Ms.

Spence's
Classroom
news
Standard
This week in
2.5 The student will:
a) Recognize and use the
Math
relationships between addition
and subtraction to solve single- Students will be introduced to calculators. They
step practical problems with will be shown basic use of calculators. We will go over
whole numbers to 20. how to check our work with the calculators. Students
will then be taught double and triple digit numbers, how
to add and subtract them before using calculators to
check work after solving by hand.

Key
points
Introduction
NCTM Reminders
Pros and Cons Please study multiplication tables, they
Practice will be using calculators to check
multiplication after solving by hand.
 Introduction

Debate on calculators
"The great debate over calculators in elementary schools will probably never be
resolved (mathgeekmama.com)". Everyone has their own view point on the
calculators being allowed in elementary classrooms. Educators can see the 50/50 of
the issue but parents on the other hand think it should or should not be allowed.
Most parents think their student would benefit from using a calculator while some
think they would not. "A standard calculator has a bear of a time with a simple
fraction, like 1/3 (roomtodiscover.com)". Sometimes calculators have problems
where they cannot solve fractions. Students will need to be able to solve fractions.
Calculators also serve as an important device in the classroom. "Calculators in the
elementary grades serve as aids in advancing students understanding without
replacing the need for other calculation methods (nctm.org)". Overall the debate on
calculators in the classroom will keep going on for the years to come. I do hope
parents and educators will see the benefit of the calculator.

What is NCTM stand?

What is NCTM?
NCTM or National Council of
Teachers of Mathematics, is
another standard of
mathematics. It was founded in
1920 and has become the largest
mathematics educations
organization. NCTM supports the
teaching and learning of
mathematics in schools. It does
not only cover elementary
education but secondary as well.
"Strategic use of technology in the teaching and learning
of mathematics is the use of digital and physical tools by
students and teachers in thoughtfully designed was and
at carefully determined times so that the capabilities of
the technology enhance how students and educators
learn, experience, communicate, and do mathematics.
Technology must be used in this way in all classrooms to
support all students' learning of mathematics
conception and procedures, including those that
students eventually employ without the aid of
technology. Strategic uses support effective teaching
practices and are consistent with researching teaching
and learning (NCTM.org)".
 Pros & Cons

Pros
Students can use it to double check
work.
Gives students responsibility with
keeping calculators safe and not
messing them up.
Calculators will be used on the
math SOL and students need to
understand how to use them
confidently.
Cons
Students can take advantage of
using calculators.
Students will get comfortable using
calculators and start to second
guess themselves when they do
not have the calculator.
Calculators can be distracting for
students who cannot focus in class.

Ms. Spence's View point:

I believe calculator's can be beneficial and problem starters for students. Calculators can
allow students with learning disabilities to easily find the answer instead of adding more
stress to their testing stress. Some students may find the calculator as a distraction from
doing their work. I ask parents to follow up and remind students that calculators are math
tools and not toy's. If we all come together and remind students we can create a better
learning environment.
 Challenge:
Examples:
1) Can you make all the numbers
from 1 to 25 without using the
Calculator Games number 1? Use +, -, *, /.
Space birthday 2) Can you use the numbers
10,30,50,70 without using 2?
worksheet.
3) Can you find a way to solve
Magical calculator 460 without using 4?
birthday trick.

Parent practice:
 Work Cited:
“About NCMT.” Nctm.org, 2015, https://www.nctm.org/About/.

Bethany. “The Great Debate: The Role of Calculators in Math Education.” Math Geek Mama, 15
May 2019, https://mathgeekmama.com/the-great-calculator-debate/.

“Calculator Use in Elementary Grades.” Nctm.org, 2015, https://www.nctm.org/Standards-and-

Positions/Position-Statements/Calculator-Use-in-Elementary-Grades/.

Hartley, Michael. “All the Games on This Site!” All The Games On Dr Mike's Math Games for Kids! |
Dr Mike's Math Games for Kids, https://www.dr-mikes-math-games-for-kids.com/all-the-
games.html.

“Should Calculators Be Allowed in Math Class?” Room to Discover, 8 May 2022,

https://roomtodiscover.com/should-calculators-be-allowed-in-math-class/.

“Technology Position Statement.” Nctm.org, 2015, https://www.nctm.org/Standards-and-

Positions/NCTM-Position-Statements/.