Using Fingers in Math Calculations

Question: I would like to know how to help my daughter master her math facts. She is currently in third grade and still uses her fingers. What do you suggest? -- Finger Counter

Answer: Educators have mixed feelings about children using their fingers as counters. At one time it was definitely discouraged; however, now many teachers consider it to be fine. As your daughter learns her facts better, she will rely less on her fingers to come up with the answer.

A good way to get your daughter to start using her fingers less is to get her some counters. These counters can be anything from beans to buttons. The first math facts that she should master are the one-more facts: 2+1, 3+1, 4+1 and so on. These facts should be followed by the two-more and then the three-more facts. She can use counters as she masters these facts. One thing that is appealing about beginning with the plus-one facts is that your child can probably handle them without using her fingers.

The next step is for children to practice doubles, like 2+2, 3+3 and 4+4. Children will find learning these facts easier if they can visualize and think of these relationships. For example, help her to see that 3+3 can be thought of as a six pack of soda with three cans on each side. 5+5 can be thought of as the number of fingers on each hand, and 6+6 can be thought of as a carton of eggs, which is 12 or one dozen.

Next time you are in the library ask the librarian to show your daughter some math counting book stories. That way she can have fun learning to count as she enjoys reading a book.

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