Mrs.

Bings 3rd
Grade
Classroom
Newsletter
March 2023

DEAR PARENTS/ GUARDIANS, CONTENT

With the constant rise of technology in
Pages 2-3 :The
the world, it is important to
Calculator
understand the importance of using it Debate
in the classroom.

We have already discussed the use of Page 4: NCTM

chrome books in the classroom and Stance
the pros and cons of using them. This
month, we will begin to use calculators
in the classroom as we continue to
learn about multiplication. Page 5: Mrs.
Bing's View
Students will learn why we use them,
how to use them, and the correct time
to use them. I want all caregivers to Page 6:
also understand the importance of Calculator
using them even this early in their Activities
education.

Hopefully, this newsletter addresses Page 7:

any concerns or questions you may Resources
have.
The Calculator Debate
Pros of Calculator Use

Calculators have plenty of benefits in the classroom.

One benefit is that patterns become clear when using
calculators (Calculators in the Classroom). Some
other pros include improved technological
knowledge, enjoyment in the classroom, and accuracy
when completing assignments (Calculators in Math
Class).

Calculators are also wonderful tools for students

with learning disabilities. They are actually a
common accommodation for these students
(Long, 2023). According to Long, these digital
calculators are extremely useful:
-photomath (for those who struggle wth typing and writing
-cymath (shows step by step solutions to problems
-calsscalc (allows teachers to provide feedback the moment).

2
The Calculator Debate
Cons of Calculator Use

According to McCauliff, "most studies show no

definite harmful effects from calculator use at an early
age."

But, many people believe that calculators are bad in

the classroom. They think students will not be able
perform basic tasks. Although not relevant now,
calculators, especially graphing ones can get very
expensive. Students might find ways to cheat using
calculators (Calculators

in Math Class). A big con is

that students won't develop the math skills that they
need. They won't have a back-up plan.

Most of these cons can be debunked. As long as the

teacher is teaching the basic skills first, students can
use calculators as their backup. Instead of being
dependent on it, they use it as a crutch, something to
help them along the way. Students will still learn the
basics and be even more confident than before.

3

What is NCTM?
The National Council of Teachers
of Mathematics is the largest
educational organization that
supports teachers best math
standards (NCTM, 2017). They
"advocate for high-quality
mathematics teaching and
learning for each and every
student" (NCTM, 2017).
What is their
stance?
NCTM fully supports the use of
calculators in the classroom! "Using
calculators along with paper-pencil
instruction enhances learning" (NCT,
2017).They support it for All grades.
Calculators play a key role in
developing fluency with numbers.
4
 Mrs. Bing's Views
on Calculators
I believe that calculators enhance learning. According to
Baum-Sehan (2020), calculators encourage curiosity and
conceptual understanding. Using calculators prepares
students for math outside the classroom. Most students
will need it in the workforce or in daily activities
(Calculators in the classroom). Just like NCTM, I believe
that as long as a foundation is built first, calculators will
help students. Students will be able to practice the skill
being taught and calculators will prevent mistakes.
Technology is a big part of our lives now and that includes
calculators. As long as students know how to do the
problem, they will be able to save time with the use of
calculators.

5
Calculator activities
Reverse Times Table
-2 player game
-materials needed: colored
pencils and calculator
Rules: Students use the
calculator to make the numbers
on the grid below using only
numbers 0-9, x, and =. If the
number is correct, they color the
number in the box. First one to fill
a row of numbers is the winner.

Beat the Calculator

-3 player game (The caller, the
brain, the calculator)
-materials needed: calculator,
number cards 1-10
-Skill: practice multiplication
facts
-Goal: multiply numbers faster
than player using a calculator

https://topnotchteaching.com/lesson-ideas/calculator-games/

For more information and resources, visit the link :

https://linktr.ee/mrs.bingsclass
6
 References
Baum-Sehon, K. (2020, February 18). Using calculators to deepen students'
engagement with math. Edutopia. Retrieved from
https://www.edutopia.org/article/using-calculators-deepen-students-engagement-
math/

Calculators in the classroom - SEDL archive. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://sedl.org/pubs/quick-takes/qt_calculators.pdf

Calculators in math class: Pros and cons: Resilient educator. ResilientEducator.com.

(2018, October 18). Retrieved from https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-
resources/pros-and-cons-of-allowing-kids-to-use-calculators-in-math-class/

Long, Holly M. "Calculators and Online Games: Supporting Students With Learning
Disabilities in Mathematics." Intervention in School and Clinic. 58.4 (2023): 280-286.
Web.

McCauliff, E. (n.d.). The calculator in the elementary classroom - fort lewis college.
Retrieved from
http://faculty.fortlewis.edu/goldstein_l/ED%20435%20daily%20activities%20and%2
0homework_files/calculator%20in%20elem%20school.pdf

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2017). Retrieved from

https://www.nctm.org/About/

Top 3 fun calculator games . Top Notch Teaching. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://topnotchteaching.com/lesson-ideas/calculator-games/