Many parents wonder whether letting their child use a calculator will hurt their ability to get better at maths, especially if their child is struggling with maths. Even when schools allow calculators as a support tool, parents often worry it might keep their child from improving.

The truth is, the opposite is often true. When kids are struggling with maths, especially basic operations, it can slow them down in class and make it harder to learn more advanced concepts. A calculator can help bridge this gap, allowing kids to keep up with their classmates.

When to Use a Calculator

While a calculator can be a helpful tool for kids struggling with maths, it’s important to understand when it should and shouldn’t be used. When kids are learning a new maths operation, they need to understand the process behind it and be able to show their work step by step. In these situations, a calculator shouldn’t be used.

For example, if kids are learning how to multiply three-digit numbers, they shouldn’t use a calculator. Instead, tools like a multiplication chart can help. This lets them show they understand the process without relying on a calculator.

On the other hand, if a middle-school student is working on a more complex problem, like solving for the area of a shape, a calculator can be useful. The goal here isn’t to test their multiplication facts but to see if they understand how to calculate the area.

Calculators Don’t Replace Learning

A calculator is just a tool. It doesn’t take the place of learning or practising maths skills, especially for kids struggling with maths. Kids still need to practise maths operations without a calculator. This should be done in low-stress environments, like small group instruction, where the focus is on learning rather than getting everything right or finishing quickly.

When practicing maths at home, it helps to start with facts your child already knows, like multiplying by 2s, 5s, and 10s. This can build their confidence before moving on to harder problems.

If your child is struggling with maths when doing homework, you can also offer tools like a multiplication chart, a number line, or a 100s chart to make the work a bit easier.

Reducing Stress and Boosting Confidence

Kids who are struggling with maths can find it stressful when they fall behind their peers. Giving them the right support, like using a calculator at the right time, helps reduce that stress. This can give them the chance to work on their maths skills without feeling overwhelmed and, over time, it can improve their confidence.

When kids aren’t weighed down by the basics, they have more energy to focus on learning new concepts. So, if your child is struggling with maths, using a calculator in the right situations can actually help them grow and improve, not hold them back.

In the end, the key is finding the right balance. Allow kids to use a calculator when appropriate, but make sure they also get plenty of practice doing maths without it. This combination of support and practice can make a big difference for children who are struggling with maths.