use of calculator

[netpea]

At what point in Singapore math do you let the kids start using a calculator to do the basic math operations?

[pjdobro]

We are in 5B now, and I haven't allowed my dc to use a calculator on a regular basis yet. I feel they still need the practice, and the problems haven't been so complicated that I feel the number crunching is distracting. I'm guessing after we are done with the Primary mathematics series and move onto the Discovery mathematics is when we'll start using a calculator. I'm probably much more conservative on this than most people though.

[netpea]

We are starting 4B and I haven't allowed the calculator yet but I see some of the standarized state tests that are online allow calculators so I was wondering if I should let her use it. My son in ps was allowed to use a calculator last year in 6th grade so maybe I'll wait till then.