4Real Forums: Using a calculator

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Topic: Using a calculator

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Mom21
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Posted: Dec 04 2013 at 2:41pm \| IP Logged

When did you allow your child to use a calculator for math (or maybe you don't allow one)? My DS is a 7th grader and I'm just wondering when or if I should let him use one.

Kristie 4
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Posted: Dec 04 2013 at 2:46pm \| IP Logged

For some of the longer percent and division problems I let them use them if I know they know the concept cold and it is part of a larger problem. For the most part the kids don't use them- even my daughter in University calculus isn't allowed to use them (they are banned in the math department of both of our universities!).

That said, no need to beat a dead horse. Some of those math books have annoying division problems that one will never meet in life again- good time for a calculator!

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JodieLyn
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Posted: Dec 04 2013 at 3:15pm \| IP Logged

Another good time is when you want them to concentrate on another concept rather than being "distracted" by the basic computations. If a child struggles with multiplacation for instance.. using a calculator when learning to multiply fractions will let them learn the method of multiplying fractions while using the calculator for the actual multiplying of numbers. They're more likely to get the problem right and really learn how to multiply fractions.. and you can work on basic multiplication with a multiplication square or other memory devices.

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SuzanneG
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Posted: Dec 04 2013 at 3:37pm \| IP Logged

My 6th grader's math has just started indicating a little calculator next to the problems where they "could" use a calculator.

But the note-to-parent said to use our discretion, of course.

I let her use it for those long-division problems whenever she wants, but I KNOW she gets long-division and I"d rather have her spend her time on the concepts and problem-solving.

My 7th grader? No way! B/c she still needs that long-division reinforcement.

I will also GIVE them a calculator to check their work, which I think is good practice with accuracy and also for working backwords in a problem.

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Suzanne in ID
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