: Every error is a clue, not a crisis.
Real Talk: A Grade 12 student in Brampton reduced his calculus anxiety by scribbling affirmations on his test booklet: “I’ve solved harder problems on YouTube.”
4. Find Your Tribe (Study Groups That Don’t Suck)
Studying solo can be isolating. Join a group where:
- You take turns teaching concepts (explaining quadratics to your peers forces you to understand them).
- Mistakes are seen as “plot twists.”
- Sessions include breaks for memes or snacks.
Can’t find one? Programmes like Roots to Routes Academy host small, teacher-led groups where students from similar backgrounds tackle problems collaboratively. Our summer math program blends lessons with fun applications, making numbers feel like a community effort.
5. When All Else Fails, Get a Guide
Sometimes you need a Sherpa for the math mountain. Look for tutors or programmes that:
- Offer small class sizes (15–25 students max).
- Use curriculum-aligned materials (no generic worksheets).
- Celebrate cultural identity in lessons (e.g., using Black mathematicians’ contributions).
Heads up! Don’t know where to start? Roots to Routes Academy is one such program. Click here to see what we’re all about and how we can help you get better at math.
The Bottom Line: Math Isn’t Magic, It’s a Muscle
Struggling with math doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re learning. Whether it’s bridging foundational gaps, finding relatable examples, or leaning on a supportive community, progress starts with ditching the “I’m bad at math” mindset.
And if you need a boost? Programmes like Roots to Routes Academy exist to help students like you reframe math as a tool for empowerment, not a tormentor. After all, confidence isn’t about getting every answer right. It’s about knowing where to turn when you’re stuck.
One more thing: If you recently dropped a course in Ontario and don’t know what to do, read this to know what happens next and how you can get back on track.
