Many children are known to leave school with mathematical deficiencies, particularly from the inner city. While manipulatives are generally used to teach and reinforce understanding of operations, concepts, and abstractions, the use of concrete objects is not viewed to fully involve the student in the learning process. A finger system of calculation, recently brought to the United States, is described and promoted as an idea whose "time has come" for implementation in the special education curriculum. Finger calculation, also known as sensory mathematics, finger math, and other names is not seen as a panacea or replacement for the regular mathematics curricula and classwork. It is an introductory reinforcement and supplemental technique. Use of the finger calculation method to learn arithmetic is viewed as supported by Piaget's stages of cognition. Several research studies that indicate finger math is successful in increasing academic achievement are noted. (MP)