Should my kids be counting on their fingers?

Most kids will say that using their fingers to do simple math just makes the whole process easier, but easier isn’t always better according to Marilyn Curtain-Phillips, a high school math teacher and author of Math Attack: How to Reduce Math Anxiety.

she says. “I believe that mathematics has so many complex steps that for a child to get stuck counting their fingers leaves them at a large disadvantage.”

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Many educators (and parents) disagree and encourage their students and kids to take advantage of this handy manipulative.

says Amanda Carman, a former teacher and co-founder of Excited2Learn. “Fingers help children to form a solid foundation and understanding of the basic mathematical concepts.” Advocates of this method of learning say it helps build confidence and prepare kids to tackle more advanced math.

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Finger counting may (or may not) be appropriate for kids, but most experts agree that it’s necessary to make a transition at some point.

“It’s often the case that children who have a harder time learning mathematical concepts utilize their fingers, as well as other manipulatives, for much longer than the typical child,” says Carman.

“Rather than seeing this as a problem, it should be seen as a result of difficulty with math.” Parents can help their kids transition by building their confidence with math facts and lessening their reliance on finger counting.

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Whether you view finger counting as a crutch or a tool, few disagree that getting kids comfortable with numbers is a serious indicator of long-term success in mathematics.

“Parents should show their children how math is used in many pleasant ways from cooking, traveling, sewing, art, shopping, etc.,” says Curtain-Phillips. “Parents should not tell their children that they were no good at math or dislike math. This type of negative talk can lead to math anxiety.”