[Song of Joy]

I'm tutoring a 5th grade student in math who probably has dyslexia. He is fine at math concepts, but like may dyslexic kids, struggles to memorize math facts for quick recall. We've reached the point in fractions where he needs the support of fluency in multiplication and division and could use a calculator.

Is 6th grade too early to get the use of a calculator? He already has IEP's for Reading, Language Arts and Math.

[Ima Teacher]

I'm at a 6-8 middle school, and we have kids in all three grades with calculators permitted in the IEP.

[JenInWV]

I teach 8th and we usually take it out of the IEP, because it is provided for all students on our state test. All our teachers use them when appropriate. I don't know how things are in your state, but in my district, it's usually removed when on an IEP.

[Lottalove]

and have kids from each level. It is generally a personal thing decided on a case-by-case situation. Overall though, approaching middle school, give them the tools to move ahead in the concepts.

In most cases, I start slow-First, it is a multiplication chart, then a simple 9-key calculator, and later a fancier Scientific calculator. I usually say that it is still good brain exercise to work on math facts but shouldn't get in the way of progress.

In his case, if it is clear he knows the concept but struggles with fluency then, yes, give him the calculator and let him move ahead.

[klarabelle]

I taught 4th grade and we used calculators.

[Izzy23]

Same. I allow calculators in 4th grade if it's an accommodation. That's an easy one.

[MightyTeach]

I teach a pull out 7th grade math class and we use calculators, but still practice math facts. It is permitted based on IEP.