Helping third grade students with addition facts : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

In response to the frustration felt by elementary teachers, I implemented a comprehensive mathematics instruction program for helping students learn their basic addition facts. Through a method John Van de Walle describes in detail, I taught 17 students in my third-grade student teaching placement how to use specific strategies every time they encountered an addition fact. The students successfully learned the strategies and improved their confidence and overall speed in solving addition facts. I used student interviews, observations, and timed tests to document the overall success of the students. I also included some personal reflection on how this project allowed me to grow professionally.