My DD will get a calculator, just a scientific one for now, when she finishes her pre-algebra class. She will get a graphing one when (assuming she stays interested) she finishes her pre-calc class.
I want her to be fluent in estimating what a likely answer is going to be before she starts banging the keys on a calculator because it is very easy to get a wildly incorrect answer with a calculator if the wrong keys are struck. The AoPS pre-algebra has really helped her to optimize her mental calculation strategies so I am confident that she will be ready after she has completed part II of the class.
I am really going slow and steady with my DD, way faster than regular school but probably slower than she could handle. It is one of the disadvantages of after schooling - your kid spends too much time at school and they also need time to just play, read or whatever else they want to do.
Meeting school tomorrow night to gauge their readiness for letting her do the 'after schooling' Maths during regular Maths classes instead - wish me luck folks...
Last edited by madeinuk; 05/13/14 04:14 AM.
