Calculator Newsletter

Your weekly newsletter about calculators in our 3rd

Grade classroom!

What's Ms.
The BIG debate
Gregory's view for
Should students be able to use calculators our class
in the classroom? As we move further into
the school year and we continue to I have always believed
challenge our students the use of that when done correctly
calculators has been a big debate. Some are the use of calculators are
for the use of calculators, some are beneficial to our students.
against it. In our upcoming unit students will When they become adults
be using Standard 3.6 The student will a) they will usually use
determine the value of a collection of bills calculators and I believe
and coins whose total value is $5.00 or less; they should be taught how
b) compare the value of two sets of coins
to complete problems not
or two sets of coins and bills; and c) make
change from $5.00 or less. only by hand by calculator
as well.
Mat
h
NCTM Position:
The NCTM stands for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics,
their goal is to improve the standards of math for our students and
educators. They believe the strategic use of technology (calculators) in
the classroom supports students in exploring, identifying, and reasoning in
math. They believe teachers and those who develop the curriculum must be
knowledgeable decision makers in the determination of when and how
technology will enhance students’ learning. When done correctly the use of
technology in the classroom is beneficial to the students.
 Calculator Activities

More fun Calculator Activities:

https://topnotchteaching.com/lesson-ideas/calculator-
games/
https://www.dr-mikes-math-games-for-kids.com/calculator-
games.html
 The Pros The cons
encourages the use of multiple
strategies If not taught correctly
Allows students to practice on students can become
more problems in a shorter complacent on calculators
amount of time Students have a high chance
Allows students more time in to accidentally hit the wrong
understanding the problems button, a small error can
overall vs. focusing on the simple result in a wrong answer
tasks Calculators are expensive.
Supports the students, when Schools may not have the
students are not understanding a money to provide calculators
problem it harms their to all the students as well as
confidence, being able to use a keeping batteries
calculator will promote students
confidence in their abilities.

Resources:
Chiezugo, A. E. (2018, December 3). Advantages and disadvantages of calculators - Nickzom Blog. Nickzom Blog -. Retrieved
March 20, 2023, from https://www.nickzom.org/blog/2018/12/03/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-
calculators/#:~:text=Although%20the%20instructions%20are%20quite,not%20cross%20check%20the%20problem.

Share team. (2018, October 18). Calculators in math class: Pros and cons: Resilient educator. ResilientEducator.com.
Retrieved March 20, 2023, from resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/pros-and-cons-of-allowing-kids-to-use-
calculators-in-math-class/

6 reasons to teach calculator skills. Laura Candler. (2018, September 15). Retrieved March 20, 2023, from
lauracandler.com/calculator-skills/

Why math students shouldn't be allowed to use calculators. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2023, from
https://parade.com/345575/marilynvossavant/why-math-students-shouldnt-be-allowed-to-use-calculators/

Strategic use of technology in teaching and learning mathematics. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2023, from
https://www.nctm.org/uploadedFiles/Standards_and_Positions/Position_Statements/Strategic%20Use%20of%20Technology%20
July%202015.pdf

Bethany. (2019, May 15). The great debate: The role of calculators in math education. Math Geek Mama. Retrieved March
20, 2023, from https://mathgeekmama.com/the-great-calculator-debate/

Contact Information
Visit our Classroom Website
Email: cgreg007@odu.edu
www.msgregorys3rdgrade.com
Phone: (757) 123-4567