For Elementary School Children
The only calculator elementary math students need is the one between their ears. Elementary school math curriculum focuses on arithmetic, or the study of numbers using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Children at this stage of mathematical development need the opportunity to hone their mental math skills. Doing arithmetic mentally and on paper develops critical skills like mathematical reasoning, numerical fluency, and number sense. At Mathnasium of Littleton, we recommend parents not to buy a basic calculator for their child.
Secondary School
Even students in middle school and high school should avoid using calculators for the basic operations of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Although many secondary students have progressed beyond learning arithmetic in school, it is still a skill they won’t want to lose. Students who start relying on calculators will find their skills in mental math weaken. Of all skills learned in school, the ability to mentally calculate numbers is one of the most useful in day-to-day life. Additionally, standardized tests such as the ACT or SAT are constantly changing and currently do not allow calculators for a good portion of the math test.
Scientific and Graphing Calculators
Scientific calculators are a tool to help in algebra, engineering, and statistics. A graphing calculator is a scientific calculator with a high resolution screen and includes the ability to plot coordinates and graph functions. Teachers expecting students to use these types of calculators will specify the type of calculator needed on their school supply list. Mathnasium of Littleton defers to individual teacher preferences and the curriculum of the class when using scientific calculators is appropriate. Scientific and graphing calculators still have all the basic operations available, so we caution students not to replace mental math and arithmetic with a calculator.
Already Dependent on a Calculator?
If your child already uses a calculator for basic math operations, bring him or her by our center for a no risk assessment. Dependence on a calculator indicates a learning gap which may undermine their math efforts. We can address any issues to ensure their future success. Please call today 303-979-9077 to schedule the assessment. There is no upfront cost and you get to keep the results.
